

The Symbolic World
Jonathan Pageau
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 13, 2024 • 15min
337 - How to Survive the End of a World - A Parable of Christ
Exploration of the challenging parable of the unjust steward from the Gospels, transitions between different worlds through the stories of Rahab and early Christians, and the concept of investing in the kingdom of heaven by sacrificing present energies for future gains.

16 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 6min
336 - Timothy Patitsas - The Vital Sign of Beauty
Timothy Patitsas, Ethics professor, discusses the role of beauty in ethics and Orthodoxy. Topics include filmmaking, liturgy, self-sacrifice, and societal renewal through a Beauty-first approach. They explore the importance of bearing crosses, balancing chaos and cosmos in liturgy, and the interplay of nominalism and realism for societal betterment.

4 snips
Mar 30, 2024 • 53min
335 - Justin Brierley - The Next Great Renewal
Justin Brierley discusses the rise of 'Christian atheists' aligning with Christianity. Conversations include the identity crisis, Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and intellectual conversions within the Orthodox Church. The importance of imagination in apologetics, storytelling, memes, genes, defining God, and unexpected paths to Christianity are explored.

Mar 19, 2024 • 54min
334 - Aidan Hart - A New Image of Everything
This podcast delves into a cosmic image depicting the New Jerusalem, touching upon the Garden of Eden, mankind's destiny, and the synthesis of heaven and earth. The discussion explores symbolism in divine imagery, the role of Adam and Eve, traditional elements in a hierarchical vision, and the evolution of artistic expression in iconography.

8 snips
Mar 9, 2024 • 1h 59min
333 - John Vervaeke, DC Schindler, Ken Lowry - The Ontology of Artificial Intelligence
The podcast delves into the ontology of artificial intelligence from scientific, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives. Topics include the evolution of AI, ethical concerns in development, interconnectedness of intelligence and caring, essence of being alive, human behavior, transpersonal agency, unity in AI, and integration of higher intelligence in civilization.

Mar 2, 2024 • 35min
332 - The Garments of Skin
Delve into the symbolic significance of garments of skin in biblical stories, exploring their transfer as a symbol of power and exile. Uncover deeper layers of meaning within ancient legends and traditions. Also, learn about the Kickstarter campaign for the graphic novel, 'God's Dog Warrior'.

4 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 60min
331 - Richard Rohlin - Universal History: The Tower of Babel
Exploring the Tower of Babel in Scripture and Book of Jubilees, symbolism of the structure, Pentecost's significance, solution to authoritarianism, collaboration in symbolic representation, ancient ways of reading Genesis, symbolism of candles in prayer, Pentecost connections, and ancient hymnography in Orthodox Church traditions.

30 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 49min
330 - The Leviathan in Scripture: Ouroboros Symbolism
Exploring the deep-rooted meanings of the Leviathan in biblical contexts, unraveling its symbolism as a creation of God and symbol of divine power. Delving into the dual nature of chaos and order represented by the Leviathan and the Ouroboros symbol, reflecting on identity transformation and the significance of serpents in scripture. Highlighting themes of defeat chaos, unity versus multiplicity, and mythical storytelling through symbolic depth.

4 snips
Feb 16, 2024 • 56min
329 - James Poulos - Bitcoin Monasteries: Putting Technology to Good Use
James Poulos, co-founder of The American Mind, discusses the impact of technology on spirituality and the need to put it in the right hands. He explores the worship of technology in Silicon Valley and the connection between revolution and technology. They also touch on Heidegger's concept of care, the direct experience of spirituality, and the return to original religions as a defense against AI.

23 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
328 - Stephen Blackwood - The Book that the West Needs
Stephen Blackwood, a Canadian-American professor and social commentator, discusses the book 'The Consolation of Boethius' and its role in Medieval Western world. They explore the themes of detachment, self-possession, and the search for spiritual good. They also discuss the power of patterned language, the role of repetition and rituals in shaping understanding, and the significance of finding meaning through patterns.


