“Beyond Atheism: Finding Meaning in the Secular Age”

Freddie Sayers hosts John Vervaeke and Alex O’Connor, formerly known as Cosmic Skeptic, to explore the deep question of meaning in an increasingly secular world. They discuss the historical role of religion in providing purpose and narrative, the modern challenges of finding meaning, and the rise of non-propositional forms of knowledge and practice. O’Connor and … Read more“Beyond Atheism: Finding Meaning in the Secular Age”

Metamodernism and Poetic Faiths

Brendan Graham Dempsey interviews Tony Wolf, editor of Poetic Faiths: New Religions and Rituals as Works of Living Art: First we tackle the idea of “Poetic Faiths” and what they are before going over what’s in this new anthology of interviews with creators of such Poetic Faiths. Tony shares part of his story that led … Read moreMetamodernism and Poetic Faiths

“The Inevitable Death of Fascism”: Cults of Life and Death in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Furiosa”

The Genetically Modified Skeptic YouTube channel offers a cogent comparison of religious/cultic themes in the Mad Max universe with real-world fascistic (and anti-fascistic) movements. Readers with a taste for Mad Max cult action may also enjoy this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the training of the actors and stuntmen who played Immortan Joe’s War Boys.

“Cyborgs Need a Trustworthy Religion”

According to The Monastic Academy for the Preservation of Life on Earth: If compassionate and wise beings don’t create the religion of this age, others will. In recent years, religion has evolved more quickly than any other force on Earth. Powerful leaders are now publicly claiming things that would have seemed absurd ten years ago, … Read more“Cyborgs Need a Trustworthy Religion”

Te Ātea and the Potentials of Civic Mythopoetics in New Zealand

Recently returned from a trip to New Zealand, where I was heartened and intrigued to note that traditional Māori cultural/spiritual symbolism is increasingly being incorporated into public space design. The photo above is of Te Ātea (“the Space”) on the Lake Taupo foreshore: There are a number of different elements that come together to form … Read moreTe Ātea and the Potentials of Civic Mythopoetics in New Zealand

“Pop Culture – a New Source of Spirituality?”

Pavol Kosnáč writes for the Abide University and Institute website – AUI itself being the laid-back academic branch of the Dudeist faith – on the subject of pop-culture religions; As Terry Pratchett once said, religion requires believers – if there is no religion, the god is not believed in, and ceases to be ‘god’ to … Read more“Pop Culture – a New Source of Spirituality?”

“Looking Ahead”: a new essay by Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves

In the aftermath of the 2024 American elections, Lucien Greaves writes: It is often mystifying to me that people come to us and say, if only it were not Satan. But it is Satan, because we are Satanists. Do not ask us to discard Satanism, just accept that Satanism is not for you. You can support … Read more“Looking Ahead”: a new essay by Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves