Let's Talk Religion

What is my Religion? - QandA

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:07:30 -0000

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Who Were the Sabians? - The Lost Religion of the Quran

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:45:00 -0000

Who were the Sabians (Ṣābi’ūn) mentioned in the Quran? Were they a mysterious religious community, early monotheists, Mandaeans, star-worshippers, or something else entirely? In this video, we explore the fascinating question of the identity of the Sabians, drawing on Islamic sources, Quranic references, historical accounts, and scholarly debates.

Music by Filip Holm (me)

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Gunduz, Sinasi (1994). "The Knowledge of Life: The Origins and Early History of the Mandaeans and Their Relation to the Sabians of the Qur'an and to the Harranians". Oxford University Press.

Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". OUP USA.

Van Bladel, Kevin (2017). "From Sasanian Mandaeans to Sabians of the Marshes". Brill.

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Thomas Aquinas - The Greatest Christian Philosopher?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:22:30 -0000

Discover the life, works, and enduring influence of Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), the Dominican friar whose synthesis of faith and reason transformed philosophy and theology.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Aquinas, Thomas (1998). "Selected Writings". Penguin Classics.

Davies, Brian & Elenore Stump (ed.) (2012). "The Oxford Handbook of Aquinas". OUP USA.

Kretzmann, Norman & Eleonore Stump (ed.) (2010). "The Cambridge Companion to Aquinas". Cambridge University Press.

The Summa Theologica Translation by Ave Maria Press (1981).

-----------------

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:05 Life and Works
14:04 Thomas & Scholasticism
15:00 Summa Theologiae
16:56 Faith & Reason
23:21 What is God?
27:51 God's Simplicity & Attributes
30:55 Theology
32:14 Proofs of God's Existence (Five Ways)
38:28 Psychology & The Human Soul
42:24 Mysticism?
44:46 Legacy
46:16 Conclusions

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Pseudo-Dionysius: The Father of Mysticism?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we tackle one of the most important figures in the history of religion, philosophy, mysticism & the esoteric - the writer calling himself Dionysios, and who would create a synthesis between Neoplatonic philosophy and Christianity in ways the echoed down the centuries.

Check out the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) for more Dionysius content: https://shwep.net

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.

Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.

McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.

McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co.

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Pseudo-Dionysius: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-dionysius-areopagite/

Earl's section:

Human and celestial hierarchies compared: EH 373AB, 376BC; CH 208BCD; EH 501A-D.

Angelic triads: CH 200D: 3 threefold groups of angels, as taught by Pseudo-D's sacred initiator (i.e. Hierotheos); CH 257C: each angelic triad has Iamblichean-style first and last terms with a necessary median term. Cf. Iamb. De myst. V.8.225.5-8; CH 273C ditto; EH 501A: triads au go-go.

Angelic mediation between humans and god: CH 180A. God never appears without intermendiaries, even to the saints: m180C. Even to Jesus: 181C. Long discussion of Isaiah and the Seraphim: 300B ff.

--------------------------------
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:18 Who was Dionysius?
10:38 Writings
12:59 Theology & The Divine Names
26:10 The Mystical Theology
35:29 The Celestial & Ecclesiastical Hierarchy (Earl Fontainelle)
51:12 Legacy
54:59 Conclusions

#dionysius #mysticism #neoplatonism

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Aquinas' Argument For God's Existence

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 16:37:30 -0000

In this video, we explore Thomas Aquinas' famous "Five Ways" or arguments for the existence of God.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Aquinas, Thomas (1998). "Selected Writings". Penguin Classics.

Davies, Brian & Elenore Stump (ed.) (2012). "The Oxford Handbook of Aquinas". OUP USA.

Kretzmann, Norman & Eleonore Stump (ed.) (2010). "The Cambridge Companion to Aquinas". Cambridge University Press.

The Summa Theologica Translation by Ave Maria Press (1981).

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"Why did I start making YouTube videos?" QandA

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 16:15:00 -0000

Link to Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sorry for the audio quality in this video, I will be back to my regular videos soon!

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Ibn Rushd (Averroes) - Champion of Reason

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 15:52:30 -0000

In this video, we talk about the famous Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Make one-time donation to paypal: filipekholm@yahoo.se

Sources/Further Reading:
Kennedy, Hugh (1996). "Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus". Routledge.

Genequand, Charles (1986). "Ibn Rushd's Methaphysics". Brill.

"Bidayat al-Mujtahid wa nihayat al-Muqtasid" (The Distinguished Jurist's Primer) Vol. 1 by Ibn Rushd. Translated by Professor Imran Ahsan Khan Niazee. Garnet Publishing.

Taylor, Richard C. (2005). "Averroes: religious dialectic and Aristotelian philosophical thought". in "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Edited by Peter Adamson and Richard C. Taylor.

"The Decisive Treatise" by Ibn Rushd (Averroes). Translated by Charles E. Butterworth. Islamic Translation Series. Bringham Young University Press. 2008.

"Tahafut al-Tahafut (The Incoherence of the Philosophers)" by Ibn Rushd (Averroes). Translated by Simon Van den Bergh. Gibb Memorial Trust Arabic Studies. 2008.

#Averroes #Philosophy #Religion

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Top 10 Religions in the World

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 15:30:00 -0000

In this video we list the top 10 biggest religions across the world according to number of followers!

Link to previous video "What is Religion?":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUfkVBHPuVs&t=1s

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Clips used in this video fall under "creative commons" and because of the way it is used for educational purposes, it can be categorized as "fair use" . They are the following :

Shhivakuumar Lakshminarayana:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUWEKZikHlU

Suvdaip Sanyal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z89BFKA2Oqw

Veerayatan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgHYhL1pfow

DamianMavicPro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9jiUFnrw_k

Online videos from Israel, Middle East & Jewish world:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6GTfTkO-eg

ANFX // Free Media:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFQDXJm43vM

Sikh Dharma International:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXP_MxG9q1o

Sikh Touch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb8XAhfIFLo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ404ReP5do

EDMONTON - Ranjit Singh & Bobby Khaira:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECpQ7knqvf8

Pierce Salguero:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfWVEmAUZAY

Hamza Khan swati:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv4k2YLzkYk

World of Travel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZWKX8zVkFU

epSos.de
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPgrvszy7As

ETV Andhra Pradesh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay7RWb4VpIg

BignNews:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp9CB_stToQ

orthodoxindy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOgDfqiSofA&t=193s

Ad te levavi animam meam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEyMN96lbhY

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What is Shinto? (Rethinking Religion in Japan)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 15:07:30 -0000

In this video I talk about the Japanese religion "Shinto" or "Shintoism" and discuss some of the problems related to how we commonly understand it. As it turns out, some of the most widely held ideas about the religion might be incorrect.

Music used in this video:
Soloists of the ensemble Nipponia - Japan (Traditional Vocal & Instrumental music)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4emogJU_pdA

Videos used:

BEGIN Japanology:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nccRTm6hnug

Paolo fromTOKYO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F5M7Lei7yQ

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Who are the Yazidis?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 14:45:00 -0000

In this video in the series on minority religions in the middle east, we explore Yazidism, a fascinating religion that have sometimes been oppressed and persecuted.

Sources:
Kreyenbroek, Philip G. (1995). "Yezidism: it's background, observances and textual tradition. Lewiston, N.Y.: Edwin Mellen

Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.

Videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08l8lR5zOqY

#Yazidism #Yazidis #MelekTaus

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Ibn Sab'in and Radical Unity

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 14:22:30 -0000

In this video, we talk about the controversial Andalusian Philosopher/Sufi Ibn Sab'in (d. 1270) and his teachings.

If you want to support me on Patreon, visit this page: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sources:
Ceballos, Carlos Berbil (2015). "Journeying from the Apparent to Absolute Being: Ibn Sab'in and his predecessors". Journal of the Muhyddin Ibn 'Arabi Society Vol. 58.

Cornell, Vincent J. (2007). "The All-Comprehensive Circle (al-Ihata): Soul, Intellect and the Oneness of Existence in the Doctrine of Ibn Sab'in". In "Sufism and Theology" (ed. Ayman Shihadeh). Edinburgh University Press.

Johnson. N. Scott (1995). "Ocean and Pearls: Ibn Sab'in, Shustari and the Doctrine of Absolute Unity". In "Sufi: Journal of Sufism" Issue 25.

Westerveld, Govert (2014). "Ibn Sab'in of the Ricote Valley: the First and Last Islamic Place in Spain".

#IbnSabin #Sufism #Nonduality

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Tijaniyya and the Ziyara Bogal - A Modern Sufi Pilgrimage

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 14:00:00 -0000

In this documentary we explore the annual pilgrimage of "Ziyara Bogal", performed by the Tijaniyya Sufi-brotherhood.
It presents an image of Islam that isn't perhaps what most people are used to, and how diverse a religious tradition can be.

I would like to thank everyone that helped me along the way, and the wonderful people of Bogal for welcoming me. A very special thanks to Sait Mbai and Abdulrahman Barry.

Written, shot and presented by Filip Holm
Edited by Filip Holm and Aiat Almansour

Let's Talk Religion facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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What is Mandaeism?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 13:37:30 -0000

What is Mandaeism? And Who are the Mandaeans?
This religious group from middle east has a long and rich history that connects it to Gnosticism, Early Judaism and John the Baptist. Watch to find out more about this fascinating tradition.

#Mandaeism #Mandaeans #Sabians

Sources:
Buckley, Jorunn J. Jacobsen (2002). "The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people". New York: Oxford University Press.

Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.

Videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOxm4Jr5vYc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhP4n3SMs0w&t=26s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIhzoMHjRCs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhP4n3SMs0w

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What is Manichaeism?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 13:15:00 -0000

Manichaeism is an ancient religion that is relatively unknown. In this video, I give you everything you need to know as a introduction to this fascinating faith.

Link to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sources/Further Reading:

Lieu, Samuel N. (1993). "Manichaeism in Mesopotamia and the Roman East: 118 (Religions in the Graeco-Roman World)". Brill.

Lieu, Samuel N. (1998). "Manichaeism in Central Asia and China: Collected Studies (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies)". Brill.

Magnusson, Jörgen (2013). "Mat och manikeism". In "Religion och Mat", Edited by Lena Roos & Leif Nordenstorm. Natan Söderblom-sällskapet.

#Manichaeism #Gnosticism #AncientReligion

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Abd al-Malik - The Caliph Who Shaped Islam?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:52:30 -0000

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 the most important caliph in Islamic history?

Link to al-Muqaddimah's video: https://youtu.be/kWRQFX30xnM

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Donner, Fred (2012). "Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam". Harvard University Press.

Dov Goitein, Shelomo (1950). "The Historical Background of the Erection of the Dome of the Rock". In Journal of the American Oriental Society , Apr. - Jun., 1950, Vol. 70, No. 2, pp. 104-108.

Elad, Amikam (2008). "֒ABD AL-MALIK AND THE DOME OF THE
ROCK: A FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEMUSLIM SOURCES". In JERUSALEM STUDIES IN ARABIC AND ISLAM 35(2008).

Marsham, Andrew (2023). "The Umayyad Empire". Edinburgh University Press.

Robinson, Chase F. (2012). "'Abd al-Malik". Makers of the Muslim World. Oneworld Academic.

#islam #umayyad #history

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The Weirdest Part of the Odyssey

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:30:00 -0000

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 from Homer's Odyssey as a profound allegory for the soul's descent into matter and its eventual return to the divine. We explore how Porphyry reads the cave, its nymphs, its looms and its two gates as a complete symbolic map of the cosmos, drawing on Platonic metaphysics, ancient astrology, and even the Cult of Mithras.

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Translations of the commentary:

Lamberton, Robert (translated by) (1983). "Porphyry: On the Cave of the Nymphs". Station Hill Press.

Thomas Taylor's translation (from the 1800's) is a classic. It is available through Lamp of Trismegistus.

John M. Duffy, Philip F. Sheridan, Leendert G. Westerink, and Jeffrey A. White (ed.) (1969). "Porphyry: The Cave of the Nymphs in the Odyssey". State University of New York.

Secondary sources:

Akçay, Nilüfer (2019). "Porphyrys On the Cave of the Nymphs in its Intellectual Context". Brill.

Beck, Roger (2006). "The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun". OUP Oxford.

Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company.

Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonists". Bristol Classical Press.

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode).

Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.

Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.

Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.

Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.

O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.

Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.

Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.

-------------------------------------

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:35 The Cave of the Nymphs
5:16 Porphyry & Neoplatonism
9:47 Homer The Theologian/Philosopher
11:55 More background
13:03 Part 1: Cave, Olive, Naiads
26:31 Part 2: Kraters, Amphoras, Bees & Honey
30:41 Part 3: Stone looms & purple cloth
32:08 Part 4: Gates, Astral lore & ascent
38:22 Conclusions

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The Pantheon - A 2,000 Year Old Masterpiece

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:07:30 -0000

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Bookshelf Tour (Part 1?)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 11:45:00 -0000

You asked for it, and I'm delivering.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast:

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Journey to the Mystical City of Rumi

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 11:22:30 -0000

Follow me on my journey to the city of Konya, one of the most significant for the history of Sufism, and where great figures like Rumi, al-Qunawi, 'Iraqi & Ibn 'Arabi lived around the same time.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Videography by:
Aiat Almansour
Filip Holm

Audio by:
Aiat Almansour

Music by:
Filip Holm
Ajwaa
Sada Trio
Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
HY_Productions

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Fakhruddin 'Iraqi - "Divine Flashes (Lama'at)". Translated by William C. Chittick & Peter Lamborn Wilson. The Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications.

Todd, Richard (2014). "The Sufi Doctrine of Man: Ṣadr Al-Dīn Al-Qūnawī's Metaphysical Anthropology". Brill.

#konya #rumi #sufism

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What is Religion?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In video we discuss the concept "Religion" itself and ask questions about its usability and the problems that comes with it.

Religion for breakfast video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KHDR8jdbA&t=41s

Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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What is God?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 10:37:30 -0000

In this video, I discuss the very controversial subject of "God" and talk about a few examples of how this subject has been handled throughout history.

Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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Ibadi - Islam's third major branch

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 10:15:00 -0000

In this video we talk about the third major branch of Islam, known as Ibadism, which is a major presence today in Oman, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
It is a somewhat forgotten branch, but one that is also often viewed as a moderate and tolerant branch of the religion.

Sources:
Hoffman, Valerie J. (2012). The Essentials of Ibadi Islam. Syracuse University Press.
Wilkinson, John C. (2010). Ibadism - Origins and early development in Islam. Oxford University Press.

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What is Pantheism?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:52:30 -0000

In this video, we explore the powerful philosophy of Pantheism—the belief that God is identical with the universe and everything in it. From ancient roots to modern interpretations, we dive deep into how Pantheism connects spirituality, science, and nature in a unified vision of reality.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Garrett, Don (1996). "The Cambridge Companion to Spinoza". Cambridge University Press.

Gatti, Hilary (ed.) (2002). "Giordano Bruno: Philosopher of the Renaissance". Routledge.

Idel, Moshe (1990). "Kabbalah: New Perspectives". Yale University Press.

Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press.

Levine, Michael P.P. (2014). "Pantheism: A Non-Theistic Concept of Deity". Routledge.

McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.

Scholem, Gershom (1995). "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism". Schocken Books; Revised edition.

Rubenstein, Mary-Jane (2018). "Pantheologies: Gods, Worlds, Monsters". Columbia University Press.

Wolfson, Harry Austryn (2014). "The Philosophy of Spinoza: Unfolding the Latent Processes of His Reasoning". Harvard University Press.

"The Ethics" by Spinoza

"Cause, Principle & Unity" by Giordano Bruno

#pantheism #spinoza #religion

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Is This the Most Ancient Shrine of Mary?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:30:00 -0000

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The Origins of Halloween, Dracula and Frankenstein (Shocktober 2018: Part 4)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:07:30 -0000

In this final and concluding episode I talk about the holiday of Halloween, its origins and rituals as well as some of the most popular monsters associated with it - Vampires, Werewolves and Frankenstein's monster.

If you liked this video, feel free to like and subscribe, and if you have suggestions for future videos, leave a comment!

Previous videos:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLkLFWlplHI&t=14s
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Vj2qMbQ1A
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHoOUONb_M4&t=1s

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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John Scotus Eriugena - The Most Dangerous Idea of the Dark Ages

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:45:00 -0000

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 breathtaking and unique. In this episode, we explore his masterwork Periphyseon (On the Division of Nature), his controversial ideas on negative theology, and why the Church eventually condemned his work as heretical.

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Sources/Recommended Reading:

Carabine, Deirdre (2000). "John Scottus Eriugena". Oxford University Press USA.

Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press.

Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.

McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.

Sheldon-Williams, I.P. & John J. O'Meara (translated and edited by) (2025). "Periphyseon: The Division of Nature". Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection. (This is the translation used for the Periphyseon except when noted).

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro
1:38 Eriugena's Life & Works
6:15 The Periphyseon (On the Division of Nature)
12:45 Part 1: Theology, Apophaticism & Theophany
28:00 Part 2: The Primordial Causes/Word
38:19 Part 3: The "Created" World & Human Nature
46:16 Part 4: The Return to God
53:58 All is God
55:22 Eriugena's Legacy
58:44 Conclusions

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Christian Pantheism in the Middle Ages?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:22:30 -0000

Dive into the forgotten history of the Amalricians, a radical medieval sect branded heretical by the Catholic Church. Followers of philosopher Amalric of Bena, the Amalricians believed in a mystical union with God and a controversial idea: that God was not separate from creation. Discover how their daring pantheistic beliefs challenged Church orthodoxy — and led to their dramatic suppression in the early 13th century.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Angus Braid's Website "The Amalrician Heresy" is an excellent source on the Amalricians in particular: https://theamalricianheresy.wordpress.com

Cohn, Norman (1970). "The Pursuit of the Millennium: Revolutionary Millenarians and Mystical Anarchists of the Middle Ages". Oxford University Press.

McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.

For a great video on Eriugena, check out Seekers of Unity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zszjA21plE&t=1019s&pp=ygUIRXJpdWdlbmE%3D

#amalricians #christianity #religion

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Music in the Islamic World (Part 1)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this first part of a new series, we talk about the earliest centuries of Islamic civilization - Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid caliphates - and the different forms of music that flourished at this time.

LINK TO PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sources/Suggested Reading:

al-Faruqi, Louis Ibsen (1985). "Music, Musicians and Muslim Law". Asian Music, Vol. 17, No. 17, p. 3-36.

Avery, Kenneth S. (2004). "A Psychology of Early Sufi Sama': Listening and altered states". Routledge.

Davila, Carl (2009). "Fixing a Misbegotten Biography: Ziryab in the Mediterranean World". Al-Masaq, Vol. 21, No. 2, August 2009.

Jenkins, Jean & Paul Rovsing Olsen (1976). "Music and Musical Instruments in the World of Islam". World of Islam Festival Publishing Company Ltd.

Shiloah, Amnon (1995). "Music in the World of Islam: a Socio-cultural study". Scolar Press.

Shiloah, Amnon (1997). "Music and Religion in Islam". Acta Musicologica, Vol. 69.

The Brethren of Purity. "On Music: An Arabic Critical Edition and Translation of Epistle 5". Edited and Translated by Owen Wright. Oxford University Press.

Wright, Owen (1978). "The Modal System Of Arab and Persian Music a.d. 1250-1300". Oxford University Press.

#Music #Religion #History

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The Mysterious Sabians of Harran: A Lost Religion

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:37:30 -0000

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 actually believed and practiced.

Music by Filip Holm (me)

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Dodge, Bayard (translated by) (1970). "The Fihrist of al-Nadim: A Tenth Century Survey of Muslim Culture". Columbia University Press.

Gunduz, Sinasi (1994). "The Knowledge of Life: The Origins and Early History of the Mandaeans and Their Relation to the Sabians of the Qur'an and to the Harranians". Oxford University Press.

Hjärpe, Jan (1972). "Analyse critique des traditions arabes sur les Sabéens Harraniens". Doctoral thesis. University of Uppsala.

Moses Maimonides - "The Guide for the Perplexed - A New Translation". Translated with commentary by Lenn E. Goodman & Philip I. Lieberman.
Stanford University Press.

Tardieu, Michel (1986). "Sabiens coraniques et Sabiens' de Harran'. Journal Asiatique 274, 1-44.

Tardieu, Michel (1987). "Les calandriers en usage a Harran d'aprés les sources arabes et le commentaire de Simplicius a la physique d'Aristotle". In Ilsetraut Hadot, ed., "Simplicius: Sa vie, son aevre, sa survie. Acted du colloque international de Paris (28 Sept.-1 Oct. 1985)". Berlin, de Gruyter, 40-57).

Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". OUP USA.

Van Bladel, Kevin (2017). "From Sasanian Mandaeans to Sabians of the Marshes". Brill.

#sabian #harran #history

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The Forgotten Mystical Book of Early Christianity

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:15:00 -0000

In this episode, we talk about the so-called "Book of the Holy Hierotheos", a Syriac work that contains some of the most radical and shocking mystical teachings from the corpus of early Christian writings.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
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Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Chatonnet, Francoise Briquel & Muriel Debié (2023). "The Syriac World: In Search of a Forgotten Christianity".

Darling Young, Robin; Joel Kalvesmaki; Columba Stewart; Charles M. Stang & Fr. Luke Dysinger (Translated by) (2024). "Evagrius of Pontus: The Gnostic Trilogy". OUP USA.

King, Daniel (2018). "The Syriac World". Routledge.

Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.

Marsh, F.S. (Translated by) (1927). "The Book Which is Called The Book of the Holy Hierotheos". Williams & Norgate.

Also check out more info about Evagrius on Luke Dysinger's website: http://www.ldysinger.com/Evagrius/

#hierotheos #mysticism #christianity

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Islamicate Occult Sciences and The Picatrix | Liana Saif

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:52:30 -0000

In this full interview, I speak with Dr. Liana Saif about the Ghayat al-Hakim, and the context of Islamicate Occult Sciences in which it was composed.

Thank you to Dr. Saif for appearing in, and helping out with, this video. Check out her excellent work, including:
Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.

Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

#Picatrix #magic #occultism

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Sufism in Morocco

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:30:00 -0000

In this episode, I take you with me on a journey through the Sufi history and present of Morocco, from the markets of Marrakesh to the shrines of Fez, while we walk in the footsteps of great mystics like Ibn Arabi.

Recitation in the beginning by Ali Keeler

Thank you to:
Omid Safi and Illuminated Courses: https://www.illuminatedcourses.com
Syawish Rehman ( @AlMuqaddimahYT for animations.)

Music by:
Filip Holm
Rymdklang

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Casewit, Yousef (2017). "The Mystics of al-Andalus: Ibn Barrajan and Islamic Thought in the Twelfth Century". Cambridge University Press.

Cornell, Vincent J. (Tranlated by) (1996). "The Way of Abu Madyan: The Works of Abu Madyan Shu'ayb". The Islamic Text Society.

Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.

Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.

#sufism #morocco #islam

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Religion in Ancient Greece

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:07:30 -0000

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://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Bowden, Hugh (2010). "Mystery cults in the Ancient World". Thames and Hudson Ltd.

Burkert, William (1987). "Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical". Wiley-Blackwell.

Burkert, Walter (1988). "Ancient Mystery Cults". Harvard University Press.

Chulp, Radek (2016). "Proclus: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press.

Cooper, John M. et. al (translated by) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing.

Dodds, E.R. (2004). "The Greeks & The Irrational". University of California Press.

Eidinow, Esther & Julia Kindt (ed.) (2017). "The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion". Oxford University Press.

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode).

Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.

Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.

Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.

Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.

Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press.

Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Parker, Robert C.T. (2011). "On Greek Religion". Cornell University Press.

Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.

Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.

Ustinova, Yulia (2017). "Divine Mania: Alterations of Consciousness in Ancient Greece". Routledge.

Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.

Zhmud, Leonid (2012). "Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans". Translated by Kevin Windle & Rosh Ireland. OUP Oxford.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:03 Theology, the gods & sources
15:15 Other divine forces
18:01 Religious practice
26:56 Priests and Priestesses
32:12 Temples & Sanctuaries
34:25 Revelation & Oracles
38:30 Festivals
43:00 Death & The Afterlife
45:42 Mytery Cults & Mysticism?
50:09 Philosophy & Religion
1:10:15 The extent of Hellenic culture
1:12:06 The end of a tradition?
1:14:10 Conclusions

#greece #religion #ancient

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Abraham Abulafia and Ecstatic Kabbalah

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 05:45:00 -0000

Abraham Abulafia (d. 1291) is one of the most fascinating jewish mystics of all time, who is credited with founding the "Ecstatic/Prophetic Kabbalah".

This video is in collaboration with ESOTERICA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ

Sources/Suggested Reading:
Hames, Harvey J. (2007). “Like Angels on Jacob’s Ladder”. State University of New York Press.

Ide, Moshe (1988). “The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia”. Translated from the Hebrew by Jonathan Chipman. State University of New York Press.

Idel, Moshe (1988). “Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah”. State University of New York Press.

Wolfson, Eliot R. (2011). “Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia and the Prophetic Kabbalah”. In Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (ed. Frederick E. Greenspahn). New York University Press.

#Abulafia #Kabbalah #Mysticism

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The Mystical Origins of Coffee and Tea

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 05:22:30 -0000

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Reading Sufi Poetry in Andalusia (al-Shushtari)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This video was shot right outside the village of Exfiliana, close to Guadix, and known previously as "Shushtar", where the famous monistic sufi poet Abu'l Hasan al-Shushtari was from.
In honor of visiting this place, I decided to read one of his poems in translation by Lourdes Maria Alvarez.

Check out my linktree for socials, music & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

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https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion

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Arabic Folklore’s Most Terrifying Creature: The Ghoul

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:37:30 -0000

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: its roots in pre-Islamic Arabian mythology, its transformation through Islamicate tradition, and its lasting influence on global horror culture.

Music by:
Jay Varton
Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Farell Wooten
Ethan Sloan
Experia

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Al-Rawi, Ahmed (2009). "The Mythical Ghoul in Arabic Culture". Article. The University of California.

Al-Rawi, Ahmed (2009). "The Arabic Ghoul and its Western Transformation". Folklore 120 (December 2009): 291–306.

Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.

Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.

Rašić, Dunja (2024). "Bedeviled: Jinn Doppelgangers in Islam and Akbarian Sufism". State University of New York Press.

"The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights". Edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. Translated by Yasmine Seale. Liveright Publishing Corporation.

Online version of Qazwini's "Wonders of Creation": https://shamela.ws/book/30006/310?utm_source=chatgpt.com

#ghouls #spookyseason #arabia

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Did Jesus Exist?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:15:00 -0000

Check out the other videos:

Al-Muqaddimah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhND4Ylf3CY&feature=youtu.be

Useful Charts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptYz-Vu0dxY&feature=youtu.be

Sources/Suggested Reading:

Chilton, Bruce & Craig A. Evans (ed.) (1998). Studying the historical Jesus: Evaluations of the state of Current Research. Brill.

Ehrman, Bart D. (2013). Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth. HarperOne.

Holmén, Tom & Stanley E. Porter (ed.) (2011). Handbook for the study of the historical Jesus. Volume 1. Brill.

Levine, Amy-Jill; Dale C. Allison Jr. & John Dominic Crossan (2006). The Historical Jesus in Context. Princeton University Press.

#Jesus #History #ProjectHistoricity

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Ibn Tufayl's "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan" - A historical review

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:52:30 -0000

*Re-upload from personal channel*
Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfVlosfX0Zg

In this first video of its kind on this channel, I discuss the 12th century philosophical tale "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan" written by Ibn Tufayl. This is a story that has had a significant impact on the world we live in, inspiring concepts such as Tabula rasa and modern philosophy in general.
It stands as yet another sign of the incredible contribution that the Muslim world has made historically, something that is sadly often overlooked.

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Wallada: The Rebel Princess-Poet of Al-Andalus

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:30:00 -0000

In this video, we explore the fascinating life and poetry of Wallada bint al-Mustakfi, an Umayyad princess who broke norms in 11th century Andalusia, as well as her love affair with the famous poet Ibn Zaydun.

Check out my linktree for socials, music & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
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Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Feras Charestan

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Lytle, Molly (2022). "“By God, I was made for Glory” -Wallada bint al-Mustakfi:
How Women Exerted Agency in the Umayyad Dynasty of Al-Andalus". Master's Thesis. University of Chicago.

Menocal, María Rosa; Raymond P. Scheindlin & Michael Sells (eds.) (2000). "The Literature of Al-Andalus". Cambridge History of Arabic Literature. Cambridge University Press.

Omran, Doaa (2022). "Wallāda Bint al-Mustakfi: A Muslim Princess Speaking Passionately and Persistently in the “Palimpsest” of al-Andalus". WOMEN’S STUDIES, 2022, VOL. 51, NO. 2, 120–136.

#wallada #andalucia #spain

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Can Women Be Prophets in Islam?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:07:30 -0000

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.

Music by:
Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1988). "The Sufis of Andalusia: The Ruh Al-Quds' and 'Al-Durrat al-Fakhirah'". Beshara Publications.

Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.

Shaikh, Sa'diyya (2012). "Sufi Narratives of Intimacy: Ibn Arabi, Gender & Sexuality". The University of North Carolina Press.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-7. Pir Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
6:55 Teachers: Fatima & Shams
10:30 Women's spiritual potential, leading prayers & prophethood
22:45 Women in Ibn Arabi's Fiqh
33:58 Companions
35:55 Tarjuman, Nizam & Qurrat al-ayn
47:46 Metaphysics & Cosmology of the Feminine in the Fusus
49:49 Ibn 'Arabi's female students
54:41 Family life
58:14 Conclusions

#ibnarabi #sufism #mysticism

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Shankara and Advaita Vedanta

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:45:00 -0000

The much requested video about Shankara is finally here.

Sources/Suggeested Reading:
Deutsch, Eliot (1973). “Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction”. University of Hawai’i Press.

Deutsch, Eliot & Rohit Dalvi (2005). “Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta”. World Wisdoms Books.

Suthren Hirst, J.G. (2005). “Samkara’s Advaita Vedanta: a way of teaching”. Routledge.

“The Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada’s Karika and Sankara’s Commentary”. Translated by Swami Nikhilananda. 1987. Advaita Ashrama.

“Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracarya”. Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.1972. Advaita Ashrama.

#Shankara #Vedanta #Advaita

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Why Do People Believe?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:22:30 -0000

In this video we explore the complex world of "belief" and present one perspective on the subject, taken primarily from scholar Abby Day's book "Believing in belonging".

Sources:
Day, Abby (2013). "Believing in Belonging: Belief and Social Identity in The Modern World. Oxford University Press.

#Religion #Faith #Sociology

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The Bezels of Wisdom - Ibn 'Arabi's Controversial Masterpiece

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:00:00 -0000

In this video, we explore the most important and controversial book by the 13th century mystic Ibn 'Arabi - Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom) and the legacy that it has had in the world of Islam and Sufism as one of the greatest spiritual masterpieces of all time.

Check out my linktree for socials, music & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
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Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Bezels of Wisdom". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.

Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-7. Pir Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:53 Ibn 'Arabi's Life
3:52 Origins & Structure of the Fusus
11:26 Wahdat al-Wujud?
14:08 Creation & The Human Being (Adam)
21:28 The 'Ayan al-Thabita (Immutable Entities)
24:53 Similes and Metaphors
33:00 Transcendence vs. Immanence
38:31 All is One
46:40 The Reality & Nobility of Multiplicity
51:16 The Primacy of Mercy
54:19 Temporary Nature of Hell?
58:35 All is Love
1:02:09 Love Enacted (Ethics)
1:04:18 The Divinity of Beliefs
1:09:52 The Heart
1:14:35 All things are alive & praising God
1:17:16 The Faith of Pharaoh
1:20:17 The Chapter on Muhammad (Women, Prayer, Perfume)
1:27:30 Closing the Fusus
1:28:21 Legacy
1:30:56 Concluding Words

#sufism #islam #mystisicm

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A 9th-Century Cure for Anxiety and Depression

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 01:37:30 -0000

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 mental health, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and the connection between thoughts and behavior—ideas that closely resemble modern psychology and CBT.

Music by:
Filip Holm (me)

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Badri, Malik (translated by) (2024). "Abu Zayd al-Balkhi's Sustenance of the Soul: The Cognitive Behavior Therapy of a Ninth Century Physician: The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy of A Ninth Century Physician". International Institute of Islamic Thought.

#islam #therapy #cbt

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"Only a Human!" - A section from the Zhuangzi

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 01:15:00 -0000

A long awaited return of my series of religious/philosophical texts. This is a section from the "Zhuangzi", written by Zhuangzi. Specifically, it is a wonderful section from Chapter 6, called "The Great Source as Teacher".

The translation used is by Brook Ziporyn, and can be found in his excellent English edition of the Zhuangzi text. Highly recommended.

#Daoism #Zhuangzi #Taoism

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Religion in Ancient Egypt

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:52:30 -0000

In this episode, we try to get a basic overview of the religion that was practiced in Ancient Egypt.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Assmann, Jan (2001). "The Search for God in Ancient Egypt". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.

Dunand, Françoise & Christiane Zivie-Coche (2005). "Gods and Men in Egypt: 3000 BCE to 395 CE". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.

Hornung, Erik (1996). "Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many". Translated by John Baines. Cornell University Press.

Hornung, Erik (1999). "Akhenaten and the Religion of Light". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.

Meeks, D., & Favard-Meeks, C. (1997). Daily Life of the Egyptian Gods (G. M. Goshgarian, Trans.; Pimilco).

Pinch, G. (2002). Handbook of Egyptian Mythology.

Quirke, Stephen (1992). "Ancient Egyptian Religion". British Museum Press.

Teeter, Emily (2011). "Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt". Cambridge University Press.

Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt.

Wilkinson, R. H. (2000). The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:02 The Netjer (gods)
6:55 Creation of the world
14:52 Gods & their associations
18:25 Ma'at
20:19 The King & Royal Mythology
24:28 Divine Images & The Temple Cult
33:40 Festivals
37:05 The Royal Cult
40:07 Religion for "regular people"
46:19 Magic & Mysticism (?)
53:28 Henotheism? Monotheism? Pantheism?
1:03:29 Death & The Afterlife
1:13:42 Developments & Syncretisms in the Late Period
1:20:06 Conclusions

#egypt #ancienthistory #religion

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What is Yoga?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:30:00 -0000

In this video, we dive deep into the fascinating story of Yoga, from its complex inception in the religious, spiritual and philosophical landscape of India all the way to the western world today, where it has become more popular than ever.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna
Palace on Wheels

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.

Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar.

Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.

Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.

Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.

Olivelle, Patrick (translated by) (2008). "Upanisads". Oxford University Press.

Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.

Wallis, Christopher D. (2013). "Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History and Practice of a Timeless Tradition". Mattamayura.

White, David Gordon (2000). "Tantra in Practice". Princeton University Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:43 Earliest mentions of Yoga
5:30 Early Asceticism & The Shramana movement
9:39 Bhagavad Gita
12:23 The Yoga Sutras & Patanjali
28:31 Hatha Yoga & Tantra
35:56 Yoga & Islam
40:26 Modern Postural Yoga
47:40 Conclusions

#yoga #history #religion

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What are the Jinn?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:01:15 -0000

In this second video in our Shocktober 2020 series, we explore the king of mythical creatures in the middle east - the Jinn. What are some of the misconceptions about these creatures, and what different kinds are there out there?

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or make a one-time donation through Paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

Sources/Further Reading:

Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.

Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.

#Jinn #Arabia #Genie

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The Spooky History of Ghosts

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:32:30 -0000

Explore the fascinating history of ghosts and uncover the ancient origins of ghost stories from around the world! In this video, we dive deep into the myths and legends that have shaped our beliefs in the paranormal for centuries. From ancient Egypt to modern Europe, and beyond, we'll investigate how cultures across the globe have described spirits, hauntings, and supernatural phenomena.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Jay Varton
Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Farell Wooten
Ethan Sloan
Experia

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bottéro, Jean (2004). "Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia". Translated by Teresa Lavender Fagan. University of Chicago Press.

Davisson, Zach (2020). "Yurei: The Japanese Ghost". Chin Music Press Inc.

Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.

Morton, Lisa (2017). "Ghosts: A Haunted History". Reaktion Books.

"A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural." 2024. DK.

#ghosts #haunting #halloween

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Shah Ni'matullah Wali and The Ni'matullahi Sufi Order

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:03:45 -0000

In this video we talk about the great 14th-15th century saint Shah Ni'matullah Wali and the order that carries his name.

Sources/Further Reading:

Dahlén, Ashk (2001). "Sufismen i det moderna Iran". In Levande Sufism. Edited by David Westerlund.

Graham, Terry (1999) "Shah Ni'matullah Wali: Founder of the Ni'matullahi Sufi Order". In The Heritage of Sufism: Legacy of Medieval Persian Sufism (Volume 2). Edited by Leonard Lewisohn.

Herman, Denis & Mathieu Terrier (2020). "Shi'i Islam and Sufism: classical views and modern perspectives". I.B. Tauris.

Nurbakhsh, Javad (1980). "Masters of the Path: a history of the masters of the Nimatullahi sufi order". Khaniqahi-Nimatullahi Publications: New York.

Pourjavady, Nasrollah (?). "Shah Nematollah Vali: an Heir to Two Mystical Literary Traditions". Article.

Various (2002). "Celebrating a Sufi Master: A collection of works on the occasion of the First (& Second) international symposium on Shah Nematollah Vali". San Jose State University. Volumes 1 & 2.

#Nimatullahi #Sufism #Islam

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Ibadism - The Forgotten Branch of Islam

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:35:00 -0000

What is Ibadism? Often called the third branch of Islam, Ibadism developed in the early Islamic period and today is most prominently associated with Oman. This video examines Ibadi theology, history, and its differences from Sunni and Shia Islam, offering a clear and academically grounded introduction to one of Islam’s most overlooked traditions.

Music by:
Filip Holm
Ali Sabah

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Albusaidi, Saleh Ahmed (2012). "The Reading of the Quran, Sunna and Akhbar in Early Ibadi Sources". Conference paper from "Ibadi Theology: Rereading Sources and Scholarly Works".

Gaiser, Adam R. (2010). "Muslims, Scholars, Soldiers: The Origin and Elaboration of the Ibādī Imāmate Traditions." Oxford University Press.

Hoffman, Valerie J. (2012). "The Essentials of Ibadi Islam". Syracuse University Press.

Michalak-Pikulska, Barbara (ed.) (2015). "Ibadi Jurisprudence: Origins, Developments & Cases". Georg Olms Verlag AG.

Francesca, Ersili (ed.) (2015). "Ibadi Theology. Rereading Sources and Scholarly Works". Georg Olms Verlag AG.

Wilkinson, John C. (2010). "Ibadism: Origins and Early Development in Islam". Oxford University Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:40 Origins of Ibadism
13:50 Foundational figures & early history
24:06 Ibadi Theology
44:40 Ibadi Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
54:46 Prayer
58:54 Tolerance?
1:02:01 Ibadi Mysticism/Sufism?
1:03:53 Modern History of Ibadism
1:12:10 Conclusions & Credits

#islam #ibadi #oman

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The Swedish Poet Who Went Insane

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:06:15 -0000

A short video on the Swedish poet Gustaf Fröding and his Esoteric influences. Let me know if you want a full-length video on Fröding!

Check out my linktree for my new song and other links: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

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The Great Hymn to the Aten

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:37:30 -0000

This is the first part in a new series I'm trying out where I will present religious texts (or parts of texts) that are interesting or noteworthy.

This one features the "Great hymn to the Aten", an ancient religious text in devotion to the god "Aten" that was allegedly written by Pharaoh Akhenaten during the tumultuous era known as the "Amarna period" when the old pantheon of gods was seemingly temporarily replaced with a single, universal God of the sun (or more, precisely - light).
It is for this reason that Atenism is sometimes considered the first monotheistic religion in the world, which would make this hymn one of the first religious expression of monotheism ever.

It also just happen to be very beautiful, aside from being historically significant.
What do you think of it? Let's discuss in the comments.

Translation used: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-static/digitalegypt/amarna/belief.html

Video used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFSjLNlZITg

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Music in the Islamic World (Part 2)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:08:45 -0000

The long awaited second part of my series about music in the Islamic world!
You can find part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFj2YEuwZ_8&t=765s

Sources/Further Reading:

Hammarlund, Anders, Tord Olsson & Elizabeth Özdalga (1997). "Sufism, Music and Society in Turkey and the Middle East". Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul.

Saeed, Yousuf. "Amir Khusrau and the Indo-Muslim Identity
in the Art Music Practices of Pakistan".

Schofield, Katherine Ruth (2003). "Hindustani music in the time of Aurangzeb". King's college London.

Sharma, Sunil (2005). "Amir Khusraw: the Poet of Sultans and Sufis". In "Makers of the Muslim World" Series. Oneworld.

Soydaş, M. Emin (2011). "Musical performance at the Ottoman court in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries". SOAS (University of London).

Wright, Owen (1994). "'Abd al-Qādir al-Marāghī and 'Alī B. Muḥammad Binā'ī: Two Fifteenth-Century Examples of Notation (Part 1 & 2)". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.
57, No. 3 (1994), pp. 475-515. Cambridge University Press.

Wright, Owen (1996). "On the Concept of a 'Timurid Music'".

Wright, Owen (1978). "The Modal System of Arabic and Persian Music A.D. 1250-1300". Oxford University Press.

Wright, Owen (2018). "Music Theory in the Safavid Era: The taqsīm al-naġamāt". Routledge; 1st edition.

#Music #Islam #Religion

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What is Alchemy?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:40:00 -0000

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 quest for knowledge.

Music by:
Filip Holm
Jon Björk
Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Jay Varton

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Abt, Theodore (ed.) (2007). "Corpus Alchemicum Arabicum: Book of the Explanation of the Symbols Kitab Hall Ar-Rumuz". Psychological Commentary by Marie-Louise Von Franz. Living Human Heritage Publications.

Adamson, Peter (2021). "Al-Rāzī". Great Medieval Thinkers. OUP USA.

Corriente, Federico & Ed Emery (translated by) (2004). "Twenty-seven Muwashshashaat and One Zajal by Ibn al-'Arabi of Murcia (1165-1240)".

Dodge, Bayard (translated by) (1998). "The Fihrist: A 10th Century Ad Survey of Islamic Culture". Kazi Pubns Inc.

Grimes, Shannon (2018). "Becoming Gold: Zosimos of Panopolis and the Alchemical Arts in Roman Egypt". Rubedo Press.

Hirtenstein, Stephen (translated by) (2018). "The Alchemy of Human Happiness (Mystical Treatises of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi)". Anqa Publishing.

Principe, Lawrence (2013). "The Secrets of Alchemy". University of Chicago Press.

------------------------

Chapters:
0:01 Intro
4:42 The Origins of Alchemy
7:08 Zosimus & Philosophical foundations
12:37 Islamicate alchemy
15:50 Jabir ibn Hayyan
23:12 Hermes & Hermetism
27:12 Chymistry?
28:19 Abu Bakr al-Razi
31:17 Ibn Umail
34:21 Alchemy in Sufism
39:33 Sceptics of Alchemy
40:38 Alchemy in medieval Europe
51:11 Golden age of Alchemy in Europe
55:47 The Decline of Alchemy
57:43 Modern reinterpretations
1:00:00 Conclusions

#alchemy #occult #history

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Seidr - Old Norse Shamanism?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:11:15 -0000

In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamanism"? These are questions and topics we explore in this one.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Lindow, John (2002). "Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs". Oxford University Press.

Näsström, Britt-Mari (1995). "Freyja - the great goddess of the north". Almqvist & Wiksell International.

Price, Neil (2019). "The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia". Oxbow Books; 2nd ed. edition.

Stensland, Gro (2007). "Fornnordisk Religion". Natur Kultur Akademisk.

#seiðr #norsemythology #shamanism

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Walking Through 2,000 Years of Italy’s Sacred History

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:42:30 -0000

Join me on my trip to Italy as we explore some of the mystical religious sites and traditions that make up this historical country.

Music by:
Filip Holm
Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Beny, Roloff; Gunn, Peter (1981). "The churches of Rome". New York: Simon and Schuster.

Claridge, Amanda (1998). Rome. Oxford Archaeological Guides. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press.

Stamper, John W. (2005). The Architecture Of Roman Temples: The Republic To The Middle Empire. The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Dyson, Stephen L. (2010). "Rome: A Living Portrait of an Ancient City". Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

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Who am I? - Mahmud Shabistari (Sufi Poetry)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:13:45 -0000

This time we feature the famous Persian poet Mahmud Shabistari and a section from his masterpiece "Gulshan-i Raz".

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Yoga and Islam

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:45:00 -0000

Since there seems to have been a great interest in the topic from my last video on Yoga, this time we are diving deeper into the relationship between Yoga & Islam, particularly Sufism.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna
Palace on Wheels

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.

Beck, Guy L. (2009). "Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound". University of South Carolina Press.

Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.

Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.

Ernst, Carl W. (2016). "Refractions of Islam in India: Situating Sufism and Yoga". SAGE YODA Press; First Edition.

Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.

Kugle, Scott (ed.) (2012). "Sufi Meditation and Contemplation: Timeless Wisdom from Mughal India". Omega Publications. (Includes a translation of the "Risala-i Haqqnuma"/Compass of Truth.

Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.

Moovsi, Shireen (2002). "The Mughal Encounter with Vedanta: Recovering the biography of 'Jadrup'". Social scientist, Vol. 30, Nos. 7-8.

Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.

Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.

#yoga #islam #sufism

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I Study Religion - What Books Do I Own? I Bookshelf Tour Part 2

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:16:15 -0000

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Meister Eckhart and Christian Mysticism

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 11:47:30 -0000

Meister Eckhart is an influential, and often surprising, Christian theologian/philosopher/mystics whose writings & sermons have both inspired future thinkers in the catholic church, but also been condemned by the pope as heretical.

Sources/Further Reading:

McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group.

McGinn, Bernard (1992). "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.

McGinn, Bernard (1981). "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.

-------------

Videos used:
Guy with free stock footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n72UrNb5vME

Freestocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32hQRT4FZzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Faow3SKIzq0

#Eckhart #Mysticism #Christianity

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Tusi: The Greatest Astronomer in History?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 11:18:45 -0000

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The REAL Journey to the West

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:50:00 -0000

Discover the incredible true story of Xuanzang, the legendary Chinese monk whose epic pilgrimage inspired the classic tale Journey to the West and the new video game Black Myth: Wukong. In this video, we explore Xuanzang's daring journey across the Silk Road to India in search of Buddhist scriptures, his encounters with ancient civilizations, and the profound impact of his travels on both Eastern and Western cultures. From treacherous deserts to majestic mountains, Xuanzang's real-life adventures are as thrilling as the mythological journey depicted in Journey to the West.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Brose, Benjamin (2021). "Xuanzang: China's Legendary Pilgrim and Translator". Shambhala Publications.

Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.

Wriggins, Sally Hovey (1996). "Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim On The Silk Road". Routledge.

#blackmyth #journeytothewest #buddhism

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1 Million Subscribers, what now?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:21:15 -0000

A way of saying thank you to you all.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

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Zhuangzi - The Sage of Uncertainty

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:52:30 -0000

In this video, we talk about one of the most central texts and figures in Daoism.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or make a one-time donation through paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

This video uses footage provided by: https://www.naturestockvideos.com/

Sources/Further Reading:

Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.

Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.

Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn.

#Zhuangzi #Daoism #Philosophy

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Christian Symbolism in Batman v Superman?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:23:45 -0000

This may not be my masterpiece, and might be the worst piece of film-critique ever, but I couldn't help myself.

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Why Didn't Ancient Philosophers Eat Meat?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:55:00 -0000

Explore the fascinating intersection of vegetarianism and animal sacrifice in the ancient Hellenic and Roman worlds, with a focus on the Neoplatonic philosopher Porphyry. This video delves into the religious and ethical debates surrounding animal sacrifice in ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting Porphyry’s influential works, such as On Abstinence from Animal Food. Learn how Porphyry's Neoplatonic views challenged traditional rituals and promoted a vegetarian lifestyle for spiritual purification. Ideal for history enthusiasts, philosophy scholars, and anyone interested in ancient religious practices.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Clark, Gillian (translated by) (2000). "Porphyry: On Abstinence from Killing Animals". Bristol Classical Press.

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.

Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.

Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.

Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.

Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.

Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 Ancient Hellenic Religion
3:34 Pythagoras & Vegetarianism
5:41 Neoplatonism
8:51 Porphyry
13:36 On Abstinence
15:18 Ascetic Vegetarianism
18:44 Ethical Vegetarianism
22:23 Metaphysics & Animal Sacrifice
28:13 Implications for Neoplatonism & Legacy
32:41 Conclusions

#vegetarian #ancient #rome

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What is Zoroastrianism?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:26:15 -0000

In this video I give a short introduction to the religion Zoroastrianism - possibly the oldest monotheistic religion in the world.

Sources/Suggested reading:
Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge.

Mehr, Farhang (2003). "The Zoroastrian Tradition". Mazda Publishers, U.S.

Boyd, James W. & Donald A. Crosby (1979). "Is Zoroastrianism Dualistic or Monotheistic?". Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Oxford University Press.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Links to videos used:

Indian Diplomacy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0ILoUCbhDg

Zoroastrian Religion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atB7i7DnmGU

GORDONLAWRENCEVIDEOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0w9CkQ_3dE

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"What Religion Do I Practice?" - QandA 3

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:57:30 -0000

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation with Paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

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Inayat Khan and Universal Sufism

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:28:45 -0000

A long awaited episode, in which we finally talk about the important and controverisal 20th century sufi Inayat Khan and the Sufi Movement that he started in the West.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna
Palace on Wheels

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.

Inayat Khan, Pir Zia (ed.) (2001). "A Pearl in Wine: Essays on the Life, Music & Sufism of Hazrat Inayat Khan". Omega Publications.

Inayat Khan Zia (2006). "A Hybrid Sufi Order At the Crossroads of Modernity: The Sufi Order and Sufi Movement of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan". Doctoral Thesis. Duke University.

Khan, Inayat (1996). "The Mysticism of Sound & Music". Shambala.

Khan, Inayat (2003). "The Sufi Message: Spiritual Liberty" (Vol. 5). Motilal Banarsidass Publications.

Miner, Allyn (translated by) (2016). "The Minqar-i Musiqar: Hazrat Inayat Khan's classic 1912 work on Indian musical theory & practice". Suluk Press.

Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Early Life, Family & Music
6:55 Entering the Sufi Path
10:10 Last years in India
11:56 Sufism & The Chishti Order
16:57 Traveling to the West & Early Murids
21:37 The Sufi Order/Movement
24:50 Love, Harmony, Beauty
26:28 The School of Love
30:23 Divine Music
33:29 Ibn 'Arabi & The Akbari School
36:36 Universal Sufism?
40:19 Practices, Principles & Universal Worship
46:48 Women & Noor Inayat Khan
50:15 Final years
53:07 Legacy & Later Sufi Movement/Inayti Order
57:30 Conclusions

#sufism #inayatkhan #mysticism

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al-Hallaj: Mystic Martyr of Sufism

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth) & the factors which led to his martyrdom. In this video, we delve into al-Hallaj’s spiritual journey, his poetry, role in Sufism, and the lasting impact of his philosophy on Islamic mysticism.

Visit my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Ernst, Carl W. (translated by) (2018). "Hallaj: Poems of a Sufi Martyr". Northwestern University Press.

Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.

Knysh, Alexander (2012). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.

Losensky, Paul (translated by) (2009). "Farid ad-Din Attrs Memorial of God's Friends: Lives and Sayings of Sufis". Paulist Press.

Massignon, Louis (1979). "The Passion of Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam". Vol. 1-4. Translated by Herbert Mason. Princeton University Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:16 Early life
3:37 Entering the mystical path
6:02 Mystical Illumination, Controversies & Travels
10:35 Erratic behavior & Preaching in Baghdad
14:10 Hallaj: The Muslim
19:07 The Works of al-Hallaj
21:09 Union with God
23:40 Ana al-Haqq (I am the Truth)
29:28 Shocking statements
33:51 Monism & Love
36:56 Kitab al-Tawasin & Satan
42:54 Arrest & Imprisonment
45:34 Final Hours
49:05 Legacy
56:07 Conclusions

#hallaj #sufism #islam

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What an old church in western Sweden can tell us about religion

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 06:31:15 -0000

This video tells a short story of an old church in Westen Sweden where I usually spend my summers and what this place can tell us about how religion functions historically and the spread of Christianity to Europe!

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What is Vedanta?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 06:02:30 -0000

This week we talk about the Hindu philosophical school(s) of "Vedanta".

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation with paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

All videos used provided by Videvo.

Sources/Further Reading:
Brahma Sutra Basya by Shankaracharya. Published by Advaita Ashrama, India; New edition (1 Jan. 2000).

The Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada's Karika & Sankara's Commentary. Published by Vedanta Press.

Deutsch, Eliot (1986). "Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction". University of Hawaii Press.

Deutsch, Eliot & Rohit Dalvi (2005). "Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta". World Wisdom Books.

Flood, Gavin (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell publishing.

Jacobsen, Knut A. (2003). "Hinduismen: Historia, tradition, mångfald". Kultur och Natur.

Sri Ramanuja Gita Basya (Translation by Swami Adidevananda). Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai.

#Vedanta #Hinduism #Advaita

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Ancient Persian Communism? - Mazdak and Mazdakism

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 05:33:45 -0000

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.

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge; 2nd edition.

Crone, Patricia (2012). “The Nativist Prophets of Early Islamic Iran: Rural Revolt and Local Zoroastrianism”. Cambridge University Press.

Moazami, Mahnaz (ed.) (2016). "Zoroastrianism: A collection of Articles from the Encyclopedia Iranica". ENCYCLOPAEDIA IRANICA FOUNDATION. 2 Volumes.

Rose, Jenny (2019). "Zoroastrianism: An Introduction". I.B. Tauris Introduction to Religions. Bloomsbury Academic.

Yarshater, Ehsan (1983). “Mazdakism”. In “The Cambridge History of Iran”, vol. 3. Cambridge University Press.

https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/mazdak-crossref/

#iran #mazdak #religion

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The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Explained

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 05:05:00 -0000

Discover the fascinating history, unique traditions, and spiritual significance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo Church), one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. From its roots in the 4th century to its deep cultural and religious influence in Ethiopia, this video explores the church's ancient rituals, sacred texts, and its role in shaping Ethiopian identity. Learn about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, the role of fasting, and the importance of religious festivals like Timkat and Meskel.

Find Andrew's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCct9aR7HC79Cv2g-9oDOTLw

Visit my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Binns, John (2016). "The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia: A History". I.B. Tauris.

Samuelson, Calum (2023). "Theosis in the Ethiopian Tradition: A Preliminary Assessment". In "Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies", Volume 40, Issue 1.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:27 Ethiopia in history
2:51 Early Christianity in Ethiopia
4:43 Kebra Nagast & Sacred History
6:44 Relationship with Coptic church
7:53 Miaphysitism & Christology (feat. ReligionForBreakfast)
12:00 Tewahedo church
12:45 Uniqueness of the Church, Art & Lalibela
14:55 The Ethiopian Bible
17:25 Judaic Character?
18:41 Churches
20:17 Tabots & The Ark of the Covenant
21:24 Liturgy & Festivals
24:59 Hierarchy & Debtara
25:30 Beliefs (Theosis?)
26:43 Monasticism
28:03 Music & Hymns
29:26 Religious diversity
30:28 Modern Ethiopia
32:47 Conclusions

#ethiopia #christianity #orthodoxy

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Sri Ramakrishna and Universal Hinduism

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:36:15 -0000

We explore one of the most influential and significant Hindu figures in modern times.

Written by Anmol Kohli
Co-written by myself (Filip Holm)

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna
Palace on Wheels

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Swami Saradananda, Sri Ramakrishna and His Divine Play (translated by Swami Chetanananda) - the "Leelaprasanga". Vedanta Society of St. Louis.

Mahendranath Gupta, The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (translated by Swami Nikhilananda) - the "Kathamrita". Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center,N.Y.

Ayon Maharaj, Infinite Paths to Infinite Reality: Sri Ramakrishna and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion. OUP USA.

The Life of Swami Vivekananda, by his Eastern and Western Disciples. Vedanta Pr.

#ramakrishna #vedanta #hinduism

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What are the Vedas?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:07:30 -0000

The earliest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism - The Vedas - is some of the oldest surviving religious literature in the world, and simultaneously some of the best preserved. In this video, we talk about these fascinating texts as the first part in a new series on religion in India.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation with Paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

Sources/Further Reading:
Flood, Gavin (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell publishing.

Jacobsen, Knut A. (2003). "Hinduismen: Historia, tradition, mångfald". Kultur och Natur.

Videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQvoIpK5B5M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaB2ox6USCQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNhoHEUFF7o

#Vedas #Hinduism #India

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The Creepy History of Vampires

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 03:38:45 -0000

(This is a re-upload of a video from last year)
Dive into the captivating world of vampire lore as we unravel the centuries-old history of these immortal creatures. From ancient myths to modern pop culture, join us on a mesmerizing journey through the evolution of vampire legends. Discover the origins, folklore, and enduring fascination surrounding these mythical beings & their influence on culture, religion & philosophy.

Check out ESOTERICA's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9FIPSLMeM&t=621s

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Jay Varton
Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Farell Wooten
Ethan Sloan
Experia

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Adams, Paul (2014). "Written in Blood: A Cultural History of the British Vampire". The History Press.

Barber, Paul (2010). "Vampires, Burial, and Death". Yale University Press.

Groom, Nick (2020). "The Vampire: A New History". Yale University Press.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:45 Pre-modern (ancient?) Vampires
05:53 The Origins of the (Modern) Vampire
10:31 Peter Plogojowitz
11:42 Arnold Paole
13:06 Vampires, Religion & The Enlightenment
17:48 Early vampire literature
18:29 The Vampire & Western European Literature
22:45 Dracula
26:14 The Legacy of Dracula
28:25 Conclusions

#vampire #halloween #dracula

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The Truth About Sharia Law

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 03:10:00 -0000

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

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Hallaq, Wael (2004). "The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law". Cambridge University Press.

Hallaq, Wael (2009). "Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations". Cambridge University Press.

Kamali, Mohammad Hashim, 'Shariah: Meaning, Definition, History, and Sources', Shariah and the Halal Industry (New York, 2021; online edn, Oxford Academic, 19 Aug. 2021),

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Who wrote the Bible? (A history of the Torah)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 02:41:15 -0000

In this video I go through the scholarly discussion regarding the composition of the Hebrew Bible and, in particular, the Torah/Pentateuch. The main theory discussed is the so-called "Documentary hypothesis".

Sources/interesting articles:
https://www.ias.edu/ideas/2018/schmid-torah

Matthieu Richelle, “Elusive scrolls. Could any hebrew literature have been written prior to the eighth century B.C.E.?” (2016)

Erhard Blum, “Die altaramäischen Wandinschriften aus Tell Deir ̕Alla und ihr institutioneller Kontext,” in Meta-Texte. Erzählungen von schrifttragenden Artefakten in der alttestamentlichen und mittelalterlichen Literatur (ed. Friedrich-Emanuel Focken and Michael Ott; Materiale Textkulturen 15; Berlin: de Gruyter, 2016)

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Al-Ghazali - The Reviver of Religious Sciences

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 02:12:30 -0000

Perhaps the most requested figure on this channel - al-Ghazali - is finally getting a treatment!
I talk about his life, some of his teachings, ideas and legacy and discuss some common misconceptions and opinions about him today.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or make a one-time donation through paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

Sources/Further Reading:

Al-Ghazali - "Deliverance from Error" (al-Munqidh min al-Dalal). Translated by Richard J. McCarthy. American University of Beirut.

al-Ghazali - "The Incoherence of the Philosophers". Translated by Michael E. Marmura. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press.

al-Ghazali - "The Niche of Lights". Translated by David Buchman. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press.

Leaman, Oliver (2008). "The developed kalam tradition". In "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Edited by Tim Winter. Cambridge University Press.

Lumbard, Joseph E.B. (2016). "Ahmad al-Ghazali, Remembrance, and the Metaphysics of Love". Suny Press.

Mamura, Michael E. (2005). "Al-Ghazali". In "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Edited by Peter Adamson & Richard C. Taylor. Cambridge University Press.

#Ghazali #Sufism #Islam

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What is Taqqiyya?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 01:43:45 -0000

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/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Hallaq, Wael (2004). "The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law". Cambridge University Press.

Hallaq, Wael (2009). "Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations". Cambridge University Press.

Stewart, Devin (2013). "Dissimulation in Sunni Islam and Morisco Taqiyya*". AL-QANTARA, XXXIV 2, 2013, pp. 439-490.

https://islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/81133/?utm

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Satanism, Feminism and The Occult | Per Faxneld

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 01:15:00 -0000

In this interview, I speak with Dr. Per Faxneld about Satanism and its different historical and contemporary features & connections.

Check out Dr. Faxneld's Academia page for more: https://sh.academia.edu/PerFaxneld

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

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Sunni and Shia - What is (really) the difference?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:46:15 -0000

I see many videos talking about the differences between the Sunni and Shia, but most of them present a simplified version. In this video, I try to give you a more comprehensive overview.

For more detailed overviews, check out my other videos:
What is Shia Islam?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXWADQ7HivM&t=1165s&pp=ygUSd2hhdCBpcyBzaGlhIGlzbGFt
The Isma'ilis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFm03oac9es&t=1279s&pp=ygUSd2hhdCBpcyBzaGlhIGlzbGFt
What is Sufism? (Mostly Sunni): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc9k9nvIHOU&t=451s&pp=ygUGc3VmaXNt
What is Salafism?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8so2h21Mznk&pp=ygUIc2FsYWZpc20%3D

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Most of my music can be found here:
Filip Holm: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FLjTvLWdWHDBgog9MPG?si=wLyeCLaoS4il7XLhhMgntQ
Zini: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5KbYexv9k3zx2KWxXYQ?si=LMbsxxvjT-uI6bWwUxkPIw

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The Biggest Sufi Order in the World | Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani and the Qadiriyya

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:17:30 -0000

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 documentary explores the life and legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, the saint revered across the Muslim world as Ghaus al-A‘zam — “the greatest helper.”
From medieval Baghdad to North Africa, Turkey, South Asia, and beyond, we trace how his teachings spread across continents, shaping Islamic spirituality for nearly 900 years.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Abun-Nasr, Jamil M. (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace: The Sufi Brotherhoods in Islamic Religious Life". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd.

Knysh, Alexander (2012). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". BRILL.

Malik, Hamza (2018). "The Grey Falcon: The Life and Teaching of Shaykh 'Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani". BRILL.

Trimingham, John Spencer (1971). "Sufi Orders in Islam". Oxford University Press.

#sufism #islam #qadiri

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Who are the Alawites?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 23:48:45 -0000

Another video in my series about religious minorities in the Middle East, this time about the secretive Alawites.

Sources:
Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.

Bar-Asher, Meir M. (2003). Nosayris. In "Encyclopedia Iranica Online".

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Folklore, Ghosts and The Mare (Shocktober 2018: Part 3)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 23:20:00 -0000

In this third part we talk about Ghosts and other aspects of Folklore around the world, including Japanese "Yurei" and the Northen European "Mare".

If you liked this video, feel free to like and subscribe, and if you have suggestions for future videos, leave a comment!

Facebook channel:https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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The Bahá'i Faith [Part 1] - Origins and The Báb

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:51:15 -0000

This is the first video in a two-part series on The Bahá'i Faith - one of the youngest and fastest growing religions in the world.

In this video, I use slides created by Dr. Khalil Andani without properly crediting him. This was a mistake on my part, check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/IsmailiGnosis

Link to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Link to the film "The Gate", footage from which was used in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPKEkSXhtgw&t=563s
(It's a good introduction, but made by Baha'is so keep in mind that it is a biased version of events)

Sources/Further Reading:
Smith, Peter (2008). "An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith". Cambridge University Press.

#BahaiFaith #Babism #Religion

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Reason vs. Literalism? Kalam and Early Islamic Theology

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:22:30 -0000

As requested by the audience, in this video we talk about the very early development of Speculative Islamic theology, or "Kalam".

Support me on Patreon if you so wish: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sources/Suggested reading:
Winter, Tim (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press.

#Islam #Theology #God

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Evil in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Persia (Shocktober 2018: Part 1)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 21:53:45 -0000

This is the first in a series of four videos that will be released during the month of October, dealing with questions of how evil, death and darkness has been conceived and portrayed throughout history!

Part 1 talks about Ancient Egypt, Greece, the Indian religions and Zoroastrianism

If you have suggestions for future videos, leave a comment!

Facebook channel: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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What is the Bektashi Order?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 21:25:00 -0000

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Who are the Quranists?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:56:15 -0000

There is talk within the Muslim community (and outside) of the so-called "Quranists" or the movement "Quranism". In this video I talk about, in very generalizing terms, what this term is referring to, and what its characteristics are.

#Quranism #Islam #Hadith

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Ibn 'Arabi and The Unity of Being

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:27:30 -0000

In this very long video, I give an introduction to one of the most significant, yet often misunderstood thinkers and mystics in history - Ibn 'Arabi.
The video will be released in parts soon as well, but I wanted to put this up first as an epic, full introduction to his life and ideas.

Souces:
Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi". World Wisdom, inc.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1982). "The Spiritual writings of Amir 'Abd al-Kader". State University of New York Press.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-hikam)". Translated by Caner Dagli. Kazi Publications.

Ibn Arabi - "The Interpreter of Desires (Tarjuman al-ashwaq)". Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. London: Royal Asiatic Society.

Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.

Mahmud Shabistari - "Garden of Mystery: The Gulshan-i raz of Mahmud Shabistari". Translated by Robert Abdul Hayy Darr. Archetype.

Fakhruddin 'Iraqi - "Divine Flashes (Lama'at)". Translated by William C. Chittick & Peter Lamborn Wilson. The Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

#IbnArabi #Sufism #Mysticism

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The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:58:45 -0000

In this video, we take a look at the legendary Daoist scholars who fled society to chill with friends, instruments and alcohol.Link to my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Links to videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2J_FgDkGlM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFyT7CG0Lgs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV5DyzqDbg4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d1VrCvdzbY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCgO8LyS9Xk

#Taoism #EasternPhilosophy #China

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Thank You.

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:30:00 -0000

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

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Sufism and The Metaphysics of Love

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:01:15 -0000

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 became a spiritual methodology, a theology, and a transformative path within Islamic mysticism.

Find Omid here:
https://www.instagram.com/brotheromid/
And Illuminated Tours/Courses:
https://www.illuminatedcourses.com

Music by:
Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.

Chittick, William & Peter Lamborn Wilson (translated by) (1982) "Fakhruddin Iraqi: Divine Flashes". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Ernst, Carl W. & Bruce B. Lawrence (2003). "Sufi Martyrs of Love: The Chishti Order in South Asia and beyond". Palgrave Macmillan.

Ernst, Carl W (translated by) (2018). "Hallaj: Poems of a Sufi Martyr". Northwestern University Press.

Inayat Khan, Pir Zia (ed.) (2001). "A Pearl in Wine: Essays on the Life, Music & Sufism of Hazrat Inayat Khan". Omega Publications.

Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.

Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications.

Lumbard, Joseph E.B. (2016). "Ahmad al-Ghazālī, Remembrance, and the Metaphysics of Love". SUNY Press.

Pourjavady, Nasrollah (translated by) (2015). "Sawanih: Inspirations from the World of Pure Spirits". Routledge.

Rustom, Muhammed (translated and edited by) (2022). "The Essence of Reality: A Defense of Philosophical Sufism". New York University Press.

Rustom, Muhammed (2024). "Inrushes of the Heart: The Sufi Philosophy of Ayn al-Qudat". State University of New York Press.

Safi, Omid (2019). "Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition". Yale University Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:05 Islamic Sources of Love
6:57 Love in early Sufism
13:40 Different types/words of Love
15:43 Ahmad al-Ghazali
39:06 Ayn al-Qudat
43:30 Ibn 'Arabi?
53:07 Fakhr al-din 'Iraqi: The Marriage of Akbarian thought & the School of Love
55:58 The spread of the Madhhab-e ishq
57:34 The Chishti Order
1:03:09 Conclusions

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Zurvanism - The Zoroastrian Heresy?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:32:30 -0000

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 influence of Zurvanism, what it is and isn't, and why it matters for understanding ancient Persian religion and dualism.

Check out Soul Roots:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCX0IxGB0xYS5kV3IX-KbBPQ

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Boyce, Mary (1957). "Some Reflections on Zurvanism". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London , 1957, Vol. 19, No. 2 (1957), pp. 304-316. Cambridge University Press.

Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge; 2nd edition.

Boyce, Mary (1996). "On the Orthodoxy of Sasanian Zoroastrianism". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1996, Vol. 59, No. 1 (1996), pp. 11-28. Cambridge University Press.

Boyce, Mary (1990). "Some Some Further Reflections on Zurvanism". Iranica Varia: Papers in Honor of Professor Ehsan Yarshater. Brill.

Dahlén, Ashk (transl.) (2023). "Zarathustra: Sånger". h:ström.

Humbach, Helmut & Pallan Ichaporia (transl.) (1994). "The Heritage of Zarathushtra: A New Translation of His Gathas. Universitatsverlag Winter.

Moazami, Mahnaz (ed.) (2016). "Zoroastrianism: A collection of Articles from the Encyclopedia Iranica". ENCYCLOPAEDIA IRANICA FOUNDATION. 2 Volumes.

Rose, Jenny (2019). "Zoroastrianism: An Introduction". I.B. Tauris Introduction to Religions. Bloomsbury Academic.

Strausberg, Michael; & Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina (ed.) (2015). "The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism". Wiley-Blackwell.

Zaehner, R.C. (1955). "Zurvan: A Zoroastrian Dilemma". Oxford.

https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/zurvanism/
https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/zurvan-deity/

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Dao De Jing - Chapters 1-4

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:27:16 -0000

These are the opening chapters of the Chinese classic of Daoism called "Dao de jing" (Sometimes spelled "Tao Te Ching") attributed to Laozi.
I want to discuss these texts with you, so please leave a comment if you so wish.

Music by Guan Pinghu (I do not own the rights to this music)

Video used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeCMD0ldMBQ&t=20s

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Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi and The Translation Movement in Early Islam

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:03:45 -0000

A new. long awaited historical review, this time dealing with the earliest of the Muslim philosophers. References can be found at the end of the video.

Al-Kindi: 08:10
Al-Farabi: 21:16

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Yurei - The Terrifying Ghosts of Japan

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:35:00 -0000

Explore the chilling world of Yurei, the vengeful ghosts of Japanese folklore. In this video, we delve into the origins, stories, and legends surrounding Yurei spirits, from their connection to death and unresolved grudges to their portrayal in popular Japanese horror. Discover the famous tales of Onryo (vengeful ghosts), the haunting role of Yurei in traditional Japanese culture, and how they inspire modern movies like The Ring and The Grudge.

Check out Esoterica: https://www.youtube.com/@UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ
& Angela's Symposium: https://www.youtube.com/@UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Jay Varton
Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Farell Wooten
Ethan Sloan
Experia

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Davisson, Zach (2020). "Yurei: The Japanese Ghost". Chin Music Press Inc.

Morton, Lisa (2017). "Ghosts: A Haunted History". Reaktion Books.

Yoda, Hiroko & Matt Alt (2012). "Yurei Attack!: The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide". Tuttle Publishing.

"A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural." 2024. DK.

#yurei #japan #japaneseghost

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The First Monotheistic Religion? - Akhenaten's Religion of Light

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:24:32 -0000

In this video, we talk about the short-lived religion founded by the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten.

Thank you very much to the channel "Amazing Places on Our Planet" for allowing me to use his beautiful footage. Link to the channel here: https://youtube.com/milosh9k

Sources/Further Reading:
Hornung, Erik (2001) "Akhenaten and the Religion of Light". Cornell University Press.

Hoffmeier, James K. (2015). "Akhenaten and the Origins of Monotheism". Oxford University Press.

#Aten #Akhenaten #Egypt

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The Cosmic Form of Krishna - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:06:15 -0000

In this video, I feature (most of) the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, in which Krishna reveals his true Universal Form to the warrior Arjuna.

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Who are the Jesuits?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:37:30 -0000

The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church. Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, they have played a central role in education, missionary work, science, and global history. This video explores who the Jesuits are, their origins, their impact on the Counter-Reformation, and their lasting influence on culture, politics, and spirituality.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Freidrich, Markus (2023). "The Jesuits: A History". Princeton University Press.Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

O'Malley, John W. (2014). "The Jesuits: A History from Ignatius to the Present".

#jesuits #christianity #popefrancis

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What is Satanism?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:21:49 -0000

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Satanism, its history and different manifestations in the contemporary world. From the ancient history of the devil to the modern Satanic temple, the story of satanism is an intriguing one that touches on everything from religion, occultism, socialism and feminism.

Thank you to Dr. Per Faxneld for appearing in the episode. Check out his publications for more occultism and esotericism!

Check out Esoterica: https://www.youtube.com/@UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ
& Angela's Symposium: https://www.youtube.com/@UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Barber, Malcolm, The Cathars: Dualist heretics in Languedoc in the High Middle Ages, Second edition (Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson, 2013).

Broedel, Hans Peter (2003). "The Malleus Maleficarum and the construction of witchcraft: Theology and popular belief". Manchester University Press.

Faxneld, Per (2017). "Satanic Feminism: Lucifer as the Liberator of Woman in Nineteenth-Century Culture". OUP USA.

Faxneld, Per & Johan Nilsson (2023). "Satanism: A Reader". OUP USA.

Massignon, Louis (1979). "The Passion of Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam". Vol. 1-4. Translated by Herbert Mason. Princeton University Press.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:01 The Satanic Panic
1:51 The History of the Devil
5:12 Historical Satanisms: Polemics or Reality?
9:11 Early Satanism: Political Inspiration & Occult Symbol
15:55 Satan & Feminism
19:11 Self-professed Satanists
21:54 LaVeyan Satanism (The Church of Satan)
30:26 Atheist vs. Theist Satanism?
31:27 Black Metal Satanism
33:42 Re-interpreting Satan
34:33 Luciferianism?
36:54 The Satanic Temple & Contemporary Satanism
41:15 Conclusions

#satanism #satan #occult

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The Mythical Creatures of Arabia

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:08:45 -0000

In this Shocktober-special we dive into the world of Middle eastern folklore and talk about some of the mythical creatures that we can find in places like the Arabian Nights.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

#Mythology #Arabia #MiddleEast

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The Lost Suras of the Quran?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:40:00 -0000

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.

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali. 2022. The Shi’is and the Qur’an: Between Apocalypse, Civil Wars, and Empire. Religions 13: 1.

Anthony, Sean W. (2019). "TWO ‘LOST’ SŪRAS OF THE QURʾĀN: SŪRAT AL-KHALʿ AND SŪRAT AL-ḤAFD BETWEEN TEXTUAL AND RITUAL CANON (1st-3rd/7th-9th CENTURIES)". JSAI 46 (2019).

Harvey, R., & College, E. (2017). "The Legal Epistemology of Qur'anic Variants: The Readings of Ibn Masʿūd in Kufan fiqh and the Ḥanafī madhhab".

Karimi-Nia, Morteza. (2019). A New Document in the Early History of the Qurʾān. Journal of Islamic Manuscripts. 10. 292-326. 10.1163/1878464X-01003002.

Sadeghi, Behnam & Bergmann, Uwe. (2010). The Codex of a Companion of the Prophet and the Qurān of the Prophet. Arabica. 57. 343-436. 10.1163/157005810X504518.

Sinai, Nicolai (2017). "The Qur'an: A Historical-Critical Introduction". Edinburgh University Press.

#quran #islam #history

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Atlantis of the Sands - The Lost City of Arabia

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:19:05 -0000

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 the name of a people, and all the legends surrouding it until this very day.

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Al-Jallad, A.الجلادأ. (2025). The Epigraphy of the Tribe of ʿĀd [النقوش القديمة التي تذكر عاد]. Athīrat: Journal of Ancient Arabia, 1(1-2), 281-289. https://doi.org/10.1163/30504880-12340015

Clapp, Nicholas (1999). “The Road to Ubar: Finding the Atlantis of the Sands”. Houghton Mifflin Company.

Elmaz, Orhan (2018). “A Paradise in the Desert: Iram at the Intersection of One Thousand and One Nights, Quranic Exegesis, and Arabian History”. In “To the Madbar and Back Again: Studies in the Languages, Archaeology, and Cultures of Arabia, Dedicated to Michael C.A. Macdonald”. Edited by Laïla Nehmé &
Ahmad Al-Jallad. Brill.

Thomas, Bertram (1932). “Arabia Felix: Across the Empty Quarter of Arabia”. Jonathan Cape.

Thomas, Bertram (1933). “Ubar—the Atlantis of the sands of Rub’ Al Khali”. Journal of The Royal Central Asian Society, 20(2), 259–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/03068379308725252

Webb, P. A. (2019). Iram. In K. Fleet, G. Krämer, D. Matringe, J. Nawas, & E.
Rowson (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Islam 3 (pp. 117-121). Brill.

#atlantis #arabia #iram

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What is Daoism?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:11:15 -0000

One of the main religious traditions in China - Daoism - is the subject of this video. We go deep into the origins, main writings and later development of the religion, and its connection to other traditions.

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

A special thank you to Bertrand Linet who generously allowed me to use his footage in this video. Link to his original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyBwHOpfXMc
Also follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bertrandlinet/

Other videos used:

The Winged Ward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K29M58ZbmI
Jee Sifu Taoism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMPUacFseaM
Oxlaey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNtaooKmJpE
Tai Chi video by "Videvo"

Sources/Further Reading:

Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.

Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.

Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn.

#Daoism #Laozi #EasternPhilosophy

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Nasir Khusraw and The Reconciliation of Science and Religion

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:42:30 -0000

In this video I talk about the 11th century Ismaili philosopher Nasir Khusraw and his major work "Jami' al-hikmatayn" or "The union of the two wisdoms".

For a more proper introduction to Isma'ilism, check out my previous video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZXbzl1ZneQ&t=363s

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"The Song of the Reed" by Rumi

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:16:21 -0000

This time I feature probably the most famous poem by the 13th century sufi Jalal al-din Rumi (d. 1273).

Translation by Kabir Helminski

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al-Ghazali, Ibn 'Arabi and The Sufi School of Love | w. Omid Safi

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:13:45 -0000

Find Omid here:
https://www.instagram.com/brotheromid/
And Illuminated Tours/Courses:
https://www.illuminatedcourses.com

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

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What is Midsummer?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:45:00 -0000

In this video, we explore the Scandinavian holiday "Midsummer", famous from the movie of the same name. What is the actual history of this festival, and how is it celebrated?

Videography:
Aiat Almansour
Filip Holm

Music by:
Filip Holm
Sandra Marteleur
Horna Spelmän

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

#midsummernight #midsummer

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The Isma'ilis and The Problem of Representation

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:16:15 -0000

In this episode I discuss the issue of representation - who gets to represent a religion? Why? and how should we discuss it critically today?
The discussion consists mainly of the example of the Isma'ili Muslims, whose doctrines and ideas have often differed dramatically from that of the mainstream.

A lot of the information on the Ismaili view of the Qu'ran came from the research of Khalil Andani, whom I forgot to mention in the video. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/IsmailiGnosis

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The Woman Who Rejected Heaven and Hell

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:13:38 -0000

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 to inspire people centuries later.

Music by Filip Holm

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Cornell, Rkia Elaroui (translated by) (1999). "Early Sufi Women: Dhikr an-niswa al-muta 'abbidat as sufiyyat". Fons Vitae.

Cornell, Rkia Elaroui (2019). "Rabi'a From Narrative to Myth: The Many Faces of Islam's Most Famous Woman Saint, Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya". Oneworld Academic.

Helminski, Camille Adams (2003). "Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure". Shambhala.

Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.

Safi, Omid (2019). "Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition". Yale University Press.

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Why I am interested in Sufism - QandA 2

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:47:30 -0000

I'm back to answer your questions.
If you want to ask questions for future Q&A videos or just support the channel, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

#Religion #Sufism #Academia

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The Constitution of Medina and What it can tell us about early Islam

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:18:45 -0000

The so-called "Constitution of Medina" is one of the most significant texts in the history of Islam. But what does it actually say, and how can it be interpreted today?

Sources used in this video:
Denny, Frederick M. (1977). "Ummah in the Constitution of Medina". From "Journal of Near Eastern Studies", Vol. 36, No.1.
The University of Chicago Press.

Donner, Fred M. (2012) "Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam". Belknap Press.

Watt, W. Montgomery (1980). "Muhammad in Medina". OUP Pakistan.

VIDEOS:
Hamza Khan Swati:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfPJ_m8Sg60

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But seriously, is the earth flat?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:10:54 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the history of the shape of the earth, and point out that the round earth theory isn't as new as most tend to believe.

Disclaimer: Excuse me for mispronouncing Eratosthenes! No one is perfect.

https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

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The Islamic Idealism of Ibn Arabi

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:50:00 -0000

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 God (al-Haqq) is the only true Reality, while the universe is a divine self-disclosure within Being. Along the way we look at concepts like wujūd (Being), imagination (khayāl), the immutable entities (a‘yān thābita), and the idea that the world is a reflection of the divine attributes.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Abdel-Hadi, Faris (2025). "Ibn 'Arabi's Religious Pluralism: Levels of Inclusivity". Routledge.

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Bezels of Wisdom". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.

Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". SUNY Press.

https://hareesh.org/blogpage

Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-7. Pir Press.

Kastrup, Bernardo (2019). "Idea of the World, The: A multi-disciplinary argument for the mental nature of reality". Iff Books.

Kastrup, Bernardo (2024). "Analytic Idealism in a Nutshell: A straightforward summary of the 21st century’s only plausible metaphysics". Iff Books.

Muller-Ortega, Paul (1988). "The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir". SUNY Press.

Rory Dickson, William (2024). "Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy". Anqa Publishing.

Singh, Jaideva (Translated by) (1990). "The Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam with an Introduction and Notes, by Ksemaraja". SUNY Press.

Torella, Raffaele & Bettina Bäumer (2016). "Utpaladeva: Philosopher of Recognition". D.K. Printworld.

Torella, Rafaele (Translated by) (2013). "The Isvarapratyabhijnakarika of Utpaladeva: Critical edition and annoted translation". Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

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What is Jihad?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:21:15 -0000

In this episode, we give an academic, historical overview of the concept of Jihad in Islam, dispelling some misconceptions and nuancing an otherwise thorny topic.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Al-Dawoody, Ahmed Mohsen (2009). "War in Islamic Law: Justifications and Regulations". PhD Thesis. University of Birmingham.

Bashir, Khaled Ramadan (2018). "Islamic International Law: Historical Foundations and Al-Shaybani's Siyar". Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Bonner, Michael (2008). “Jihad in Islamic History: Doctrines and Practice”. Princeton University Press.

Brown, Jonathan A.C. (2019). "Slavery and Islam". Oneworld.

Donner, Fred (2012). "Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam". Harvard University Press.

Ghazi, Mahmood Ahmad (translated by) (1998). "Kitab al-Siyar al-Saghir" by Muhammad al-Shaybani. Islamic Research Institute.

Hallaq, Wael (2004). "The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law". Cambridge University Press.

Hallaq, Wael (2009). "Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations". Cambridge University Press.

Hoyland, Robert G. (2017). "In God's Path: The Arab Conquests and the Creation of an Islamic Empire". Oxford University Press.

Judd, Steven C. (2009). "al-Awza'i and Sufyan al-Thawri: The Umayyad Madhhab". In Bearman, Peri; Rudolph Peters & Frank E. Vogel (ed.), "The Islamic School of Law: Evolution, Devolution & Progress". Brill.

Judd, Steven C. (2019). "'Abd al-Rahman b. Amr al-Awza'i". In the "Makers of the Muslim World" Series. Oneworld.

Khan Nyazee, Imran Ahsan (translated by) (2000). "The Distinguished Jurist's Primer: Bidayat Al-Mujtahid Wa Nihayat Al-Muqtasid." Vol. 1-2. Garnet Publishing.

Kimball, Michelle R. (2018). "Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba: A Peacemaker for Our Time". The Other Press Sdn. Bhd.

Kiser, John W (2015). "Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El-Kader". Monkfish Book Publishing Company.

Penn, Michael Philip (2015). "When Christians First Met Muslims: A Sourcebook of the Earliest Syriac Writings on Islam". University of California Press.

Robinson, Chase F. (2005). "Abd al-Malik". Oneworld.

Urban, Elizabeth (2020). "Conquered Populations in Early Islam: Non-Arabs, Slaves and the Sons of Slave Mothers". Edinburgh University Press.

Zawati, Hilmi M. (2015). "Theory of War in Islamic and Public International Law". In "Is Jihad Just War? War, Peace and Human Rights under Islamic and Public International Law", (Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2001) 9-47, reprinted in Niaz A. Shah, ed., Islam and the Law of Armed Conflict (Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 2015) 249-287.

Zemmali, Ameur (1990). "Imam al-Awza'i and his humanitarian ideas". In International Review of the Red Cross (1961 - 1997) , Volume 30 , Issue 275 , April 1990 , pp. 115 - 123. International Committee of the Red Cross.

------------------------------------------

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:15 What does "Jihad" mean?
4:44 Military understandings & early Islam
8:48 Forced conversion or not?
15:32 Rules of war in the early community
18:56 The nature of the Arab conquests
25:01 War in Islamic Law & Jurisprudence
45:53 Prisoners of War
50:16 Perpetual struggle & Shi'i Perspectives
52:30 Developments over time & contemporary Islam
58:07 Conclusions

#islam #religion

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Who are the Augustinians?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:08:10 -0000

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Mystical Love and Sufi Women

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:52:30 -0000

The mystical metaphysics of Love is one of the most recurring themes in Sufism, as it is in many other religious traditions.
In this collaboration with Dr. Justin Sledge and the channel ESOTERICA, we explore the Love Mystics of Islam and Christianity. Here I talk about Sufi women like Rabi'a al-Adawiyya and A'isha al-Ba'nuiyya and what role they played in the development of Islamic mysticism.
In Dr. Sledge's video, he talks about the Beguine mystics of medieval Christianity with figures like Mechtild of Magdeburg, Hadewijch & Marguerite Porete.

Watch ESOTERICA's companion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkFMG817zQ8&feature=youtu.be

Link to my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Sources/Further Reading:

Helminski, Camille Adams (2013). "Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure". Shambala Publications.

Homerin, Th. Emil (2003). "Living Love: The Mystical Writings of ‘A’ishah al-Ba‘uniyah (d. 922/1516)". University of Rochester.

Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.

Silvers, Laury (2015). "Early Pious, Mystic Sufi Women". In "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism" (Edited by Lloyd Ridgeon). Cambridge University Press.

Leonard Lewisohn (2015). Sufism's Religion of Love, From Rabi'a to Ibn 'Arabi. In "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism" (Edited by Lloyd Ridgeon). Cambridge University Press.

#Sufism #Mysticism #Love

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Is Islam a Western Religion?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:23:45 -0000

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The Hare Krishna Movement Explained

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:05:27 -0000

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 devotional Hinduism to its transformation into the global ISKCON movement, brought to the West by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1965. We cover the theology of Krishna Consciousness, the bhakti tradition, and how an obscure regional sect became one of the most visible spiritual movements in modern history.

Written by Anmol Kohli
Co-written by Filip Holm
Anmol's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCsFYr4NuH5rgV4mTVjUOu7g

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Swami Tapasyananda, Bhakti Schools of Vedanta (Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai, 1990).

o Chapter on ‘Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu: Life’, pages 323-407.

o Chapter on ‘Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu: Philosophy’, pages 408-451.

Bryant, Edwin (2004). "The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant". Columbia University Press.

Bryant, Edwin (translated by) (2017). "Bhakti Yoga: Tales and Teachings from the Bhagavata Purana". North Point Press.

Bryant, Edwin. Bhakti Yoga: Tales and Teachings from the Bhagavata Purana (Pan Macmillan India, 2018).

Dwyer, Graham & Richard J. Cole (ed.) (2007). "The Hare Krishna Movement: Forty Years of Chant and Change". I.B. Tauris.

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Al-Shushtari: Sufi Poet of the People

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 08:55:00 -0000

As we continue our series on some of the less known (and sometimes controversial) Sufis of the Middle Ages, we reach the Andalusian poet Abu-l Hasan al-Shushtari. He was a student of Ibn Sab'in but is also famous as a master-poet and Sufi master in his own right.

Sources/Suggested Reading:
Alvarez, Lourdes Maria (2009). "Abu-l Hasan al-Shushtari: Songs of Love and Devotion". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality" series. Paulist Press.

Alvarez, Lourdes Maria (2005). "The Mystical Language of Everyday Life": Vernacular Sufi Poetry and the Songs of Abu Al-Hasan Al-Shustari". Exemplaria. 17:1, 1-32, DOI: 10.1179/exm.2005.17.1.1.

Johnson. N. Scott (1995). "Ocean and Pearls: Ibn Sab'in, Shustari and the Doctrine of Absolute Unity". In "Sufi: Journal of Sufism" Issue 25.

#Andalusia #Poetry #Sufism

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Granum Sinapis - Meister Eckhart (Maybe)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 08:26:15 -0000

This is a poem often attributed to Meister Eckhart (d. 1328), the famous Christian mystic/theologian/philosopher.

Music: Tomaso Albinoni - Adagio in G minor

Translation taken from "German Mystical Writings: Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, Jacob Boehme, and others", Edited by Karen J. Campbell

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The Most Misunderstood Book in Judaism

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 08:02:43 -0000

In this video, Zevi and I explore what the Talmud is, what it is not, and the role it plays in the Jewish religion.

Thank you to Dr. Justin Sledge @TheEsotericaChannel for reviewing this presentation.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Moulie Vidas, The Rise of Talmud, 2014

David Weiss Halivni, The Formation of the Babylonian Talmud, 2013

Talya Fishman, Becoming the People of the Talmud, 2011

Jeffrey L Rubenstein, The Culture of the Babylonian Talmud, 2003

Peter Schäfer and Catherine Hezser, The Cambridge Companion to the Talmud and Rabbinic Literature, 2022

Joshua Kulp and Jason Rogoff, Reconstructing the Talmud, 2014

Barry Scott Wimpfheimer, The Talmud: A Biography, 2018

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Naqshbandiyya - The "Orthodox" Sufi Order?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:57:30 -0000

In this collaboration with the channel al-Muqaddimah, I will do my first deep dive into one of the many Sufi orders - the Naqshbandiyya.

Watch al-Muqaddimah's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=098SjH3RNBc

And please go and subscribe to his channel, I highly recommend it: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlMuqaddimah

You can also support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Or make a one-time donation through Paypal to: filipekholm@yahoo.se

Sources/Further Reading:
Abun-Nasr, Jamil (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace - The sufi brotherhoods in Islamic religious life". Hurst & Company, London

Malik, Jamal & John Hinnells (2006). "Sufism in the West". Routledge.

Sorgenfrei, Simon (2016). "Sufism i Sverige". Nämnden för statligt stöd till trossamfund.

Videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zre-wHDHXDU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YuMoSv6HJA

#Sufism #Naqshbandi #Mysticism

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How a 15th-Century Cardinal Changed Philosophy Forever

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:28:45 -0000

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 views on infinity, knowledge and religious diversity. Discover why this forgotten medieval thinker still matters today.

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recommended Reading:

Bond. H. Lawrence (edited and translated by) (1997). "Nicholas of Cusa: Selected Spiritual Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Hopkins, Jasper (translated by) (1986). "NICHOLAS OF CUSA’S DE PACE
FIDEI AND CRIBRATIO ALKORANI". Second edition. THE ARTHUR J. BANNING PRESS MINNEAPOLIS.

McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.

Valkenberg, Pim (2011). "Sifting the Qur’an: Two Forms of Interreligious Hermeneutics in Nicholas of Cusa". In "Interreligious Hermeneutics in Pluralistic Europe", Currents of Encounter Online, Volume: 40. Brill.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:14 Life & Times
13:03 Works
15:10 On Learned Ignorance & God as Maximum
20:05 The Coincidence of Opposites
23:57 Learned Ignorance & Apophaticism
28:00 Creation as Contraction
32:40 Christ & The Trinity
37:40 (Un)Naming God
46:01 Mysticism & The Vision of God
52:33 Dialogue with Islam & Ecumenism
1:00:07 Quran Commentary
1:06:09 Legacy & Afterlife
1:10:13 Conclusion

#christianity #mysticism #cusanus

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Patreon Trailer

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Link to my Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

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The Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

This video focuses on the Sufi doctrine called "Wahdat al-Wujud" (sometimes The Oneness of Being), strongly associated with Ibn 'Arabi (d. 1240) and his school of thought.

If you want to watch a more thorough introduction to Ibn 'Arabi and The Unity of Being, you can watch my longer video on the subject (from which large portions of this video is taken): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bgWnzjONXE

Souces:
Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi". World Wisdom, inc.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1982). "The Spiritual writings of Amir 'Abd al-Kader". State University of New York Press.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-hikam)". Translated by Caner Dagli. Kazi Publications.

Ibn Arabi - "The Interpreter of Desires (Tarjuman al-ashwaq)". Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. London: Royal Asiatic Society.

Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.

Mahmud Shabistari - "Garden of Mystery: The Gulshan-i raz of Mahmud Shabistari". Translated by Robert Abdul Hayy Darr. Archetype.

Fakhruddin 'Iraqi - "Divine Flashes (Lama'at)". Translated by William C. Chittick & Peter Lamborn Wilson. The Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

#Sufism #Mysticism #Spirituality

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Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim): The World's Most Famous Book of Magic?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:31:15 -0000

Discover the mysteries of Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim), one of the most influential books of magic ever written. This ancient Arabic text has fascinated mystics, scholars, and occultists for centuries with its unique blend of astrology, alchemy, and Hermetic philosophy. In this episode, we explore its origins, history, and the themes it contains.

Thank you to Dr. Saif for appearing in, and helping out with, this video. Check out her excellent work (some of which is listed in the sources below).

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:
Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Attrell, Dan & David Porreca (translated by) (2019). “Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic”. Pennsylvania State University Press.

Fierro, Maribel (1996). “Batinism in al-Andalus: Maslama b. Qasim al-Qurtubi, author of the Rutbat al-Hakim and the Ghayat al-Hakim (Picatrix)”. In “Studia Islamica, 1996/2, 84”. Brill.

Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.

Pingree, David (1981). “Between the Ghaya and the Pixatrix”. In “Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Volume 44, 1981”. University of Chicago Press.

Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.

Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.

Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.

#Picatrix #magic #occultism

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Was Alcohol Always Forbidden in Islam?

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:02:30 -0000

Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Translations of Tahawi from Arabic to Swedish by Khuder. Translation from Swedish to English by me (Filip Holm).

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bedir, Murteza (2002). "An Early Response to Shafi'i: Isa b. Aban on the Prophetic Report (Khabar)". Islamic Law and Society. https://doi.org/10.1163/156851902320901170.

Clarke, Abdussamad (translated by) (2021). "The Kitab al-Athar of Abu Hanifah". Turath Publishing.

El Shamsy, Ahmed (2013). "The Canonization of Islamic Law: A Social and Intellectual History". Cambridge University Press.

Gohlman, William E. (translated by) (1974). "The Life of Ibn Sina: A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation". State University of New York Press.

Haider, Najam (2012). "The Origins of the Shi'a: Identity, Ritual and Sacred Space in Eighth Century Kufa". Cambridge University Press.

Haider, Najam (2013). "Contesting Intoxication: Early Juristic Debates over the Lawfulness of Alcoholic Beverages". In Islamic Law and Society 20 (2013) 48-89. Brill.

Hallaq, Wael (2004). "The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law". Cambridge University Press.

Hallaq, Wael (2009). "Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations". Cambridge University Press.

Khan Nyazee, Imran Ahsan (translated by) (2000). "The Distinguished Jurist's Primer: Bidayat Al-Mujtahid Wa Nihayat Al-Muqtasid." Vol. 1-2. Garnet Publishing.

Wyman-Landgraf, Umar F. Abd-Allah (2013). "Malik and Medina: Islamic Reasoning in the Formative Period". Brill.

al-Tahawi's "al-Mukhtasar". Arabic version.

Arabic citations:

"محمد قال: أخْرنا ابو حنيفة عن حمّاد عنْ إبراهيم قال: (ما أَسْكر كَثِيرُه فقليله حرامٌ) خَطَأٌ من الناس، إنما أرَادوا السّكرُ حَرامٌ من كلِّ شراب"
(Shaybani's Kitab al-Athar, section 843)

"محمد قال: أخْرنا ابو حنيفة عن حمّاد قال: كنت أتقي النبيذ، فدخلْت على إبراهيم وهو يطعم، فطعمت معه، فاوتي قدحا من نبيذ، فلما رأى إبطائي عنه قال: حدّثني علقمة ، عن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه أنه كان ربما طعم عنده ، ثم دعا نبيذ له تنبذه سيرين أم ولد عبد الله، فشرب وسقاني "
(Shaybani's Kitab al-Athar, section 832)

"محمد قال: أخْرنا ابو حنيفة عن حمّاد عنْ إبراهيم: أن عمر رضي الله عنه أتي بأعرابي قد سكر، فطلب له عذرا، فلمّا أعياه(لذهاب عقل) قال: احبسوه ، فإذا صحا فاجلدوه، ودعا بفضلة فضلت في إداوته، فذاقها فإذا نبيذ شديد تمنع ، فدعا بماء فكسره، (و كان عمر رضي الله عنه يحب الشراب الشديد) فشرب ، و سقى جلساءه، ثم قال: هذا اكسروه بالماء إذا غلبكم شيطانه.
قال محمد: وبه نأخذ ، وهو قول أبي حنيفة رحمه الله تعالى."
(Shaybani's Kitab al-Athar, section 835)

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Ancient Norse Religion Today - Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 05:57:16 -0000

In this first short documentary, we explore the ritual called "Vårblot" performed by "Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden", a religious group in Sweden following the pre-christian tradition known as "Asatru".
Many of the ancient pagan traditions and religions have become increasingly popular in the last few years, and this is just one of many such congregations.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Henrik Hallgren, Per Lundberg and Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden for welcoming us and being so nice.

Please visit the official website of Forn Sed Sweden: https://www.samfundetfornsed.se/

Let's Talk Religion facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letstalkreligionchannel/

About Forn Sed Sverige (from their website):

The organisation Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden was founded in 1994, under the name Swedish Asatro Assembly. (Our new name was ratified in the annual allthing in spring 2010.) Since 2007 are we a registered religious organisation in Sweden.

The Assembly of Forn Sed aim to make Forn Sed a living spiritual alternative for people in current society. Our purpose is not to recreate an ancient religion the way it might have been a 1000 years ago and we are not engaged in historic theatre. We live in Forn Sed today and continue to develop forn sed as a spiritual expression adapted to current society. This is done through blot and other types of ceremonies, by releasing books and other printed materials, and by creating common meeting places for people with an interest in nature spirituality.

The organization of the Assembly of Forn Sed Swedish is open and democratic. Each year we hold Allthing that all members are welcome and where the most important decisions are made. At the Allthing the board is elected, tha we call the råd, that execute and lead the Assembly during the year. The Assembly also has appointed godthies and gydjas, that have the function of supporting members in their practice of Forn Sed.

The Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden does not have religious dogma. However do we have a strongly expressed value system that has a basis in humanitarian and democratic view on life and that acknowledge all humans as equals regardless of gender, origin or sexual preference.The Assembly and her members shall also uphold religious tolerance in a multicultural society. Each and everyone that share these values are welcome in the Assembly of Forn Sed Sweden.

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