The Symbolic World

I’m joined again by Seraphim Hamilton to discuss his upcoming Symbolic World course on Isaiah, beginning June 15th. We talk about why Isaiah is central for understanding Christ in the Old Testament, the relationship between prophecy, exile, the suffering servant, the gentile nations, and the deep symbolic unity between Scripture, liturgy, and creation. Join Seraphim Hamilton in studying the Book of Isaiah this June. Register now to get 15% off before the early bird sale ends: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-fifth-gospel  YouTube version: https://youtu.be/lPpBFh2-V90 Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:47 - Intro music 01:01 - Introducing Seraphim Hamilton and the Isaiah course 01:48 - Seminary, liturgy, and returning to Scripture 02:39 - Why Isaiah? 03:02 - Isaiah as a Christological book 05:27 - High Christology in the Old Testament 06:52 - Leviathan, Revelation, and the Angel of the Lord 07:51 - Isaiah 27 and the serpent of Genesis 08:22 - Sennacherib, Hezekiah, and the Angel of the Lord 10:51 - Are Old Testament prophecies taken out of context? 11:18 - Exile, Assyria, Babylon, and biblical prophecy 14:57 - Course promo: The Fifth Gospel 15:47 - Isaiah 14 and the fall of Satan 16:44 - The king of Babylon and the Daystar 19:06 - Isaiah 14, Isaiah 53, and the suffering servant 22:46 - Venus, Lucifer, and Christ as opposite images 24:22 - Angels, humanity, and the transfer of authority 25:57 - Is the suffering servant Israel or the Messiah? 26:23 - The Messiah as the son of David 28:50 - The servant, the seed, and the restoration of Israel 32:13 - How the nations participate in the promise 32:41 - The Old Testament and the redemption of the nations 34:54 - The mountain of the Lord and divine fire 37:34 - The heavenly Jerusalem and Isaiah 60 38:02 - Isaiah 59, incarnation, and the redemption of Israel 40:19 - The nations coming to honor the Jewish Messiah 43:14 - What the Isaiah class hopes to offer 43:56 - Seeing Christ disclosed in the Old Testament 46:36 - Symbolism, the Fathers, and the tight weave of Scripture 47:44 - Course details: five classes on Isaiah 48:49 - Closing and where to sign up 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

This is a talk I did at Hillsdale College in March 2026. In this talk, I explore mythological thinking as a way of understanding how facts become meaningful. Facts do not present themselves to us neutrally. They are always organized by care, relevance, attention, and story. I look at examples from Genesis, Icarus, Spider-Man, the Tower of Babel, and modern science to show how myths preserve deep patterns of human experience. Rather than treating myth as fiction or primitive explanation, I argue that myth reveals the structures by which we perceive reality, understand purpose, and connect psychology with theology. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/DEShUddn8HY Join Seraphim Hamilton in studying the Book of Isaiah this June. Register now to get 15% off before the early bird sale ends: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-fifth-gospel 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Timestamps: 00:00 Coming up 01:38 Intro music 02:03 Introduction at Hillsdale College 06:59 Talk begins: hope, fragmentation, and new conversations 09:19 “Facts don’t care about your feelings” 12:12 Care organizes facts 16:50 Facts are always contained in a story 19:15 The Fifth Gospel course announcement 20:10 Why stories survive across generations 24:04 Mythological stories vs. scientific descriptions 27:14 Origin stories and why we care 30:37 Genesis as more than a scientific text 33:34 Genesis, relevance, and human categories 37:38 Why the mythological story should be primary 39:36 Myths are not primitive explanations 41:47 Babel, Icarus, Prometheus, and repeated patterns 44:16 Applicability vs. allegory 47:40 All remembered stories are mythological 49:24 Psychology, theology, and human care 51:27 The Incarnation as the myth that came true 54:34 How story unites psychology and theology 58:29 Returning to mythological thinking 59:55 Q&A: Bringing mythological thinking into science education 01:02:58 Q&A: How to recognize false myths 01:07:37 Q&A: Speaking truth in hostile circles 01:08:53 Q&A: Original sin as a true myth 01:11:13 Q&A: How artists discover truth through story 01:13:42 Q&A: Why live by Christ’s story rather than another? 01:18:21 Q&A: The modern fall into cold, hard reality Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

A telling of the events in Genesis that you might never have heard before. In this episode of Universal History, Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I return to Genesis through the Syriac tradition, especially the Cave of Treasures. This is the groundwork for understanding the universal history of Persia. Join Seraphim Hamilton in studying the Book of Isaiah this June. Register now to get 15% off before the early bird sale ends: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-fifth-gospel YouTube version: https://youtu.be/f--wBUEAxjY Universal History playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY_M2uZP3yW6EEiod3fGD6FD Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:38 - Intro music 01:03 - Why return to Genesis before Persia 05:54 - Syriac sources and the Cave of Treasures 08:21 - Tradition, Scripture, and how ancient stories are received 12:55 - Melchizedek, Moriah, and hidden biblical patterns 17:41 - The first day: creation, waters, and the leaven of life 24:37 - The second day: the firmament and the waters above 28:45 - The third day: earth, seeds, and creation’s hidden potential 34:22 - Sterility, power, and modern artificial systems 38:21 - The fourth day: sun, moon, stars, heat, and life 43:45 - The sixth day: the formation of Adam 45:23 - Adam’s glory and the angels’ fear 52:17 - Satan refuses to venerate Adam 56:56 - The chariot of fire and ascent into paradise 59:19 - Eve, Adam’s side, and ancient wedding symbolism 01:02:09 - Paradise as the Church 01:06:47 - Jerusalem, the cross, and universal history 01:10:55 - The fall, the serpent, and the mirror of temptation 01:17:42 - Garments of skin and the body after the fall 01:22:13 - Adam and Eve expelled from paradise 01:27:00 - The Cave of Treasures and the first temple 01:29:21 - Cain, Abel, and the first sacrifice 01:31:42 - Cain’s jealousy and the first murder 01:35:40 - Abel as the first martyr and first relic 01:37:50 - Genesis as the pattern of the whole world 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

In this video, I look at the symbolism of the recent TV show, Pluribus. There's a lot of speculation about whether it's an allegory for AI, the internet, totalitarianism, or resisting tyranny. But I would argue that it's not allegorical at all, rather it's an exploration of a deeper ontological problem: the relationship of the one and the many, the inside and the outside, sameness and difference. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JIk5jpmf5D0 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

In this video, I explore the symbolism of decapitation in the Bible and Christian tradition. Beginning with Joseph’s interpretation of the baker and cupbearer in Genesis, we trace a pattern of “lifting up the head” through Scripture, martyrdom, the Eucharist, and ultimately the crucifixion and ascension of Christ. Along the way, we encounter Saint John the Baptist, the mystery of sacrifice, and the astonishing story of Saint Denis of Paris, who carried his own head while preaching after his martyrdom. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/uwRsUj30URk Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  Virtual tickets are now also for sale, and Involved+ patrons can get 10% off: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/virtual-summit-2026 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

I sat down with Fr. Josiah Trenham to talk about something that’s becoming harder to ignore: how to properly order your loyalties. We discussed the tension between faith, nation, family, and personal identity, and what happens when those come into conflict.  Join us at the Symbolic World Summit, where Fr. Josiah will be one of the keynote speakers.  May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/Ugt7XnbH0tQ 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

In this conversation with Annie Crawford, we explore the role of alchemy in C.S. Lewis’ That Hideous Strength. While alchemy is often dismissed as occult or irrelevant, Lewis uses its symbolism in a precise and meaningful way. We look at how the novel presents two forms of transformation: one rooted in control, technology, and disembodied power, and the other in sacrifice, order, and participation in the divine. This distinction speaks directly to how we understand modern technology, including AI. The discussion also touches on story structure, the nature of symbolic thinking, and how transformation is embedded in narrative itself. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7WqrbWNHJBs Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  ===== 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Please review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

This is the final episode of our Universal History series on the American Religion. Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I look at the religious ideas behind the American project, especially the influence of Kabbalah and the search for a “pure” and universal mystical tradition. We trace how early Protestants, thinkers like Thomas Jefferson, and figures like Ezra Stiles engaged with Jewish mysticism as part of their attempt to understand and shape America’s role in the universal history. - Watch the YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/A563i-jrZs0 - Watch the rest of this series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY_U0msyBRVpwCI_srzn3tjL - Universal History playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY_M2uZP3yW6EEiod3fGD6FD Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming Up 01:10 - Intro Music 01:35 - Introduction & Framing the Topic   02:28 - Jefferson, Adams & “Pure Religion”   05:23 - Kabbalah and the Founding Fathers   07:48 - Puritans, Quakers & Early American Mysticism   11:11 - Adam Kadmon & Christian Kabbalah   16:18 - George Keith & Quaker Debates   20:18 - Sabatianism & Messianic Movements   26:03 - Apocalyptic Expectations in Early America   29:44 - Judah Monis & Kabbalah in Harvard   33:48 - Kabbalah Used to Defend the Trinity   35:59 - Ezra Stiles & America as the New Israel   39:06 - America as the “New World” in Prophecy   42:49 - Loss of Christian Mysticism & Turning to Kabbalah   48:33 - America as the Promised Land Idea   51:50 - Is America the “End of the World”?   54:54 - The Contradictions of American Culture   58:10 - Final Reflections on America’s Spiritual Identity   ===== Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington. Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD - Involved patrons can get a 10% discount. Apply your code at checkout.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  ===== 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

This is a repost of a past video where I discussed the icons of Holy Week in the Orthodox Church and how they relate to each other as a unified symbolic pattern. Have a blessed Pascha. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/h55O4Kxs6tU Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  Timestamps: 00:00 - Start / Introduction 00:48 - Palm Sunday (Entry into Jerusalem) 05:34 - Holy Monday (Bridegroom / Crown of Thorns) 07:54 - Holy Tuesday (Wise & Foolish Virgins) 10:15 - Holy Wednesday (Washing of the Feet) 12:37 - Holy Thursday (Mystical Supper) 14:36 - Holy Friday (Crucifixion) 19:27 - Holy Saturday (Descent into Hades / Anastasis) 21:47 - Resurrection & Empty Tomb 24:09 - Burial & Laying in the Tomb 26:20 - Conclusion / Meaning of Holy Week ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD - Involved patrons can get a 10% discount. Apply your code at checkout.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  ===== 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

With the release of Ye’s new album, Bully, many have asked about the music video for the song called “Father.” While the video is surreal and AI generated, it is not without meaning or structure. If you pay attention to broader, context, patterns, and the relationships between images, a coherent meaning begins to emerge. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/BG2psRcPH7o My review of Ye's album Bully: https://x.com/PageauJonathan/status/2038374009382097289 Ye: Father music video: https://youtu.be/HBMy-y2wb4I?si=OKlf4_0c8y1zJwV1 SUMMIT 2026: Join us for the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Jonathan Pageau, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Don't miss out! https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD - Involved patrons can get a 10% discount. Apply your code at checkout.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  ===== 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

Kale Zelden is a literature teacher and writer and in this video he joins me to discuss reading, the "Great books", and what it means to recover the reading tradition in a modern context. We talk about how to encounter old texts, what reading can contribute to our lives, and how to approach authors like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare without reducing them to modern assumptions. We also explore the limits of the novel, modernism, postmodernism, irony, and the essential rediscovery of the epic. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9zps7RIov44 Kale’s Substack, The Underneath: https://kalezelden.substack.com/ Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  Learn more about Pavel Shchelin's phenomenal course on Plutarch, Live now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Coming up 01:07 - Intro music 01:32 - Introduction 02:09 - The state of education 07:30 - First of all 10:47 - The power of analogy 13:11 - Select your curriculum 21:05 - What is canon? 33:24 - What are we moving towards 39:20 - Allegory 43:47 - What is modernism? 47:50 - Great books program 53:24 - What is the epic? BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS DISCUSSION: 00:04:45  Augustine — Confessions — Spiritual autobiography, early Christian thought  Plato — Dialogues — Philosophy of truth, justice, knowledge  Aristotle — (various works) — Ethics, logic, metaphysics  Church Fathers — (various writings) — Foundations of Christian theology 00:06:20  Anne Rice — (novels) — Modern popular fiction  Shakespeare — (general works) — Foundational drama  Beowulf — Anonymous — Old English epic poem 00:06:49  Plato — Dialogues — Rediscovered philosophical texts 00:07:32  Shakespeare — Hamlet — Tragedy of revenge and doubt  Dante — Divine Comedy — Vision of Hell, Purgatory, Heaven  Chaucer — Canterbury Tales — Medieval storytelling  Mary Shelley — Frankenstein — Creation and responsibility  Milton — Paradise Lost — Epic of the Fall 00:13:55  Kerouac — On the Road — Modern freedom and experience  Camus — (e.g. The Stranger) — Existential philosophy 00:14:31  Homer — Iliad, Odyssey — Foundational epics  Plato — Apology, Republic — Justice and philosophy  Shakespeare — Romeo and Juliet — Tragic love Julius Caesar — Politics and betrayal Macbeth — Ambition and guilt A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Comedy and illusion King Lear — Suffering and authority Hamlet — Existential tragedy The Tempest — Reconciliation 00:16:21  Dostoevsky — Crime and Punishment — Guilt and redemption  Dostoevsky — The Brothers Karamazov — Faith and morality 00:21:31  Voyage of St. Brendan — Medieval Christian voyage  Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius — Apocalyptic text  The Golden Legend — Jacobus de Voragine — Saints’ lives 00:21:58  Cervantes — Don Quixote — Satire of chivalry, early novel 00:22:51  Jane Austen — Pride and Prejudice — Social psychology 00:23:59  Milton — Paradise Lost — (revisited, epic psychology) 00:26:11  Faulkner — (novels) — Fragmented modern storytelling 00:33:41  C.S. Lewis — On Stories — Defense of story over psychology  C.S. Lewis — Abolition of Man — Critique of modern values  C.S. Lewis — Miracles — Defense of the supernatural 00:37:05  Sondheim — Into the Woods — Modern fairy tale deconstruction 00:38:55  Rabelais — Gargantua and Pantagruel — Satirical, playful text 00:44:06  Melville — Moby-Dick — Epic-scale novel  Hemingway — The Sun Also Rises — Modern disillusionment 00:49:42  Ovid — Metamorphoses — Mythic transformations 00:46:13 (thinkers mentioned)  Lyotard — Postmodern philosophy  Derrida — Deconstruction  Heidegger — Phenomenology 00:53:14  Virgil — Aeneid — Roman epic  Bible — (Moses narrative) — Epic of calling and suffering 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

We often assume that being “historically accurate” means getting closer to the truth, but that’s not always the case. In this video, I explore how modern, mechanical thinking can actually invert meaning, using the example of Christ’s crucifixion.  What matters most is not just the mechanical details of how something could have happened, but what it means and its actual implications. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HXsbK_k8vn4 SUMMIT 2026: Join us for the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Jonathan Pageau, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Don't miss out! Hope to see you there: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD - Involved patrons can get a 10% discount. Apply your code at checkout.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history ===== 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026

In this conversation, I sat down with Mary Harrington about technology and the online world. Mary reflects on her path as a writer, the evolution of online culture, and the growing difficulty of discerning truth in the digital environment. We also touch on memory, embodiment, cancel culture, and politics.  YouTube version: https://youtu.be/eeBZuA0S1ZE Mary will be speaking at the Symbolic World Summit. The theme of the conference is Retelling the Cosmic Epic, and Mary’s talk will be titled: 'Rebuild the Monasteries' Description: In an age of AI "slop" and flattened culture, how do we understand, and cultivate, what makes us distinctly human? Mary Harrington will argue that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Premodern practices of memory and prayer, once cultivated in Europe's monasteries, can refresh our imaginations and salvage our human cultures in the digital age. Come join us at Woodside Event Center | Broadview Heights, Ohio | May 14-16, 2026 Early Bird Pricing – Ends March 26th: Save $50 on both General Admission and VIP tickets Buy tickets now: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/  ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD - Involved patrons can get a 10% discount. Apply your code at checkout.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  ===== Jonathan and Mary's discussion on Socrates in the City: https://youtu.be/nrsjZKPH4WA?si=kaM5zE2Qj-4XCD1K Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:07 - Intro music 01:32 - Introduction 02:14 - Mary's journey 09:00 - The meaning of meaning 10:46 - The singularity already happened 12:53 - Being connected 17:28 - The printing press industrial template 20:52 - AI 22:21 - Using AI 25:47 - Internet platforms and politics 32:10 - Being anonymous 35:37 - Politics 37:44 - The end of the printing press 39:47 - The end of the industrial era 42:46 - Cancel culture 46:56 - Treasure houses 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

In this conversation I speak with Dr. Zachary Porcu about his book, Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life in a Secular Age, and the challenge of explaining true Christian thinking to modern people. We discuss how modern assumptions about the world make it difficult to understand ideas like sacraments, participation, and the relationship between the spiritual and material. Dr. Porcu explains why he wrote the book and how reframing basic categories—what we mean by God, religion, and reality—is often necessary before theology can make sense. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Qd9xENDzfRo  Please review the Symbolic World podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts.  Dr. Zac’s website and book: https://zacharyporcu.com/ The Roots of Everything podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@TheRootsofEverything Substack: https://zacharyporcu.substack.com/  ===== NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD, get the early bird discount of 15% off if you register by March 18th.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  ===== SUMMIT 2026: Join us for the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Jonathan Pageau, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Buy your tickets now and get $50 off with the early bird sale through March 26th. Don't miss out! Hope to see you there: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:03 - Intro music 01:29 - Introduction 03:54 - Jargon 05:46 - Matter and spirituality 08:49 - Re-enchantment 13:10 - What you see 22:09 - The moral and physical laws 31:01 - Occult converts 36:39 - Supernatural experiences 40:54 - What do we do? 46:46 - Meditation 49:47 - On American religion 52:16 - The rational and the esoteric 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2026

This is a conversation between Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and Pavel Shchelin on political theology, power, and Plutarch’s Lives. They explore how ancient biographies reveal enduring patterns of ambition, authority, and the human passions that shape political history—from Rome to the modern world. Topics include Cicero, rhetoric and power, the fall of the Roman Republic, and why the stories of ancient statesmen still help us understand today’s political landscape. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Wo2IkgDT0q4 Please review this podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts, it helps us a lot. Links: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5  -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  NEW COURSE: Plutarch: Symbolism in History with Pavel Shchelin The problem with history is that you are in it. Plutarch teaches us to read power symbolically—asking "whom does the hero serve?" to predict leadership patterns before they play out. Presenter: Pavel Shchelin Duration: 8 weeks studying the lives of Greeks and Roman Lycurgus, Alcibiades, Lysander, Pompey, Caesar, and Octavian –as living patterns, not dead men. Live classes are on Wednesdays at 4-6pm Eastern Time, starting March 18th through May 6th, 2026. Price: $180 USD, get the early bird discount of 15% off if you register by March 18th.  Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/plutarch-symbolism-in-history  SUMMIT 2026: Join us for the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Jonathan Pageau, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Buy your tickets now and get $50 off with the early bird sale through March 12th. Don't miss out! Hope to see you there: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:32 - Intro music 01:58 - Introduction 03:47 - The separation of religion and politics 07:44 - Current politics 09:20 - How they met 10:46 - Why Plutarch? 18:46 - If you were pointing a video camera 20:20 - Great men 24:28 - Plutarch's Lives 26:57 - Influence 28:40 - Cicero 49:18 - Digging his own grave 56:58 - Word and will 01:05:48 - Cicero's lesson for us 01:10:58 - Course info 01:16:06 - The point of studying history 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

Magical beginnings, secular endings. In this episode of Universal History, Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I start a discussion about early Mormonism (or rather, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) within the broader context of American religious history. We look at the enchanted religious world of early America — folk magic, treasure seeking, restorationism, the Melchizedek priesthood — and how these patterns shaped movements like Mormonism. We also reflect on the recurring American impulse to “restore” a lost spiritual authority, and the impulse to, on the other hand, make all things respectably secular. This is episode 4 of our Universal History series on the American religion. Watch it here on YouTube: Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY_U0msyBRVpwCI_srzn3tjL Episode 1: https://youtu.be/htXHJ1WRSAg Episode 2: https://youtu.be/o9rMy6lde0c Episode 3: https://youtu.be/0_RKBPaQAyk Episode 4: https://youtu.be/ZopvdgYe-UA === Join us for the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, myself, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Buy your tickets now and get $50 off with the early bird sale through March 12th. Don't miss out! Hope to see you there: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ === NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD (Involved patrons qualify for a 10% discount) ⏰ Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven === Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:01 - Intro music 01:27 - The problem with talking about Mormonism 06:10 - Context for why to talk about this 13:26 - The Bible and magic 20:46 - The distinction in magic 25:55 - Enchanted practices 35:14 - Baptism for the dead 36:20 - Melchizedek priesthood 38:54 - Defining feature of American religion 41:28 - The charismatic narrative 42:43 - Hebrews 44:46 - Esoteric Enoch 45:52 - Secret garments 46:45 - The Whitmer family 51:24 - Joseph Smith 58:56 - Proscribed but practiced 01:02:52 - Many religious experiences 01:04:54 - The attitude to magic and miracles 01:09:24 - Magical beginning, secular end 01:16:40 - Long-lasting 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2026

In this conversation, I sit down with Stephen Roach on the Makers and Mystics podcast to explore why our stories feel exhausted — and what that reveals about our cultural moment. We talk about the end of the post–World War II narrative, the collapse of the hero (and even the anti-hero), and how storytelling has drifted. We also discuss fairy tales, monsters, AI, and the future of art. Let me know what you think in the comments and come join us at the Breath and the Clay conference, a creative arts gathering in Winston Salem, NC March 20-22, 2026: http://www.thebreathandtheclay.com/ YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/Xbr6XQlspGQ ------------------------ Another opportunity to come together and meet is the Symbolic World Summit 2026! Speakers include Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dn. Seraphim Rohlin, myself, and others. Date: May 14-16 Place: Broadview Heights, OH Buy your tickets now and get $50 off with the early bird sale. Don't miss out: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ Hope to see you there. 🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:21 - Intro music 01:47 - Introduction 03:08 - Narrative exhaustion 04:38 - End of the WW2 narrative 08:40 - Fairy tales 11:09 - Jonathan's retelling 13:17 - Art and ideology 17:41 - Complexity in religious art 21:32 - Trust in the audience 24:33 - Participation in art 28:27 - Distorted retellings 32:30 - Resistance of tyranny 35:28 - Identity and form 37:16 - Limitation and contemporary art 41:34 - AI art 44:11 - Human connection 45:30 - Making space Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2026

In this episode I try to circle around something that is very difficult to speak about directly — the void. From the opening verses of Genesis, where the earth is described as “empty and void,” we are confronted with a mystery that runs through Scripture, philosophy, and our own experience. What is the “not that” which underlies being? Why has the modern world become so fascinated with negativity, difference, and alterity? And how do we understand the necessary — yet possibly dangerous — role of emptiness in the structure of reality? YouTube version: https://youtu.be/10DS7IxOVro 🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast: -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5 -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488  ============= NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD (Involved patrons qualify for a 10% discount) ⏰ Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven =============== Mentioned: -Symbolism Explained: The Fundamental WWII Duality That Still Haunts Us Today: https://youtu.be/vLpEDlgEleg?si=w45xD3-uGdx2WOo4 -The World War II Consensus is Breaking Down: https://youtu.be/MfXxQW77cQA?si=7TnLlu7uq--Fej3D -GodsDog: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/collections/godsdog -My recent video on the Parable of the Wedding Feast: https://youtu.be/YRMlQiNkSpE?si=JF3fy7RdFR8FtxO2 Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:03 - Intro music 01:28 - Introduction 05:22 - The role of the void 06:36 - The separation of heaven and earth 09:13 - Not that 11:18 - Let the earth produce 14:32 - Asking questions 16:07 - The ancient perspective 20:38 - Earth being earth 22:15 - The tree of good and bad 29:44 - What is sin? 32:37 - Examples of sin 33:53 - Judging difference 35:01 - Postmodern thinking 36:07 - Sadism and masochism 40:11 - The Mother of God 43:51 - Since WW2 48:08 - Outro 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2026

In this talk at St. Michael’s Church in Charleston, I walk through the seven days of creation as presented in Genesis, exploring creation as a divine song: a rhythm of heaven and earth, light and darkness, above and below.  YouTube version: https://youtu.be/p2kb9ggwrp0 ============= NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD (Involved patrons qualify for a 10% discount) ⏰ Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven =============== Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:57 - Intro music 01:22 - Introduction 05:18 - Day 1 15:20 - Day 2 21:53 - Day 3 33:34 - Day 4 38:31 - Day 5 45:51 - Day 6 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive montly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2026

Many are called. Not all are chosen. There is a widespread idea that Christianity is about being “nice,” endlessly tolerant, and endlessly open. But that idea does not survive a careful reading of the Gospel. In this video, I look at the parable of the Wedding Feast and explain why Christ’s invitation to everyone does not mean the acceptance of everything. Using this parable, I explore how compassion can become weaponized, how inclusion without a standard of conformity leads to chaos, and why both churches and nations must have limits if they are to remain what they are. This is not a political argument, but a symbolic and theological one—about how bodies, communities, and kingdoms actually function. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/YRMlQiNkSpE ============= NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD (Involved patrons qualify for a 10% discount) ⏰ Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven =============== 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2026

I explore the Mandela Effect from a symbolic perspective. The Mandela Effect is a psychological phenomenon where a large group of people collectively share the same false memory of an event, detail, or pop culture fact. It has stirred up conspiracy theories about parallel timelines and simulation theory. In this video I suggest the possibility that it's a strength, rather than a weakness, of human cognition - a sign of how consciousness forms coherence, how legends accumulate, and how symbols shape the way we see and remember the world. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/B-x5Ze04YEI ============= NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD ⏰🐥 DON'T MISS OUT! UNTIL FEBRUARY 1ST YOU CAN GET THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OF 15% OFF! Discount automatically applied at checkout. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven =============== 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

I speak with filmmaker Yelena Popovic, who viewers may recognize as the director of the stunning film of the life of St. Nektarios of Aegina, Man of God (2021). In this interview we discuss her upcoming film, Moses the Black, releasing January 30th of this year. We talk about film making, her inspiration for the film, the people involved, the life story of St. Moses the Black, and repentance in general in the Orthodox faith. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/rzDVfbhaaGU Film synopsis: Released from prison, a feared Chicago gang leader returns home to avenge the murder of his closest friend. As rival gangs and a corrupt cop close in, he must confront a past that refuses to let go. Release date: 30 January 2026 (USA) Director: Yelena Popovic Producers: Yelena Popovic, Alexandros Potter, Jelena Popović, Brett Hays Executive producers: Omar Epps, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa et al. Production companies: G-Unit Films and Television Inc., Simeon Entertainment, LLC, BrooklynWorks Films Running time: 1h 50m Theatres Showtimes Ticket Link: https://hubs.la/Q03Znnjy0 Stay up to date about the film: Trailer: https://youtu.be/iZzpiu8L21Y?si=ZxXRxWuiL_yosuEY  Website: https://simeonfaith.com/films/moses-the-black-2024  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosestheblackmovie  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mosestheblackmovie/  IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32542065/  Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:14 - Intro music 01:39 - Start 02:32 - Introducing St. Moses the Black 08:50 - St. Moses' death 13:32 - The movie vs the hagiography 31:29 - A harsh redemption 35:13 - Sorry is not enough 37:36 - See the whole story 42:32 - Stories of St. Moses 44:24 - Fr. Turbo 49:45 - How can we watch this? 51:43 - Other projects ==================== NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD ⏰🐥 DON'T MISS OUT! UNTIL FEBRUARY 1ST YOU CAN GET THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OF 15% OFF! Discount automatically applied at checkout. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven ==================== 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2026

"Ancient people knew the sky the way that we know the highways around our cities." Today's podcast is a bit different. Deacon Seraphim Rohlin is here to introduce you to our new Symbolic World Course presenter, Joshua Sturgill. Together they discuss ancient cosmology, symbolism, and the meaning, power, and dangers of observing the night sky. They discuss pagan views on this, Biblical astronomy, the reservations of the church fathers, and modernity's determinism on the one hand, and confusion on the other hand. I hope you enjoy this conversation and will join us for Joshua's course. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/fQY6AyE1n1c NEW COURSE: The Art of Imitating Heaven: Structure and Meaning in Ancient Cosmology By Joshua Sturgill What is heaven? Where is it? For ancient people, the answer was obvious: simply look up at the night sky. For them, to see the stars and planets was to see the face of the divine. Christianity, too, understood the visible sky as the realm of unfallen creation. What does this belief mean, and why was it lost? 🗓 Live classes are on Sundays at 5-6:30pm Eastern Time, starting February 1st through March 8th, 2026. 💰 Price: $150 USD ⏰🐥 DON'T MISS OUT! UNTIL FEBRUARY 1ST YOU CAN GET THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OF 15% OFF! Discount automatically applied at checkout. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-art-of-imitating-heaven Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:00 - Intro music 01:24 - Introduction 04:15 - Recover cosmology 08:32 - Symbolism and cosmology 12:43 - The Greeks: Pythagoras and Plato 14:39 - Other traditions 16:07 - Criticisms against astronomy 21:28 - How astrology worked 25:24 - A concrete example 26:57 - What does spring mean? 30:47 - Christmas 33:43 - The Orthodox position 37:22 - Governed by natural laws 45:55 - For the ancients 59:30 - Architectural astronomy 01:01:43 - Technology and teaching 01:05:41 - Course info 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2026

In this interview, I sat down with Jean-Philippe Marceau—author of Post-Reductionist Christianity, our very first theory book at Symbolic World Press—to discuss his surprising and widely praised new Symbolic World article on the emerging global demographic crisis. We discuss the falling birth rates and all its symbolic, scriptural, political, economic, and technological implications and causes. JP’s article likens today’s demographic collapse to the biblical Flood, looking at the dangers of both progressive dissolution and a reactionary overcorrection, proving the fact that the future belongs to those who build families grounded in meaning and tradition. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/SBrTYadO3kE Check out JP’s article, ‘Is This the Flood? Is Babel Next?’: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/content/is-this-the-flood-is-babel-next JP's book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisis =================================== COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail, with Dr. Martin Shaw Register now and get a FREE ebook of Dr. Martin Shaw's Snowy Tower: Parzival and the Wet Black Branch of Language! In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to the Symbolic World to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. From Monday through Friday, January 12–16, 2026, one of the world's great living storytellers will unspool the medieval epic that Joseph Campbell called the epicenter of Western myth. He’ll be lighting his fire, puffing a cigar, sipping on a whisky, and letting one of the greatest stories of all time lead us where it must. Clear your evenings. Put another log on the fire. This is the storytelling event of the year. 🗓 Live classes will be over 5 consecutive days, January 12th-16th at 12pm-2pm EST 💰 Price: $160 USD (Involved patrons qualify for 10% off, apply code at checkout.) All recordings will be made available on the same day. Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail  =================================== Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:53 - Intro music 02:20 - Introduction to Demography and Its Significance 05:15 - Genetics and Political Ideologies 08:26 - Biblical Parallels: The Flood and Modern Society 11:24 - The Consequences of the Sexual Revolution 14:34 - Historical Patterns: Rome and Its Decline 17:56 - The Watchers 20:18 - Population and the WW2 Consensus 22:25 - The Impact of Cultural and Religious Practices 25:29 - The Challenge of Economic Systems 29:49 - The Only Way Out 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

In this conversation, I sit down with storyteller and mythologist Martin Shaw to explore the Holy Grail. We talk about desire and longing, failure and mercy, chivalry and the feminine, and why the Grail stories continue to be relevant across centuries. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/3qDkPUsle3M COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail with Dr. Martin Shaw In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to Symbolic World Courses for an intensive week-long journey to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail  Cost: $160 USD Dates of live course: January 12-16, 2026 Time: 12 PM-2 PM EST, except for Lecture 3 (January 14) which will be at 4PM-6PM EST Links: -Pre-order Martin Shaw’s upcoming book, Liturgies of the Wild, to get an exclusive chapter: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741189/liturgies-of-the-wild-by-martin-shaw/  -Martin’s other books, including Snowy Tower: https://drmartinshaw.com/books/  Events: -February 13-15, 2026, Orthodox Christian Arts Festival (Praise for the Beauty) in Texas, with speakers including Martin Shaw and Deacon Seraphim Richard Rohlin: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/  -January 27, 2026, London, The Temenos Academy. Seeing the Patterned World: the Cosmos as Layered Microcosms, a talk by Jonathan Pageau with Dr. Martin Shaw in the chair. £10 General Admission. The Art Workers' Guild, 6 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AT. Doors open at 6.10 pm, lecture begins at 6.30 pm. https://www.temenosacademy.org/events-programme/seeing-the-patterned-world  Some other links of things mentioned: -Jonathan and Dcn Seraphim’s recent course on Dante’s Paradiso: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso -Jonathan’s analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Part 1: https://youtu.be/Rg5RDZ7mMKo  and Part 2: https://youtu.be/1ch1T24-W7Q  -The Monks and Pirates discussion with Andrew Gould: https://youtu.be/WjMadP6DScM  -Universal History: The American Religion episode: https://youtu.be/0_RKBPaQAyk  Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:32 - Intro music 02:00 - The cost of conversion 05:49 - What is the Grail 10:05 - Other hints of the Grail 15:30 - To remain veiled 17:45 - Who the stories are for 19:42 - The place of chivalry 24:46 - The Holy Virgin 29:31 - Longing 34:12 - Weakness has a seat at the table 36:48 - Liturgies of the wild 43:42 - Christianity in publishing 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2026

In this video I discuss the persistence of the idea that Christmas was "stolen" by Christians from the pagans, or that it's secretly still pagan. Merry Christmas everyone. Christ is born! YouTube version: https://youtu.be/uh6rhiTrTnk Christmas symbolism playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY9MeGP5IILeRzu62Q1NPT4C NEW COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail with Dr. Martin Shaw In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to Symbolic World Courses for an intensive week-long journey to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail  Cost: $160 USD Dates of live course: January 12-16, 2026 Time: 12 PM-2 PM EST, except for Lecture 3 (January 14) which will be at 4PM-6PM EST 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

In this conversation, I speak with British psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist about intelligence, mental illness, and AI. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/DRtpKyKJcss Get Dr. McGilchrist’s books: https://channelmcgilchrist.com/home/  APPLICATIONS OPEN: Ralston seeks 25 students with the curiosity and courage to find light in the darkness. Our one-year MA in the Humanities begins with two months learning Ancient and Modern Greek in Greece, before moving to beautiful Savannah, GA. Full and partial scholarships are available. The deadline for priority consideration is December 18, 2025. Visit https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma NEW COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail with Dr. Martin Shaw In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to Symbolic World Courses for an intensive week-long journey to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. Catch the early bird sale of 15% off if you register before midnight December 19: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail  Cost: $160 USD Dates of live course: January 12-16, 2026 Time: 12 PM-2 PM EST, except for Lecture 3 (January 14) which will be at 4PM-6PM EST Timestamps: 00:00 Coming up 00:43 Intro music 01:07 Introduction to Ralston College and Its Mission 10:57 The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society 21:02 Intelligence and Consciousness 30:57 The Dangers of Alien Intelligence 39:17 Understanding Addiction and Mental Illness 46:04 Possession and Mental Health: A New Perspective 52:11 The Left Hemisphere and Its Malign Influence 01:03:37 AI: The Modern Sorcerer's Apprentice 01:11:11 All We Can Do 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

In this conversation filmed (by Deacon Seraphim Rohlin) in the Florida Keys, I sit down with my friend Andrew Gould to finally revisit a surprising claim he made years ago—that pirates and Orthodox monks share deep symbolic parallels. We discuss ships and treasure, costumes, death imagery, life on the edge of empire, all converging on how these two seemingly opposite extremes strangely mirror each other. Let me know if you like the format of this video. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/WjMadP6DScM NEW COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail with Dr. Martin Shaw In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to Symbolic World Courses for an intensive week-long journey to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. Catch the early bird sale of 15% off if you register before midnight December 19: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail Cost: $160 USD Dates of live course: January 12-16, 2026 Time: 12 PM-2 PM EST, except for Lecture 3 (January 14) which will be at 4PM-6PM EST 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

This is a repost of a patron video I made several years ago about decorating the Christmas tree as a family. Support us for access to more video like this. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9y32OFyvskg NEW COURSE: The Quest for the Holy Grail with Dr. Martin Shaw In the dark heart of January, when the nights are long and the world draws close, Dr. Martin Shaw returns to Symbolic World Courses for an intensive week-long journey to tell one of the greatest stories of the Medieval imagination: Parzival and the Holy Grail. Catch the early bird sale of 15% off if you register before midnight December 19: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-quest-for-the-holy-grail  Cost: $160 USD Dates of live course: January 12-16, 2026 Time: 12 PM-2 PM EST, except for Lecture 3 (January 14) which will be at 4PM-6PM EST 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

"Americans who think they are Christians, truly are something else; intensely religious, but devout in the American Religion." In this episode of Universal History, I sit down again with Deacon Seraphim Rohlin to explore the roots and characteristics of the true "American religion". We trace how movements in American history shaped the spiritual landscape that eventually gave rise to Mormonism, Adventism, spiritualism, and perhaps even your own journey back to traditional Christianity. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/0_RKBPaQAyk Previous episode: https://youtu.be/o9rMy6lde0c?si=b8d-6tbkuIgAbl4K Paradiso live course details: The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 10th, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD (Involved patrons get 10% off, apply discount code at checkout) -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

This is a repost of an interview I did a few months ago on the Catholic Unscripted Podcast after the Charlie Kirk assassination. We discuss the topic of violence, the end of the World War 2 consensus, Israel, enchantment, science and technology, sex and gender, architecture, the structure of a normal vs a crumbling society, and more. Enjoy. YouTube version on my channel: https://youtu.be/TeCjedp6dJA Original interview on Catholic Unscripted YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/SSn_q-HQeFg?si=K7RkdByVEFDnoP4j The Catholic Unscripted Podcast is a UK online apostolate founded by Katherine Bennett, and Mark Lambert. Subscribe at https://www.catholicunscripted.com/ BLACK FRIDAY SALE. Get 30% off courses, 20% off books, and 25% off the Tales For Once & Ever bundle. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY2025 for courses, other discounts are applied automatically. Valid through Dec 3. Don't miss out: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com Paradiso live course details: The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD (Involved patrons get 10% off, apply discount code at checkout) -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

Given we're still in the fall season, I watched The Conjuring and it got me thinking about how real events can become exaggerated in story form. In this video, I look at how legends are created, and that exaggeration of certain elements of an event can help amplify the meaning and purpose of why we're paying attention to it in the first place. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/fA2cKrvYyTk Paradiso live course details: The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD (Involved patrons get 10% off, apply discount code at checkout) -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

I’m excited to share this powerful talk by Deacon Seraphim Rohlin, my collaborator at the Symbolic World Press and co-host of the Universal History Podcast. In this talk from the 2025 Touchstone Conference, he explores how we can recover our heritage and live an enchanted Christian life. The title of his talk originally was "The Deep Pattern: Re-Enchanting Time through Medieval Universal History". YouTube version: https://youtu.be/EtvIpApaSrE https://www.touchstonemag.com/ Universal History podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVX4HUUPrIY_M2uZP3yW6EEiod3fGD6FD&si=iYKlCCZJSt_ob2oi  Paradiso live course details: The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD (Involved patrons get 10% off, apply discount code at checkout) -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro by Jonathan 01:15 - Intro music 01:40 - Introducing Dcn Seraphim Rohlin 03:34 - Start of talk 15:20 - Paradiso class 17:08 - Resume talk Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

This was September 2025's patron video that we decided to make public. Thank you to my supporters. I explore the question of free will, drawing on the insights of St. Maximus the Confessor. While thinkers like Sam Harris argue that free will is an illusion and always contingent on material circumstances, I show how the Christian understanding reframes freedom—not as arbitrary choice, but as submission to the good. True freedom is not transgression, but moving toward higher and higher goods, where life becomes more natural and effortless. Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/burSzHmo4o4 The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD (Involved patrons can get 10% off) -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

Pre-order Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf now and get a free audiobook read by me, as well as an exclusive Q&A: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/the-tale-of-little-red-riding-hood-and-the-big-bad-wolf 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

In this video, I read and reflect on the first canto of Dante’s Divine Comedy — the opening of Inferno. This incredible canto puts the entire poem in perspective, serving as a microcosm for Dante's journey through inferno, purgatory, and into paradise. I discuss in detail, line by line, the rich symbolism and meaning Dante conveys. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7zzQRg0muMo If you enjoy this kind of symbolic analysis, join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin as we continue through Dante’s Paradiso, starting live in November. You can get the early bird sale of 15% off if you use the code: EARLYPARADISO at checkout. Our past courses on Dante's Inferno and Purgatorio are also on a 50% sale during the month of October if you use code: DANTE50. Courses: -Inferno: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-inferno-the-course  -Purgatorio:https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-purgatorio  -Paradise (upcoming): https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso  Paradiso live course details: The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD-Get 15% off with the early bird sale through all of October with the code: EARLYPARADISO -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

This talk took place at the 2025 Touchstone conference, Great and Wonderful Days: Rediscovering the Christian Life in a Post-Christian Age. The title of my talk was “This is the Day”.  https://www.touchstonemag.com/ Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/cnMk_GFpVbw I explore how our modern world—built on endless disruption and self-expression—has reached its breaking point. We’re witnessing the collapse of a culture that forgot its source, but that’s also at the beginnings of renewal. From art and architecture to worship and storytelling, I share how Christians can remember, celebrate, and create once again—recovering beauty, meaning, and participation in the divine order. This is a moment of opportunity: to rediscover Christ as the pattern of reality and rebuild culture on that foundation. The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD -Get 15% off with the early bird sale through all of October with the code: EARLYPARADISO -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso During October you can also get 50% off the Inferno and Purgatorio courses with the code: DANTE50-Inferno: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-inferno-the-course -Purgatorio: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-purgatorio 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2025

I explore how Disney’s Tangled reimagines the classic Rapunzel story and what these changes reveal about our modern world. Tangled captures a pivotal moment in Disney’s storytelling where there was a shift from the traditional fairy tale’s emphasis on a marriage union, to a more modern emphasis on personal self-realization. I also reflect on how these themes connect to our own retelling, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/o8BJcX61H08 Buy Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/  The Symbolic World Enters Paradise Join me and Deacon Seraphim Rohlin this November in our course on Dante's Paradiso. -Course length: 5 weeks, 15 hours -Dates of live classes: Wednesdays, November 5th to December 3rd, 2025 -Time: 2-5 pm Eastern Time -Cost: 190 USD -Get 15% off with the early bird sale through all of October with the code: EARLYPARADISO -Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-paradiso During October you can also get 50% off the Inferno and Purgatorio courses with the code: DANTE50 -Inferno: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-inferno-the-course -Purgatorio: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/dantes-purgatorio 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

Enchantment never truly disappeared from the modern world. In this episode of Universal History Deacon Seraphim Rohlin and I explore the world of magic and folk superstition in American Christianity. What is magic? Where’s the line between prayer and magic? Why did Protestant reformers ban holy water but keep belief in the devil? How did treasure-hunting rituals lead to the rise of Mormonism? YouTube version: https://youtu.be/o9rMy6lde0c Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:37 - Intro music 01:01 - Introduction 04:54 - What is magic? 08:46 - The modern & Enlightenment ideas of superstition 11:00 - Prayers and psalms 13:30 - The Reformation's perspective 24:27 - Medieval understanding of superstition 26:53 - Example: the French "Dog-saint" 28:11 - Reformation conclusions 33:37 - You have an embarrassing illness 37:21 - Christian magic hacks 46:29 - Manifestation 52:03 - Scapegoating 54:31 - Categories of magic 56:47 - Divination 04:30 - Water witching 07:30 - Saint Porphyrios 08:51 - Finding water 09:57 - Finding other things 11:44 - Money digging 13:33 - How money digging works 17:34 - The symbolism of the New World 20:54 - Joseph Smith and Mormonism 24:18 - The human need for enchantment 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe   Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

In this conversation, I sit down with author and educator Heidi White to discuss her new book, The Divided Soul. We explore the story of the prodigal son, the tension between duty and desire, and how these themes echo through literature, culture, and our own lives. Heidi shares insights from the Bible, classical works, and pop culture, showing that many stories reflect this deep human struggle. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/1LjDeZpSviw Buy Heidi’s book: https://www.goldberrypress.com/products/the-divided-soul-duty-and-desire-in-literature-and-life Heidi’s Substack and podcast: https://closereads.substack.com/  Instagram: @heidiwhitereads  📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/  Fr. Stephen De Young's Jubilees and the Nephilim course is now finished and available for purchase: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim  Timestamps 00:00 - Coming up 01:40 - Intro music 02:04 - Introduction 02:48 - The prodigal son 05:32 - Duty and desire 07:17 - Paradise as unity 13:02 - Why the duality? 17:36 - Sins of the right hand and the left hand 20:49 - Ordering desire 27:30 - Examples 33:28 - Repentance and sacrifice 38:04 - Christ's version of this pattern 44:24 - Heidi's vision 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

This is August's patron video that I decided to make public. In it I explore the modern idea of self-esteem—where it came from, how it shapes our culture, and why it so often leads us into confusion and disorder. I contrast this with the Christian vision of humility, which offers a path to true freedom and joy.  YouTube version: https://youtu.be/e__8eVCgjCE Please consider becoming a patron to get exclusive access to videos like this: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

Dr. Michael Levin is a professor in the Department of Biology at Tufts University and an associate faculty member at the Wyss Institute at Harvard. He directs the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, where his team integrates biophysics, computational modeling, and behavioral science to study how cellular collectives make decisions during embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer. Levin’s research centers on diverse forms of intelligence and unconventional embodied minds, bridging conceptual theory, experimental biology, and translational work aimed at regenerative medicine. His lab also pioneers efforts in artificial intelligence and the bioengineering of novel living machines. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/iwOJ9PWcPmo Read more about Dr. Michael Levin’s work: https://drmichaellevin.org/ X: https://x.com/drmichaellevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmichaellevin John Vervaeke's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:14 - Intro music 01:40 - Introduction 02:23 - What Michael does 06:19 - Example experiments 07:51 - Memories outside the brain 12:46 - Terminology: memory 13:59 - Communicate to biological cells 15:54 - Limitations? 17:39 - Platonic patterns 34:06 - Incarnation and constraints 39:26 - Causes 49:28 - New beings in new spaces 52:25 - What the Enlightenment dismissed 55:32 - Molecular medicine 57:36 - Subtle bodies 01:00:45 - Ethics 01:03:37 - Medical and meaning applications 01:11:42 - Frightening 01:14:31 - Against the status quo 01:19:03 - Should we dabble in this technology? 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2025

I’ve spoken about fractals on my channel for many years. In this talk, I explore the topic directly—showing how fractals are a fundamental structure of reality. Understanding these patterns is essential if we want to see the world symbolically and build true fellowship rooted in spirit rather than mere rules. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/S6xHkyhoN20 This talk took place at the 2025 Midwestuary conference. Estuary Hub Link: https://www.estuaryhub.com/ https://www.southeastuary.com/ 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ 🔗Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:28 - Intro music 00:51 - Introducing Jonathan 02:08 - Start of talk 04:59 - Heaven and earth 07:44 - Produce variation 13:44 - Revelation 19:18 - Resistance to embodiment 22:05 - Heaven provides influence 25:21 - A nation: embodiment 35:56 - Too close to multiplicity 38:27 - A luminous hierarchy 41:22 - What can make a hierarchy fragile Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

I finally watched K-Pop Demon Hunters after so many of you kept asking about it. In this episode, I explore the strange mix of symbolism: demons, idols, and the way the film deals with shame, music, and attention. There are fascinating elements in the story, but also some deep problems from a symbolic and Christian perspective. Let’s dive in together. WARNING: This episode contains spoilers. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Rh89J2eAf7o 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out the latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Latest course: Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Do you want to know more about symbolism and learn how to do your own analysis? Join the Symbolism Masterclass, the culmination of my life’s work on this topic. It’s both for beginners and long-time followers. Over 6 classes and more than 18 hours of content, that you can follow at your own pace, you’ll uncover the hidden structures of reality—from sacred time to the dance of opposites—and learn to live with intention in an age of distraction, confusion, and the crisis of meaning. Register here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

In this conversation I’m joined by Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant to explore the importance of traditional architecture and city planning. We discuss why so much of our built environment feels alienating, how modernism abandoned human proportion and beauty, and why recovering classical forms matters for culture, community, and even our spiritual lives. Michael shares the story of the Architecture Uprising movement across Europe, and Andrew explains how he approaches designing buildings that are rooted in tradition yet alive for today. Together we reflect on how beauty is not just a luxury—it’s essential for human flourishing. Youtube version: https://youtu.be/uS_3FB7foVc?si=5zMFNf8ALUUAov9d Architects, go to https://newtrad.org/ Follow Michael on X / Twitter: https://x.com/michael_diamant Andrew Gould's website: https://newworldbyzantine.com/ Follow Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.gould.1401 Buy Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/   Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:48 - Intro music 01:13 - Introduction 06:14 - What's great about ugly architecture? 09:27 - Politics 10:51 - The Brutalist 13:03 - City planning 15:28 - Density 20:28 - What is driving the madness? 27:03 - The options for architects 30:17 - What architecture is today 34:26 - Classical beauty 40:10 - Bad classical architecture 45:52 - Defending your culture 51:05 - Andrew Gould's work 01:01:02 - Architectural fashion 01:04:58 - The film industry 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

📖 RAPUNZEL AND THE EVIL WITCH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE: https://rapunzelbook.com/ Heather Pollington and I are thrilled to share our brand-new storybook with you, 'Rapunzel and the Evil Witch'! Following 'Snow White and the Widow Queen' and 'Jack and the Fallen Giants', this third fairy tale feels like the culmination of our work so far. With this book you’ll begin to notice the different threads connecting across the series. Heather has created stunning illustrations that weave medieval and Byzantine influences into a style perfectly suited to the fairy tale world.  In this episode, we walk through the process behind the book, the symbolism of Rapunzel’s story, and what's unique about our version of the story. We show many of the book's illustrations. I can't wait to hear what you think! YouTube version: https://youtu.be/aEWgHif0NS8 Timestamps: 00:00 - Announcement and opening 01:36 - Intro music 02:02 - Introduction 03:41 - Heather's journey to Rapunzel 06:40 - Critiques of fairy tales 07:46 - Tangled 10:12 - Exploring Rapunzel imagery 10:24 - Early sketches 12:14 - Iconography and Palekh fairy tale tradition 15:54 - Frontispiece 17:51 - Green flowers 20:12 - The witch's garden 22:59 - The dark exchange 25:48 - The circle of protection 28:55 - A sense of freedom 30:43 - The moon tower 35:04 - The haunting melody 37:40 - Love in the tower 41:47 - The dream 43:27 - Flax into gold 46:02 - Rain from heaven 53:43 - The wooden throne 56:28 - Order 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim  - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase.  - Price: 180 USD, Involved patrons qualify for 10% discount. Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Fr. Stephen De Young returns to the channel to explore how we should approach extra-Biblical literature—looking especially at the Book of Jubilees in anticipation of his upcoming Symbolic World course: Jubilees and the Nephilim. We discuss a different, more ancient way of doing theology—through story, ritual, poetry, and image rather than flat modern academic argument. If you’ve ever wondered how texts like Jubilees, Enoch, or the Lives of Adam and Eve connect to Christian theology, this conversation is for you. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/poAELqTQTo0 NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until 11:59 pm EST (midnight) of August 8th. - Price: 180 USD (Discounted to 158 USD) - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim  - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours - Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025 - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings. - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase.  Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world. Timestamps 00:00 - Coming up 00:55 - Intro music 01:20 - Introduction 02:11 - Jubilees 05:08 - A different way of doing theology 15:23 - Why do we have peripheral stories? 22:34 - The twelfth apostle 24:16 - Blood libel 27:09 - Adam's skull 31:19 - Sacred geography 34:09 - The sacramental reality 39:01 - The modern trade 41:52 - UFOs, psychedelics, and materialism 44:43 - Reading extra-biblical texts and Jubilees 47:53 - What can extra-biblical traditions offer us? 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau  🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe  Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/  My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025