ABOUT THIS EPISODE
When Plato Returned, Religious Authority, & the Birth of Freedom of Conscience
Welcome Back! In this episode of Taste of Truth Tuesdays, I'm joined by Collin Conkwright of American Esoteric for a fascinating exploration of the hidden philosophical and religious currents behind the Italian Renaissance.
Together we discuss Gemistos Plethon, Plato, Neoplatonism, pagan revival, Renaissance humanism, the difference between pagan daemons and Christian demons, the preservation and destruction of ancient texts, and the challenges of reconstructing pre-Christian religious traditions from sources often transmitted through Christian hands.
We also explore the question how did these intellectual currents influence later ideas about conscience, religious liberty, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Virginia's historic push for separation of church and state?
Around the 46-minute mark, the conversation takes an unexpected turn into a lively scholarly disagreement over Jesus, authority, Constantine, and whether imperial Christianity represented a corruption of the original movement or the continuation of ideas already present from the beginning. It's one of my favorite moments of the episode and raises questions that continue to shape debates about religion, philosophy, and freedom today.
Topics include:
• The hidden pagan influences of the Renaissance
• Gemistos Plethon and the revival of Plato
• Neoplatonism and esoteric traditions
• Pagan daemons vs Christian demons
• The preservation and destruction of ancient knowledge
• The Mosaic Distinction and religious exclusivity
• Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Virginia religious freedom
• Christianity, empire, and authority
• Philosophy vs dogma in Western civilization
🆕🆕This collection includes books that have deeply influenced my thinking, challenged my assumptions, and shaped my content. Book Recommendations – Taste0ftruth Tuesdays
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🎶Intro & Outro Music: “An Acoustic Guitar” by StepanBel Licensed via Envato
