Anatheism: Rediscovering God in a Secular Age

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Rupert explores the theme of finding God again, in an increasingly secular society. Drawing from personal experiences in India and his journey through various spiritual traditions, Rupert provides insights into anatheism, or returning to God, and how this process is unfolding in a post-Christian world. He touches on the connections between science and spirituality, the value of pilgrimage and sacred places, and the emerging concept of panpsychism, which considers consciousness as a fundamental quality in nature. An engaging Q&A session with the audience dives deeper into perennial philosophy, the role of feminine energy in Christianity, and the impact of psychedelics on spiritual practices.

March 20th, 2024
St. James's Church, London

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Rupert Sheldrake's Early Life
00:00:28 - Anatheism and Rediscovering God
00:01:38 - Secular Society and Belief Systems
00:02:29 - Diverse Spiritual Traditions and Modern Challenges
00:04:12 - Sheldrake's Childhood, Boarding School, and Methodism
00:08:14 - Transition to Atheism and Science Education
00:12:59 - Morphic Resonance and Intellectual Crisis
00:15:24 - Scholarship at Harvard and Intellectual Shift
00:16:20 - Thomas Kuhn and Scientific Paradigms
00:20:15 - Epiphany Philosophers and New Directions
00:24:08 - Discovering Morphic Resonance and New Research Paths
00:26:01 - Time in India and Influence on Research
00:32:10 - Work in Plant Development and Spiritual Awakening
00:34:09 - Immersed in Indian and Tibetan Traditions
00:38:17 - Spiritual Advice from a Hindu Guru
00:41:25 - Father Bede Griffiths and Catholic Mysticism
00:46:12 - The Trinity and Sacred Mysticism
00:48:35 - Logos and Holy Spirit
00:52:07 - Panpsychism and Cosmic Mind
00:57:06 - Scientific Research and Spiritual Practices
01:00:07 - Revival of Pilgrimage and Urban Spiritual Centers
01:03:40 - Audience Question 1: Perennial Philosophy and Interfaith Dialog
01:07:51 - Audience Question 2: Role of Feminine Energy in Christianity
01:12:25 - Audience Question 3: Philosophy, Technology, and Connection with the Divine
01:19:20 - Audience Question 4: Encounters with Krishnamurti and David Bohm

Alternatives is a UK-based organization offering spiritual and personal growth events. For over 30 years they've hosted talks, workshops, and resources focused on spirituality, well-being, and conscious business at St James' Church in Piccadilly.

https://www.alternatives.org.uk


Dr Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is a biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance. At Cambridge University he worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. He was Principal Plant Physiologist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and From 2005 to 2010 was Director of the Perrott-Warrick project, Cambridge.

https://www.sheldrake.org