
The Symbolic World
Jonathan Pageau looks at symbolism in all its forms, from its source in sacred stories and images to contemporary culture and ultimately how it shapes the world we encounter.
Latest episodes

70 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 59min
367 - Rod Dreher - Living in Wonder
Rod Dreher, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses his latest book, Living in Wonder, diving into themes of re-enchantment and spiritual exploration in a secular world. He explores the rise of occult interests among younger generations and the implications for traditional faith practices. The conversation stretches into the intersection of technology and spirituality, pondering AI's role in shaping beliefs. With personal anecdotes, Dreher emphasizes the need for deeper connections to the divine amid modern disillusionment, encouraging a renewed sense of wonder.

13 snips
Nov 17, 2024 • 1h 12min
366 - Richard Rohlin - Universal History: The Voyage of St. Brendan
Join Richard Rohlin, a mythographer and storyteller, as he unpacks the legendary voyage of St. Brendan the Navigator, a crucial figure in Irish history. Dive into themes of cultural creation and the transformative power of faith, exploring St. Brendan's encounters that reveal deep connections between sin, redemption, and spiritual growth. Rohlin also discusses the intricate interplay of identity and Orthodoxy, alongside the cultural significance of martyrdom in Celtic Christianity. This captivating dialogue brings ancient stories to life, highlighting their relevance today.

5 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 1h 2min
365 - Fr. Stephen De Young - Friedrich Nietzsche’s Guide to the Bodily Resurrection (Summit 2024)
This talk by Fr. Stephen DeYoung is from the Symbolic World Summit that took place in Florida on the weekend of February 29th, 2024. All other talks and discussions from the event can be accessed through the Symbolic World website if you buy the video package. Other speakers included myself, Jordan Peterson, Dr. Martin Shaw, Richard Rohlin, Neil DeGraide, Fr. Dcn. Nicholas Kotar, Vesper Stamper, and Fr. Silouan Justiniano. Buy the Symbolic World Summit Video Package: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/summit-2024Symbolic World Summit photo gallery: https://thelightboxphotography.pic-time.com/-symbolicworld/galleryTimestamps00:00 - Coming up00:57 - Intro music01:23 - Introduction03:22 - What happens when you die?07:34 - The body12:42 - How identity works16:25 - Find our identity17:41 - The bodily resurrection19:00 - Relating to time31:53 - The triumph of joy35:00 - In Scripture41:29 - One life44:13 - What about the dead48:48 - Fr. Stephen's answer50:02 - Eternal death and hell💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson.

4 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 20min
364 - Did the Witches Win? The Hammer of Witches through a Symbolic Lens
In this engaging discussion, mythographer Martin Shaw dives into the historical text 'Malleus Maleficarum' and its lingering influence on society’s view of witches. He unpacks the clash between medieval and modern worldviews, addressing misconceptions about witch hunts. Shaw explores the symbolism of witches as disruptors in relationships, the spiritual dimensions of sexuality, and contemporary issues surrounding gender identity. His insights illuminate how ancient narratives still shape today's cultural conversations.

10 snips
Oct 19, 2024 • 31min
363 - The Double Symbolism of St. Peter: Shepherd and Satan
The complex symbolism of St. Peter is explored, revealing his dual role as both a shepherd and an adversary. Key moments in his journey highlight the themes of authority and redemption. The discussion emphasizes the challenges of embodying true leadership while facing inner doubts. As the podcast unfolds, it connects these biblical narratives to modern-day struggles. Ultimately, it offers a hopeful outlook on the Church's potential for renewal amidst its intricacies.

28 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
362 - Dr. Martin Shaw - Christian Wonder Tales
Dr. Martin Shaw, a mythographer and storyteller, takes listeners on a journey through the captivating world of Christian Wonder Tales. He emphasizes how storytelling nourishes the soul beyond mere logic and reveals the importance of understanding ancient narratives. Shaw discusses the evolving nature of these tales, their integration with Celtic themes, and the fading sense of wonder in modern Christianity. He also reflects on the transformation of personal growth through stories like Parsifal and explores the depth of biblical narratives, urging a renewed engagement with their profound lessons.

15 snips
Oct 5, 2024 • 26min
361 - The Real Meaning of Lucifer
Delve into the intriguing duality of Lucifer, seen as both the Morning Star and a fallen angel. The discussion highlights the complexities of this figure in Christian symbolism, emphasizing his role as a light-bringer and an embodiment of evil. Listeners will appreciate the exploration of how symbolic language shapes our understanding of spiritual narratives and the misconceptions that arise from them.

48 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 43min
360 - John Vervaeke - The Cognitive Science of Ritual
John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and professor, dives into the significance of rituals in both sacred and secular contexts. He discusses how rituals help shape our understanding and mark identity, while also critiquing today's tendency to de-ritualize. Through insightful analysis, he explores the evolution of rituals in contemporary society, touching on individualistic practices and identity politics. Vervaeke introduces compelling concepts on how rituals facilitate cognitive processes and transformation, enriching our connection to meaningful experiences.

118 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 33min
359 - John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall - Why Christianity?
John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist known for his insights on sensemaking and rituals, is joined by Jordan Hall, who shares his transformative journey of conversion to Christianity. They explore the intricate relationship between faith and cognition, questioning the nature of belief systems. The duo discusses grief, love, and their roles in shaping human experience, while drawing fascinating parallels between Christianity and Buddhism. Their heartfelt dialogue emphasizes authenticity in faith and the necessity of genuine connection in understanding spirituality.

81 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 14min
358 - Jordan Hall - The End of Strategy
Jordan Hall, a recent convert to Christianity and thinker on societal engineering, shares his transformative journey of faith. He discusses the limitations of AI in creative processes and emphasizes the significance of transcendent values. The conversation explores the decline of theological language and its impact on understanding God and love, advocating for personal experiences in faith. Hall also addresses decision-making complexities and the importance of collective wisdom, highlighting the need for intentionality in navigating modern distractions.