The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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From Many, One

Cosmographia β€’ 738 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology History Monotheism
  1. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one supreme deity, is a relatively recent development in human history, with many cultures historically believing in multiple gods and spirits.
  2. Monotheism marked a significant shift in theological traditions, particularly when the Israelites proclaimed the existence of only one God, breaking away from millennia of polytheistic beliefs.
  3. The idea of 'From Many, One' reflects the evolution from diverse beliefs in multiple gods to the concept of a singular, all-powerful deity, which has shaped major religious doctrines and scriptures.

Social Conservatism as 4D Chess

Richard Hanania's Newsletter β€’ 2048 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Culture Policy Religion
  1. Social conservatives make claims about higher-order effects to justify their positions on issues like abortion and euthanasia, but these claims often lack evidence or are disproven by cross-national comparisons.
  2. Slippery slope arguments can be valid in limited contexts, but broad claims like legalizing prostitution affecting overall societal values need substantial evidence, which is often lacking.
  3. Government policies in free countries have limited influence on shaping culture predictably; the impact is often chaotic and hard to plan for, as seen by historical examples of social policies not aligning with expected cultural changes.

Cultivating the Heroic Spirit

Becoming Noble β€’ 1315 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Sports Virtue Heroism
  1. Merely playing sports may not convey the full spectrum of virtue and spiritual experience sought; modern sports lack metaphysical significance and encounters with the transcendent.
  2. Sport is a vehicle for developing essential virtue, such as discipline and hardiness, which underpin the pursuit of higher goals.
  3. True sport is a fundamentally spiritual quest, calling for a connection between physicality and spirit, ultimately leading to transcending oneself through play, beauty, action, prayer, and devotion.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... β€’ 475 implied HN points β€’ 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Religion Politics Social Issues Feminism
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.
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Carl Jung’s Gnostic Revival, Abraxas, and the 20th Century Cult of Mithra (part 5)

Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Psychology Religion Cosmology Metaphysics
  1. Carl Jung saw himself as a Dionysian messiah and initiate of Mithra seeking to create a new religious order.
  2. Jung preferred Mithraism over Christianity for its nature worship and viewed Christianity as antagonistic towards the beauty of the world.
  3. Jung's involvement in promoting gnostic texts and psychedelics, as well as his influence on establishing a new spiritualism, reflects his desire to overthrow Christianity and establish a new gnostic religious order.

Introducing: Cynthia Chung's 'Carl Jung and the Land of the Dead'

Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 746 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Occult Beliefs Religion Psychology
  1. Cynthia Chung and Matthew Ehret have been researching the occult underground, connecting it to topics like geopolitics and psychology.
  2. Cynthia Chung has written essays on Carl Jung, emphasizing his ties to pagan sorcery and counter-culture movements.
  3. Jung's ideas influenced 20th-century counter-culture, the Esalen Institute, MK Ultra, and the development of a new world religion.

The Church of England's Road to Davos moment.

The Free Mind β€’ 1257 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Climate Environment
  1. The Church of England has a focus on 'Net Zero', which may be worrisome due to associations with past movements that led to destruction.
  2. Individuality and self-individuation are crucial in resisting mass movements, as emphasized by Carl Jung.
  3. Religion can offer meaning, purpose, and social stability, but caution is needed when religious zealotry shifts towards extreme ideals such as 'Net Zero'.

Two British events

The Abbey of Misrule β€’ 135 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Events Religion Spirituality Debate Tradition
  1. There's a two-day conference on 'post-liberalism' in Cambridge on December 13th and 14th. Many interesting speakers will be there.
  2. On December 16th, there's an event in London discussing how the West is influenced by 'pseudo-religion'. It will include debates on various spiritual topics.
  3. Expect more content like essays and stories coming soon, as things will calm down after these events.

American Conservatism and Fertility Cult-ure

Anarchonomicon β€’ 1198 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Conservatism Fertility Religion Immunity
  1. American Conservatives and Jewish Conservatives are unique in maintaining above replacement fertility rates in wealthy societies.
  2. Conservative cultures that resist the global urban progressive monoculture tend to have higher fertility rates.
  3. American Conservatism exhibits adaptive immunity to the cultural influences that lead to declining birth rates in other cultures.

My Roman nemesis, bottle episodes, and the Seinfeld synod

The Pillar β€’ 1061 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Catholicism Church Theology
  1. The synod on synodality involves diverse descriptions like ecclesial reform, renewal, and revolution, leading to broad mistrust among Catholics.
  2. About 25% of the voting members at the synod are non-bishops, raising concerns about non-bishop votes deciding resolutions.
  3. The impact of the synod on synodality on the Church's narrative and mission may be limited, with expectations of it being more of a 'bottle episode' and a 'departure episode'.

An interview with Emma Webb

The Free Mind β€’ 550 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Interview Common Sense Conservatism Religion
  1. Emma Webb is involved in various organizations like The Common Sense Society, Save Our Statues, and New Culture Forum, and is a contributor on GB News.
  2. Common sense is still present but often overlooked in metropolitan areas and needs to be reclaimed.
  3. There is hope for our culture through resistance and perseverance, as historical fortunes can change and people are fighting for important values.

"Totalitarian Jesus" and the New Obscurantism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Consciousness Culture Mysticism
  1. Some people feel really stressed about current politics and the future. It's making them think deeply about what's happening in the world.
  2. There are concerns that culture and spirituality are in danger from negative forces in society. Many believe we need to pay attention to these threats.
  3. Dreaming about worse scenarios, like concentration camps, shows how intense and fearful these feelings about the future can be.

Autochthonous Wars

Yasha Levine β€’ 648 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Identity Middle East Religion History
  1. The debate over Jewish autochthonous status to the Holy Land is complex and influenced by personal bias and politics.
  2. Genetic studies on Jewish ancestry can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to conflicting conclusions.
  3. The issue of Jewish identity and origins is more of a cultural and political question than a scientific one.

Dad

Egg Report β€’ 1081 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Family Values Religion
  1. Having a sense of direction and purpose is important for individuals, reinforced by the environment.
  2. Guilt and shame are universal emotions that need to be addressed in a healthy way, not dismissed as irrational or sick.
  3. There is a reflection on the dynamics of absolution, sources of guilt, and the impact of family relationships on personal growth.

Anna Savina: Erik Davis on Longevity as a Spiritual Pursuit

Do Not Research β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Longevity Religion Transhumanism Future implications
  1. Tech millionaires' interest in longevity is tied to libertarianism, radical views on overcoming limits, and control through technology.
  2. There is a connection between religion and the scientific pursuit of longevity, with religious longings affecting secular viewpoints.
  3. The transhumanist movement embraces the unnatural and questions conventional human limitations, leading to an 'uncanny valley' where prolonging life can feel repulsive.

Our Father, Fr. Rupnik, and the devil’s paradox

The Pillar β€’ 923 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Church Spiritual warfare
  1. The retreat focused on praying the Our Father with sincerity and what it means to call God our Father.
  2. A monk was murdered in the Nigerian Diocese of Ilorin, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Church in Nigeria.
  3. Pope Francis' decision to waive the statute of limitations for Fr. Marko Rupnik's prosecution showcases the importance of listening attentively and compassionately to victims.

Putin's Pope

Diane Francis β€’ 1039 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology Ethics Morality
  1. Pope Francis has not directly condemned Vladimir Putin or Russia for their actions in Ukraine, which many see as disappointing and unacceptable. His statements have sometimes aligned with Kremlin views, making it hard to see where he stands.
  2. Unlike previous Popes who took strong stands against oppressive regimes, Pope Francis seems to avoid clear condemnation of the aggressors in the Ukraine conflict. This has led to frustration among those who expect moral leadership from him.
  3. The Pope's attempts at peace talks have been criticized as ineffective, especially since they often ignore Ukraine's role as a victim. Many believe that until he openly condemns Russia, he won't be taken seriously.

Neighbor Tuesday: Israel, Gaza, Palestine

The Friendly Neighbors β€’ 1002 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Religion Solidarity
  1. The conflict in Israel, Gaza, and Palestine is complex and involves multiple sides with long histories.
  2. It's important to show solidarity and compassion for both Israeli and Palestinian neighbors.
  3. As Christians, it's possible to support Israel while also praying for peace in Palestine and recognizing the humanity of all involved.

Mountain Heritage

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper β€’ 597 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Progressive Religion Progressive politics
  1. Progressive politics can benefit rural, disadvantaged, and poor folks by providing access to necessities like healthcare, public schools, unions, and paved roads.
  2. Rural communities have a history of embracing progress and moving forward, even if it means leaving their traditional settings for better opportunities.
  3. It is possible to be rural, have a heritage rooted in Appalachia, and still hold progressive values that prioritize growth and advancement.

Staying here, nothing is simple, and the shrinking of sumo

The Pillar β€’ 923 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Catholicism Beliefs Traditions Spiritual Practices
  1. Sometimes unexpected opportunities arise that are more important than our initial plans.
  2. Prioritizing spiritual well-being and personal growth over work commitments is crucial for a balanced life.
  3. Supporting credible, independent journalism focused on important topics is valuable and worth considering.

A Crusading Clerisy

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair β€’ 963 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jul 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Religion Bureaucracy Academia Identity politics Law
  1. Marxism is not a religion, but post-Enlightenment progressivism ('Wokery') can be considered as one.
  2. The growth of the human-and-cultural capital class, along with technological evolution, has led to a shift towards jobs less grounded in physical reality, especially in entertainment, media, and education.
  3. Post-Enlightenment Progressivism (

Two Tales from Laos: Iron Age Battlefields & Demons In The Night

Grey Goose Chronicles β€’ 943 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 23
πŸ’Ύ History Culture War Religion Archaeology Conflict
  1. The Taiping Rebellion led to conflicts and alliances in Laos involving different groups and wars.
  2. The Plain of Jars in Laos holds mysterious archaeological artifacts from the Iron Age, sparking interest and research.
  3. The Hmong people faced complex challenges from wars, alliances, and a post-war mystery known as SUNDS that impacted their community.

The Common Consent Argument for Hinduism

Going Awol β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Gods
  1. When many people agree on something, it can provide some evidence for its truth, although not definitive proof.
  2. Widespread belief in God can be seen as some evidence for theism because it might indicate God would want people to believe in him for a relationship.
  3. Common consent reasoning supports animism more than monotheism, and favors Hinduism due to the broad belief in a High God, subordinate deities, and nature spirits.

A Quiet Walk to the Gulag

Restoring Truth β€’ 884 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Government Social Issues Civil Rights Religion Culture
  1. The author reflects on the historical context of Stalinist Russia and draws parallels to modern-day societal control and demonization.
  2. The text warns about the dangers of complacency and the gradual erosion of freedoms and beliefs under oppressive regimes.
  3. A call for vigilance and resistance against forces that seek to silence dissent and reshape societal norms, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.

Habemus Papam!

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology Philosophy Social Issues Politics
  1. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV surprised many, showing a blend of progressive and conservative views. He focuses on climate change and immigration but holds traditional views on gender issues.
  2. The Catholic Church represents universal values, but it faces internal disagreements on social issues like LGBT rights and economic policies. Its position appears to be shifting towards more left-leaning economics to regain lost followers.
  3. Right-wing politics seem to increasingly distrust social institutions, while left-leaning politics embrace universal moral values. This shift has the potential to further align organized religion with left-wing ideals in the future.

Holy Snax: Losing Our Religion

Snaxshot β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 30 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Spirituality Beverages Religion Wellness Rituals
  1. Food and beverage trends are evolving to offer a sense of spirituality and divine experience through products like beverages infused with spiritual uplift claims and chocolate infused with healing frequencies.
  2. Millennials are leading a shift away from traditional organized religions, but there is still a strong inclination towards seeking spiritual connections and experiences, whether through food, substances, or rituals.
  3. The intersection of food, beverages, and spirituality is becoming more prominent, with unique experiences like sensorial cafes and the commodification of wellness and spiritual benefits in consumer products.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and the Strip Between

Pen>Sword β€’ 658 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Religion Media Equality
  1. The ongoing violence in Gaza has reshaped the consumption and dissemination of mass death, especially on digital platforms like social media.
  2. Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are closely linked forms of bigotry rooted in white supremacy, with distinct but similarly inferior stereotypes about Jews and Muslims.
  3. The political cooption of anti-Semitism and the colonial tenets of Zionism undermine genuine reckonings with these forms of bigotry, perpetuating violence and hindering equality.