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!

Take the Next Step in Your Education

If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/

#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

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

Is God just an abstract idea, or is He the literal "Now" that holds your reality together?

In this deep-dive finale, philosopher Dr. Stephen Priest explains how "fundamental ontology," the study of pure being, leads logically from atheism to the Trinitarian God. We move beyond abstract theory into the "Eternal Now," exploring why the present moment is the closest we get to the Divine.

Plus, Dr. Priest shares a powerful, practical Christian breathing meditation to replace anxiety with divine presence ("God in, Devil out"). If you are interested in the intersection of consciousness, existentialism, and deep theology, this episode is the masterclass you’ve been waiting for.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Why "Being" and "Presence" point directly to the Trinity.

How Heidegger’s Being and Time misunderstands the "Now."

Why God is not an optional "add-on" to the universe, but its foundation.

Practical Application: A breathing technique for Christian mindfulness.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro: Does the argument for God entail the Trinity?

01:17 – Heidegger, Time, and the "Eternal Now"

02:40 – Why the Trinity is the "Fundamental Ontology"

04:20 – Stephen’s Journey: From Atheism to Pure Being

06:40 – The Philosophical Debate: Is "Existence" a real property?

09:05 – Does a physical object (like a desk) have "Presence"?

11:30 – How to live in the "Now" (Practical Theology)

13:00 – Eastern Meditation vs. Christian Contemplation

17:00 – The "God In, Devil Out" Breathing Technique

21:10 – Why Atheism is a "Lack of Understanding" of Being

23:55 – The Immanence of God: Closer than you think

25:00 – Conclusion: Why Metaphysics is plausible again

RESOURCES & LINKS

Listen to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfXgo8h5QaE

Dr. Stephen Priest’s Work: https://stephenpriest99.wixsite.com/website

Please consider supporting Soul Science Ministries: https://donorbox.org/soul-science-ministries

#Philosophy #Theology #Consciousness #Christianity #StephenPriest #Existentialism #Trinity #Apologetics #Meditation #Metaphysics

In modern culture, we treat loss like a problem to be solved, something we're told to hurry through so we can "move on." But what if this mindset, which I trace back to the Enlightenment's focus on individual happiness, is actually making our society impoverished?

I sat down with the brilliant philosopher Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode (University of Oxford) to challenge the prevailing Freudian and secular views on grief. Mikolaj argues that mourning is a virtue we need to recover, and a portal not just into memory, but into transcendence.

This is a must-watch conversation for anyone seeking deeper meaning, struggling with loss, or questioning the self-help culture's quick-fix approach to suffering.

What We Covered:

0:01:14 Is Mourning a Problem to Solve or a Virtue?

0:05:34 The Relevance of Philosophy (And Why I'm Interested in It!)

0:21:39 Why Freud Got Grief Fundamentally Wrong

0:38:10 The Enlightenment Shift: Why Individual Happiness Is an Insufficient Goal

0:42:25 The Danger of "Toxic Relationship" Talk: How Utilitarianism Ruins Love

0:55:48 Mourning as a Moral Practice: Rituals that Keep the Dead Present

01:01:15 Kierkegaard's Test of Love: Expressing True Love After Loss

01:23:25 The Two Extremes of Death: The Macabre vs. The Overly Joyful

01:26:45 Why God Wants Our Outrage: The Appropriate Response to Loss

01:34:20 Grief, Transcendence, and Spiritual Perception

Mikolaj's Insight That Hit Me Hardest:

"Your mourning is not about you, it's about the person you've lost."

Connect with Us:

Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode: https://www.bfriars.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-mikolaj-slawkowski-rode/

Check out his excellent edited book: The Meaning of Mourning: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Mourning-Perspectives-Death-Grief/dp/1666908924

Subscribe & Follow:

Don't forget to subscribe to It's a Theological World, After All! We're here to dive deep into culture, God, and the soul, and I appreciate you joining the conversation.

#grief #mourning #philosophy #death #loss #theology #meaningoflife #griefsupport #Blackfriars #MacauleySchakowsky

I sat down with theologian Dr. R.T. Mullins (The Reluctant Theologian, author of Eternal in Love: A Little Book About a Big God) for a radical discussion that challenged centuries of tradition. We broke down why the idea of a timeless, unmoving God is not only logically incoherent but also deeply damaging to our spiritual health and personal relationships.

If you suspect your theology is causing anxiety, I think it's time for an upgrade. Dr. Mullins argues for a temporal, fully emotional, and personal God who is actively responsive to your life and genuinely cares about your flourishing, a God we can actually have a friendship with.

What We Discussed:

Why the traditional view of a Timeless God is logically and scripturally flawed.

How God's perfection requires Him to be changing and responsive.

The connection between Divine Impassibility and the emotional profile of a psychopath—a bold claim we had to explore.

How your current Theology of Time might be fueling your anxiety and exhaustion.

The true meaning of God's Patience in an age of speed.

Why the trend toward AI Girlfriends and Religious Bots reveals a deep, unmet human need for a personal God.

Timestamps:

| Time | Topic |

| 00:00 | Intro: The Problem of Acceleration and Time

| 03:20 | Dr. Mullen's New Book: Eternal in Love

|08:17| Temporal God vs. Timeless God Defined

|11:07| The Link Between Divine Temporality and Patience

|17:50| The Myth of Immutability: Does Perfection Require God to be Unchanging?

|23:30| The Incoherence of the "Analogous Time" Argument

|26:43| The Problem with Divine Accommodation (Why Impassibility is Deceptive)

|36:57| Divine Emotion: Why Sarcasm Can "Wake Up" Exhausted Minds

|40:42| Defining Emotion: Why Love, Anger, and Compassion are Moral Virtues in God

|45:18| The "Psychopath God" Critique of Classical Theism

|55:00| The Problem of Evil: Does God Care About You?

|01:02:28| AI, Depersonalization, and the Need for a Personal Creator

|01:11:14| Knowing About God vs. Being Known By God

|01:18:27| I Think Te Teed to Empathize with God Too!

|01:21:08 | Practical Takeaways: How a Temporal God Changes Your Prayer Life

|01:22:42| It's Okay to Go Slow: Finding Rest in an Eternal God

Follow Dr. R.T. Mullen's / The Reluctant Theologian:

Book: Eternal in Love: A Little Book About a Big God (https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Love-Little-Studies-Doctrine/dp/1666730971)

Podcast: "The Reluctant Theologian" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reluctant-theologian-podcast/id1455521623)

Website/Social: (https://www.rtmullins.com/)

Join the Conversation!

What is your immediate reaction to the idea of an emotional, temporal God? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Subscribe for more challenging theology: https://www.youtube.com/@soulsciencemin

Share this with a friend who, like me, needs to slow down!

#Theology #GodandTime #DivineEmotion #Christianity #PhilosophyofReligion #AgeofAcceleration #Anxiety #SpiritualLife #TheReluctantTheologian #EternalinLove

What if the deepest questions about consciousness aren’t scientific puzzles… but theological ones?

In this conversation, we journey through the great frontier where philosophy, consciousness studies, and theology meet. From the mystery of the “I”, to the nature of time and the eternal present, to the limits of materialism and modern philosophy’s struggle to explain subjective experience. This episode explores whether the very structure of consciousness points beyond the physical world to Being itself.

Drawing on thinkers like Husserl, Sartre, Heidegger, and Parmenides, and contrasting them with Christian existential voices, we examine why the modern attempt to avoid metaphysics and theology ultimately collapses. We press into the surprising claim that:

Philosophical questions have theological answers.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Consciousness as presence, not a product of the brain

• Why solipsism appears in mystical experience (and why it’s false)

• The “unchanging now” and the timelessness of God

• Why modern philosophy can describe consciousness but not explain it

• The failure of pure phenomenology without metaphysics

• How quantum discussions intersect with metaphysics and the soul

This isn’t merely theory, it’s a framework for understanding why your experience of awareness, agency, and personhood defies reduction to neurons and physics.

And it’s an invitation to consider that the mind’s deepest intuitions… may be echoes of its Source.