Let's Talk Religion
Episodes
Religion in Ancient Greece
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the fascinating world of religion in Ancient Greece, from the powerful Olympian gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo to sacred rituals, temples,...
The Lost Suras of the Quran?
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did the Quran once contain additional suras that are no longer part of the standard text? In this video, we explore reports about the codex of Ubayy i...
Mazdak & Mazdakism - Ancient Persian Communism?
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Who was Mazdak, and did he really preach a form of “ancient communism”? In this video, we explore Mazdakism—a radical movement in Sasanian Persi...
Atlantis of the Sands - The Legend of the Lost City of Arabia
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Was the legendary “Atlantis of the Sands” real? In this video, we explore the mystery of Iram of the Pillars, the lost city often linked to the an...
Abd al-Malik - The Caliph Who Shaped Islam?
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How did Abd al-Malik shape the development of Islam? This video explores the reign of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, including his reforms, the cons...
The Islamic Idealism of Ibn 'Arabi
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Was the great Sufi thinker Ibn 'Arabi actually a kind of idealist philosopher? In this video we explore the metaphysics of the Akbari tradition and th...
al-Ghazali, Ibn 'Arabi & The Sufi School of Love | w. Omid Safi
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Find Omid here:Instagram: brotheromidAnd Illuminated Tours/Courses:https://www.illuminatedcourses.comFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filip...
The Sufi School of Love
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is the “School of Love” in Sufism? In this video, we explore Madhhab-e Ishq — the Sufi path centered on divine love (ishq) as the highest w...
Zurvanism - The Zoroastrian Heresy?
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zurvanism is a lesser-known feature of ancient Zoroastrianism that centers on Zurvan, the god of infinite time, and the cosmic struggle between Ahura ...
Abu Zayd al-Balkhi - The Man Who Discovered Mental Health 1,000 Years Too Early
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often seen as a modern invention—but its core ideas were explored over 1,100 years ago by the 9th-century scho...
Nicholas of Cusa: Life & Philosophy
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nicholas of Cusa was a 15th-century philosopher, theologian, and mathematician whose ideas anticipated modern science and philosophy. In this video, w...
What is Taqqiyya?
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this video, I explain the meaning of taqiyya in Islamic tradition & where it comes from. We look at its historical context, what scholars actua...
What is Sharia Law, Really?
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is Sharia law, really? In this video, we break down the meaning of Sharia, explain where it comes from, and discuss some of the most misunderstan...
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani & The Qadiri Sufi Order
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Qadiriyya is often called the most widespread Sufi order in the world — but how did one 12th-century mystic in Baghdad inspire a global movement...
What is Alchemy?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the fascinating history of alchemy — the ancient art that aimed to turn base metals into gold. From mystical experiments to the birth of mo...
What Is a Ghoul? (The Terrifying Monster of Arabian Myth)
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Long before modern horror imagined zombies or demons, ancient Arabic folklore spoke of the Ghoul (غول) — a terrifying shape-shifting creature hau...
The Sabians of Harran: A Lost Religion
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who were the mysterious Sabians of Harran? This forgotten group of ancient star-worshippers left behind one of history’s most fascinating mysteries....
Who were the Sabians? - The Lost Religion of the Quran
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who were the Sabians (Ṣābi’ūn) mentioned in the Quran? Were they a mysterious religious community, early monotheists, Mandaeans, star-worshipper...
Who are the Druze?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who are the Druze? In this video, we explore the history, culture, and beliefs of the Druze people — a small but influential religious community mai...
Who are the Jesuits?
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church. Founded in 1540 by St....
Thomas Aquinas - the Greatest Christian Philosopher?
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the life, works, and enduring influence of Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), the Dominican friar whose synthesis of faith and reason transformed ...
The Amalricians - Pantheist Christianity?
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the forgotten history of the Amalricians, a radical medieval sect branded heretical by the Catholic Church. Followers of philosopher Amalric...
What is Pantheism?
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the powerful philosophy of Pantheism—the belief that God is identical with the universe and everything in it. From ancie...
What is Jihad?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we given an academic, historical overview of the concept of Jihad in Islam, dispelling some misconceptions and nuancing an otherwise ...
Who are the Augustinians?
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one...
Was Alcohol Always Forbidden in Islam?
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one...
Nasir al-din al-Tusi: The Greatest Islamic Astronomer?
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one...
What is the Bektashi Order?
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one...
Is Islam a Western Religion?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one...
Sri Ramakrishna & Universal Vedanta
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore one of the most influential and significant Hindu figures in modern times.Written by Anmol KohliCo-written by myself (Filip Holm)Find me an...
The Book of the Holy Hierotheos
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the so-called "Book of the Holy Hierotheos", a Syriac work that contains some of the most radical and shocking mystical...
Religion in Ancient Egypt
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we try to get a basic overview of the religion that was practiced in Ancient Egypt.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filiph...
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Father of Mysticism?
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle one of the most important figures in the history of religion, philosophy, mysticism & the esoteric - the writer calling...
Inayat Khan & Universal Sufism
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A long awaited episode, in which we finally talk about the important and controverisal 20th century sufi Inayat Khan and the Sufi Movement that he sta...
Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim): The World's Most Famous Book of Magic?
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the mysteries of Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim), one of the most influential books of magic ever written. This ancient Arabic text has fascinated...
Satanism, Feminism & The Occult | Per Faxneld
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview, I speak with Dr. Per Faxneld about Satanism and its different historical and contemporary features & connections.Check out Dr. ...
The History of Halloween
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're celebrating this years Halloween by talking about... Halloween. Join me as we explore the history and development of this fascinating holiday, f...
What is Satanism?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Satanism, its history and different manifestations in the contemporary world. From the ancient h...
The History of Vampires
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the captivating world of vampire lore as we unravel the centuries-old history of these immortal creatures. From ancient myths to modern pop ...
Yurei - Japanese Ghosts & Hauntings
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the chilling world of Yurei, the vengeful ghosts of Japanese folklore. In this episode, we delve into the origins, stories, and legends surrou...
The Spooky History of Ghosts
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the fascinating history of ghosts and uncover the ancient origins of ghost stories from around the world! In this episode, we dive deep into t...
Zar: Spirit Possession Rituals in Egypt
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the world of Zar spirit possession rituals in Northeast Africa. Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich cultural tapestry o...
Jinn Possession in the Islamic World
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We begin this years Shocktober season with another video about jinn - specifically about jinn possession and exorcism in the Islamic world.Sources/Rec...
The Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahedo) Church
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the fascinating history, unique traditions, and spiritual significance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo Church), one of the oldest ...
al-Hallaj: Mystic Martyr of Sufism
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, “Ana...
Porphyry, Vegetarianism & Animal Sacrifice in Antiquity
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon...
Xuanzang & The Journey to the West
07 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon...
Yoga & Islam
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreo...
Seidr - Norse Mystical Practice?
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamani...
What is Yoga?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading:Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric ...
Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom) - Ibn Arabi's Controversial Masterpiece
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading:Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Be...
Hypatia & The Death of Classical Antiquity
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this video we explore the life, death and legacy of the 5th century Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia, the very dramatic events that led to her bruta...
Fazlallah Astarabadi & Islamic Lettrism
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating character of Fazlallah Astarabadi and his Hurufi (Lettrist) movement, as we dive into the world of Occulti...
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) - The Greatest Muslim Philosopher?
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influe...
Dune, Islam & Religion
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Dune and the religious themes that we can find in the books and movies.Sources/Recomended Reading...
Qalandariyya - The Muslim Hippies Who Drank Wine?
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial Qalandariyya and similar movements like the Haydais & Shams-i Tabrizis. We also dive...
Who are the Zaydis?
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this third and final installment of the introductions to Shi'i Islam, we dive into the history and teachings of the Zaydis, the smallest but stillv...
Emir Abd el-Kader - The Sufi Muslim Warrior Who Protected Christians
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri. From his leadership during the Algerian resistance against French coloni...
What is Zoroastrianism?
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, its ancient hsitory and ethical teachings, from its origins with the prophet Zarathushtra through t...
Mysticism in Ancient Greece?
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Delve into the enigmatic practices, sacred rituals, and esoteric beliefs that shaped the spiritual & philosophical landscape of the ancient Hellen...
What is Jewish Mysticism?
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our series on mysticism by exploring Judaism and its mystical tradition, including the famous Kabbalah but also going beyond it.Sources/Re...
Christmas with Meister Eckhart: Sermon 3
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Mauric...
Christmas with Meister Eckhart: Sermon 2
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Mauric...
Christmas with Meister Eckhart: Sermon 4
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We end our Christmas special this year by reading the fourth and last sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckh...
Arianism, Heresy & The Council of Nicea
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Council of Nicea is probably one of the most misrepresented events in early Christianity, with a lot of misinformation being spread around on soci...
What is the Gospel of Philip?
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating spiritual and philosophical teachings of the non-canonical Gospel of Philip. Often termed a "gnostic" text...
What is Christian Mysticism?
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading: Gendle, Nicholas (translated by) (1982). "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". ...
The Nordic Religion of Nature
09 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview with the amazing Professor David Thurfjell, we talk about the contemporary phenomenon of nature spirituality in the Nordic countries...
Rumi - The Most Famous Sufi Poet in the World
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Finally, we're talking about the incredibly significant Persian sufi poet Jalal al-din Rumi. This video provides an in-depth analysis of Rumi's life, ...
What is Sufism?
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on an intellectual journey into the realm of Sufism. Explore the intricate history, philosophical underpinnings, and mystical practices that ha...
What is Stoicism?
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we delve into the depths of Stoicism, the profound philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this vi...
Christmas with Meister Eckhart: Sermon 1
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This year we are celebrating the Christmas season by reading the amazing advent sermons of the german mystic philosopher Meister Eckhart. There are th...
Neoplatonism & Christianity
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his ...
What is Zen Buddhism?
03 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We ...
Ibn al-Farid - The Mystical Poet of Love
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the mystical world of Sufi poetry with Ibn al-Farid, one of the greatest poets of the genre. In this episode, we delve into the life and works...
Lal Ded - The Mystic Poetess of Kashmir
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me on a journey through the life and poetry of Lal Ded, one of the most revered mystic poets of Kashmir. Lal Ded lived in the 14th century and he...
The Origins of Andalusian Mysticism
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the diverse world of Islamic mysticism beyond just Sufism. Join us as we explore the various types of mysticism that ha...
What is Kashmir Shaivism?
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Finally it is time to talk about the tantric tradition of non-dual Kashmir Shaivism, as well as some of its representatives like the great Abhinavagup...
Islamic Pacifism in West Africa
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The concept of "jihad" in Islam is often oversimplified, and in this episode we explore one example of a "pacifist" tradition within Islam assoicated ...
Islamic Non-Dualism: The Sufi Poetry of al-Shushtari
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a sort of remake of an earlier one I did on al-Shushtari a few years back, with some added content. Join me as we explore on of the mo...
The Gospel of Mary - A Lost Gnostic Text?
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We celebrate Easter by looking at one of the most interesting non-canonical texts from the early development of Christianity.Sources/Suggested Reading...
What is Ramadan?
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some thoughts about the month of Ramdan, its basic features and some perspectives from scholars on the philosophy behind it.#...
Pythagoras & The Music of the Spheres
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our exploration of Pythagoreanism by diving into the music of the spheres, and how this idea has influenced thinkers across history.Source...
Neoplatonism in Islamic Thought
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to talk about a few ways that Neoplatonic ideas have shown up in the history of Islamic thought.Sources/Recomended Reading:Adamson, Peter (e...
What is Neoplatonism?
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading:Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company.Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonis...
What is the Gospel of Judas?
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social and Cultural World of the Gospel of Thomas". Brill.Br...
What is Shia Islam? - The Isma'ilis
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this second part in our series about Shia Islam, we explore the esoteric Isma'ilis, their history and Neoplatonist-influenced theology.Thanks to Dr...
What is the Gospel of Thomas?
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sources/Recomended Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social and Cultural World of the Gospel of Thomas". Brill.Br...
The Essenes & The Dead Sea Scrolls
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran community and ask the question whether or not this group can be identified as the Essenes...
The Pagan Jesus? - Apollonius of Tyana
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Apollonius of Tyana, a Neopythagorean philosopher whose life in many ways mirror that of Jesus.Sou...
Mulla Sadra & Islamic Existentialism
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This has been one of the most requested subjects, it is finally time to talk about Mulla Sadra.Sources/Recommended Reading:Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005)...
Yunus Emre - The Sufi Poet Who Shaped the Turkish Language
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our exploration of Sufi poetry by looking at one of the greatest poets to write in the Turkish language.Sources/Suggested Reading:Smith, G...
Christmas according to Meister Eckhart
25 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The translation of this sermon is taken from:Walshe, Maurice O'C (ed.) (2009). "The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart". The Crossroad Publish...
Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we finally explore the vast and important religious tradition of ancient Mesopotamia!Sources/Suggested Reading:Bottéro, Jean (2004)....
Music in Jewish Mysticism
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the history of music in Jewish mysticism, from the ancient prophets to the Hasidim of today.Sources/Suggested Reading:Idel...
Ahmadou Bamba & The Mouridiyya
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the life and teachings of the Senegalese Sufi saint and social reformer Ahmadou Bamba (d. 1927), who led a movement of res...
The Eleusinian Mysteries
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A healthy level of speculation is required this time as we dive into the fascinating Eleusinian mysteries and its transformative rituals of consciousn...
Are all things empty? - Nagarjuna & The Buddhist Middle Way
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're finally doing Buddhism! In this episode, we explore the teachings of the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna and his school, known as Madhyamika, or ...
Attar's "Conference of the Birds" - The Greatest Sufi Masterpiece?
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the famous persian sufi poem "Mantiq al-Tayr" or The Conference of the Birds, written by Fariduddin Attar.Sources/Suggeste...
Who were the Ebionites
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore what little we know of the mysterious group of Jewish Christians known as the Ebionites.Sources/Suggested Reading:Brakke, ...