Episode #4: Psychedelic Bible Visions and Divine Madness: William Blake (part one)
Manage episode 469688344 series 3639398
The latest conversation on Subversive Orthodoxy plunges deep into the heart of creativity and belief through the lens of two iconic figures: William Blake and Johann von Goethe. This episode invites you on a journey as we unravel the intricate relationship between imagination and faith, set against the backdrop of the dominating philosophies of the Enlightenment. In a world increasingly detached from its spiritual roots, Blake and Goethe serve as guiding lights, advocating for the embrace of the imaginative spirit in a culture often dismissive of visions and creativity.
Throughout the episode, we examine how Blake's radical views, rooted in deep mystical experiences, contest the boundaries of traditional Christian morality. His lyrical exploration in "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" eloquently articulates the contrasting states of the human soul, advocating for a faith blossoming from personal experience and creative expression. Meanwhile, Goethe’s innovations in "Faust" reflect a profound engagement with the tension between reason and transcendence, embodying a pantheistic view that sees God within nature itself.
Listeners will find this episode not just intellectually stimulating but also emotionally resonant, as we pose challenging questions about our collective journey towards understanding the divine in the presence of rational thought. As we explore Blake and Goethe’s enduring legacies, the podcast calls upon you to reconnect with your imagination, inspiring a deeper journey into your own spirituality and the world around you.
Join us as we navigate the boundaries of art, philosophy, and faith, and discover how deeply interwoven these elements are in our quest for meaning amid the chaos of contemporary life. We would love for you to subscribe, share, and leave a review so we can continue to foster this enriching dialogue and bring transformative conversations into your life.
Show Notes:
More on Blake Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVtLe1H6Jqs
Contact: [email protected]
Instagram: @subversiveorthodoxy
Host: Travis Mullen Instagram: @manartnation
Co-Host: Robert L. Inchausti, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of English at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is the author of numerous books, including Subversive Orthodoxy, Thomas Merton's American Prophecy, The Spitwad Sutras, and Breaking the Cultural Trance. He is, among other things, a Thomas Merton authority, and editor of the Merton books Echoing Silence, Seeds, and The Pocket Thomas Merton. He's a lover of the literature of those who challenge the status quo in various ways, thus, he has had a lifelong fascination with the Beats.
Book by Robert L. Inchausti "Subversive Orthodoxy: Outlaws, Revolutionaries, and Other Christians in Disguise" Published 2005, authorization by the author.
Intro & Outro Music by Noah Johnson & Chavez the Fisherman, all rights reserved.
Chapters
1. Introduction to the Subversive Orthodoxy Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Exploring the Impact of Enlightenment Rationalism (00:05:15)
3. William Blake: Visionary Poets and His Mystical Upbringing (00:15:30)
4. Johann von Goethe: Rebellion Against Intellectualism (00:29:45)
5. The Divine Role of Imagination in Faith (00:45:00)
6. The Connection Between Artistic Expression and Spiritual Understanding (00:55:00)
7. Unpacking Blake's 'Songs of Innocence' and 'Songs of Experience' (01:09:15)
8. Modern Relevance of Blake and Goethe’s Critique (01:20:30)
9. Closing Thoughts and Reflections (01:30:00)
7 episodes