Podcasts

Podcasts

Charlie Kirk's Assassination: We have gone beyond the pale

Jonathan Pageau

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Oct 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

Huge changes are happening in the political landscape. In this video, I reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and how this moment has deeply affected me toward recognizing how broken our unity has become. Drawing on symbolic insights, I explore the danger of turning opposition into real enmity and the need to return to truth, forgiveness, and higher purpose. The recent interview with my brother, Matthieu, that I mention in the video: https://youtu.be/8-RWp1_lSEM?si=flnni77ae94jpuD- The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD -Get 15% off with the early bird sale through all of October with the code: EARLYPARADISO -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso During October you can also get 50% off the Inferno and Purgatorio courses with the code: DANTE50 -Inferno: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-inferno-the-course -Purgatorio: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-purgatorio 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

American Folk Magic and Christianity: From the Reformation to Mormonism (Universal History)

Jonathan Pageau

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Oct 2, 2025

October 2, 2025

In this episode of Universal History Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I explore the world of magic and folk superstition at the roots of American Christianity. What is magic? Where’s the line between prayer and magic? Why did Protestant reformers ban holy water but keep belief in the devil? How did treasure-hunting rituals lead to the rise of Mormonism? This conversation challenges common assumptions about magic and Christianity and shows how enchantment never truly disappeared from the modern world. Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:37 - Intro music 01:01 - Introduction 04:54 - What is magic? 08:46 - The modern & Enlightenment ideas of superstition 11:00 - Prayers and psalms 13:30 - The Reformation's perspective 24:27 - Medieval understanding of superstition 26:53 - Example: the French "Dog-saint" 28:11 - Reformation conclusions 33:37 - You have an embarrassing illness 37:21 - Christian magic hacks 46:29 - Manifestation 52:03 - Scapegoating 54:31 - Categories of magic 56:47 - Divination 04:30 - Water witching 07:30 - Saint Porphyrios 08:51 - Finding water 09:57 - Finding other things 11:44 - Money digging 13:33 - How money digging works 17:34 - The symbolism of the New World 20:54 - Joseph Smith and Mormonism 24:18 - The human need for enchantment 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and Life - Heidi White

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 25, 2025

September 25, 2025

In this conversation, I sit down with author and educator Heidi White to discuss her new book, The Divided Soul. We explore the story of the prodigal son, the tension between duty and desire, and how these themes echo through literature, culture, and our own lives. Heidi shares insights from the Bible, classical works, and pop culture, showing that many stories reflect this deep human struggle. Buy Heidi’s book: https://www.goldberrypress.com/products/the-divided-soul-duty-and-desire-in-literature-and-life Heidi’s Substack and podcast: https://closereads.substack.com/ Instagram: @heidiwhitereads 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Fr. Stephen De Young's Jubilees and the Nephilim course is now finished and available to purchase: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim Timestamps 00:00 - Coming up 01:40 - Intro music 02:04 - Introduction 02:48 - The prodigal son 05:32 - Duty and desire 07:17 - Paradise as unity 13:02 - Why the duality? 17:36 - Sins of the right hand and the left hand 20:49 - Ordering desire 27:30 - Examples 33:28 - Repentance and sacrifice 38:04 - Christ's version of this pattern 44:24 - Heidi's vision 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

The Age of Self-Esteem

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 22, 2025

September 22, 2025

This is August's patron video that I decided to make public. In it I explore the modern idea of self-esteem—where it came from, how it shapes our culture, and why it so often leads us into confusion and disorder. I contrast this with the Christian vision of humility, which offers a path to true freedom and joy. 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Brave New Biology: Intelligence Trumps DNA - with Dr. Michael Levin and Dr. John Vervaeke

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 20, 2025

September 20, 2025

Dr. Michael Levin is a professor in the Department of Biology at Tufts University and an associate faculty member at the Wyss Institute at Harvard. He directs the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, where his team integrates biophysics, computational modeling, and behavioral science to study how cellular collectives make decisions during embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer. Levin’s research centers on diverse forms of intelligence and unconventional embodied minds, bridging conceptual theory, experimental biology, and translational work aimed at regenerative medicine. His lab also pioneers efforts in artificial intelligence and the bioengineering of novel living machines. Read more about Dr. Michael Levin’s work: https://drmichaellevin.org/ X: https://x.com/drmichaellevin YouTube: @drmichaellevin John Vervaeke's YouTube channel: @johnvervaeke 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:14 - Intro music 01:40 - Introduction 02:23 - What Michael does 06:19 - Example experiments 07:51 - Memories outside the brain 12:46 - Terminology: memory 13:59 - Communicate to biological cells 15:54 - Limitations? 17:39 - Platonic patterns 34:06 - Incarnation and constraints 39:26 - Causes 49:28 - New beings in new spaces 52:25 - What the Enlightenment dismissed 55:32 - Molecular medicine 57:36 - Subtle bodies 01:00:45 - Ethics 01:03:37 - Medical and meaning applications 01:11:42 - Frightening 01:14:31 - Against the status quo 01:19:03 - Should we dabble in this technology? 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 12, 2025

September 15, 2025

Jonathan et Jean-Philippe tentent de comprendre la structure symbolique de deux cantiques dans Luc 1: le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie.

Podcasts

Fractals: The World is Full of Meaning

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 11, 2025

September 12, 2025

I’ve spoken about fractals on my channel for many years. In this talk, I explore the topic directly—showing how fractals are a fundamental structure of reality. Understanding these patterns is essential if we want to see the world symbolically and build true fellowship rooted in spirit rather than mere rules. This talk took place at the 2025 Midwestuary conference. Estuary Hub Link: https://www.estuaryhub.com/ https://www.southeastuary.com/ 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:28 - Intro music 00:51 - Introducing Jonathan 02:08 - Start of talk 04:59 - Heaven and earth 07:44 - Produce variation 13:44 - Revelation 19:18 - Resistance to embodiment 22:05 - Heaven provides influence 25:21 - A nation: embodiment 35:56 - Too close to multiplicity 38:27 - A luminous hierarchy 41:22 - What can make a hierarchy fragile Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

The Strange Symbolism of K-Pop Demon Hunters: Shame, Attention, LGBT, Jung

Jonathan Pageau

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Sep 5, 2025

September 5, 2025

I finally watched K-Pop Demon Hunters after so many of you kept asking about it. In this video, I explore the strange mix of symbolism: demons, idols, and the way the film deals with shame, music, and attention. There are fascinating elements in the story, but also some deep problems from a symbolic and Christian perspective. Let’s dive in together. WARNING: This video contains spoilers. 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out the latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Latest course: Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Do you want to know more about symbolism and learn how to do your own analysis? Join the Symbolism Masterclass, the culmination of my life’s work on this topic. It’s both for beginners and long-time followers. Over 6 classes and more than 18 hours of content, that you can follow at your own pace, you’ll uncover the hidden structures of reality—from sacred time to the dance of opposites—and learn to live with intention in an age of distraction, confusion, and the crisis of meaning. Register here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Architecture: The Most Important Art - with Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant

Jonathan Pageau

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Aug 30, 2025

August 30, 2025

In this conversation I’m joined by Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant to explore the importance of traditional architecture and city planning. We discuss why so much of our built environment feels alienating, how modernism abandoned human proportion and beauty, and why recovering classical forms matters for culture, community, and even our spiritual lives. Michael shares the story of the Architecture Uprising movement across Europe, and Andrew explains how he approaches designing buildings that are rooted in tradition yet alive for today. Together we reflect on how beauty is not just a luxury—it’s essential for human flourishing. Architects, go to https://newtrad.org/ Follow Michael on X / Twitter: https://x.com/michael_diamant Andrew Gould's website: https://newworldbyzantine.com/ Follow Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.gould.1401 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Rapunzel and the Evil Witch - with Heather Pollington

Jonathan Pageau

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Aug 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

📖 RAPUNZEL AND THE EVIL WITCH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Heather Pollington and I are thrilled to share our brand-new storybook with you, 'Rapunzel and the Evil Witch'! Following 'Snow White and the Widow Queen' and 'Jack and the Fallen Giants', this third fairy tale feels like the culmination of our work so far. With this book you’ll begin to notice the different threads connecting across the series. Heather has created stunning illustrations that weave medieval and Byzantine influences into a style perfectly suited to the fairy tale world. In this video, we walk through the process behind the book, the symbolism of Rapunzel’s story, and what's unique about our version of the story. We show many of the book's illustrations. I can't wait to hear what you think! Timestamps: 00:00 - Announcement and opening 01:36 - Intro music 02:02 - Introduction 03:41 - Heather's journey to Rapunzel 06:40 - Critiques of fairy tales 07:46 - Tangled 10:12 - Exploring Rapunzel imagery 10:24 - Early sketches 12:14 - Iconography and Palekh fairy tale tradition 15:54 - Frontispiece 17:51 - Green flowers 20:12 - The witch's garden 22:59 - The dark exchange 25:48 - The circle of protection 28:55 - A sense of freedom 30:43 - The moon tower 35:04 - The haunting melody 37:40 - Love in the tower 41:47 - The dream 43:27 - Flax into gold 46:02 - Rain from heaven 53:43 - The wooden throne 56:28 - Order 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. - Price: 180 USD, Involved patrons qualify for 10% discount. Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Étude biblique: l'hymne aux Colossiens

Jean-Philippe Marceau

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Aug 20, 2025

August 27, 2025

Jean-Philippe se retrouve avec Frère Simon Lessard, OP, pour discuter des différences entre l'approche symbolique et l'approche classique, cette fois-ci en s'attaquant conjointement à l'hymne aux Colossiens. Ils parviennent à harmoniser leurs approches en voyant le Christ comme cause finale, la structure fondamentale de la création.

Podcasts

Symbolism Explained: The Fundamental WWII Duality That Still Haunts Us Today

Jonathan Pageau

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Aug 17, 2025

August 17, 2025

In this video, I explore the symbolism of World War II through the imagery of the Axis and the Allies. Beyond politics, these symbols reveal a deeper story about unity and multiplicity—the tension between the “one” and the “many.” I look at how the propaganda and narratives of that time shaped the post-war consensus we still live in today, and why those stories are now reaching their limits. My hope is to help you see how these patterns influence our culture and why finding balance is so important. Visit https://www.rapunzelbook.com to pre-order our new fairy tale story, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch. NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. - Price: 180 USD, Involved patrons qualify for 10% discount. Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

Platonisme en biologie et effondrement démographique

Jonathan Pageau

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Aug 6, 2025

August 27, 2025

Jonathan et Jean-Philippe partent de deux sujets issues de la biologie: 1) Le platonisme biologique de Michael Levin. 2) L'effondrement démographique auquel la planète fait présentement face, ainsi que ses répercussions génétiques et symboliques.

Podcasts

Marriage: The Bedrock of Civilization - with Fr. Josiah Trenham

Jonathan Pageau

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Aug 4, 2025

August 5, 2025

In this episode, Father Josiah Trenham returns to the podcast for us to talk about the profound meaning and cosmic significance of marriage. We explore why marriage is a crucial civilizational cornerstone rooted in divine order, not only from a Christian perspective, but universally in all flourishing societies. We discuss how it compares to and co-exists with monasticism and the meaning of marriage and the wedding ceremony not just as a gate to self-fulfillment and a joyful experience, but also as self-sacrifice. We also discuss how rediscovering the beauty of marriage can help restore sanity in our fragmented secular world. This conversation is also a preview of the upcoming Marriage Conference in Riverside, CA (Oct. 10–12), where I’ll be speaking alongside Father Josiah, Archbishop Cordileone, Dr. Brad Wilcox, and others. Learn more at https://www.themarriageconference.com/  Subscribe to Fr. Josiah's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PatristicNectarFilms — NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until 11:59 pm EST (midnight) of August 8th. - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim  - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase.  - Price: 180 USD Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. — Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:00 - Intro music 01:24 - Introduction 04:01 - Marriage, monasticism, and St. John the Baptist 09:16 - The symbiosis between monasticism and marriage 12:32 - Why marriage fails 16:14 - The fruits of abandoning marriage 21:37 - Contract 24:15 - Acknowledge the ideal 27:53 - The nuclear and extended family 29:40 - The crowns 34:23 - A new independent union 38:03 - Aspects of marriage 43:19 - Refined love 45:42 - Pagan monogamy 50:39 - Marrying young 55:18 - 50s Housewife vs boss babe 57:01 - Having children 01:00:39 - Hopes 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Podcasts

How to Read Extra-Biblical Texts Like Jubilees (and Why It Matters) - Fr. Stephen De Young

Jonathan Pageau

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Jul 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Fr. Stephen De Young returns to the channel to explore how we should approach extra-Biblical literature—looking especially at the Book of Jubilees in anticipation of his upcoming Symbolic World course: Jubilees and the Nephilim. We discuss a different, more ancient way of doing theology—through story, ritual, poetry, and image rather than flat modern academic argument. If you’ve ever wondered how texts like Jubilees, Enoch, or the Lives of Adam and Eve connect to Christian theology, this conversation is for you. NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until end of July. - Price: 180 USD (Discounted to 158 USD) - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. Timestamps 00:00 - Coming up 00:55 - Intro music 01:20 - Introduction 02:11 - Jubilees 05:08 - A different way of doing theology 15:23 - Why do we have peripheral stories? 22:34 - The twelfth apostle 24:16 - Blood libel 27:09 - Adam's skull 31:19 - Sacred geography 34:09 - The sacramental reality 39:01 - The modern trade 41:52 - UFOs, psychedelics, and materialism 44:43 - Reading extra-biblical texts and Jubilees 47:53 - What can extra-biblical traditions offer us? 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/