Let's Talk Religion

Delve into the intriguing historical context of alcohol prohibition in Islam and its evolving interpretations over time. The discussion shines a light on the Hanafi school's unique stance, revealing how diverse interpretations have shaped legal rulings. Explore lively debates among early Islamic scholars regarding intoxication and consider the modern reassessments of these age-old positions. The podcast also examines the cultural and spiritual dimensions of alcohol within Islamic teachings, highlighting its complex interplay with individual and community life.

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:Badakhchani, S.J. (translated by) (1999). “Contemplation and Action: The Spiritual Autobiography of a Muslim Scholar”. I.B. Tauris.Badakhchani, S.J. (translated by) (2004). “The Paradise of Submission: A Medieval Treatise on Ismaili Thought”. Ismaili Texts and Translations. I.B. Tauris.Chittick, William (1981). “Mysticism versus Philosophy in Earlier Islamic History: The Al-Ṭūsī, Al-Qūnawī Correspondence”. In Religious StudiesVol. 17, No. 1 (Mar., 1981). Cambridge University Press.Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.Meisami, Sayeh (2019). “Nasir al-Din Tusi: A Philosopher for All Seasons”. The Islamic Texts Society.Qara’i, Ali Quli (translated by) (?) “Awsaf al-Ashraf: Attributes of the Noble”. In al-Tawhid Islamic Journal, Vol.11, No.3, No.4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the fascinating world of the Bektashi Order, a unique Sufi sect blending Sunni and Shi'i influences. Explore their radical historical practices and the profound metaphysical beliefs that shape their spirituality. Learn about the role of mystics like Haji Bektash Veli and their impact on the Order. Dive into the esoteric teachings regarding Ali and reincarnation, and enjoy their vibrant communal Jem gatherings, which mix music and dance. Unearth the Order's resilience throughout history and its intriguing potential for a Bektashi microstate in Europe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.