It's a Theological World After All

Joshua R. Farris

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Christianity
Updated Monthly

It’s a Theological World After All explores how theology shapes everything—from science and technology to culture, politics, and human identity. Join Dr. Joshua Farris and guests from around the world for deep conversations at the crossroads of faith, reason, and the big questions of our time.

6d ago

EP20 | Are Deathbed Visions Real? Exploring NDEs and the Afterlife | Stephen Miller

One of the great assumptions of the modern age is that we are simply our brains, and that consciousness ceases at death. But what if the experiences of the dying tell a profoundly different story? In this episode of It's a Theological World After All, host Joshua Farris sits down with Professor Stephen Miller to explore the fascinating, heavily researched world of near-death experiences (NDEs) and deathbed visions. We dive into what the medical and historical data actually reveals about out-of-body phenomena, terminal lucidity, and visions of the afterlife. Are these just the hallucinations of a dying brain, or is God providing a glimpse beyond the veil? From the profound impact these experiences have on the grieving to the deep theological implications for the soul and apologetics, this conversation challenges us to rethink our assumptions about death and consciousness. If you want to understand how scientific research on the end of life points to a spiritual reality, this conversation is for you. SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into theology, philosophy, and the soul. IN THIS EPISODE: Defining the Phenomena: The difference between near-death experiences, deathbed visions, and terminal lucidity. The Medical Evidence: Examining research from cardiologists, nurses, and peer-reviewed journals corroborating out-of-body experiences. Visions vs. Hallucinations: Why the consistent, lucid nature of deathbed visions defies the "dying brain" hypothesis. The Problem of Distressing NDEs: Acknowledging the reality of hellish or demonic encounters and the need for biblical discernment. A Call to the Church: Why Christians and theologians must stop ignoring this robust data and learn to minister to those having these experiences. Apologetics of the Soul: How NDEs and deathbed visions offer powerful evidence for God's existence and the reality of the afterlife. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro: Are we more than our brains? 2:19 - Introducing Stephen Miller and his research on deathbed experiences 4:16 - What exactly is a near-death experience (NDE) vs. a deathbed vision? 12:09 - Terminal lucidity and shared death experiences 18:50 - Evidence for the afterlife over the dying brain hypothesis 26:52 - Survey data: How common are visionary experiences? 30:36 - The history of NDE research (Raymond Moody, Dr. Sabom, and more) 39:33 - Why the church often ignores or dismisses these spiritual encounters 47:07 - Discernment, psychedelic drugs, and the danger of seeking out visions 51:52 - The reality of distressing or hellish near-death experiences 58:11 - Biblical examples of visionary experiences and the afterlife 1:01:10 - Do NDEs prove the reality of the resurrection and the soul? 1:08:54 - How theologians and philosophers should approach this research 1:21:40 - Conclusion: A call for humility and awe regarding human consciousness RESOURCES MENTIONED: Life After Life by Raymond Moody Faith That's Not Blind by Stephen Miller Demonic Foes by Richard Gallagher Encountering Mystery by Dale Allison Works by Dr. Michael Sabom, Pim van Lommel, and Michael Egnor The movie After Death Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #NearDeathExperiences #Theology #Apologetics #Afterlife #Philosophy #Consciousness #Christianity
Jun 20

EP19 | Why Chat GPT is B******t (partly) | AI and Human Deception

Are systems like ChatGPT really destroying the truth, or are they just reflecting our own deeply flawed human nature? In this episode of It's a Theological World After All, host Joshua Farris sits down with Professor Jimmy Alfonso Licon to explore his provocative paper, ChatGPT is b******t partly because people are bullshitters. We dive into Harry Frankfurt’s famous concept of "b******t" and ask a difficult question: is the problem with AI's lack of truth-telling a technological flaw, or does it stem from the fact that it’s trained on human language? From the utility of self-deception in our relationships to the philosophical pursuit of plausibility over truth, we unpack what AI reveals about the fragility of the human ego. If you want to understand how artificial intelligence mirrors our deepest social and spiritual struggles, this conversation is for you. SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into theology, philosophy, and the soul. IN THIS EPISODE: The Definition of B******t: Unpacking Harry Frankfurt's philosophy and how it applies to predictive AI language models. Architecture vs. Data: Is ChatGPT a "bullshitter" because of its predictive design, or because it's trained on the internet? The Evolution of Deception: How social media has created an evolutionary competition for attention, accelerating our culture's "b******t." Self-Deception and Society: Why a little bit of "b******t" might actually be necessary for human cooperation and healthy relationships. Plausibility as a Proxy: Do philosophers really seek the truth, or just the most plausible arguments? Theological Reflections: Connecting the human tendency to deceive with classical concepts of pride, humility, and our search for ultimate meaning. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro: Is AI producing truth or just "b******t"? 2:24 - Introducing Jimmy Alfonso Licon and the philosophy of cooperation 4:13 - The core claim: ChatGPT as a b******t generator 9:43 - Defining Frankfurt's concept of "b******t" 13:44 - Architecture vs. Training Data: Why does AI b******t? 22:19 - Are humans actually incentivized to tell the truth? 26:52 - Self-deception and the utility of b******t in relationships 31:40 - Can b******t serve a social purpose? 40:53 - Plausibility as a proxy for truth in philosophy 55:53 - The internet as an accelerator for b******t ("B******t Playoffs") 1:15:27 - Theological reflections: Pride, humility, and the human ego 1:31:02 - Finding ultimate meaning and grounding ourselves in reality 1:35:36 - Conclusion: AI as a mirror of human nature RESOURCES MENTIONED: ChatGPT is b******t partly because people are bullshitters by Jimmy Alfonso Licon ChatGPT is b******t by Michael Townsen Hicks, James Humphreys, and Joe Slater On B******t by Harry Frankfurt Better Not to Know: Why Knowing Less Is Sometimes Best by Jimmy Alfonso Licon The works of Dan Sperber and Hugo Mercier on epistemic vigilance Technopoly by Neil Postman Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #AI #Philosophy #ChatGPT #Theology #HumanNature #TechEthics
May 25

EP18 | The Rise of Neo-Paganism, Sacred Spaces, and the Unseen Realm

Are we witnessing the rise of a neo-pagan culture? In this episode, Dr. Joshua R. Farris sits down with Carl and Anthony to explore how pantheism and ancient pagan worldviews are actively reshaping modern society and politics. From the intensely polarized rhetoric of Christian Nationalism to Dr. Michael Heiser's "Deuteronomy 32 worldview," we unpack the unseen spiritual realities driving today's cultural shifts. We also dive deep into the theology of "sacred space," highlighted by Carl's chilling firsthand account of witnessing a dark Luciferian ritual. If you want to understand how to maintain a robust, biblical response to a world increasingly hungry for the supernatural, this conversation is for you. SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into theology, philosophy, and the soul. IN THIS EPISODE: - The Return of Paganism: How modern culture has moved past secularism and is embracing pantheistic and neo-pagan spiritualities. - Politics as Spiritual Warfare: Why political rhetoric is shifting toward cosmic battles and what that reveals about our metaphysical decline. - The Deuteronomy 32 Worldview: Understanding the biblical framework that the nations are ruled by lesser, created gods (elohim). - Paul at the Areopagus: Unpacking the intense spiritual and political reality of Acts 17, where Paul stood before a pagan court. - A Luciferian Ritual: Carl recounts a disturbing double ritual involving a Luciferian and a "Christian" mystic, and the spiritual lessons learned. - The Theology of Sacred Space: Should Christians treat physical locations as spiritually neutral, or can spaces hold demonic presence and require consecration?. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro: Culture's openness to Paganism 2:43 - Are Christians equipped to respond today? 4:01 - The rise of explicit religious rhetoric in politics 10:31 - How entertainment and the attention economy led to moral decline 14:57 - Is the political right reacting to a pagan left? 22:04 - Michael Heiser and the Deuteronomy 32 Worldview 30:56 - Acts 17: Paul before the Pagan Court of the Areopagus 37:53 - Desacralization vs. the Sacramental view of nature 47:02 - Carl’s experience witnessing a Luciferian ritual 52:52 - Defining "Sacred Space" and spiritual intentionality 1:02:20 - Conclusion: The importance of a robust biblical response RESOURCES MENTIONED: Witchcraft Goes Mainstream by Brooks Alexander Pagan America by John Daniel Davidson God's Rivals by Gerald McDermott The Unseen Realm (Deuteronomy 32 Worldview) by Michael Heiser Clinton Arnold's work on spiritual powers and Ephesians Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Theology #NeoPaganism #SpiritualWarfare #Apologetics #ChristianPhilosophy #SacredSpace
Apr 30

EP17 | How the Trinity Shapes Human Reason and Science With Fr. Andrew Hollingsworth

Can the doctrine of the Trinity explain the very structure of human consciousness and the natural world? In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Andrew Hollingsworth to explore why the Trinity isn't just an abstract theological puzzle—it’s the "grammar" of reality itself. From the "triadic" philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce to a scathing critique of AI and materialism, we dive deep into how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shape how we know truth, experience science, and inhabit the world. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient theology survives in the age of machines, this conversation is for you. SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into theology, philosophy, and the soul. IN THIS EPISODE: The Philosophy of Signs: How Charles Sanders Peirce’s "Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness" mirrors the Triune God. The Failure of AI: Why machines can process data but lack the "phenomenology" of a living soul. A Defense of the Soul: Why physicalism (the idea that we are just brains) is inconsistent with the Christian faith. Liturgy as Knowledge: How the Anglican Book of Common Prayer "teaches" us the Trinity through participation. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro: Dragon Ball Z & Icons 1:45 - Does the Trinity shape how we think about Truth? 3:40 - Charles Sanders Peirce & The "Phaneron" 6:00 - The Triadic Sign: Object, Representamen, Interpretant 11:45 - Substance Dualism vs. Materialism 16:30 - Can a machine actually "know" anything? 25:30 - Biosemiotics: The Trinity in Biology 36:00 - How Liturgy does the "Heavy Lifting" of Theology 41:00 - Why Anglicanism? (Suprema Scriptura) 44:30 - Conclusion: Doctrine is a Grammar to be Inhabited RESOURCES MENTIONED: God and the World of Signs by Andrew Robinson The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God by John Frame Spirit Word Community by Amos Yong Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Theology #Philosophy #Trinity #AI #Christianity #Apologetics #Anglicanism #Dualism #Peirce #StAugustine
Apr 17

EP16 | The Rise of Tech-Paganism: How AI and Ancient Rituals are Merging

As materialism fails to explain human consciousness, a new and ancient "Liturgy of Self-Making" is rising. In this deep-dive, Anthony Costello, Carl Teichrib and myself, Joshua Farris, explore how AI, Neo-Paganism, and the sexual revolution are converging to redefine what it means to be human. Is the world becoming more technological, or more theological? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of SXSW and Paganicon to witness the birth of a new cultural era. We move beyond surface-level politics to examine the "Sexual Monism" and "Radical Individualism" driving today’s headlines. From the failure of physicalism in AI labs to the "bestial ethics" of modern fantasy literature, our speakers provide a chilling diagnosis of a society that has detached sex from creation and the self from the Logos. What you will learn in this episode: The Failure of Materialism: Why top scientists are abandoning physicalism for mysticism. The AI Mirror: How technology is becoming a tool for modern divination and "Digital Animism." The Pagan Ethic: Why a worldview without a transcendent standard inevitably leads to a "Might Makes Right" power dynamic. The Narcissism of Modern Sex: How the detachment of gender and sexuality from the body is impacting the future of civilization. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: It’s a Theological World After All 12:15 – SXSW Report: Why AI Experts are Desperate for Humanity 24:30 – Paganicon 2026: Using AI for Tarot and Rituals 36:45 – The Aesthetic Ethic: Beauty vs. Ugliness in Neo-Paganism 48:20 – Sexual Monism: The Goal of "Gender Alchemy" 01:05:10 – The Power Trap: Why Paganism Can't Condemn "The Hawk vs. The Squirrel" 01:18:30 – Stoicism & The Logos: Is There a Rational Alternative? 01:32:45 – The Marketing of the Occult: Fantasy Fiction and Young Women 01:45:10 – Conclusion: The Deconstruction of the Sexual Narrative Connect with the Kirkwood Center: Website: https://www.kirkwoodcenter.org/ Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Theology #ArtificialIntelligence #NeoPaganism #Worldview #ChristianApologetics #CultureWar #Ethics #Philosophy
Mar 27

EP15 | Is AI Devaluing the Soul? A New Defense for Being Human

Is technology changing what it means to be human? Today I sit down with Matthew Burford (Founder of Tactical Faith) to discuss why modern apologetics is shifting from "winning arguments" to "reclaiming wonder." As we move deeper into the age of AI and digital distraction, Burford argues that we are facing a crisis of disembodiment. Drawing on neuroscientist Ian McGilchrist’s work on the left and right brain, we explore how the "Left-Brain" obsession with data and control is hollowing out our spiritual lives—and why the physical, "Right-Brain" practices of the Church and the Eucharist are the only cure for modern anxiety. Inside the Episode: The Evolution of Apologetics: Why the "syllogisms" of the 90s aren't reaching Gen Z. The AI Threat: How Large Language Models (LLMs) force us to redefine human uniqueness. The Master and His Emissary: Applying Ian McGilchrist’s brain hemisphere theory to theology. The School of Attention: How the Eucharist retrains our minds to see reality truthfully. Re-enchanting the World: Moving from abstract ideas to concrete, lived practices. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Meeting Matthew Burford 2:15 – What is Tactical Faith? Bridge between Ivory Tower & Church 6:42 – The Shift: From Evidence-Based to Story-Driven Apologetics 11:30 – Why "winning the argument" isn't enough anymore 15:45 – The "Fragmented Self": Addressing Gen Z & Alpha 20:10 – Living in a Post-Christian "Disillusionment" 28:45 – Cultural Liturgies: What the Mall taught us about worship 35:10 – AI & The Crisis of Embodiment: What makes us unique? 41:30 – The Danger of Normalizing Artificial Relationships 45:20 – The Eucharist as a "Shared Attention Habit" 51:40 – Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain: Ian McGilchrist’s Impact 57:15 – Reclaiming the Mystery: How the Church can serve the world now Resources Mentioned: Tactical Faith: https://tacticalfaith.com/ Ian McGilchrist - The Master and His Emissary What do you think is the biggest threat AI poses to our humanity? Let us know in the comments below! Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Apologetics #FaithAndTech #IanMcGilchrist #Christianity #AI #Philosophy #Theology #TacticalFaith
Mar 13

EP14 | The Death of Materialism: Why Panpsychism is the New Worldview

Is the universe a mindless machine, or is it alive? In this episode, we explore the dramatic collapse of materialism and the rise of Panpsychism—the radical idea that consciousness is a fundamental feature of all matter. From the "Hard Problem of Consciousness" to the return of ancient animism in the modern lab, we sit down with Anthony Costello and Carl Teichrib to deconstruct how modern philosophy is "re-enchanting" the world. Are we unified souls created by a transcendent God, or are we merely temporary "eddies" in a cosmic river of mind? In this episode, we discuss: Galileo’s Error: How science accidentally "shaved off" the soul. The New Paganism: Why elite academics are suddenly sounding like ancient animists. The "Combination Problem": The logical flaw that panpsychists can't explain. Psychedelics & Magic: Are altered states revealing reality or just altering perception? The Theology of Gender: Why the shift toward "Internal Experience" is feminizing the church. The Moral Motivation: Why some philosophers prefer a "Conscious Universe" over a Personal God. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro: The Death of Materialism 12:45 - Thomas Nagel & The Hard Problem of Consciousness 28:30 - What is Panpsychism? (Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down) 45:15 - The "Epstein Connection" and Controlling Consciousness 58:00 - Is the Universe Divine? Panentheism vs. Pantheism 01:15:30 - Modern Animism: Why your computer might have "feelings" 01:30:45 - The "Feminization" of Spirituality & The Deification of Nature 01:45:20 - Why Panpsychism is "Ad Hoc" (The Theistic Critique) 02:00:10 - Final Verdict: Soul vs. Cosmic Eddy Key Resources Mentioned Galileo's Error by Philip Goff Mind and Cosmos by Thomas Nagel Knowledge and the Case for Dualism by Richard Fumerton The Argument from Consciousness by J.P. Moreland Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Panpsychism #PhilosophyOfMind #Theology #Apologetics #Consciousness #HardProblem #NewPaganism #ChristianPhilosophy #Metaphysics
Feb 27

EP 13 | From the Bible to Gaia: The Secret Pagan Roots of Modern Green Policy

Is environmentalism the new global religion? In this deep-dive discussion, we explore the shocking shift from traditional Christian stewardship to a "Dark Green" neo-paganism that is quietly reshaping our churches, our laws, and our view of what it means to be human. From the "Pachamama" rituals in the Vatican to the deification of "Mother Earth" in global policy like Agenda 21, we dismantle the Lynn White thesis and reveal why the "Population Crater" is the crisis no one is talking about. If you’ve noticed your church or culture shifting toward nature worship over the Creator, this episode explains exactly why—and how to respond. CHAPTERS: 0:00 – The Population Bomb vs. The Population Crater 12:45 – 3 Christian Doctrines Under Attack by "Deep Ecology" 28:30 – The Infiltration: How Earth Worship Entered the Liturgy 45:10 – Agenda 21 & The Rio Summit: Environmentalism as Policy 1:02:15 – Pachamama & The Vatican: A Crisis of Identity 1:18:40 – Transhumanism vs. Post-Humanism: The Future of Man 1:35:10 – The Return of the Goddess: Feminism & Neo-Paganism 1:50:20 – Why Pastors Are Silent (And Why That’s Dangerous) 2:01:00 – Challenging the Assumptions: A Gospel Response SUMMARY: In this episode, we connect the dots between historical theology, modern environmental science, and globalist policy. We discuss how the "Gaia Hypothesis" has moved from a scientific metaphor to a spiritual reality for millions, and why the rejection of the Imago Dei (Image of God) leads directly to anti-natalism and the devaluation of human life. We also take a hard look at the "German Catholic" model where altars are replaced with soil, and explore why a return to a "Supernatural Worldview" is the only way to safeguard the Truth in a re-paganized West. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Population Bomb by Paul Ehrlich The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser Hitler’s Monsters by Eric Kurlander The 1992 Rio Earth Summit (Agenda 21) Take the Next Step in Your Education If this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/ #Environmentalism #Paganism #Christianity #Theology #Agenda21 #GaiaHypothesis #ChurchHistory #Worldview #Apologetics #SpiritualWarfare #Posthumanism

It’s a Theological World After All explores how theology shapes everything—from science and technology to culture, politics, and human identity. Join Dr. Joshua Farris and guests from around the world for deep conversations at the crossroads of faith, reason, and the big questions of our time.

Creator

Joshua R. Farris
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

20
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© All rights reserved.
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It's a Theological World After All