[Note: this is a re-upload in audio only podcast format to correct the issue with Substack where video format podcasts start cutting out around the 1h20 mark] Me doing conspiracy theory talk? Not really. Ron and I take a look at what "Talmudic thinking" is, its origins, its historical development, and its theological and political implications for today. Conspiracy theory thinking is a staple of the online right. It is seductive. It gives a clear enemy who is manipulating things behind the scenes to enact their sinister plans and designs. The problem with this type of thought is that it removes from us the obligation to examine ourselves and really understand what is actually happening. Often, reality is more subtle, nuanced and comes with goods and ills together, making it hard to easily grapple with. Reality is messy and complicated. In this episode, Ronald Dodson and I look at what we call “Talmudic” thinking and its influence on not just the modern administrative state, but also the patterns of thought that gave birth to American constitutionalism. It was instrumental in the rise of Scholasticism, both Catholic and Protestant and ultimately in systematic theology. We trace this idea back to its Old Testament origins in misunderstanding the nature and purpose of the law and its relationship to the wisdom tradition in the Old Testament up through the New Testament as it is fulfilled in Christ. With this foundation we follow the movement and influence of “Talmudism” through the middle ages, up through the Reformation and into modernity looking at its implications for the Christian faith as it is practiced in the modern era, especially in the New World, as well as the way it shaped modernity more broadly, especially in the form of the administrative state. “Talmudism” is a way of thinking that gradually was adopted in the west and genuinely contributed to technological mindset that produces such things as “the rule of law,” the administrative state, and even AI. We really think you will both enjoy this one and be deeply challenged by it. I have had a lot of really good conversations here at Seeking the Hidden Thing, but this is one of the best in my mind. Sponsorship Partners [Note: After some hiccups with adding the sponsorship partners after a post goes out to paid subscribers — I had one that refused to be mailed to free subscribers later — I am just going to make things easy on myself and put the sponsorship adds here right from the outset. You are welcome as paid subscribers to take advantage of the deals offered by both Fox ‘N Sons and Axios Fitness] FoxNSons Coffee Steve Fox is one of “our guys” and he sells coffee. Good coffee. If you live in the US — sorry Canadians…too much government red tape involved in shipping coffee over the border…my supply comes hand delivered — he can ship you your coffee right to your doorstep. Go to the FoxNSons website now and use the promo code “kruptos” for a 15% discount. Axios Fitness Coaching JD is also one of “our guys” and he wants to help you get fit and stay fit for what is coming. Head over to Axios and get started today! Seeking the Hidden Thing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.seekingthehiddenthing.com/subscribe
