In this episode of Talk Heathen, Jimmy Jr. and Godless Engineer dissect another failed rapture prediction before diving deep into calls about humanism, historical syncretism, and whether a historical Jesus can even be found!
Chloe in MD questions if God’s existence matters, exploring post-theism. As a Norse pagan whose faith is based on “vibes,” she wonders if she is any different from rapture believers. The hosts challenge this reasoning, suggesting that while introspection is healthy, beliefs based on feelings rather than evidence can be problematic. Where does this path of deconstruction lead?
Anton in WV asks if Christianity copied Mithraism. Godless Engineer explains it’s not copying but **syncretism**, where different belief systems merge, clarifying Mithraism came first. Anton then pivots to simulation theory, but how does that philosophical dead-end impact our investigation of reality? Does it matter if we are in a simulation?
Josh in GA argues that figures named Jesus in Josephus’s work support a historical Jesus. The hosts agree the name was common but contest the biblical version, highlighting that the earliest sources like Paul rely on revelation, not history. The gospels only add more supernatural claims over time. So what's left of the original man?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
00:00 Intro
04:20 Chloe-MD | Perspectives On Transtheim
40:09 Anton-WV | Who Copied Who?
01:11:14 Josh-GA | A Historical Jesus Existed
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WHAT IS TALK HEATHEN?
Talk Heathen is a weekly call-in internet show in Austin, Texas geared toward long-form and on-going dialogue with theists & atheists about religion, theism, & secularism. Talk Heathen is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.
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We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. This definition also encompasses what most people call agnosticism.
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NOTES
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