

Let's Talk Religion
Filip Holm
This podcast aims to educate on the subject of religion from an academic perspective and to open up for informed discussions on the subject. You will find episodes discussing the big religions of the world and historical overviews of important figures from different religious traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 11, 2025 • 26min
Is Islam a Western Religion?
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Ahmed, Shahab (2017). "What is Islam?: The Importance of Being Islamic". Princeton University Press.Bulliet, Richard (2004) "The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization". Columbia University Press.Melvin-Koushki, Matthew (2017). "Powers of One: The Mathematicalization of the Occult Sciences in the High Persianate Tradition". Intellectual History of the Islamicate World 5, no. 1: 127-99.Ragep, F. Jamil (2004). "Copernicus and His Islamic Predecessors: An Aspect of Islamic Influence on Science". Osiris 16 n.s.: 49-71.SHWEP episodes:https://shwep.net/podcast/matthew-melvin-koushki-on-islam-the-west-and-western-esotericism/https://shwep.net/podcast/matthew-melvin-koushki-on-the-west/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 45min
Sri Ramakrishna & Universal Vedanta
Dive into the life of a 19th-century mystic whose teachings promote radical acceptance across religions. Discover how Sri Ramakrishna's view of spirituality transcends individual faiths, advocating for inclusivity and unity. His influence not only shaped Hinduism but also extended to the global spiritual landscape through the work of his disciples in the West. Join the conversation on how this timeless message addresses modern philosophical dilemmas, illustrating the power of shared spiritual language.

Feb 16, 2025 • 59min
The Book of the Holy Hierotheos
Delve into the mystical teachings of the Book of the Holy Hierotheos, a remarkable Syriac text challenging traditional Christian beliefs. Discover its mysterious origins and the ascent of the mind towards divine union, influenced by Neoplatonism. Explore the vibrant language and imagery that connect it to pantheistic philosophy. Additionally, learn about the significance of food as a meaningful gift, alongside tips for smart financial management, bringing an unexpected twist to this spiritual journey.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 24min
Religion in Ancient Egypt
Dive into the rich tapestry of Ancient Egyptian religion, where polytheism reigned supreme and gods were integral to daily life. Discover the significance of Maat and the vital role of priests and temples in rituals. Uncover the fascinating interplay between royal cult temples and state power, along with everyday practices that blurred lines between formal worship and private devotion. Delve into beliefs about the afterlife, mummification, and the soul's journey, while also exploring the evolution of these traditions influenced by conquerors and modern revivalist movements.

Jan 19, 2025 • 59min
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Father of Mysticism?
In this episode, we tackle one of the most important figures in the history of religion, philosophy, mysticism & the esoteric - the writer calling himself Dionysios, and who would create a synthesis between Neoplatonic philosophy and Christianity in ways the echoed down the centuries.Check out the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) for more Dionysius content: https://shwep.netFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Pseudo-Dionysius: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-dionysius-areopagite/Earl's section:Human and celestial hierarchies compared: EH 373AB, 376BC; CH 208BCD; EH 501A-D.Angelic triads: CH 200D: 3 threefold groups of angels, as taught by Pseudo-D's sacred initiator (i.e. Hierotheos); CH 257C: each angelic triad has Iamblichean-style first and last terms with a necessary median term. Cf. Iamb. De myst. V.8.225.5-8; CH 273C ditto; EH 501A: triads au go-go.Angelic mediation between humans and god: CH 180A. God never appears without intermendiaries, even to the saints: m180C. Even to Jesus: 181C. Long discussion of Isaiah and the Seraphim: 300B ff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 27, 2024 • 59min
Inayat Khan & Universal Sufism
A long awaited episode, in which we finally talk about the important and controverisal 20th century sufi Inayat Khan and the Sufi Movement that he started in the West.Sources/Recomended Reading:Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.Inayat Khan, Pir Zia (ed.) (2001). "A Pearl in Wine: Essays on the Life, Music & Sufism of Hazrat Inayat Khan". Omega Publications.Inayat Khan Zia (2006). "A Hybrid Sufi Order At the Crossroads of Modernity: The Sufi Order and Sufi Movement of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan". Doctoral Thesis. Duke University.Khan, Inayat (1996). "The Mysticism of Sound & Music". Shambala.Khan, Inayat (2003). "The Sufi Message: Spiritual Liberty" (Vol. 5). Motilal Banarsidass Publications.Miner, Allyn (translated by) (2016). "The Minqar-i Musiqar: Hazrat Inayat Khan's classic 1912 work on Indian musical theory & practice". Suluk Press.Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim): The World's Most Famous Book of Magic?
Discover the mysteries of Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim), one of the most influential books of magic ever written. This ancient Arabic text has fascinated mystics, scholars, and occultists for centuries with its unique blend of astrology, alchemy, and Hermetic philosophy. In this episode, we explore its origins, history, and the themes it contains.Thank you to Dr. Saif for appearing in, and helping out with, this video. Check out her excellent work (some of which is listed in the sources below).Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Attrell, Dan & David Porreca (translated by) (2019). “Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic”. Pennsylvania State University Press. Fierro, Maribel (1996). “Batinism in al-Andalus: Maslama b. Qasim al-Qurtubi, author of the Rutbat al-Hakim and the Ghayat al-Hakim (Picatrix)”. In “Studia Islamica, 1996/2, 84”. Brill.Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.Pingree, David (1981). “Between the Ghaya and the Pixatrix”. In “Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Volume 44, 1981”. University of Chicago Press.Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 2024 • 38min
Satanism, Feminism & The Occult | Per Faxneld
In this interview, I speak with Dr. Per Faxneld about Satanism and its different historical and contemporary features & connections.Check out Dr. Faxneld's Academia page for more: https://sh.academia.edu/PerFaxneldFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 2024 • 27min
The History of Halloween
Dive into the enchanting origins of Halloween, tracing its roots from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Discover how Christianity morphed these traditions into the festive celebration we know today. The podcast explores age-old superstitions, the rise of trick-or-treating, and the iconic jack-o'-lantern. Learn about Halloween's transformation into a pop culture sensation enjoyed by all ages. Finally, embrace the spooky spirit while reflecting on the holiday's eerie yet joyous essence.

4 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 44min
What is Satanism?
Dr. Per Faxneld, an Associate Professor at Södertörn University and an expert on occultism, dives deep into the intricate world of Satanism. He traces the evolution of Satan from a feared villain to a symbol of empowerment in feminism. Exploring the Satanic panic, he highlights how societal fears have often distorted the truth about this belief system. Faxneld also discusses modern iterations, including the Satanic Temple's focus on social justice and personal freedom, illuminating the diverse interpretations of this often-misunderstood topic.