What is spirit? This was one of my most meaningful conversations with John Vervaeke yet, published initially on the Transfigured podcast. As we prepare for the Midwestuary 2025 conference in Chicago, we explore how beings come into existence, the mystery of unity and multiplicity, and what’s really going on with AI, angels, and the spirit of community. John shares some powerful personal transformations as well. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into spirit, ontology, and meaning.

Register for the 2025 Midwestuary Conference in Chicago, August 22-24: https://www.midwestuary.com/

NEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton This course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests. - Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 22nd, 2025 - Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total - Cost: 120 USD (108 USD for Involved patrons) - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality

• Get early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch
• Symbolism Masterclass course by Jonathan Pageau: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass
• John Vervaeke's course on the Symbolic World, The Cognitive Science of Ritual: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-cognitive-science-of-ritual

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro by Jonathan 01:25 - Intro music 01:50 - Midwestuary conference details 03:42 - What is Spirit? 05:21 - John's response 08:22 - Fellowship 11:00 - Jonathan's response 13:34 - Why it's hard to think about unity and multiplicity 16:35 - Dualism in spirit 18:32 - Modern false dichotomies 24:19 - Jonathan: Spirit outside of minds? 30:57 - Are there non-psychological spirits? 33:42 - Gathered in man 35:55 - Reduction can go both ways 37:35 - The seat of self-consciousness 42:01 - A human centered view 43:36 - John: The standard of realness 49:30 - An embodied world for everyone 56:17 - Porosity between science and myth 01:00:39 - Breath 01:02:05 - A post-Kantian vision 01:05:52 - Exampting and group identity 01:10:40 - Liturgy and team spirit 01:17:48 - Are spirits just psychological? 01:20:26 - Prophesy 01:27:43 - How do we use technology? 01:34:01 - AI

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