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Welcome to This Special Bonus Episode originally posted on Patreon in April 2025.

Today, I'm thrilled to present a special extra-long bonus episode I have called "Can We Build a Bridge to Heaven." This episode dives into a conversation I have been having with myself that spans philosophy, theology, and political history, groups I have been attending these last 4+ years, it even touches on modern technology. Exploring some of the important questions of our time, including how artificial intelligence, art, ancient wisdom, and the Christian faith intersect in our world today.

Please remember this is what is defined as a 'Christian Apologetic,' Something that exists to be read or heard by secular unbelievers, asking them to consider the Christian and biblical viewpoint on such things. I hope it inspires anyone who reads it or hears it to reflect on these important questions and seek wisdom in their own faith journey. I you would like me to post a complete transcript. Direct message me.

Enjoy the episode!

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This episode was originally released as a Patreon-only bonus episode on the 5th of March 2025.

Episode Summary:

In this special bonus episode, I explore the political thought of Hannah Arendt—particularly her seminal work The Origins of Totalitarianism—from a biblical and theological perspective. Arendt’s analysis of 20th-century totalitarianism is as relevant today as ever, but what happens when we place her ideas alongside the timeless truths of Scripture?

We begin with a look back at the philosophical split between Plato’s “contemplative life” and the “active life” exemplified by Socrates and Aristotle. Arendt's critique of Western philosophy’s retreat from political engagement opens up rich questions for Christians: Is our faith a private, introspective affair—or a public, active witness?

Drawing from The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition, this episode reflects on:

• The spiritual and moral roots of totalitarian regimes
• The dangers of ideological conformity and the erosion of personal responsibility
• The biblical understanding of action, identity, and community
• The importance of grounding public and political life in divine truth

We also examine Arendt’s critique of Enlightenment thought, her categories of Labor, Work, and Action, and how they hold up against a biblical vision of human purpose and flourishing.

Key Themes:

• Faith in Action: Christianity is not merely a contemplative retreat—it calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13–16).
• The Heart of the Problem: Totalitarianism is ultimately a manifestation of humanity’s fallen nature, not just failed politics.
• Identity in Christ: Unlike Arendt’s political anthropology, the Bible teaches that identity is found not through action alone but in relationship with God (Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:26).
• Political Systems and the Gospel: Both capitalism and Marxism fall short of the biblical vision for justice, mercy, and dignity.
• True Freedom: Jesus declares, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)—a freedom deeper than political liberation.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 5:13–16
• John 8:32
• Genesis 1:27
• 1 John 4:8
• Matthew 4:4
• Matthew 6:19–20
• Micah 6:8
• Acts 2:44–45
• Galatians 3:26

Featured Thinkers:

• Hannah Arendt – Political theorist known for her works on totalitarianism, authority, and the nature of political life.
• Plato & Socrates – Contrasting visions of philosophy and public life.
• Stanley Milgram – Psychologist whose experiments reveal the dangers of blind obedience.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This episode was originally released as a Patreon only episode in March 2025 as a reaction to the first meeting in the Oval Office between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Summary:

Throughout history, political thinkers have sought to understand the nature of power, war, and human ambition. The question I ask, having been exposed to the writings of three important works of political philosophy, is, but do their insights align with biblical wisdom?

In this special bonus episode, I examine three foundational works of political thought—Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, and Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations. By exploring these texts, I believe we uncover the patterns that have shaped human history and I compare them to the teachings of Scripture, asking what they reveal about the fallen nature of humanity and God’s vision for justice, peace, and righteous leadership.

Join us as we navigate these works, wrestle with their implications, and seek to apply biblical truth to our understanding of politics and power.

Episode Notes

Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War

• Written in the 5th century BC, Thucydides’ work is one of the first analytical histories, focusing on power, human nature, and realpolitik.
• Key themes: war, empire, morality of power, and the nature of justice in international relations.
• The Melian Dialogue exemplifies political realism: “The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.”
• Christian Perspective: Thucydides’ bleak view contrasts with biblical teachings on justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5).

Carl von Clausewitz’s On War

• Written in the early 19th century, this work explores the philosophy of war, strategy, and the nature of conflict.
• Key ideas: war as an extension of politics, the unpredictability of war (fog of war), and the role of passion, policy, and uncertainty.
• Christian Perspective: Clausewitz’s pragmatic approach often ignores moral constraints. While war is a reality of a fallen world, Christian teachings call for peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) and emphasize justice over mere strategic success.

Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations

• A foundational text in international relations (1948), advocating political realism—the idea that international politics is driven by power and self-interest.
• Key themes: the balance of power, national interest, and the anarchic nature of the international system.
• Christian Perspective: While Morgenthau correctly diagnoses human self-interest, he neglects the possibility of

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This an edited version of the In Our Time discussion on Joyce's Ulysses

For the BBC podcast, upon which this presentation a discussion about.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-our-time/id73330895?i=1000368640008

For the 1982 RTE Audio Version of the book.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ulysses-james-joyce/id1517040628

For a complete text and notes for my entire series of talks on James Joyce ( 4 hours over 3 talks), follow the link below.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/james-joyce-and-123066391?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
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This is a full version of the podcast episode issued as part of by report and reaction to the James Joyce Centenary exhibition released on Soundcloud on the 25th November 2022.

Click on the link at the bottom to listen to the Sound scape I created and entered into the Irish Tourist Board's background soundscapes to be used at "The Properties of Water Installation", during the festival. It was shortlisted for consideration but not used.

Study Notes:

• James Joyce and Religion: Despite rejecting institutional Catholicism, Joyce’s works remain steeped in biblical allusions and theological discourse.
• Key Theological Themes:
  • Leopold Bloom as a Christ-like Figure: Displays kindness and mercy; parallels the Good Samaritan; suffers ridicule.
  • Stephen Dedalus as the Prodigal Son: Rejects traditional faith but remains haunted by religious guilt.
  • Eucharistic Imagery: Themes of sacramental participation, consumption, and the Last Supper are subverted and interrogated.
  • Resurrection Motif: The narrative structure of Ulysses suggests renewal and restoration despite its modernist ambiguity.
• Joyce’s Language and the Bible:
  • Ulysses employs a Babel-like linguistic multiplicity, blending scriptural and secular voices.
  • The Bible serves as both a literary device and a cultural foundation for Joyce’s exploration of human destiny.
• Joyce’s Vision of History:
  • The novel suggests a break from cyclical religious traditions towards a transformative, apocalyptic understanding of Christian history.
• Modernist Challenges to Faith:
  • Joyce questions religious dogma while recognizing the Bible’s narrative power.
  • His work reflects a broader modernist skepticism towards objective truth and divine revelation.
• Implications for Christian Readers:
  • Ulysses invites both critique and engagement from a biblical perspective.
  • The novel resists clear moral conclusions, reflecting modernist uncertainties about faith and meaning.

Part Two Joyce’s Finnegans Wake and Biblical Themes

1. Creation Ex Nihilo and the Cyclical Nature of History

• Finnegans Wake reflects the biblical idea of creation out of nothing, presenting history as a continuous cycle of rise and fall.
• The novel enfolds all human history into a single, ever-repeating narrative of civilization and the cosmos.

2. The Fall and The Christian Epic

• The book begins with a fall, recalling:
  • The fall of Satan (Isaiah 14:12).
  • The fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis.
  • The Tower of Babel and its linguistic fragmentation (Genesis 11:1-9).
• Joyce’s vision is not just allegorical but an attempt to unify history into a single, converging reality.

3. The Sacrificial Death of God and the Eucharist

• Joyce depicts Christ’s sacrifice as an ong

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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Please bear in mind this is recording of my practice of a talk I gave in February 2025 to a group of secular artists as a means of connecting with non-believers who operate in the creative arts in the areas of Music, Poetry, and Art. It is an attempt to help them see their creative process as a potential opportunity to approach God.

"Art, Music, Poetry: Is It a Pathway to Christian Spirituality?"

This presentation explores the concept of mysticism, challenging the misconception that it is irrational or opposed to reason. Instead, I attempt to present spirituality as a gateway to deeper Christian spirituality, particularly as an antidote to the narrow materialistic thinking prevalent in modern society.

The episode draws mainly on philosopher Simon Critchley’s latest book, On Mysticism, using his insights as a springboard to explore Christian spirituality and mysticism. Critchley, argues that mysticism is about experiencing life in its most intense form. He discusses how figures like Julian of Norwich, Eckhart, and even contemporary artists like Nick Cave have engaged with mysticism. Critchley suggests that deep engagement with art, music, and poetry can serve as secular gateways to religious experience. However, the podcast contrasts this secular approach with the biblical foundation of Christian mysticism, which is rooted in divine revelation.

Christian mysticism is not an abandonment of reason but an extension of it—an experiential knowledge of God that transcends intellectual comprehension. Throughout history, Christian mystics, such as St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, and Thomas Aquinas, sought union with God through disciplined spiritual practice. Biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, and Paul also had mystical encounters with God. The episode emphasizes that these experiences are not irrational but deeply transformative, aligning with scriptural teachings.

A critical theme discussed is how modern scepticism and distractions hinder mystical experiences. People are so consumed with self-obsession and media distractions these days that they rarely create space for transcendence. In contrast, historical mystics dedicated themselves wholly to prayer, fasting, and contemplation, allowing profound encounters with God.

Jesus Himself invited believers into a mystical relationship, stating, "I am the vine; you are the branches" (John 15:5). The episode explores how devotional practices such as prayer, scripture reading, and worship cultivate this relationship, leading to spiritual transformation.

The contemporary world often operates under the stories of power and hedonism, leading to nihilism and despair. Christianity, however, offers an alternative narrative centered on love, sacrifice, and redemption. The ultimate act of divine sacrifice—Christ’s crucifixion—demonstrates the highest form of mystical union: God incarnate suffering for humanity’s salvation.

I would wish to ultimately position this talk as a call to non-Christians who currently define themselves as spiritual to embrace Christian spirituality as the true path to deeper faith and connection with God. By engaging with scripture, pr

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This is the full-length, unedited version of my reaction to The Life and Work of Emma Goldman. Previously made available to my patrons in a 54-minute edited form.

Hope you find it informative and helpful in understanding the unbiblical ideas that underpin the radical left and anarchist movements.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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Welcome to today’s between-the-seasons bonus episode, in which I explore the fascinating—and deeply challenging—findings of Stanley Milgram's famous Obedience to Authority experiments and consider what they reveal about human nature, authority, and morality from a biblical perspective.

This post was originally made available as a special post for those who follow me on Patreon. patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Milgram’s research highlights the unsettling reality of how easily people can obey authority figures, even to the point of causing harm to others. As Christians, these findings prompt us to reflect on humanity’s inherent moral weakness, the biblical doctrine of original sin, and the importance of standing firm in God’s truth when confronted with ethical dilemmas.

We’ll explore questions like:

• What do Milgram’s experiments reveal about the human heart?
• How does this align with the Bible’s teaching on original sin?
• How can Christians cultivate discernment and moral courage when pressured to conform?

Study Notes for Today’s Episode

Key Themes:

• The Nature of Obedience: Milgram’s research reveals humanity’s tendency to conform to authority, even when it conflicts with personal conscience.
• Original Sin: This aligns with the biblical teaching that human nature is inherently flawed (Romans 5:12; Jeremiah 17:9).
• Moral Responsibility: Scripture emphasizes individual accountability for actions (Romans 14:12; Genesis 3).
• Resisting Sinful Authority: Christians are called to obey God over human leaders when moral conflict arises (Acts 5:29).
• Practical Takeaways:
• Cultivate a Biblically Informed Conscience: Regular study of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and prayer help shape our moral compass.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit: God’s Spirit empowers us to resist sinful authority and stand firm (Galatians 5:16).
• Lead by Example: Just as participants in Milgram’s experiments were more likely to resist when others did, Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).

Reflection Questions:

• How does understanding the doctrine of original sin help us make sense of Milgram’s findings?
• Can you think of a time when you had to choose between following orders and doing what was right?
• How can you strengthen your moral courage in moments of ethical pressure?

Thank you for joining metoday! As always, let’s keep diving deeper into God’s Word and applying its truth to the challenges of our modern world.

Bibliography

Biblical References

Romans 5:12

Romans 7:15

Romans 8:13

Romans 13:1-7

Romans 14:12

Acts 5:29

Jeremiah 17:9

Genesis 3

Micah 6:8

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Galatians 5:16

Romans 2:14-15

Hebrews 3:13

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Luke 16:10

Other References

Milgram, Stanley. Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View. Harper & Row, 1974.

Augustine of Hippo. Confessions and The Ci

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com