Ep106: Conversations In Apocalyptic Times - Arthur Versluis PhD
In this interview, I am joined by Professor Arthur Versluis, a professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University.
In this interview, I am joined by Professor Arthur Versluis, a professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University, author of over 25 books on subjects ranging from Western esotericism, magic, Christian Theosophy, ancient mystery schools, and more.
In this episode we discuss Arthur’s latest book, ‘Conversations In Apocalyptic Times’ and trace a thread of esoteric Christianity that stretches back to the mystery schools of Ancient Greece.
We discover fascinating figures such as shoemaker and mystic Jakob Böhme; priest, alchemist, and astrologer John Pordage; and learn about the negative theology of Christian Neoplatanist Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, contrasting it with Buddhist notions of emptiness and the ‘neti neti’ method advocated by Shankara.
Arthur also explains the differences between historical and a-historical lineages and discusses the recurring friction between the religious mystic and the religious institution.
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
Topics include:
00:00 – Intro
01:04 – Arthur’s academic and popular writing
02:30 – Arthur’s childhood interest in the unknown
03:59 – Jakob Böhme, John Pordage, and Christian Theosophy
07:33 – Lineage and ahistorical continuity
10:00 – Christianity as a Mystery Tradition
18:28 – Christian Theosophy as an alchemical, contemplative path
24:32 – Why are mystics persecuted by the institutions?
30:04 – Negative theology, mystical transcendence, and Platonic mysticism
35:53 – Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite
39:39 – Comparisons and differences between negative theology and shunyata
44:43 – How are a-historical lineages revived and reconstructed?
49:35 – Robert Fass’ synthesis of Western psychology and Christian Theosophy
To find out more about Dr Arthur Versluis, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James