In this podcast we explore the relationship between a scientifically rational and a spiritual approach to reality. That is the relationship of Athens and Jerusalem. Our currently prevalent Western worldview is supposed to be based on rationality. If production of weapons of mass destruction, degradation of the natural environment, and increasing deterioration of mental well-being are signs of rationality, the term is to be considered a dangerous one. In all these, one can detect lack of ethical and existential considerations which renders this worldview essentially an irrational one.
On the other hand, various forms of religious dogmatism and fundamentalism lack true spirituality, as they fail to create both a personal experience of serenity and upliftment and a social practice of empathy, solidarity, and equality.
Essentially, both scientific and religious dogmatism seem to fail due to their disregard for a true and holistic view of human nature. Neither traditional Athens nor historical Jerusalem, alone, have been able to help our deepest human potential flourish, which we consider the task of our modern school system.
Recommended Episode
Introduction to Athens and Jerusalem (in Education)
In this episode we introduce our self and what the podcast is all about. We consider this a philosophical podcast but it emphasize both important scientific and religi...
Latest Episodes
Faith and everyday life
In this episode we discuss the relation between faith and everyday life. How does faith motivate our action, or is our action the expression of our faith?
Leo Strauss on Athens and Jerusalem
In this episode we discuss Leo Strauss' lecture on Athens and Jerusalem. This is the first out of three lectures, delivered in the fall of 1950, investigate the agreem...
Meme and Archetype, comments on Dawkins and Peterson
In this episode we discuss a youtube video of Richard Dawkins and Jordan Peterson. Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist known for being an atheist. Peterson is ...
Fides et ratio
In this episode we discuss the catholic encyclical letter "Fides et Ratio" written in 1998. This was the first encyclical since Pope Leo XIII's 1879 Aetern Patris to a...
Truth, a jam session
In this episode we have a jam session discussing truth. You may have heard some of the tunes or stanzas before, but not in this rhythm and order.