In this episode, Stephen Long shares his journey from Satanism to a broader understanding of spirituality, exploring the history of Satanism, its cultural perceptions, and personal practices that foster transcendence and community. Discover how religious identities evolve and the importance of pluralism in modern spiritual life.

Links:

• Stephen Bradford Long's Website: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/
• Stephen's Sacred Tension Substack: https://sacredtension.substack.com/
• Sacred Tension Podcast: https://sacredtension.substack.com/podcast
• Sacred Tension Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KR4hS0sBuYSrkzWgO5Cq8

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Stephen Long's Journey and Background

02:01 The Crumbling of Christian Faith and Search for Non-Theistic Religion

03:52 The Appeal of Satanism and Its Cultural Expressions

07:14 Literary and Cultural Influences on Satanic Identity

10:07 The Different Traditions of Satanism and Their Inspirations

14:54 The Evolution of Satanic Symbols and Rituals

20:01 The Relationship Between Satanism and Social Justice

24:59 The Impact of the Satanic Panic and Cultural Myths

29:55 Personal Transition Away from Satanism and Search for Transcendence

39:52 The Power of Rituals in Healing Religious Trauma

50:01 The Role of Pluralism and Religious Freedom Today

59:59 Practices and Beliefs in Modern Spirituality and Personal Rituals

01:09:49 The Practice of the Headless Way and Non-Duality

Therapist Danielle Kaplan shares insights on dialectical thinking, the importance of flexibility in life, and how ancient philosophies influence modern therapy. She discusses practices that resonate with Jewish tradition like dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and contingency planning to help create a meaningful life.

Resources:

Danielle’s Practice: http://www.keepaustincentered.com

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: https://www.amazon.com/Order-Time-Carlo-Rovelli/dp/0735216118

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): https://behavioraltech.org/what-is-dbt/

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:19 Exploring Identity and Cultural Judaism

05:02 Dialectical Thinking and Its Applications

07:32 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

10:03 Acceptance and Change in Therapy

12:47 Mindfulness and Eastern Philosophical Influences

15:31 The Nature of Truth and Non-Judgment

18:10 Contradictory Ideas in Judaism

20:11 The Role of Rituals and Structure in Grief

22:41 Contingency Planning and Flexibility in Life

24:54 Conclusion and Reflections on Therapy and Life

35:52 The Power of Grieving and Celebrating Mindfully

36:51 Coping Ahead: Preparing for the Worst

38:01 The Nature of Fear and Anticipation

38:48 Finding Freedom from Anxiety

40:45 The Role of Rituals in Life

42:22 Belief vs. Practice in Spirituality

44:26 Creating Meaning through Actions

45:51 The Importance of Doing

47:32 Hope as a Verb

49:10 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

55:21 Building a Life Worth Living

01:00:46 The Significance of Rituals and Fire