The History of Yahweh - Storm God to Israelite Deity

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  • Опубликовано: 14 май 2024
  • This episode contains a paid partnership with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month: www.betterhelp.com/alexoconnor
    For early, ad-free access to videos, support the channel at / alexoc
    To donate to my PayPal (thank you): www.paypal.me/cosmicskeptic
    - VIDEO NOTES
    Justin Sledge is currently a part-time professor of philosophy and religion at several institutions in the Metro-Detroit area and a popular local educator.
    His RUclips channel is "Esoterica": ‪@TheEsotericaChannel‬
    - LINKS
    Buy "The Early History of God" by Mark Smith: amzn.to/44ezTes
    Buy "The Origins of Biblical Monotheism" by Mark Smith: amzn.to/3JyyZ32
    - TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Pronunciation of YHWH
    02:33 The Origin of YHWH
    07:01 Oldest References to This God
    18:00 How Translation Influences the Bible
    20:00 Evolution of YHWH's Influence
    27:55 Assimilation of the Gods
    30:59 From Many Gods to One God
    37:09 Link Between Religion & Intoxication
    40:19 How Different Regions Worshipped YHWH
    51:48 What is Jewish Apocalypticism?
    54:47 The Introduction of Jesus
    1:01:50 How Jesus Became Identified With YHWH
    1:09:03 Paul’s Mystical Visions of God
    1:12:41 Is This Theology Gnostic?
    1:18:52 Christians Believing Jesus is YHWH
    1:23:17 What is the Demiurge?
    1:35:43 A More Attractive Christian Narrative
    1:40:28 Recommended Books
    - SPECIAL THANKS
    A special thanks to my top-tier supporters on Patreon:
    Tom Rindell
    James Younger, DDS
    - CONNECT
    My Website/Blog: www.cosmicskeptic.com
    SOCIAL LINKS:
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    The Within Reason Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
    - CONTACT
    Business email: contact@cosmicskeptic.com
    Or send me something:
    Alex O'Connor
    Po Box 1610
    OXFORD
    OX4 9LL
    ENGLAND
    ------------------------------------------

Комментарии • 2,7 тыс.

  • @TheEsotericaChannel
    @TheEsotericaChannel 16 дней назад +1596

    Thanks for having me on Alex - it was an honor and a wonderful conversation!

    • @waido_
      @waido_ 16 дней назад +43

      Thanks for being so knowledgeable. :)

    • @truenezito
      @truenezito 16 дней назад +4

      Hello

    • @kidslovesatan34
      @kidslovesatan34 16 дней назад +11

      Thank you, Justin. Great discussion.

    • @TheEsutan
      @TheEsutan 16 дней назад +16

      Thanks for being on! You're hugely knowledgeable and you did great! I hope to reach your level one day! Thanks mate!

    • @scottythetrex5197
      @scottythetrex5197 16 дней назад +8

      This was so interesting! Thanks!

  • @HisZotness
    @HisZotness 15 дней назад +529

    Alex, my wife worked for Better Help, and they treat their therapists poorly, they grossly underpay them, and even demand that they perform unpaid duties. Avoid!

    • @StarlightEdith
      @StarlightEdith 14 дней назад +81

      They also sell your confidential data

    • @HisZotness
      @HisZotness 14 дней назад +16

      @@StarlightEdith Yay!

    • @DemainIronfalcon
      @DemainIronfalcon 14 дней назад +6

      He has heard these concerns and he will be doing what he can I believe, why is this so triggering how bad are they as an org or just individual maybe removed staff?

    • @DemainIronfalcon
      @DemainIronfalcon 14 дней назад +1

      @@HisZotness nice moustache

    • @HisZotness
      @HisZotness 14 дней назад +36

      @@DemainIronfalcon Their business practices can most charitably be described as unscrupulous.

  • @MythVisionPodcast
    @MythVisionPodcast 16 дней назад +499

    Dr. Justin Sledge is an juggernaut! May he get imported into cults of the 31st century as a divine internet storm God who defeated the chaos apologetic dragon bare-handed!

    • @GnosticInformant
      @GnosticInformant 16 дней назад +23

      lol

    • @Herodotus77
      @Herodotus77 16 дней назад +21

      Just need to get Megan, Josh, and Bart to comment and all of my RUclips teachers will be represented on this page.

    • @lukavukcevic6429
      @lukavukcevic6429 16 дней назад

      What a cringe comment, makes me wanna kms

    • @bankiey
      @bankiey 16 дней назад +3

      @@Herodotus77 Yo, who are these folks?

    • @bartkl
      @bartkl 16 дней назад +13

      ​@@bankieyI'm pretty sure they're referring to Bart Ehrman, Joshua Bowen and Megan Lewis (Digital Hammurabi)

  • @shassett79
    @shassett79 16 дней назад +399

    "Hotboxing inside the Holy of Holies" is the best phrase I'll hear this week.

    • @matthemming9105
      @matthemming9105 16 дней назад +11

      Evokes the image of am Ancient Matisyahu concert

    • @Aquamayne100
      @Aquamayne100 16 дней назад +3

      makes sense now that you think about it lol

    • @calebadams8525
      @calebadams8525 16 дней назад +5

      My favorite way to spend an afternoon

    • @kellydalstok8900
      @kellydalstok8900 15 дней назад +17

      Makes you wonder if that’s the burning bush Exodus is referring to, that being high was a way to “experience” the presence of god(s).

    • @shassett79
      @shassett79 15 дней назад +8

      @@kellydalstok8900 I've burnt a few bushes in my day, I can tell you...

  • @S1apShoes
    @S1apShoes 16 дней назад +856

    The idea that the name of God could be "yahoo" is funny af

    • @seanbeadles7421
      @seanbeadles7421 16 дней назад +42

      Yoohoowoohoo

    • @drsatan3231
      @drsatan3231 16 дней назад +24

      It could also be "Mr Puckles"

    • @JUNKJACKZACK
      @JUNKJACKZACK 16 дней назад +14

      The best pronouncing I habe seen is yahava.

    • @TheSimpleDudeOne
      @TheSimpleDudeOne 16 дней назад +33

      That's exactly the story behind how Yahoo (the email service) was named.

    • @elliotfisk1099
      @elliotfisk1099 16 дней назад +3

      @@seanbeadles7421 cartoon history of the universe??

  • @neclark08
    @neclark08 13 дней назад +61

    LOVE this:
    "...This town's not Big Enough for TWO Warrior Storm gods..."

    • @urbannsquirrel
      @urbannsquirrel 11 дней назад +1

      They would definitely clash 🤭

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 9 дней назад +9

      "my god can beat up your god!"

    • @johnwheeler3071
      @johnwheeler3071 День назад

      This guy is saying nothing new. Christianity knows very well that their are other divine beings that the capital G God of the bible created. He created heaven and earth and gave those in the heavenly realm free will and man free will. Some divine beings turned against God and some men worshipped those same divine beings instead of Yahweh.

    • @Dovahkiin0117
      @Dovahkiin0117 15 часов назад

      @@johnwheeler3071ya evil corrupt killer yaweh 😂 the tribal war god
      Really wanna worship him go for it I guess 🤷‍♂️ stay goofy the world needs some levity

  • @Herodotus77
    @Herodotus77 16 дней назад +71

    Dr. Sledge gets deep into the complexity and details on his channel. Having this overview was fantastic...kind of primer for Esoterica.

    • @Herodotus77
      @Herodotus77 16 дней назад

      No if Alex can bring him back to give an overview of the history of magic.

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 9 дней назад +1

      The more I listen to him, Sledge has got to be a voracious reader with nearly total recall.

  • @kurremkarmerruk8718
    @kurremkarmerruk8718 16 дней назад +34

    What a tour de force narrative from Dr. Sledge. Talk about sitting back and weaving it all together; I couldn't even script what he just did. Each digression and topic was unpacked so pertinently (big props to Alex for marshalling the conversation with a deft touch), and all with effortless context. Deep wells of knowledge and understanding. I particularly enjoyed his read on the transitions through the Deuteronimic reforms and the Rabbinic theological innovations.
    The praise for Athanasius was intriguing, I might have to give it a try. Sounded very Manly Hall.

  • @the_luggage
    @the_luggage 16 дней назад +306

    The context behind _why_ the Israelites were worshipping a calf and how monotheism was inserted into their faith was fascinating. Such an insightful chat, thank you!

    • @Mark761966
      @Mark761966 16 дней назад +14

      Not many people know that it happened twice. And that the second time they really doubled down.

    • @owncraticpath
      @owncraticpath 16 дней назад +9

      They worshipped a calf because they were deep into polytheism and idolatry since that was what Egypt had deteriorated into.
      Moses peace be upon him was sent to them, to purify them from that, and they followed a narration from the Samari telling them the god of Moses was the cow, a lie basically.
      This is the same, claiming YHWH is an idol just because some pagans made an idol of God and lied about him, just like Christians made an idol about the son of Mary and claim lies about him.
      Idk this is kinda funny from a Muslim perspective, since some Christians accuse us of worshipping the "moon god" based on precisely the lies pagans attributed to God, not realizing the book came to uncover such lies, and that the pagans just made up stuff without proof after having monotheism, not the opposite.
      This is like Christians claiming the Trinity was from the beginning, then Unitarians seem like "making monotheism up" but the truth is that the Trinitarians lie, Monotheism was the origin, not the end, and Unitarianism is just a revival of the original faith.
      There is nothing wrong with investigating, and honesty is a must, but assumptions must be treated as what they are.
      Praise be to God, the actual unity which is logical unlike atheism or paganism.
      Peace

    • @the_luggage
      @the_luggage 16 дней назад +33

      @@owncraticpath what scholars have discovered about the two forms of Yahweh- worship and how the bull was incorporated into one and not the other can be fascinating! I recommend listening to the video :)

    • @exaucemayunga22
      @exaucemayunga22 16 дней назад +28

      ​@owncraticpath you clearly don't belong here with your dogma

    • @owncraticpath
      @owncraticpath 16 дней назад +1

      @@exaucemayunga22 Peace

  • @mymyscellany
    @mymyscellany 16 дней назад +225

    Esoterica + Alex is a combination I did not expect

    • @waido_
      @waido_ 16 дней назад +7

      Ikr? I remembered seeing an Esoterica video on this topic, so I thought it was interesting that Alex was covering it. I didn’t expect to actually see Esoterica in the video.😂

    • @seankelley3033
      @seankelley3033 16 дней назад +20

      I feel like the one weird guy who's somehow managed to be a fan of both

    • @thoughtful1233
      @thoughtful1233 16 дней назад +2

      A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

    • @thoughtful1233
      @thoughtful1233 16 дней назад +9

      @@seankelley3033 Really? I think atheists like myself and I would guess you... indeed, further, ex-Christians like myself and I would guess you, make up most of the listeners/viewers of Esoterica, MythVision, Gnostic Informant, Israel Finkelstein, Richard Carrier, Bart Ehrman, any number of people focused on the texts and archeology surrounding Israel, Canaan, and Christianity, and finally, Alex and other atheist RUclipsrs. I think most Christians listen to preachers and motivational or therapist type content - apologists if they really want to go deeper. It's mostly (not entirely) ex-religious people who want to get deep into this stuff.

    • @Cross-Carrier
      @Cross-Carrier 16 дней назад +10

      ​@@seankelley3033 I love both. ESOTERICA is a fantastic channel. So is Let's Talk Religion

  • @TheAustinDockery
    @TheAustinDockery 16 дней назад +31

    Probably the most interesting episode I have seen yet. A huge thank you to both gentlemen for this fascinating interview. Please knock on doors such as this more Mr. O’Connor!

  • @WolfoxBR
    @WolfoxBR 15 дней назад +9

    Glad to see Dr. Justin Sledge here. Truly a fantastic scholar and one of my favorite creators in the whole of RUclips. His channel is a delight and I'm glad he got some exposition on a channel that's surely full of people who might appreciate his work. Thanks Alex!

  • @PyrrhicPax
    @PyrrhicPax 16 дней назад +356

    "I think the average ancient Israelite was just like "I don't care what you call god, as long as it rains."
    I love the idea of the ancient "average Joe" caring more about his crop yields than which god his landlord worships.

    • @Deepfake820
      @Deepfake820 16 дней назад +34

      They cared about which God was worshipped but not what it's name was. In this case they wanted a storm God to water their crops

    • @jasonGamesMaster
      @jasonGamesMaster 16 дней назад +24

      It's not just Justin saying this, either. If you look deeper into polytheistic beliefs around the world you find a much stronger element of reciprocity at play (and, to be sure, the Old Testament faithfully records stories of this nature, but Christianity has retextualized them so much people don't often think of it that way). A polythiestic person has a buffet of deities to worship, and so only those that "come through" on their "deals" (prayers and rites, basically) get revered.
      Very much a "If Zeus doesn't come through, see what Apollo says," kind of scenario. If you want some info on reconstructionist polytheism (modern polytheism that tries to discover what Christianity buried, not modern polytheism that just makes up stuff that sounds good) check out OceanKeltoi here on RUclips.

    • @audreysilver-fq5rh
      @audreysilver-fq5rh 16 дней назад +22

      Average Yosef*

    • @Neptunion118
      @Neptunion118 16 дней назад +5

      It's crazy when you think that our modern conception of god is so loaded with meaning yet in ancient times god was the steward of ideal natural processes. It's like rain drops have been replaced by meaning, god is now a steward for the point of existence

    • @Deepfake820
      @Deepfake820 16 дней назад +1

      @@Neptunion118 God isn't the steward of the process God is the process. Personifications are methods of mapping reality communicating it.

  • @danachirico623
    @danachirico623 16 дней назад +304

    The Biblical history behind the scriptures is much more interesting than the shallow, modern interpretation that most people are accustomed to. Reading the biblical text from a modern perspective is just plain inaccurate.
    Thank you for bringing this information onto your platform. You’re doing great work here.👍

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 16 дней назад

      But why are his sources more accurate than the Bible? In fact these people are bias against the Bible so they will pretend as if they have a superior source to it when theyve got nothing as he had to admit multiple times.

    • @user-soon300
      @user-soon300 16 дней назад +4

      great comment ❤

    • @rhondah1587
      @rhondah1587 16 дней назад +23

      Cultures evolve to adapt to the times in which they are existing in and must accommodate new information and technology to at least some extent. Regional and temporal interpretations will naturally happen and have happened throughout history. Nothing is ever static within human cultures. Religions, being human inventions, will naturally fracture and split into many different sects and forms of belief even in the same textual scripture. I hope to see the day when humanity comes to its senses and puts all religions where they belong, the category of legend and mythology.

    • @natedizzy4939
      @natedizzy4939 16 дней назад +5

      ​@rhondah1587 yeah let's throw out the reason we decide to be moral and care about objective reality and things will be better

    • @minhnguyenphanhoang4193
      @minhnguyenphanhoang4193 16 дней назад +33

      @@natedizzy4939 I am a buddhist I can claim to be a moral person - or at least as moral as an average follower of Christ. So why does morality must be form your God and not mine ?

  • @Dogpool
    @Dogpool 16 дней назад +173

    As a former Jehovah’s Witness , I know that if I was a current practicing witness watching this video would probably get me shunned

    • @Aquamayne100
      @Aquamayne100 16 дней назад

      So glad to be out of that repressive cult. Crazy how they keep people in a cage intellectually.

    • @ekatzel3210
      @ekatzel3210 16 дней назад +12

      It definitely would have gotten you shunned

    • @TheAmericanAmerican
      @TheAmericanAmerican 16 дней назад +33

      Congrats on escaping the cult! I got out of the catholic one myself back in 2018 😁

    • @markrichter2053
      @markrichter2053 16 дней назад +13

      Thanks for sharing that. It’s so interesting to hear you’re angle in how your faith group would react to you if you explored the history and origins of the Hebrew god.
      I came originally from an evangelical tradition. I could get away with studying anything. However, if I were to bring these things up in a Bible study there would have been an uncomfortable silence. No one would have engaged me and the subject would get changed. I tried this a number of times in the year before I left the faith.
      What I find fascinating is that evangelicals would see JWs as a cult. Which I think it is. But in in reality, from my experience, a lot of religious groups behave in a cult like manner, especially Evangelicals! There’s an authoritarian literalist interpretation of specific scriptures, which is extremely selective to suit their preferred theology. It’s always the scriptures and translations and interpretations that justify their own particular world view, which is extremely conservative and judgmental of those outside the group or those within the group who transgress the laws. Evangelicalism makes a lot of grace when it comes to hooking individuals into the cult, because sin-guilt-forgiveness becomes an addictive shame cycle. But in terms of social ethics, evangelical churches operate a strict legalism that’s totally at odds with their theology. But they live with a whole raft of irreconcilable theological contradictions and fanatically persue a creed that’s both inauthentic to the scriptures they claim to venerate and toxic to the culture they live in.

    • @OmniversalInsect
      @OmniversalInsect 15 дней назад +17

      It amazes me how people will try to defend a group that promotes shunning of members who seek knowledge. And claim that it isn't a cult.

  • @andeez4663
    @andeez4663 15 дней назад +48

    I would have loved to heard more on the influence of Zoroastrianism on Judaism during the Babylonian period

    • @perpetuostudens8819
      @perpetuostudens8819 13 дней назад +13

      Yes, I think it's influence is most likely vastly underrated. Ahura Mazda=God (monotheism), Ahuriman=Devil, + angels, end of world etc

    • @JosephVargas-ck8zj
      @JosephVargas-ck8zj 12 дней назад

      I Think Muslim identity why erased the face not recognize the muslim statue
      Yes babylon

    • @warrior4christ578
      @warrior4christ578 11 дней назад

      the other way around LOL

    • @nmvhr
      @nmvhr 11 дней назад +1

      @@warrior4christ578 Zarathushtra and his message are ~4 thousand years old now 😂

    • @warrior4christ578
      @warrior4christ578 11 дней назад +1

      @@nmvhr incorrect zoroastrian was invented during the Persian Empire. The Babylonian empire fell for pagan worship by the Persian Empire. There Persian empire free the Jews from captivity, in doing so Daniel become the 2nd most powerful man in all the Persian empire and was the Leader of the wise men, magicians, fortune tellers, seers and wizards. Daniel was not a pagan but worshiped the GOD of the BIBLE and foretold prophecy of the coming world. Certain wise men under Daniel rule did not like daniel and tried to have him killed but ended up dying themselves from a brutal death from the King of Persia. (Daniel and the lions den)
      Then about a 100 years later give or take Zoroastrians was created by false teacher in Persia to mislead people from the GOD of the Bible, why? Because the Persian King accepted the GOD of the Bible (GOD of the Hebrew-Judeo Christians)

  • @garycpriestley
    @garycpriestley 16 дней назад +50

    Absolutely FASCINATING conversation! I learned so much and it gives the context to the early bible so well.

    • @stephenzaccardelli5863
      @stephenzaccardelli5863 16 дней назад

      Just Alex BTW is bound to beautifully bring out a eureka momentous response in zoroastrian ✡️ monks

  • @dylanjames8792
    @dylanjames8792 14 дней назад +4

    Insightful and informative! Justin Sledge has an amazing wealth of knowledge to offer. Thank you for posting this!

  • @SeanMach
    @SeanMach 15 дней назад +7

    Wow, what a fantastic conversation! I want to hear more of Dr. Sledge. Please have him back.

  • @mirelchirila
    @mirelchirila 16 дней назад +290

    The funniest part of this whole new atheist thing is the fact that in the end they end up knowing more about the religion than most practicing people .

    • @7.2
      @7.2 16 дней назад

      Usually religious people are blind, Jews tend to be more educated.

    • @funkatron101
      @funkatron101 16 дней назад +87

      Amusing but not at all surprising. Skepticism isn't born out of ignorance.

    • @y5anger
      @y5anger 16 дней назад +27

      Some of them. Early online atheist activists either seem to have become amateur historians of religion or regressive culture warriors. Probably speaks to the two motives of new atheism- a love of truth and contrarianism.

    • @drooskie9525
      @drooskie9525 16 дней назад

      That's more-so because most people aren't intellectual types. Not even atheists. Most claimed atheists aren't even truly atheist either.
      People really need to think a little more critically about what these terms mean. Most atheists don't actually understand religion. They understand it in a very superficial way, and only from their philosophical materialism point of view. They do not understand the ancient mind.

    • @eoinc9511
      @eoinc9511 16 дней назад

      Anti religious intellectuals invariably have a better grasp of history and culture than those who join the religious cults of the earth.
      Understanding is something that happens when you don’t rely on “faith” as an answer.

  • @seekingtruth3825
    @seekingtruth3825 16 дней назад +4

    This is an excellent interview! Well done Alex, and as always, I appreciate Justin's approachable teaching style

  • @FluidThinker
    @FluidThinker 16 дней назад +124

    Isn't it crazy that I've been researching this topic the last few days, even watching Esoterica and then you upload a video about it.. thanks. Keep going!

    • @thepooaprinciple5144
      @thepooaprinciple5144 16 дней назад +3

      Careful following "Synchronicities", the final stop is being chosen.

    • @Jaymastia
      @Jaymastia 16 дней назад +2

      @@thepooaprinciple5144 explain further...

    • @guaporeturns9472
      @guaporeturns9472 16 дней назад +5

      Seems Zoroastrianism is one of the earliest version of monotheism

    • @allensnea9335
      @allensnea9335 16 дней назад

      same

    • @Kyle111
      @Kyle111 16 дней назад +5

      The lord works in mysterious ways 🙌🏻

  • @humn_rights
    @humn_rights 13 дней назад +24

    Being of Muslim background, this episode is mind-blowing to me, which makes me relate how all religions of the ME look much more similar to each other. In some aspects, they overlap and sometimes transition from one to another in non homogeneous but gradual. Over geography, tribes, languages, and time. It feels like a one peace of very long symphony of different episodes.

    • @DaniilDimitrov
      @DaniilDimitrov 10 дней назад +3

      Welcome to the awaken world bother.

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 9 дней назад +2

      The difficulty in finding a common ground in religions is really paradoxical considering the interdependency they had on each other in their origins and early development.

    • @humn_rights
      @humn_rights 9 дней назад +1

      @smillstill I am speculating that It could be related to psychology of derby, I mean the rivalry becomes more intense when the competition is closer to home. In English football league, the rivalry is more intense when the teams playing are from the same city.

    • @yf1177
      @yf1177 9 дней назад

      Because all mortal humans yearn for some kind of transcendence and salvation, even if these are illusions and delusions.

    • @humn_rights
      @humn_rights 9 дней назад

      @yf1177 Yes, and they lead to unfortunate consequences between groups following their great great great ...... grandfathers. I think secularism has an important role in world peace.

  • @interestedbaldy
    @interestedbaldy 14 дней назад +4

    The most interesting and invigorating interview I have seen in a while. Thank you both.

  • @AustinOKeeffe
    @AustinOKeeffe 16 дней назад +46

    I've heard bits and pieces about the development of Judaism and Christianity over the years but this was a great summary given more or less in chronological order giving the influences on these religions and the meanings of theological beliefs. One of the best discussions on the subjects I have watched. It would take years of study to know all this so it is great to learn it in a more concise way. Thanks to both of you.

    • @lauchlanguddy1004
      @lauchlanguddy1004 14 дней назад

      and all utter garbage... people believe in these ..."gods"?? its two gods , its one god, its a storm god, its Baal, its married, its divorced, its a storm God that made the universe, its a bull.... its all bull. Lets steal a country

  • @erenjaegersrightbicep63
    @erenjaegersrightbicep63 14 дней назад +3

    Such as amazing and informative conversation! I've always been a fan of the sort of archaic and mainstream adjacent religions and mythos, Demonology, Panagism, so on and so forth, and this evidence based and impartial dive into the history of theology was such a treat. The conversation flowed well and goes to show just how great of an academician Dr Sledge is!

  • @nickhumphreys2638
    @nickhumphreys2638 14 дней назад +3

    Amazing. Loved it. Definitely keen to see more of this type of content. Fascinating 🙏🏼

  • @AkaedatheLogtoad
    @AkaedatheLogtoad 16 дней назад +6

    Holy shit I didn’t know y’all were doing an episode together! This is awesome.

  • @Philanthrophxyz
    @Philanthrophxyz 16 дней назад +48

    As a believer and bible nerd I had mixed feelings going into this video, but was suprised to come away from it encouraged and intrigued. RUclipsrs like the late Michael Heiser, Michael Jones, Tim Mackie, and others have put out a lot of content from a similar viewpoint, but from the other side of the fence so to speak. This content was amazing and the conversation was brilliant and sparked a fresh interest!
    A few notes from some of the topics:
    That the early Israelites struggled with polytheism and pagan patheon worship leaking into their belief system shouldn't come as a surprise. Reading the end of Joshua (chapter 24) kind of spells that one out. The note about the God of Israel having prominent attributes to that of war, conquest, and raiding makes sense considereing the book of Judges (read Judges 2:16 it's literally what they were put into place for). In one breath you point out the fact that we have little to no info about how Yahweh was viewed early on and then with the next breath you seem to push the claim that they only viewed Him in relation to war and storms. That to me is a little bit of a stretch and the biblical text suggest that he was viewed much more complexly even early on. I think the attacks on the bull worship within the northern tribe was related the actions of King Jeroboam after the split of Nothern Israel and Southern Judea, through there are similar elements to the story in Exodus. Sacred geography is definitely a thing in biblical literature and it was indeed common practice to have dwellings for deities, yet in that same text you have verses like 1 Kings 8:27, 2 Chronicles 2:6, and Jeremiah 23:24 that suggest that view was challenged among some Isralites in relation to Yahweh, some of which would have been written before the destruction of the temple by Babylon. I would argue, looking at literature from the prophets, that post temple theology was already present long before the pharisees came into play and was culminated in Jesus. From 1:01:52 onwards there are a lot of interesting theories brought up that could each be a topic of debate and scrutiny.
    Again though, this discussion overall was much enjoyed. Thank you both.

    • @amu7379
      @amu7379 16 дней назад +1

      I think a lot of atheists overexaggerate how this is supposed to be some sort of shocking revelation for Christians. Maybe it's an Evangelical thing but as a Catholic I've always known that the Biblical narrative literally has the Israelites constantly worshipping polytheistic deities, and theologically it doesn't really bother me that people had a flawed understanding of capital G God as religion is supposed to be mankind's progressive revelation in the Christian narrative.

    • @ancientfiction5244
      @ancientfiction5244 16 дней назад +11

      ​​​@@amu7379 It should be obvious to you that a primitive Hebrew war/storm god that indulges in animal sacrifices, loves the smell of burnt meat, who battles mythological sea creatures like other fictional gods from ancient Canaan, who can't help the Israelites overcome iron chariots and who evolved over time from one of many tribal gods and patron deities to become "God of the universe" is obviously man made.
      Whether or not there's some sort of god or higher power that created the universe, who knows?

    • @EVANSSAMUELBIJU
      @EVANSSAMUELBIJU 16 дней назад

      Hey yo!It would be amazing to talk more on this and share information.Are you on any Bible,Chrstianity related discord servers or other sites?

    • @ryanerwin1544
      @ryanerwin1544 16 дней назад +20

      ​@ancientfiction5244
      What's obvious to me is people who strawman other beliefs in order to tear them down lack wisdom and discernment and shouldn't be taken seriously.

    • @amu7379
      @amu7379 16 дней назад

      @@ancientfiction5244 Even if we grant all of that dubious speculation, I don't see how that follows. God revealing himself to a people with a highly deficient theology and understanding of Him is the motif throughout the entire Bible. At the end of the day we see through reason and revelation that the only God that makes sense is the God of the philosophers.

  • @moontreeboutique7995
    @moontreeboutique7995 13 дней назад +5

    Man, i love Dr. Sledge!! @theEsotericaChannel is the BEST!

  • @KeenanCrow
    @KeenanCrow 16 дней назад +9

    Gonna have to watch more Dr. Sledge after this. Great episode.

  • @jasonmartinez9008
    @jasonmartinez9008 11 дней назад +1

    This conversation connected so many dots and added context to my understanding of biblical authors that I didn’t realize I needed. Appreciate y’all so much.

  • @nietzschescodes
    @nietzschescodes 12 дней назад +3

    I just loved that interview. Great guest!

  • @hugoohta4437
    @hugoohta4437 15 дней назад +9

    Best conversation on Abrahamic religion I think I've ever listened to

  • @jnorris0712
    @jnorris0712 2 дня назад +1

    This was the best interview so far. Huge fan of Esoterica. Please have him in again.

  • @leahandriley
    @leahandriley 16 дней назад +1

    Excellent guest. The depth of subject knowledge on display is truly Ehrmanian! Thank you Justin for sharing

  • @spicysealion-et8kf
    @spicysealion-et8kf 16 дней назад +3

    Thank you Alex and Justin, this talk was so enriching. I had previously read there was a major evolution during the exile but this put so much meat to it.

  • @Picasso_Picante92
    @Picasso_Picante92 14 дней назад +5

    Never seen Alex so happy. He was in his element. Good for him.

  • @Stoneworks
    @Stoneworks 13 дней назад +2

    Couple of my favorite creators, love it

  • @RVP4Crew
    @RVP4Crew 7 дней назад +1

    Thank you for this content: opening up history and ideas this way makes my day!

  • @piaraskelly1038
    @piaraskelly1038 15 дней назад +6

    Informative is an understatement, fantastic discussion

  • @beanndip
    @beanndip 13 дней назад +4

    Justin Sledge has one of the best youtube channels. Awesome sauce

  • @sarahk5380
    @sarahk5380 15 дней назад

    Two of my favorite RUclipsrs coming together and taking about one of my favorite subjects. Instant favorite.

  • @BSwenson
    @BSwenson 9 дней назад +1

    Another fantastic conversation, Alex. Wow!

  • @panta_rhei.26
    @panta_rhei.26 16 дней назад +6

    Esoterica is one of my favorite RUclips channels, and now this is one of my favorite episodes of Within Reason. Great conversation Alex ✌🏻

  • @koenigcochran
    @koenigcochran 16 дней назад +8

    Amazing. My favorite interview you've done so far

  • @blackbeauty5817
    @blackbeauty5817 12 дней назад +2

    This is definitely my favourite episode of within reason. Dr. Sledge's work is so interesting

  • @johnmccormick1648
    @johnmccormick1648 6 дней назад +2

    Wow. What a great podcast. talk about having more clarity on all of this now. Dr Sledge is a great at illuminating the topic. Will be following him from now. Thanks Alex.

  • @Kingstanding23
    @Kingstanding23 10 дней назад +4

    Strangely, I think about these origins often but don’t have anyone to talk to about them. Thank you so much for making this at this moment.

  • @bkylecannon
    @bkylecannon 11 дней назад +3

    Love seeing Esoterica here, big fan of both of you.

  • @fudgesauce
    @fudgesauce 10 дней назад

    I just finished listening to the podcast version and I have to say it was not only my favorite podcast of yours, Alex, but one of my favorite podcasts of all time.

  • @BerryCran420
    @BerryCran420 15 дней назад +1

    This interview was fascinating beyond belief. 👏

  • @graemem111
    @graemem111 16 дней назад +25

    No way! Two of my favourite RUclips guys, together? Amazing work guys. Content, style and delivery par excellence. Thanks, both.

  • @Dragoon803
    @Dragoon803 15 дней назад

    Great discussion. I love throwing these videos on in the background while I do stuff.

  • @LesActive
    @LesActive 15 дней назад

    This feels like tattling and I'm here for it. Great show!

  • @melo5303
    @melo5303 16 дней назад +6

    This is the best and most unexpected cross over to show up on my feed! And I’m here for it

  • @Peace-Weaver
    @Peace-Weaver 16 дней назад +22

    Yaaah! weh have been waiting for an episode like this for some time. Excellent episode, straight fire!

    • @ginismoja2459
      @ginismoja2459 16 дней назад +5

      We have the same profile picture...

  • @shigemorif1066
    @shigemorif1066 4 дня назад +1

    What an amazing discussion. Need to rewatch!

  • @LandanJ
    @LandanJ 6 дней назад +1

    This information and history is fascinating to me. It feels like it scratched an intellectual itch (is the best way I can put it). Top tier conversation!

  • @limecandy7099
    @limecandy7099 14 дней назад +5

    This is a fascinating video and a great addition to your first one Dr. Sledge. Thank you both!
    P.s. would it be possible to add Dr. Sledge name to the title?

  • @ro6493
    @ro6493 16 дней назад +58

    Hebrew is my native language, and I've never seen it explained this way anywhere, but this is my take on the name - יהוה
    The verb "be" referring to a singular male form in the three tenses is pronounced this way:
    Hayah (היה) = was
    Hové (הווה) = is/present
    Yeeheeyé (יהיה) = will be. (some other future tense verbs, in singular male form start with the syllable Yé , for example, "will recieve" = yékabel (יקבל))
    Then the way I read יהוה is Yéhovah - as in - Yé (from future tense), Hov (present tense), Ah (past tense).
    So I think the name itself is a way of refering to god as being in all three tenses simultaniously. Loosely translated to mean:
    "will be-is-was"

    • @the_luggage
      @the_luggage 16 дней назад +10

      I believe Prof Sledge was referring to the original ancient name. Your explanation seems to be a post-monotheistic interpretation and is likely just borne from the wishful thinking of religious people, rather than of scholarly importance.

    • @maciejpieczula631
      @maciejpieczula631 16 дней назад +2

      This is great. I'm going to screenshot this comment.

    • @maciejpieczula631
      @maciejpieczula631 16 дней назад +3

      ​@the_luggage listen to what prof. Sledge says again. It coheres quite closely to what @ro6493 wrote.

    • @ryanerwin1544
      @ryanerwin1544 16 дней назад +3

      ​@@the_luggageWow. Did you just atheistsplain to a native Hebrew that they don't understand their own language as well as you do?

    • @ryanerwin1544
      @ryanerwin1544 16 дней назад +4

      This is an excellent post. The name itself is the e=mc2 of theology. It's both profoundly simple and transcendental at the same time, showing that the monotheistic underpinnings of Isreal/Judea far predate what what most secular scholarship would believe.

  • @pilotnamealreadytaken6035
    @pilotnamealreadytaken6035 10 дней назад

    Great collaboration
    Top tier content. Thank you

  • @goldenvalkyrie7142
    @goldenvalkyrie7142 9 дней назад +1

    What an intresting conversation. I was hooked the entire 2 hours!

  • @SimonSpalinger
    @SimonSpalinger 16 дней назад +3

    When ever I want my faith deepened and strengthened I now can also turn to this channel❤

    • @krembryle7903
      @krembryle7903 15 дней назад +7

      And it strengthens my atheism too ❤️

    • @Son_of_zeus
      @Son_of_zeus 7 дней назад

      and it strengthens my polytheism too!

  • @jhunt5578
    @jhunt5578 15 дней назад +3

    Fascinating. One of the best podcasts this channel has put out imo. Will definitely be subscribing to Esoterica.

  • @Queenread82
    @Queenread82 15 дней назад +1

    Thank you. This is interesting and thought provoking. I was surprised when you said it had been two hours.

  • @stranger2Utube
    @stranger2Utube 16 дней назад +1

    This was a phantastic conversation, thank you so very much!
    P.S. I was very surprised by Alex saying that it's all new to him, which made me realise I unconsciously assume Alex knows everything 😂

  • @taipingwashighaf6514
    @taipingwashighaf6514 12 дней назад +7

    The idea of gods and deities having a physical dwelling and control over a territory can be found in all ancient religions and traditions. A very fascinating example was the ritual of "evocatio" performed by the Romans in the republican period and it was literally evoking the gods from an enemy city or territory and bribing them to come to Rome where they would be offered better worship, temples and offerings.

  • @BenJuan123
    @BenJuan123 16 дней назад +22

    Saw the title of this episode and was expecting an interview with Francesa Stavrakopoulou - literally gasped when my boy Justin Sledge popped up on screen. Great episode 🙏

  • @aarongibson8179
    @aarongibson8179 10 дней назад

    Sobering. Thanks for a great interview, both of you. So clean and pointed in the questions. Never convoluted, and such honest answers.

  • @danielsmith6436
    @danielsmith6436 13 дней назад +2

    Man, this is good! Thank you both.

  • @owenmcmahon3511
    @owenmcmahon3511 16 дней назад +34

    heyooo big 1 hour 45 minute pod drop, thank you alex, you rock

    • @whisperingleaves
      @whisperingleaves 16 дней назад +2

      in other words, Yahooooo!

    • @wannabe_scholar82
      @wannabe_scholar82 16 дней назад +1

      Only an hour and 45 minutes 🥲

    • @neikodigg4964
      @neikodigg4964 16 дней назад

      Not a 5 hour conversation?! Very big mistake Alex! Unsubscribed! (Kidding)

    • @BennyAscent
      @BennyAscent 13 дней назад

      Could've been 3 hours and I'd have been over the moon

  • @historywithhilbert146
    @historywithhilbert146 9 дней назад +3

    Super interesting conversation so thank you Alex and Professor Sledge. You've mentioned his ideas a few times in interviews, Alex, so would you consider talking to Tom Holland? I think yous would have a great discussion on the role of Christianity in shaping modern Western morality.

  • @Teejaye1100
    @Teejaye1100 6 дней назад +2

    Alex and Dr. Sledge are huge and valuable to humanity. This type of work is so therapeutic and it really shows the truth of things. I’m taking all type of notes.

  • @baraharonovich2926
    @baraharonovich2926 16 дней назад +1

    Fabulous! this was fascinating. even though I am somewhat familiar with most of what was discussed it gave me certain clarity on the historical narrative that I didn’t have before which is super meaningful. Thank you so much!

  • @feliloki7
    @feliloki7 16 дней назад +14

    Love Dr. Sledge and am really happy to see him platformed on your show!

  • @skepticalbutopen4620
    @skepticalbutopen4620 16 дней назад +12

    This was a thoroughly interesting conversation.

  • @WeyounSix
    @WeyounSix 10 дней назад +1

    One of the things I like about you Alex is you are exceedingly genuine, and I think that is why a lot of religious people are fine debating or otherwise having discussions with you, you are honest and un-hostile, and simply want to open a larger discussion. I really really respect it.

  • @ripleycravin1078
    @ripleycravin1078 16 дней назад +1

    I was pretty pumped when I saw this crossover. Did not disappoint.

  • @timothyice463
    @timothyice463 16 дней назад +12

    As a fan of the Esoterica channel long before I discovered Alex’s content, when I saw “Esoterica” in the podcast title for this episode I thought my app was glitching. When I realized it wasn’t I was so stoked. Legit two of my favorite channels right here.. hell yes👏

    • @AkaedatheLogtoad
      @AkaedatheLogtoad 16 дней назад +5

      I discovered them the other way around but nonetheless was so happy. I am burning through Esoterica. I can’t get enough of it.

  • @DemainIronfalcon
    @DemainIronfalcon 15 дней назад +4

    Shalom Alerkehm thanks for sharing your knowledge, it totally changed the very few things I erroneously thought I knew about origins of the early Gods and History of all that area.
    It was extremely easy to listen and understand you and Alex talk and makes absorbing it so much easier.

  • @TheRealShrike
    @TheRealShrike 13 дней назад +2

    This interview with Dr Sledge is fantastically riveting. More of this! More of this! You've had many great episodes and this may be my favorite. He introduced new material to me as well. Why have I never heard of little Yahweh?

  • @butter_nut1817
    @butter_nut1817 16 дней назад +1

    Usually call-in podcasts are out of sync but this was super smooth. Good job

    • @canchero724
      @canchero724 6 дней назад +2

      Yahweh made sure we are entertained by his story.

  • @Lunar.67
    @Lunar.67 16 дней назад +5

    Ahhhhh esoterica! With episodes every week you've got us spoiled Alex 😭

  • @garrgravarr
    @garrgravarr 15 дней назад +4

    Awesomely rich discussion! Dr Sledge is pure rolled gold.

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 15 дней назад

      ​@@billwalton4571 How's that? Be specific. Provide an example.
      EDIT: So this was just an emotional outburst. Got it.

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 14 дней назад

      @@billwalton4571 Good job setting out your criticisms so eloquently buddy 👍

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 14 дней назад

      @@billwalton4571 *you're

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 14 дней назад

      @@garrgravarr you stupid fake scientist with no evidence

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 14 дней назад

      @@garrgravarr your father was a monkey, mine wasn't.

  • @edwardoapc
    @edwardoapc 14 дней назад +2

    Don't get me wrong, Alex always brings top notch content and guests, but this has been the most awesome episode for me in a long time.

  • @Dzonrid
    @Dzonrid 9 дней назад

    Thanks to Justin Sledge for very informative answers! Big thumbs up to Alex as well!

  • @leonardofink4236
    @leonardofink4236 16 дней назад +5

    One of my favorite podcasts to date Alex! Thank you for the conversation.
    The only thing I didn't like, it's that it wasn't longer.

  • @madjarov42
    @madjarov42 16 дней назад +8

    What an unexpected but welcome crossover episode. Love this dude's dad jokes on his channel.

  • @c_wilder
    @c_wilder 16 дней назад

    This is the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life.

  • @MegaDonzee
    @MegaDonzee 16 дней назад +1

    So good, I learned so much and enjoyed this!

  • @ChristopherAndTheLostBinoculer
    @ChristopherAndTheLostBinoculer 16 дней назад +5

    Amazingly wellspoken scholar!

  • @MartijnMuller
    @MartijnMuller 16 дней назад +39

    Basically the Old Testament is centuries of Yahweh and Ba'al throwing a hissy fit and their gangs leaving death and destruction in their wake.
    Reading the bible from the point of view of Yahweh as a war god, it starts making a lot more sense.

    • @HOENUMAN
      @HOENUMAN 12 дней назад +2

      Exodus 15:3: "The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name."

  • @adriannegentleman83
    @adriannegentleman83 11 дней назад +2

    I must say one of your best, Dr Sledge is awesome, and so knowledgable and interesting.

  • @giuseppersa2391
    @giuseppersa2391 16 дней назад +1

    The two of you together has made a superb episode! 🇿🇦😎✌️🌹🌹

  • @GnosticInformant
    @GnosticInformant 16 дней назад +5

    Absolute banger episode !

  • @waffleboy474
    @waffleboy474 16 дней назад +7

    I love this show and I've just gotten re-interested with this subject and rewatched Dr. Sledge's video on this a few days ago - perfect timing for me, I’m excited to watch this :)

  • @user-kq5qs8px4c
    @user-kq5qs8px4c 5 дней назад +1

    Amazing conversation!

  • @vanessa1569
    @vanessa1569 16 дней назад +2

    How very niche and interesting. You’re a star Alex, good stuff 👌

  • @xoanwahn
    @xoanwahn 14 дней назад +3

    Always a fascinating discussion, when it comes to the origin of this deity and cult, etc. It would be amazing if we could get a list of Biblical books or passages divided according to whether scholars think they emerged in the north vs south, so we could have a better idea of what each cult believed, emphasized, etc. The question being, had the northern kingdom not fallen and the two Israelite populations not merged, what would each kingdom's holy text look like? What would a northern Bible be vs a southern Bible? This could then be expanded to include commentary based on archeological findings and comparative mythology (Syria/Syro-Hittite Kingdoms/Mesopotamia vs Egypt), etc. That would be an incredible book to have.