Of Dust and Divinity

This episode explores "An Embodied Exegesis of the Horn," a thoughtful report re-examining one of the Bible's most ancient symbols. Our aim is to approach interpretation not solely intellectually, but with appreciation for its sensory, relational, and participatory dimensions, uncovering a more interconnected understanding of the divine, human, and natural world. We'll delve into...

This episode explores "An Embodied Exegesis of the Horn," a thoughtful report re-examining one of the Bible's most ancient symbols. Our aim is to approach interpretation not solely intellectually, but with appreciation for its sensory, relational, and participatory dimensions, uncovering a more interconnected understanding of the divine, human, and natural world. We'll delve into anthropological i...

What if ancient spiritual wisdom and modern science aren't at odds, but actually illuminate each other? This 3-part podcast series dives into that fascinating question, exploring how cutting-edge complexity theory offers a powerful new lens to understand Christian mystical journeys and God's active, emergent presence in our unfolding universe. We begin by setting the stage: What is complex...

What if ancient spiritual wisdom and modern science aren't at odds, but actually illuminate each other? This 3-part podcast series dives into that fascinating question, exploring how cutting-edge complexity theory offers a powerful new lens to understand Christian mystical journeys and God's active, emergent presence in our unfolding universe. We begin by setting the stage: What is complexity theo...

What if ancient spiritual wisdom and modern science aren't at odds, but actually illuminate each other? This 3-part podcast series dives into that fascinating question, exploring how cutting-edge complexity theory offers a powerful new lens to understand Christian mystical journeys and God's active, emergent presence in our unfolding universe. We begin by setting the stage: What is complex...

Welcome to "The Glitched Ineffable," a three-part podcast series exploring "fractured ineffability," the profound idea that human limitations stem not only from God's transcendence but from an intrinsic brokenness within our own faculties. This internal "impairment" affects our cognition, will, and emotions, leading to "cognitive dissonance" and a deep &...

Welcome to "The Glitched Ineffable," a three-part podcast series exploring "fractured ineffability," the profound idea that human limitations stem not only from God's transcendence but from an intrinsic brokenness within our own faculties. This internal "impairment" affects our cognition, will, and emotions, leading to "cognitive dissonance" and a deep &...

Welcome to "The Glitched Ineffable," a three-part podcast series exploring "fractured ineffability," the profound idea that human limitations stem not only from God's transcendence but from an intrinsic brokenness within our own faculties. This internal "impairment" affects our cognition, will, and emotions, leading to "cognitive dissonance" and a deep &...

This episode delves into the concept of the "double metamorphosis," arguing that for the Uncreated to engage with creation and take form, it requires a fundamental, internal "divine self-concession". The first metamorphosis is the Uncreated's willingness to render itself perceptible, entering the sphere of form, appearance, and temporality. This is linked to Jean-Luc Marion's concept of "givenness...

This episode delves into the concept of the "double metamorphosis," arguing that for the Uncreated to engage with creation and take form, it requires a fundamental, internal "divine self-concession". The first metamorphosis is the Uncreated's willingness to render itself perceptible, entering the sphere of form, appearance, and temporality. This is linked to Jean-Luc Marion...

This two-part series dives into a radical transformation: the move from the Old Covenant's singular prophetic anointing (think Elijah's mantle on Elisha) to the collective outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We'll unpack this profound change using fascinating ideas from anthropologist Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, exploring his concepts of perspectivism and multinaturalism. Disco...

This two-part series dives into a radical transformation: the move from the Old Covenant's singular prophetic anointing (think Elijah's mantle on Elisha) to the collective outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We'll unpack this profound change using fascinating ideas from anthropologist Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, exploring his concepts of perspectivism and multinaturalism. Discover how Jesu...

This episode explores spiritual transformation through Christian mysticism, focusing on Saint John of the Cross's "dark night." This "dark night" is presented not as a personal struggle, but a divine purification where help comes "from without," leading to a profound reorientation of the will and soul's "rest." This process is ultimately deification...

This episode explores spiritual transformation through Christian mysticism, focusing on Saint John of the Cross's "dark night." This "dark night" is presented not as a personal struggle, but a divine purification where help comes "from without," leading to a profound reorientation of the will and soul's "rest." This process is ultimately deification...

Delve into the Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39 narrative of the Gerasene demoniac – a profound "experiment" illuminating how different beings confront spiritual darkness. Drawing on insights from anthropologists like Eduardo Viveiros de Castro and Philippe Descola, we'll starkly contrast the swine's instantaneous annihilation with the tormented man, Legion's tenacious endurance . Why did the pigs off...

Delve into the Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39 narrative of the Gerasene demoniac – a profound "experiment" illuminating how different beings confront spiritual darkness. Drawing on insights from anthropologists like Eduardo Viveiros de Castro and Philippe Descola, we'll starkly contrast the swine's instantaneous annihilation with the tormented man, Legion's tenacious endurance . Why did the pigs off...

What if the self you perceive—that core of identity and experience addressed by the command to "fear God and keep his commandments"—is, from an ultimate perspective, a temporary and potentially illusory construct? Philosophers like David Hume saw the self as merely a constantly changing "bundle or collection of different perceptions," while Jacques Lacan described the ego as born from foundational...

In part two, we delve deeper into the concept of lack, exploring Augustine's theological understanding of evil as a privatio boni – an absence of good – and contrasting it with Lacan's structural manque , the fundamental void that fuels human desire. Against this backdrop, we examine the figure of Jesus Christ as a unique response to both these forms of lack. We explore the Incarnation as a radica...

Part one of our exploration charts the fascinating convergence between mystical theology and cutting-edge psychoanalysis. We delve into the core principles of negative theology, an ancient tradition that seeks to understand God by describing what God isn't , and uncover its surprising parallels with Lacan's complex concept of the Real – that elusive realm beyond language and symbolization. We'll a...

Unlock a radical new perspective on John 14:12 and Jesus' astonishing promise that believers will do "greater works" than he did. This episode delves into an interpretation that moves beyond simply counting converts or marveling at miracles. We explore the concept of the believer as a divinely-enabled conduit, uniquely positioned in a "border" or liminal space between the d...

This episode explores the profound concept of 'material meditation,' where the ancient rhythms of inward reflection cultivate a sacred 'alterity' within us—a part of our being deliberately set apart for the divine. This inner turning is framed as a 'material' offering, distinct from physical sacrifices. The discussion delves into how this practice serves as a radical counte...

This episode explores Revelation 19:21, presenting a disturbing image of birds "gorged" on flesh after the "great supper of God," highlighting a paradox within divine victory. Interpretations vary, from Augustine to liberation theology. Bynum emphasizes the material reduction of the judged to anonymous "flesh." This divinely mandated act, orchestrated by an angel, turns birds into unwilling agents...

Step back in time 1800 years and uncover a hidden secret within the oldest known Christian hymn with musical notation. Found on a fragile papyrus fragment in Egypt, the Oxyrhynchus Hymn has long fascinated historians. But what if the purpose of this ancient song wasn't just about making sound? In this episode, we explore a radical interpretation: that this hymn was sung as a spiritual discipli...

This episode explores the radical theological shifts as early Christianity moved from rural Galilee to the urban Roman Empire, focusing on the tension between a rural Messiah and the urban Apostle Paul. We examine Paul's "Urban Insurgency," strategically using city infrastructure like marketplaces and public spaces to spread the Christian message, potentially viewing them as de facto...

What if the inability to die is not just prolonged suffering, but a direct consequence of Christ's victory over death? This episode examines the profound implications of the resurrection in light of the terrifying passage in Revelation 9:6. We explore the idea that because Christ holds the keys to death and Hades, death itself is no longer an autonomous force. Drawing on biblical texts and the...