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- 31. Okt.letzte Folge
This podcast aims to educate on the subject of religion from an academic perspective and to open up for informed discussions on the subject. You will find episodes discussing the big religions of the world and historical overviews of important figures from different religious traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A History of the Witch
In this episode, we explore the history of witches and witchcraft, from ancient sorceresses and magic in Mesopotamia and Rome, through medieval ideas about heresy, demons, and folk magic, to the demonology and panic of the 15th-17th centuri
The Occult King Solomon in Islam
In this episode, we explore Solomon as an occult authority in the Islamicate world: from the Quranic stories of Sulayman commanding the jinn and the winds, to the legendary Seal of Solomon, to his role in Islamic magic, talismans, letter sc
Satan in Sufism
Iblis (Satan) refused to bow to Adam, and the Qur’an condemns him for it. But some of the most daring Sufi mystics read that refusal very differently: as the act of a perfect monotheist and a tragic lover who would not bow to anything but G
Anqa - Arabic Folklore's Most Elusive Creature
What is the Anqa? In this episode we explore the Anqa (عنقاء), the elusive, legendary bird of Arabic and Islamic tradition, often compared to the phoenix and the Persian Simurgh. We look at its origins in pre-Islamic Arabian lore, the story
Alchemy in the Islamic World
In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of alchemy in the Islamic(ate) world, from the writings of Jabir ibn Hayyan, to the Emerald Tablet, Abu Bakr al-Razi & the Sufis. Music by: Filip Holm Find me and my music here: https://li
'The Religion of Love' - Ibn 'Arabi's Most Famous Poem
Ibn 'Arabi's famous "Religion of Love" verses are some of the most striking lines in Islamic mysticism - a declaration that the heart can take the form of every temple, church, and shrine. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the poem it
The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma) in Baghdad
The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma) is one of the most mythologized institutions in history, but what do the actual medieval sources say? In this video, we separate legend from evidence, tracing what the House of Wisdom really was in Abbasi
Women in the Life and Thought of Ibn Arabi
The great Sufi mystic Ibn Arabi was taught by a woman. In Part 2 of our series on Sufi women in history, we explore the female saints, teachers, and muses who shaped the thought of Islam's greatest mystical philosopher. Find me and my music
John Scotus Eriugena & The Division of Nature
John Scotus Eriugena was one of the most radical thinkers of the early Middle Ages — a philosopher who fused eastern and western Christian theology with Neoplatonism to create a vision of God, nature, and creation centuries that is breathta
The Talmud Explained (w. Zevi Slavin)
In this episode, Zevi and I explore what the Talmud is, what it is not, and the role it plays in the Jewish religion. Find me and my music here: https://linktr.ee/filipholm Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/let
Porphyry On The Cave of the Nymphs in Homer's Odyssey
In this episode we explore one of the most fascinating texts in the history of Western esotericism: Porphyry's Commentary on the Cave of the Nymphs. Written in the 3rd century, this short but remarkable work interprets a mysterious passage
The History of "Hare Krishna" (Gaudiya Vaishnavism)
The Hare Krishna movement didn't start with chanting monks in airports, it began over 500 years ago with a Bengali mystic named Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This video traces the full history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, from its roots in 16th-century
Rabi'a - Mystic, Saint, and the Mother of Sufi Love
Who was Rabi'a al-Adawiyya? Explore the life, teachings, and spiritual legacy of one of history’s most influential mystics. From divine love to radical devotion, this video examines how Rabi'a transformed Islamic spirituality and continues
Religion in Ancient Greece
Explore the fascinating world of religion in Ancient Greece, from the powerful Olympian gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo to sacred rituals, temples, myths, and festivals that shaped daily Greek life. Find me and my music here: https://lin
The Lost Suras of the Quran?
Did the Quran once contain additional suras that are no longer part of the standard text? In this video, we explore reports about the codex of Ubayy ibn Ka'b and examine claims about “lost” or excluded suras during the Uthmanic recension. F
Mazdak & Mazdakism - Ancient Persian Communism?
Who was Mazdak, and did he really preach a form of “ancient communism”? In this video, we explore Mazdakism—a radical movement in Sasanian Persia that challenged wealth, power, and social inequality over 1,500 years ago. Find me and my musi
Atlantis of the Sands - The Legend of the Lost City of Arabia
Was the legendary “Atlantis of the Sands” real? In this video, we explore the mystery of Iram of the Pillars, the lost city often linked to the ancient people of ʿĀd mentioned in the Qurʾān. We explore whether it was originally a city or th
Abd al-Malik - The Caliph Who Shaped Islam?
How did Abd al-Malik shape the development of Islam? This video explores the reign of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, including his reforms, the construction of the Dome of the Rock, and his role in shaping early Islamic identity. Was he t
The Islamic Idealism of Ibn 'Arabi
Was the great Sufi thinker Ibn 'Arabi actually a kind of idealist philosopher? In this video we explore the metaphysics of the Akbari tradition and the famous doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujud (Oneness of Being). I examine Ibn ‘Arabi’s view that
al-Ghazali, Ibn 'Arabi & The Sufi School of Love | w. Omid Safi
Find Omid here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotheromid/ And Illuminated Tours/Courses: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3FmNkxGd0RtYUhpZmlHTDJlNlpXUjBHRVFjUXxBQ3Jtc0trMUZBREpQN3QydGJXZH
The Sufi School of Love
What is the “School of Love” in Sufism? In this video, we explore Madhhab-e Ishq — the Sufi path centered on divine love (ishq) as the highest way to know God. From the poetry of Rumi to the teachings of Ahmad Ghazali, discover how love bec
Zurvanism - The Zoroastrian Heresy?
Zurvanism is a lesser-known feature of ancient Zoroastrianism that centers on Zurvan, the god of infinite time, and the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. In this video, we explore the origins, beliefs, and historical inf
Abu Zayd al-Balkhi - The Man Who Discovered Mental Health 1,000 Years Too Early
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often seen as a modern invention—but its core ideas were explored over 1,100 years ago by the 9th-century scholar Abu Zayd al-Balkhi. In this video, we explore al-Balkhi’s groundbreaking writings on men
Nicholas of Cusa: Life & Philosophy
Nicholas of Cusa was a 15th-century philosopher, theologian, and mathematician whose ideas anticipated modern science and philosophy. In this video, we explore his life, key works, and radical concept of “learned ignorance,” as well as his
What is Taqqiyya?
In this video, I explain the meaning of taqiyya in Islamic tradition & where it comes from. We look at its historical context, what scholars actually say about it historically and today. Find me and my music here: https://linktr.ee/filiphol
What is Sharia Law, Really?
What is Sharia law, really? In this video, we break down the meaning of Sharia, explain where it comes from, and discuss some of the most misunderstandings you’ve probably heard online. Find me and my music here: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani & The Qadiri Sufi Order
The Qadiriyya is often called the most widespread Sufi order in the world — but how did one 12th-century mystic in Baghdad inspire a global movement that still thrives today? This episode explores the life and legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jila
What is Alchemy?
Discover the fascinating history of alchemy — the ancient art that aimed to turn base metals into gold. From mystical experiments to the birth of modern chemistry, this video explores how alchemists shaped science, philosophy, and the human
What Is a Ghoul? (The Terrifying Monster of Arabian Myth)
Long before modern horror imagined zombies or demons, ancient Arabic folklore spoke of the Ghoul (غول) — a terrifying shape-shifting creature haunting deserts, ruins, and graveyards. In this video, we uncover the true origins of the Ghoul:
The Sabians of Harran: A Lost Religion
Who were the mysterious Sabians of Harran? This forgotten group of ancient star-worshippers left behind one of history’s most fascinating mysteries. We look at the contemporary sources to (try to) find out what these ancient peoples actuall
