"For Iamblichus, the central issue of his age was not the polemic between pagans and Christians but the far more serious conflict between “old ways” and “new ways,” between the ancient traditions inspired by gods, and those recently invented by man," Gregory Shaw, Theurgy and the Soul, 3 As we saw in the previous installment, … Continue reading Thoughts on De Mysteriis: Part 2
Polytheism
Thoughts on De Mysteriis: Part 1
In recent weeks I've had the pleasure of reading and discussing Iamblichus' De Mysteriis over on Twitter with SolomonicVik, and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on the text.Many of my readers are coming from an analytic, non-pagan background, and so are in all honesty unlikely to have any familiarity with this … Continue reading Thoughts on De Mysteriis: Part 1
The World is What is Pagan
I am currently working on a book. It is combining a number of open projects and loose threads that have collected dust over the years. It will represent my most mature and considered thoughts on what Paganism is and what it's place is in today's world. Those of you who have followed my writings over … Continue reading The World is What is Pagan
A World Full of Gods – Some Thoughts
John Michael Greer is a well-known name in the Pagan community -- whether it's from his works on magic, Druidry, or environmentalism, etc. The man is prolific. Where I first heard of him, however, was from his work on Polytheism: A World Full of Gods. I had left seminary, Catholicism and even Christianity at the … Continue reading A World Full of Gods – Some Thoughts
On Gods and Men
Asclepius, son of Apollo, help me understand. Guide my thoughts, call me to those things you wish for me to see. I acknowledge my biases and ulterior motives, my ignorance, my stupidity. I move my will to counter these dispositions, these structures, as best I can. I look with fresh eyes, cleared from the fog … Continue reading On Gods and Men
Does God Exist? Some Post-Debate Thoughts
This Saturday I really stepped out of my shell and went to Houston to see a debate: Justin Shieber vs. Eric Hernandez, on whether God exists (link here).There were a number of people I told myself I was going to meet, and many to whom I should have at least introduced myself, but, you know, … Continue reading Does God Exist? Some Post-Debate Thoughts
Return of the Gods: a revamped response to Palmqvist
Carl-Johan Palmqvist’s 2022 ‘The old gods as a live possibility: on the rational feasibility of non-doxastic paganism’ has opened the doors for today’s philosophers of religion to research and consider polytheism—the belief in many Gods or Goddesses. But the start of any conversation will be marked by distinctions, caution and refinement. In that vein, I … Continue reading Return of the Gods: a revamped response to Palmqvist
Existential Paganism
I recently experienced what philosopher and author Brendan Myers might call an Immensity; a shocking, overwhelming encounter with an event that's completely beyond my ability to control or understand, with all the resulting sensations of despair, powerlessness, helplessness, humility and silence. I feel as if I've been shaken from an unreflective life, and my attention … Continue reading Existential Paganism
A Polytheist Response to Gel
I originally composed a longer paper version of this post and intended to submit it for publication, but I do not think that is a fruitful use of my time any longer—I honestly don't think it will be until I get letters next to my name. And I will! Eventually. Until then, I'll fight the … Continue reading A Polytheist Response to Gel
Gerson’s Monotheism
As a student of Plato, I'm a fan of Lloyd P. Gerson. His knowledge of the ancient Platonists is encyclopedic and his ability to relate their ideas to contemporary discussions is brilliant. His translation of the Enneads will become standard, and his work on "ur-Platonism" will be instrumental in reinvigorating Platonic interest for generations to … Continue reading Gerson’s Monotheism
The Analytic Pagan 