Predictive History - The Story of "Civilization"

Civilization #31 - The Oceanic Currents of History

Civilization #30 - Dante as the Second Coming of Homer

Civilization #29 - Dante's Divine Comedy and the Liberation of the Human Imagination

Dive into the fascinating world of Muhammad's life and the rise of Islam. Discover the scarcity of early sources and how this shapes our understanding. Learn about Muhammad's transformative revelations and the welcoming embrace of Medina compared to Mecca's rejection. Explore the rapid expansion of Islam and the historical mystery behind it. The podcast draws intriguing parallels between Islam and other revolutionary movements, spotlighting the unique cultural and political landscape of Arabia during Muhammad's time.

Explore Augustine's pivotal role as an architect of the Catholic Church and his thoughts on the 'end of history'. Discover how he distinguished between earthly Rome and the spiritual Jerusalem amid crises of faith. Unpack his autobiography and the concept of original sin, emphasizing the importance of internal obedience over external justice. Delve into his views on pride, love, and the nature of sin, alongside his impact on the Church's relationship with state power. Finally, consider how dissenting views contributed to the emergence of Islam.

Explore the transformative effects of Constantine's embrace of Christianity on the Roman Empire and beyond. Discover how early Christian factions like the Gnostics challenged traditional narratives. Delve into the Council of Nicaea's pivotal role in defining the Trinity, enforcing blind belief, and shaping modern monotheism. Uncover the radical shift of symbols into reality that underpins capitalism and modern science. Reflect on monotheism's long, often violent expansion and its impact on belief, morality, and our understanding of existence.

Explore the paradox of Jesus versus Christianity as the host breaks down Jesus's three-tier teaching model. Delve into the transformation from Jesus's original teachings to the doctrines introduced by Paul of Tarsus. Discover Paul's dramatic conversion and his strategic approach in spreading Christianity, including his pragmatic compromises to attract Gentiles. Unravel conflicts between Paul and early Jerusalem leaders, and consider the implications of his adaptations of Jewish beliefs. The discussion reveals the tensions that shaped early Christian thought.

The host dives into the historical context of Jesus, outlining key life events and the significance of his crucifixion. He explores divergent biblical portrayals and questions traditional narratives, particularly around responsibility for Jesus' death. Gnostic teachings and philosophical influences are examined, proposing that Jesus synthesized various beliefs into a new religious movement. The discussion also highlights ethical implications of gnosticism, including views on poverty and salvation, leading to reflections on how Jesus’ message evolved into mainstream Christianity.

Civilization #23 - Cyrus the Great as Messiah

Civilization #22 - The Literary Genesis of the Yahwist