Is the West Returning to Paganism?

In this deep-dive episode, I sit with Carl Teichrib and Anthony Costello to peel back the layers of the modern Neo-Pagan revival. Far from being just "Halloween costumes" or "Burning Man nostalgia," we argue that we are witnessing a massive ontological shift in the Western soul—moving from the Christian Creator-creature distinction to a "One-ist" metaphysical monism.

From the history of Gardnerian Wicca and the rise of the Gaia Hypothesis to the political activism of Black Lives Matter and the LA School District, this conversation explores how the "Goddess" is replacing the "Father" in our cultural and spiritual structures.

In This Episode, We Explore:

The Metaphysics of Monism: Why "Matter is Mother" is the foundation of every pagan worldview.

The "White Magic" Trap: Why therapeutic, "benevolent" magic can be more deceptive than dark magic.

Environmentalism as Religion: How the 1970 Earth Day charge forced the Church to defend its Theology of Creation.

Ritual vs. Prayer: The chilling difference between "bending the universe to your will" and "Thy will be done."

Paganism Goes Mainstream: How publishing houses and pop culture targeted a new generation of practitioners.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: The Rise of the "Meta-Divine"

12:45 – Gerald Gardner and the Invention of Modern Wicca

25:30 – Is Modern Paganism just "Cosplay" or a Real Faith?

38:15 – The Political Turn: Activism, BLM, and Education

52:10 – Magic Defined: Crowley’s Will vs. Christian Petition

01:15:00 – The Environmental Challenge: Defending a Theology of Creation

01:35:40 – Why the "Goddess" is the Future of Secularism

Resources Mentioned:

Hitler’s Monsters: A Supernatural History of the Third Reich – Eric Kurlander - https://a.co/d/0fDU7xvg

Drawing Down the Moon – Margot Adler - https://a.co/d/06zyKQnJ

Nazi Oaks – Mark Musser - https://a.co/d/0hd7xE1g

Join the Conversation

Do you think the rise of nature-based spirituality is a reaction to a "sterile" modern world, or is it a return to ancient spiritual dangers? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to: Subscribe for more deep-dives into theology and culture. Hit the Bell to never miss an episode. Like this video to help the algorithm reach more people!

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#Christianity #Paganism #Theology #Wicca #Metaphysics #Worldview #CultureWar #SpiritualWarfare #Apologetics

We will be watching a new multi-part podcast series that examines a major cultural and spiritual shift in the West. Rather than moving toward disbelief, contemporary culture is experiencing a renewed interest in spirituality—particularly forms resembling paganism, New Age beliefs, occult practices, altered states of consciousness, and alternative cosmologies. This shift challenges the long-standing assumption that Christianity’s primary intellectual opponent is atheistic materialism or secular skepticism.

Drawing on insights from theology, philosophy, historical analysis, and on-the-ground research, it is argued that the West is entering a “re-enchanted” spiritual landscape—a crowded marketplace of beliefs rather than a secular void.

This podcast aims to help the church recognize and seriously engage this new environment by rethinking apologetics and theological priorities. Instead of responding mainly to unbelief, Christian engagement must now address alternative spiritual worldviews that are actively shaping culture, politics, psychology, technology, and discussions of consciousness and artificial intelligence.

Overall, the aim is to diagnose the current moment with clarity and realism, encouraging thoughtful, informed, and constructive engagement rather than fear or reactionary responses, and equipping Christians to understand and respond to the spiritual questions now emerging in contemporary culture.

#SpiritualShift #CulturalRenewal #PaganCulture #CulturalShift

Today, we're joined by Lauren Ponder, a professional Death Doula, to pull back the curtain on the "Death Positive" movement, Swedish Death Cleaning, and how to reclaim your dignity at the end of life.

In this episode of It's a Theological World After All, we explore why our culture is so "death-avoidant" and how we can transform the end-of-life process from a moment of fear into a spiritual and transcendent experience. Whether you're curious about "Death Cafes" or want to know how to start your own "Death Cleaning" legacy project, this conversation is for anyone who wants to live—and die—with intention.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction: The role of a Death Doula

05:30 - The Big Secret: Is death a revelation?

12:15 - Reclaiming the “Art of Dying Well”

18:40 - The Death Positive Movement explained

25:10 - Why we equate "spending money" with "loving the dead"

32:00 - Swedish Death Cleaning (Döstädning) & Legacy Projects

40:15 - What is a Death Cafe? (And why you should join one)

48:50 - Personal reflections: Dying with Dignity

Connect with Lauren Ponder: https://withlove.events

Books Mentioned:

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

Bodies in Motion and at Rest by Thomas Lynch

What does "dying with dignity" mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

#DeathPositive #DeathDoula #SwedishDeath Cleaning #EndofLife #LegacyPlanning #TheologyPodcast