Let's Talk Religion

This episode gives an overview of the so-called "Gnostics", particularly the group that is often otherwise known as the 'Sethians'.Sources/Suggested Reading:Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press.Van den Broek, Roelof (2013). "Gnostic Religion in Antiquity". Cambridge University Press.Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2009). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts Complete in One Volume ". HarperOne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A topic hat comes up a lot in the comments. Let's set the record straight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, we talk about the complex tradition known as Hermeticism and its mysterious namesake Hermes Trismegistus.Sources/Suggested Reading:Copenhaver, Brian P. (Translation & Introduction by) (1992). "Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius in a new English Translation with notes and introduction". Cambridge University Press.Fowden, Garth (1986). "The Egyptian Hermes: A Historical Approach to the Late Pagan Mind". Princeton University Press.Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2007). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts". HarperOne.Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue to explore the religions of India by looking at the ancient tradition of Jainism.Sources/Suggested Reading:Dundas, Paul (2002). "The Jains". Routledge.Long, Jeffrey D. (2009). "Jainism: An Introduction". IB Tauris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manichaeism is an ancient religion that is relatively unknown. In this episode, I give you everything you need to know as a introduction to this fascinating faith.Sources/Further Reading:Lieu, Samuel N. (1993). "Manichaeism in Mesopotamia and the Roman East: 118 (Religions in the Graeco-Roman World)". Brill.Lieu, Samuel N. (1998). "Manichaeism in Central Asia and China: Collected Studies (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies)". Brill.Magnusson, Jörgen (2013). "Mat och manikeism". In "Religion och Mat", Edited by Lena Roos & Leif Nordenstorm. Natan Söderblom-sällskapet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the main religious traditions in China - Daoism - is the subject of this episode. We go deep into the origins, main writings and later development of the religion, and its connection to other traditions.Sources/Further Reading:Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second and last part in a series on the Bahá'i Faith.Sources/Further Reading:Smith, Peter (2008). "An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith". Cambridge University Press.Maceoin, Denis (2012). "Making the invisible visible: Introductory books on the Baha'i religion. Routledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first episode in a two-part series on The Bahá'i Faith - one of the youngest and fastest growing religions in the world.Sources/Further Reading:Smith, Peter (2008). "An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the mysterious world of the Alawites in Syria, tracing their origins from Shia Islam and diverse religious influences. Explore their beliefs in reincarnation, divine incarnations, and unique festivals. Uncover their complex history and identity, from being perceived as heretics to wielding political power in Syria. Discover the diversity within the Alawite faith, with sects like mourshidis and khammare's, and ongoing debates about their Muslim identity.

Explore the origins and beliefs of the secretive Druze group, including their unique theology and persecution. Delve into their sacred scripture interpretation and influences from Neoplatonism. Learn about the key beliefs, practices, and history of the Druze community, known for their secretive nature and interactions with other religious groups.