How Ancient Apocalyptic Jewish Ascent Esotericism Laid the Foundations of Christianity
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Ancient Jewish Merkavah Mysticism sought to ascend into the palaces of the divine realm, bypass fearsome angels of destruction to gain a vision of the very Chariot-Throne of God. By beholding the divine glory (kavod) one could gain magical powers and even be transformed into an eternal Angel. And it was this form of esoteric mysticism that it appears profoundly transformed none-less than St Paul. From his ascent into the Third Heaven to even his 'mission to the gentiles,' historical evidence now strongly indicates that Paul was a secret practitioner of this form of mystical ascent. And, recent studies are now revealing that his very Theology, Christology and Theory of Salvation likely drew upon this ancient esoteric Jewish ascent mysticism.
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Recommended Readings:
Synopse zur Hekhalot-Literatur - Schafer - 978-3161445125
James Davila - Hekhalot Literature in Translation: Major Texts of Merkavah Mysticism - 978-9004252158
James Davila - Descenders to the Chariot: The People Behind the Hekhalot Literature - 978-9004115415
Vita Daphna Arbel - Beholders of Divine Secrets: Mysticism and Myth in the Hekhalot and Merkavah Literature - 978-0791457245
Michael D. Swartz - Scholastic Magic: Ritual and Revelation in Early Jewish Mysticism - 978-0691010984 (Great text mostly dealing with Sar Torah Mysticism)
Tabor - Paul's Ascent to Paradise - 979-8676875725
" - Things Unutterable - 978-0819156440
Morray-Jones - The Jewish Mystical Background of Paul's Apostolate Part 1 & 2
Segal - Two Powers in Heaven - 978-1602585492
" - Paul the Convert - 978-0300052275
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Excellent. As and Episcopal priest (and former student of J.Z. Smith), my own studies have led me to a very similar understanding of Paul and his formation over a lifetime (and of my own calling and vocation). I am so thankful for the work you do here! I'm definitely interested in knowing more about Merkavah mysticism.
I would take that class
I would be interested in taking a class on Merkabah Mysticism.
Please teach this class Merkava mysticism!! This literature, and ideas of the soul ascent in general, is central to my understanding of much of Gnosticism. Especially Sethian Gnosticism. I write about this stuff for my Gnostic church, the AJC, and present it as central to the context of our ancient texts. Any information I can get on this subject is welcome!
I have watched dozens of your expositions, but this was by far the most passionate Masterclass on any of your subjects. Very eye-opening and I don’t even have words to express that kind of insight.
"Paul the Emo Apostle" is a very apt description, and one I will never be able to forget.
Thank you for your content!
@@hopkinsamye my dad once joked that he thought Paul would’ve liked the smiths
Dear Dr. Sledge: Excellent. I have spent most of my life in this material. Excellent job here. And you did well centering on the Acts narrative. As a former greek orthodox priest, I can also wish to point out that the mysticism you describe here did find itself in an authentic mystical tradition of hesychasm (a kind of wonderful syncretism between jewish esoteric practices as well as the incubation practices of the greeks. Some day I would love to have tea/coffee with you to discuss these wonderful things, my friend). I appreciate your channel.
I first read about the Jesus Prayer in a Salinger short story, then I read the Way of a Pilgrim. This led me to taking Byzantine and Russian history classes in college in the late-80s. There have been times that I prayed the Jesus Prayer without ceasing, using it mostly as a sort of security blanket - and I’m not really much of a Christian. It helps though. In Way of the Pilgrim, different characters in the narrative pray the Prayer in different ways. From the mystical endeavor involving breathing and heartbeat, to the simple inner repetition of a person going throughout the day with worldly activities. It’s really a fascinating topic for me.
After years of personal study and buying every book he recommends,, Doctor Sledge is now a major recurring NPC in my current Call of Cthulhu campaign. Epic and iconic.
@@Dave-hp4vh he’s like the guy that Sam and Dean go to in every Supernatural episode to learn about the monster they’re hunting.
@@Travis_Trauma LOL That is a hilariously appropriate description.
@@JimAParks I smile. Such a profound way. Thank you for sharing.
I would love a Merkavah Mysticism class. This episode was definitely your best. 🤘🏻
Wondering if Prophet Mohammed's travel to Havens and meeting of Allah is of similar nature. It is known that he was in contact with people of Judaic traditions and practiced mystic meditation before revealing his prophecies
This is amazing. I am a Christian and i am ASTONISHED at how Jewish traditions and Jewish mysticism has been omitted from the understanding of our faith. I do think that William Blake is maybe an exception to the rule. Cheers and thanks!
It was not omitted by Orthodox Church. Simular practice you could find among Orthodox monks. Especially about it talks St. Gregory Palmas in his books. Who lived in 14 century. And many before him were talking about mysticism.
If you mean Protestant faith or the more modern Christian denominations, yes, many books and teachings have been omitted of the faith, but none of it was strange to Christ nor the Early Christian movement.
Greek and Roman materialism are to blame here. They simply couldn't comprehend Jewish mysticism and mystic language of parables
@Thiago Souza Orthodox Christians are not protestants.
It is only the Church that was able to preserve phaith without any change.
In the west approach to faith change when Tomas Aquinas wrote his work and inseat following traditional Christian approach to faith, and how we see God. He start to use the Aristotelian approach.
In West, his teaching is widely expected both in Catholic and Protestant churches.
In East ( Orthodox Church), his teaching was rejected.
In Orthodox Church, we have many theologians who very deeply wrote on this topic.
Gregory Palmas, who lived in 14 century .
Maximus Confesor, who lived in the 7th century.
Dionisius Areopagus, who lived in the 1st century.
And many others.
@@vy7737 bruh... everyone and their dog says their faith is the original one. I know protestants aren't orthodox but orthodox fall to many of the same greek and Roman way of thinking. Too much literalism.
@Thiago Souza I think you just confuse Catholic with Orthodox.
Just try to read about some of the Theologians that I wrote before.
Try to read what they wrote.
Orthodox church is way much different than the rest of the churches.
To say that there is no Mystysysm in Orthodox Church is the same as to say that Christians do not believe Christ.
Just look how Orthodox Church looks like how church services are done. Everything is full with mystysysm.
This channel keeps reminding me how batshit bizarre human beings actually are.
You're absolutely bonkers for making these videos free. I can't imagine the hours of research it must take to make these. That being said, we appreciate you
That's what educators do. The crowdfunding makes it all possible.
Also Jordan Maxwell should be listen to with an open mind. Divinity is out there to be found. So that communion can begin.
Always interested to hear more about Merkavah. I'd been looking forward to hearing more about Paul's mysticism since you've previously mentioned it. I like that it gives a plausible explanation for Paul's otherwise quite odd life story.
Yep, to me this theory connects the most dots with the simplest theory.
I've held this view ever since learning about Merkabah last semester. Of course the guy who has a revelation and becomes a deeply devout proponent of the movement associated with it was a mystic! Excited to actually watch the video.
I wonder whether Moses had the same experience when he said he spoke to God.
There are many techniques that can lead to what is known as an out of body experience (astral projection ). Thousands of plants that can aid to it. The lucid dream world made up of your expectations whether good or bad.
@@TheEsotericaChannel Absolutely a landmark video! Gotta wonder how long you've been sitting on this bombshell :) Fantastic!
I am not religious, but instead interested in the origins of christianity and judaism. Love your sense of humour and your references to metal ! Your content is amazing, well done !
I found your channel a few days ago and have been bingeing it since! This is definitely a video I’ll return to. I grew up a Pentecostal Christian fundamentalist, so everything surrounding Acts and Paul was extremely important. I can’t think of a single sermon I’d listen to that didn’t ever mention him or what he did. Paul being an apocalyptic mystic makes SO much more sense than just all of a sudden Jesus showing himself and he decided to not imprison Christians because of it.
I’m no longer Christian, but learning more about religious history and context is always fun and this video was a huge nerd moment for me!
Hey, I was Pentecostal also. Same boat as you. Found this channel from Alex O Connor podcast. This dude is the real deal. Some of this is overwhelming though, I need a video with definition on terms or recommendation of a good intro video to this type of content.
Hey, I was Pentecostal too. I drifted from it early on, what kept your faith and what made you question your up bringing
Mushroom trip
Little Yahweh = Yahwee 😂😂
Amazing video. This is the kind of stuff I watch this this channel for.
From your previous videos on Merkhavah and Third Enoch it was clear that there was an intersection between early Merkhavah and early Christianity, with hints that it might be more than just some brief contact, so this is that follow-up I was waiting for. And the connection between the 3rd Heaven vision in Corinthians with the temple vision Acts feels like the big punch line of this episode.
This certainly goes a long way to explain Paul's "I know a guy" approach and talk of not wanting to boast, beyond mere modesty.
It feels crazy that having been a Christian for many decades it's only in the last couple years that I've even heard of this stuff.
And by all means, more Merkhavah information would be welcome.
It's one of those things that has been obvious to me for years and when I mention people look at me like a crazy person. I really do think this is a watershed theory in the history of NT and early Christianity.
@@TheEsotericaChannel It seems Paul's attempt to downplay this aspect of his life story have been largely successful for quite a while.
Those who are afraid to go deep within themselves to learn who they truly are - including many Church leaders in antiquity and even today, and many religious leaders of other faiths - will try to suppress mysticism and call it heresy or dangerous, of Satan and that it can lead one astray from given dogma (which could be wrong!). Self-discovery is empowering, and those who become "high priests" or "angels" and know their true identity beyond the physical are threats - they can't be easily controlled, and they teach others the secrets of the Kingdom, which is "within you." Everything that has been hidden shall be revealed, is being revealed. Peace.
Who would have thought that a scholar of the Occult would give some of the best biblical exegesis in years?
Being an Eastern Orthodox Christian, Christianity's roots being in Jewish Esotericism is not necessarily surprising to me. However, it is nonetheless extremely interesting. I'd love to hear more about this topic !
Where do you see roots in Jewish esotericism?
Paul got his experiences directly from God. He was never part of a jewish esoteric sect!
The loss of mysticism in Western Christianity is strange, especially considering Luther and certain Puritans’ adherence to these practices in their own lives.
@@AnUnhappyBusiness
"these practices" - you mean prolongued prayer, meditation on God or on scriptures?
@@rn9940 Of course Paul was a member of a jewish initiatic sect, even he was an Apostle of such cult. May I introduce you to it, her name is Holy Mother The Church.
@@rn9940 Until the church spread beyond Jerusalem and was firmly established among the gentiles, christianity was literally a small jewish sect...
You have no idea the impact this episode has had on me for some reason since I was a kid I always speculated that Paul’s experience in the third heaven and his experience with Jesus were one in the same. It’s also interesting how the mystics that descended to the throne room had physical after effects one dying and one going mad. In my mind it makes sense that Paul was blind for a couple days after his vision!
As an avid student of Christian mysticism, this understanding of Paul as a merkavah mystic makes a lot of sense to me. In his own words, “This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor 4:1). So too, Archbishop Alexander Golitzin released a video awhile back that suggested something similar from his research at Oxford and Mt Athos into the Jewish apocalyptic roots of early Christian mysticism.
In looking at Jewish apocalyptic literature, Golitzin came to the realization that a mystical (rather than eschatological) view revealed the soul as the chariot-throne of God. Golitzin then pointed to the first homily of Pseudo-Macarius on Ezekiel’s vision of the throne. Here, he too found this same point of continuity, of merkavah mysticism at the roots of the Christian mystical tradition.
Paul’s revelation marked a profound shift by locating the Messiah within, and likewise the kingdom of heaven within (2 Cor 13:5). As such, I would argue that Paul’s introduction of a “new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit” thus marked an obvious hermeneutical shift to the mystical (2 Cor 3:6). A shift from peshat to sod, to unveil the heavenly mysteries hidden in parable (Matt 13:10-13, 2 Cor 3:14).
So too this marked a curious popularization of what was once held sacred for the elite. Thus “Remove this person from the world, for they are not fit to live.” Yes! Like Prometheus, revelatory fire is being brought down from the heavens, and thus Paul must be punished for sharing the kavod with the common!
But Paul as a messenger of spirit seeks to roll the stone of the dead letter away from the tomb, so the Spirit of the Word can be released! Here, as Origen of Alexandria made evident in his Commentary on Matthew, as one ascends that mountain of Tabor, one can experience the Transfiguration of the Word from letter to spirit, and thus from literal to mystical understanding.
Though curious to me is where we locate the realms of heaven. Are they outside of us in some otherworldly realm? Or does the mystic journey take us inward? Here, understanding the soul as the chariot throne of God is a profound revelation.
Thus through the symbol of the cross, Paul seems to offer an exchange of life (Gal 2:20). A crucifixion to the old self, so that one might experience Resurrection Life as true partakers of the Divine Nature (Col 3:9-12). Salvation is thus rooted not in eschatology, but ultimately in inner spiritual transformation. A revelation that I think Paul was still wrestling to work out within himself, what it truly means to “put on Christ” (Phil 3:7-14, Rom 13:14).
When you ask about the location of heaven, I link ascending and descending to outward and inward, and I am reminded of a poem by Fulke Greville (a 16th c. English poet) titled "Down in the depths of my iniquity". The journey is down through a pretty gloomy view of his sinfulness until, at the bottom of the pit, he finds Christ. This has nothing to do with the specific late Second Temple mysticism, but I wonder if there's an ambiguity of direction that is persistent.
@@michaelwright2986 If we look at yogic practices, you descend into the inner realm, but you ascend through the chakras to awaken Christ consciousness. This I think is where the confusion lies.
Excellent analysis.
Dude, you are blowing my mind. A book on this subject aimed at a general audience might well succeed.
I love learning about Christian history as a Christian. It is important for us to understand, and accept, our own history. How else can we be better?
@@logicsetsyoufree9052 Alas my faith is not up for debate. It is important to me and I will not part with it.
@@GizzyDillespee Listening to Esoterica talk about this stuff is very strange. It makes me feel that Christianity is... my own?
This is mine, it is for me, it belongs to me, warts and all, to put it lightly.
Jewish mysticism versus... Jewish legalism? FIGHT!
It makes Christianity feel more my own if that makes sense? I belong to it and it belongs to me. Even though the Bible has been thoroughly politicized for various reasons throughout the centuries. To me, even through all that, God speaks to us through it, even through the fingerprints of man are all over it.
Whether its real or stories or whether it came from the Septuagint or not is commentary. If that makes sense? Its important to know and to be aware, but it doesnt change the core. The center.
And yes! It is important for us to draw wisdom from many sources, and what better source then your neighbor, theologically speaking?
Or perhaps a better analogy is we are all under the same roof, so to speak, even if we have different rooms?
Dont make me turn this creation around so help Me Me! You WILL get along!
Learn mysticism. The New Testament is a story about you, your purpose, and your potential.
@@MonseiurFusiono amen
@@GizzyDillespee the best answer I got was watching the Naked Archaeologist on the History Channel back in the day. He, being a Jewish Archaeologist, talking to another Jewish Archaeologist about Jesus. The other archaeologist said “look history is the fiction we accept.” From that I better understood why there is constant revisions by people trying to control the newer generations perception of reality. To find some “truth” or some accuracy of the past. We have to study multiple sources and have discussions with others. That’s why I love this channel and others like this so much. I owe Esoterica and similar channels for doing there research and explaining their findings to us.
Mexican Traditional Catholic here. Dr. Sledge, I love your channel but rarely comment. I must say you totally killed it with this video. You correctly expresed what traditional christianity is all about. That's what becoming sons of God in the image of the Son of God is all about: deification, theosis. May Christ bless you and Our Lady, the Mother of the Lord protect you always.
PS. Loved your video on maya mysticism too!!
It’s unfortunate that many Catholics don’t know or have lost the mystical traditions. We have well known Saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the cross, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Isaac the Syrian, Meister Eckhart etc…who have all experienced earthly union with God. It seems that Protestantism has crept in to the Church and treats anything mystical as “New Age” or Satanic.
@@treytrev That somehow protestantism has crept into the Church is something we hear a lot from the pulpit at the SSPX chapel. Catholic devotional practices are deeply rooted in the mystical: image and relic veneration, Eucharistic adoration... c'mon, we even sing the Sanctus (The Kedushah) before the Roman Canon of the Mass begins, that's kinda what glorified angelic beings have the duty to do right.
I wish so badly that modern Christians could embrace mysticism. I feel like if more people would just open themselves up to more expansive philosophy, they would be so much happier and kinder.
As for the full course in Merkava, I would absolutely be down for that.
I do. And I have been receiving ecstatic experiences my whole life. I have also been ex-communicated by a churchianity church, when I was just a young teen. Go figure.
It’s really unfortunate that modern Christians have lost their mystical traditions. Many Catholics don’t practice contemplative prayer (see St. Teresa of Avila & St. John of the cross). We have also lost our tradition of deification or theosis.
I think that even if a church were to recognize and teach the mystical the congregation would immediately rebrand it to formalism. The mystical *requires* inward reflection and understanding. It requires a change of heart, and admission that one needs to change. That’s too heavy for most. And unconsciously the generations formalize the teachings which engage the heart into mere husks and hollow show.
That would put alot of people out of business.
@@MonseiurFusiono there goes the dynamite!
1:07 when the picture of Paul came up I gasped
Could you take off your glasses for a sec, I wanna see something
A class on Merkabah mysticism sounds very interesting! What would you recommend to have read beforehand for such a course?
I'll be adding some reading lists
@@TheEsotericaChannel When and where can we join the class?
As a Christian, this provided a TON of content for my research. Another amazing video.
You might want to look into Michael Heiser, if you haven't already.
@@abyssimus Thanks for the suggestion, ill check it out
You also might like Fr. Stephen de Young and Margaret Barker.
Yes, I second recommending Margaret Barker.
"Paul the Emo Apostle". Going to have start using that!!
Absolutely amazing, your best episode yet! Thank you for your in-depth research on this topic, and I will be looking forward to future episodes about Paul's mysticism. We are truly fortunate to have your years of education and research shedding light on the early roots of Christianity. Here's to the day you reach (and surpass) one million subscribers!
Oh man. Saying Christianity stemmed from Judaism? Prepare for some backlash.. Haha :p
This video is fascinating to me as someone raised evangelical who has since converted to Catholicism (and then gotten very loose about that). I have heard *hundreds* of sermons about verses 6-10. The thorn in Paul's side has been interpreted as everything from heinous sin to clinical depression to closeted queerness. And the boast in question is always seen as boasting that he's saved because he has a Personal Relationship With Jesus (TM). Verses 2-4 are either skipped or given vague "isn't Paul's grammar hard" hand waving. Universal evangelical interpretation is that you will suffer because you believe in Jesus even if you're a Really Good Born-Again Christian (TM). The boasting bit gets tied to Matthew 5:5-6 where Jesus says not to pray flamboyantly and left at that.
That never really made the passage make as much sense as this does. I let out a screech like a pterodactyl at the Lutheran Paul line because it's SO TRUE. I've never heard of Paul having a mystical experience (though it's obvious after thinking about it for 0.2 seconds). Not the vision on the road to Damascus, not this passage, and never the scene in Acts, which is seen as the "quiet voice of Jesus in your heart" that they teach in Sunday School.
This video was like having something that's been slightly tilted my whole life getting snapped into place. Because most evangelicals can't tell you what the difference between belief in God as a fact and faith/trust is. The whole concept of being transformed by faith makes so much more sense in the context of Merkavah mysticism. (I'd be really interested by your translation/take on Romans 12:1-2--it might not be related in the Greek, but it's another place where Paul talks about being transformed through faith.)
Thank you so much Dr Sledge for making excellent videos as always. Learning about Christianity so far outside the bubble of my upbringing has been immensely helpful and satisfying
The slighlty confusing part is Paul talks about "works" in his letter to Corinthians but makes the religion about being saved by faith?
@@joecurran2811 I mean this is a whole can of worms that has been discussed for centuries. And different Christians will give you different explanations of the significance of works and faith. Throughout the epistles Paul talks about both. Figuring out what he means by it has filled many, many long books
I'm stunned by this episode. I knew these stories, I knew about Merkavah mysticism, I knew Paul was a mystic and so on. I have come close to tying it all together - but I didn't. Until now. Thank you for this revelation. What do you think about Merkavah mysticism on the development of Gnosticism? I know Greek philosophy made a major contribution perhaps as a lens for explaining the Merkavah experience which led to Gnosticism. And a big YES Please to a class on mysticism.
They did not teach this to me in Sunday school at all
I am just about to start my third viewing of this video. I am stunned and excited to see things that were taught to me as, “well, we will never understand what Paul was saying” to “this FITS!” Traditional Christian theology has left me feeling bored until I found your channel. I am asking questions again and looking for answers. I would not even raise myself to your level of understanding to attend a class, but I would love it if you did have one. I definitely hope you will give us more on this topic.
Funny enough, what Dr. Sledge presents in this video is totally in line with traditional christian doctrine: that Christ is the Kavod of God in His Temple and that we, by the way of Faith through the Sacraments become, by grace, united to that Kavod and transformed into saints (holy ones!), members of his Body. That's basically Paul 101.
itching ears maybe?
I’m definitely interested in merkavah mysticism.
This is unbelievably fascinating. Been following you for 6 months now and watch most of your videos. This one is my favorite so far! Thank you so much Esoterica!!
The title is crazy
This is an amazing episode. I completely agree with you that this will, at the very least, force a new dimension into the scholarly discussion about the early Christianities. I'm working my way through Ehrman's Lost Scriptures and can see parallels everywhere with other early Christian writings. How much dialogue and influence do you think gnostic, Merkavah, and other Eastern Mediterranean religious writings had on each other? Put in other terms, do you think that this is a Jewish tradition riffing on Greek religious practices, vice versa, or is it too difficult to tell?
Definitely sign me up for any course that you develop about Merkavah mysticism. Between you, Dan McClellan, and Mythvision courses, I'm going to be spending most of my disposable income on courses! 😄
Ha! Tell me about it! I am just about broke financially from these guys! Erin Evans-Walker's book on "The Books of Jeu and the Pistis Sophia as Handbooks to Eternity: Exploring the Gnostic Mysteries of the Ineffable" set me back $166! But Mystical Gnosticism is Topic "A" now on the Internet! Great stuff!
Hmmm a wise man once told me “everything you ever need to know is already inside you!” But also knowledge is power. Save your money and know Thyself. (But hey I bought a lot of books in my youth and all I ever learned is I know Nothing…nothing…unless I delve deep within my Self. :-)
Sorry for my chutzpah but I felt inspired to write this.
Buy only what you can afford to absorb in your existence. :-)
@@tdarons Don't worry, I'm spending within my means. All I meant was that now I have less money to spend on other fun things like baseball and hockey games. 😄 🤣
@@marktwain5232 A quick tip for when you're in a financial bind but really need a book: Anna's Archive or Interlibrary loan (if you have it). 😊
@@J_Z913 Thank you! I do know about Anna's Archive and my Scribd Subscription and Academia login save me plenty. Erin Evans-Walker's book has just suddenly appeared for FREE download on the Gnosis Web Site library but I think that is bad karma for such a seminal book. I paid my way. It is seminal to a Film Script I am writing which is essentially a prequel to the 2016 Film "ARRIVAL". I am a retired Software Engineer. I hack every book I buy to make it into an audio book for personal use only. But it is still a violation of copyright in the old school World.
But if my book sells, it will sell a ton of books for many authors. I have 325+ books in the bibliography for my book on "Donald Trump" as a recurring fatal Jungian Archetype in the History of the World from the Bronze Age collapse in 1177 B.C.E. to the Gnostic fork in the road in 183 C.E.
I met Trump back in 1968 and studied him very closely for five straight months. People must understand where this is all now going to go by the year 2042 in the Nuclear Age. I sat directly behind Trump in the late (1917-2011) Professor William T. Kelley's now somewhat infamous class. Google "Trump Kelley kos" to get his take on the young 21 year old Donald Trump.
Again, thanks for the tip! Very pleased to meet up!
would love Merkabah mysticism class
Yes , continue with your entire class about Jewish mysticism.
That is the most riveting of all of the Esoterica videos that I have seen, and I've seen nearly all of them. Congratulations to Dr. Sledge for presenting this critically important material so that it is accessible to non-professionals, or at least to this non-professional. 🙇🏻♂️
I’d very much like to attend that class.
Yes please teach an entire class on Merkavah mysticism! Your videos and informative and insightful and your gentle humor makes them ever so watchable. The idea that the apostle Paul was Merkavah practitioner feels like finding a missing puzzle piece. A class on Merkavah would be a wonderful way to make this subject more accessible. I want to know more!
kundalini, or the holy spirit. the energy with in you is the force to attain the mer ka ba . you may have to find your twin flame to have such a expierence, Paul had a young roman girl at his side,
All of your videos are so incredibly educational. I feel like I am in a real theology class. When’s the test? 😂
I rarely comment on videos but I'm compelled to do so here. Bravo! Through the years I've often wondered about this very subject and I hadn't come across any solid scholarship for it (although I wasn't really looking that hard, either). About 6 months ago I was reading Margaret Barker when she suggested Paul had a Temple vision in the same vein as Isaiah, where Isaiah sees the LORD high and lifted up on his throne. Paul even uses the same word Isaiah uses for being sent, "Apostle." This must be where Paul receives his claim of Apostleship and I'm sure he argued for this case when in discussion with the Jerusalem "pillars." The Jerusalem leaders certainly would have understood this claim from Paul's perspective within the Isaiah prophetic tradition. And the equality with the angels one must have to behold and survive this vision might also help explain James Tabor's claim that Paul may have seen himself as an actual Christ himself. Why else would he say he is completing Christ's bodily sufferings? You mean the scourging and crucifixion weren't enough?! Paul's angelic understanding of himself could be understood within an angelic resurrection body resurrection tradition or teaching/understanding in that milieu. Just some thoughts for further exploration. Once again, thank you for this video and bravo!
Speaking as a Christian, this is SO interesting. Absolutely phenomenal content.
Just curious, is it accurate to say The Merkabah has spinning rims, and that them shits don't stop spinning?
v e r i l y
Perpetual motion through time and space . Hmmm amplituhedron ? Or alternative version of G-d in relation to mortals. Makom! G-d was in this place and I did not know it. 😂. Spinning on a dime. Or on the tip of pin, a multitude of “angels”.
I think ur smart man.
Never knew about Paul lol nice story.
This is very metal
Doctor Justin, this may be your most engaging video yet, for the way you pivot and grapple with these texts and traditions, realting them and increasing our understandings of both at the same time. Thank you for your work.
When does class start??? This is profound.
Class on Merkabah mysticism? SIGN ME THE THIRD HEAVEN UP!
0:00 Intro the Mystical experience
01:04 Summary of Paul's mysticism & possible source
03:02 Esoterica channel intro
0:4:22 Background of Corinth and Paul
05:54 Paul's background & Esotericism of 2 Cor 12.1-12
10:15 Dr. Sledge Commentary on Passage
11:47 Questioning Historical Jewish Context
14:10 Merkabah and Hechalot (Palaces) Mystecism
15:54 Narrative & Phenomena
17:17 Mishna's Warnings
19:18 Explanation of Mishna's Warnings
20:52 Glory (Kabod)
21:32 Tosefta: 4 men and Pardes (Garden)
23:47 Ascent to Divine Throne
25:24 Ascent Narratives
27:17 Palaces Literature & Paul
30:43 Democratization of Esotericism?
31:53 Dangers of Ascent
32:45 Messengers of HaSatan
33:51 Signs, Wonders, Mighty Works
35:51 Transformation and Glory
38:00 Paul's: When, Why, & to Whom?
41:04 Paul recounting his new faith (Acts 22) as a result of a mystical experience
43:23 Paul's vision may be connected to the 2 Corinthians vision
43:35 "...not fit to live." (Acts 22:22) & Mishna
45:52 Paul's mystical vision & Authority to Apostleship
46:24 Paul's Jewish Ascent mysticism may have lead to: Gentile mission, theology, understanding of Messiah, and understanding of redemption.
47:24 Paul's mystecism downplayed in scholarship, Pauline mysticism changed world
48:45 Scholarship and Literature on Topic of Merkabah
Thank you friend.
God bless and Christ be with you
I will happily pay money to take a class from you on mysticism of any type! This sort of thing is incredibly interesting and I would LOVE to know more!
Wonderful video, the good doctor spoils us as always. That class sounds fantastic and I'd love diving deep into such a strange world, assuming it doesn't cost us a Brill publication
This episode was an absolute banger! Over 2 years I’ve been watching this channel has laid the groundwork for this episode. Absolutely knocked it out of the park.
Thanks for this video so much. I as a Sethian Gnostic have always blamed Saul of Tarsis to be the reason that Christianity drove the mystics out of their body, but this makes me highly reconsider this. I really appreciate you channel so much
reminds me of the hit song by the acdc band
Wow incredibly interesting! Thanks for the content! So many claim to be Christian but know so little of the history or literature.
I would love to take a class in Merkavah mysticism!
Having had some mystical experiences myself, it was obvious to me that there were mystical bits at the root of Christianity, which were totally not understood by most of the transcribers and translators. I have read/ listened to a lot of stuff on the Gnostic sects going on around that time, but your exposition on a Pauline connection to Merkabah mysticism makes a lot more sense as the primary source. I have enjoyed your channel for years now and, yeah, this is your best yet. Rock on! (I would make a donation but retired/ just living on Social Security now. I hope my good will does you some good!)
A lot of the scripture is esoteric and mystical at its core/its true hidden meanings, and It’s meant not to be understood by most. As Christ himself says in Mark 4 and other places:
11He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, so that,
‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven
Have you started already your classes on merkavah mysticism ?
Can't wait to listen to this again when I'm not distracted by cooking dinner. This requires some real consideration---I've always thought there was so much I could learn growing up Christian, if only I could understand Judaism in its context. Not for conversion's sake but to understand the confusing era Christianity arose from. It is not nearly as simple as I was taught. Good stuff, as usual. I love it all. ETA: second time around---outstanding!----Joseph Smith referred to the destroying angels who protected the highest kingdom of God---you needed special passwords and hand signals....and yes, he had been studying kabbala with a mentor. Yes, it was a rip off, but then again, most things are remixes.
I had no idea about any of this! Where do I begin to learn more? I have my Bible. But if anyone has some more reading material, please let me know. I want to know more!
I was filling out job applications but Justin has dropped a video. I consider this divine intervention thank you God I seriously hate job questionares.
😂
23:23
I have been observing water in puddles on the sidewalk
and mirages in curves as light bends and folds on the pavement of the road
the liquidity is equally as reflective the mirage is mesmerizing
they mistaken the illusion of the pure marble pavement of heaven as water
also i live in north carolina i find it amazing how it can be cloudy and raining
and mirages in cool temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Nature has much to teach us if we observe and remain open to it
This vid is top rate, like all of them! I'd also recommend "Religion of the Apostles" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung. He mentions Merkabah and Paul in the first chapter and says that it likely informed the practice of Hesychasm. He also discusses Enochian literature and its relationship to Christianity. As an Orthodox priest he is able to show how it all fits seamlessly into the Christian understanding.
Just added it to my list. Thanks!
Sounds excellent! Thanks for the recommendation!
I got the book months ago and read it, I really can't recommend it enough. Growing up Protestant, it opened my eyes and explained so much.
Thanks!
Interested in Merkava course, because I have seen it being used in spiritual/spiritism circles.
Hi, this Is Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David. Yasher koahh! Interesting thesis and well presented. I teach Merkavah text, specifically Maaseh Merkavah, and practices/meditatons based upon Merkavah and Heikhalot. It would be interesting to have a conversation
Neat! What tradition do you come from ?
@@TheEsotericaChannel . Jewish, I'm a Rabbi. I also have a PhD in applied Math, and worked for many years in software. Your story must be fascinating, what is it? Your Hebew is quite good.
People are upset at Paul because it's thought that he brought back the misogyny they thought was being weakened by Jesus' behavior towards women.
Doesn't seem the case. The line about 'women should remain silent' is an interpolation. He also gave a woman a letter to deliver so he doesn't appear to be overly-dismissive of women, at least for the time. He does appear to have been homophobic though.
Bravo, Dr Sledge! This may be my favorite Esoterica video yet. I have always found the Merkavah and Hekhalot mysticism more interesting and fascinating than the later mysticism of the Kabbalah. These experiences, at least the few I’ve heard or read in English, seem incredibly intense and full of mystery. Some of it also just amazingly entertaining literature; I would love for someone to make a film of the story of the Four who Entered the Pardes, perhaps containing other elements of other accounts from those who made the assent/ descent. As someone who was raised Catholic, it is amazing to see the Apostle Paul in this light; I think the idea of him being a mystic tracks well with both the Biblical descriptions of him, as well as the mystical literature from the centuries surrounding his lifetime. One of the things I believe Christianity has lost, particularly in its Western, American form, is the mystical experience that was perhaps at its very foundation, profound experiences and practices that have always been either downplayed, shunned, or labeled heresy by so many denominations. That this mystical experience may be one that truly changed the course of Christianity, and thereby changed world history is also stunning, and speaks to the power of the esoteric practices and literature of Merkavah and Hekhalot.
This topic was not omitted by Orthodox Church.
In Orthodox Church specialy among monks those things are popular topic for discussion for centuries. Many books was written on it. Mysctysims is a important part of Orthodox Church.
Perhaps the finest example of how superb scholarship leads to the knowledge of the truth
Agree 💯👍
I would love to undertake classes in Merkaba Mysticism. I have read most literature related to this subject written in English, including Davilla. However, as I have no proficiency in Hebrew or access to a Teacher I felt I could not progress any further.
Yeah, I just left work early to listen this. Hey, have you read Dr. Tabor's work on Paul? He got a book on Paul, but I recommend his dissertation if you want to go full-nerd on the subject
thank you, this is about the most important lecturei ever heard. a lot of puzzle pieces fell into their place
I just discovered your channel today, but I would absolutely take a class on Merkavah mysticism!
I would certainly be interested in an episode on Merkavah mysticism
I would love for you to do a class on Merkabah mysticism.
I would be interested in the merkaba mysticism class!! Please promote if you choose to go through with it :)
Very much appreciste your content
Thank you for your generosity, knowledge and relatability. You make it so digestible and nourishing. I for one would love to see a course on Merkavah Mysyicism.
Absolutely brilliant episode! Definitely want to hear more about Merkavah mysticism.
I know a dude... (The dude himself). 😅
I’m totally interested in a class!! I’m interested in all your content. Thank you!!
It is always interesting to me to see how many of the cultural phenomena that are present in society today have ties to esoteric understanding. It is a shame that if someone were to claim to have such visions or insights that seemed to be from a divine source, in our current time and social atmosphere, they would instantly be a pariah and labeled as crazy.
Imagine how many people were labeled crazy back then, and what could have been different if others would have been labeled crazy.
I would absolutely love a class on Merkavah! Honestly, if you did a fourteen episode series like you did with the Kabbalah I'd binge it in a weekend
Thank you very much for this video, and the attitude of respect with which you approach the topic and the faith of Christianity.
I am definitely interested in a class on Merkavah Mysticism!!!
I Appreciate: Your demeanor, clarity, dedication and subtle sense of humor, and want to thank you for help with deprogramming from the popular WarGod myth.
I agree with others. This one is one of your coolest. It’s really interesting to see Paul through this reality tunnel, to use Robert Anton Wilson’s term. Like many others, I’ve always seen Paul in the traditional way, and later in life in a rather negative way. Kind of how The Last Temptation of Christ shows him - an evangelical fraud.
A couple of questions:
Was Simon Magus a contemporary miracle worker like the ones you mentioned? Why do you think he wasn’t accepted as Paul was - at least later?
About the thorn in Paul’s side from the angels of Satan. Was this Satan in the older sense? God’s district attorney? And these angels were testing Paul in the same way Job was. Or as Jesus in the wilderness was. Was Jesus seeking a mystical ascension experience in the wilderness?
"My power is made perfect in weakness."
That's very similar to (part of) how magic works in the weird thing I'm writing.
Thanks! And Here's My vote yes for such a class!..👍🏾🙏🏾🖖🏾
This is really, really interesting. I'm a Christian theologian, but not a biblical scholar (although I did have classes in grad school, naturally). Anyway, I've generally heard in churches - coming in part from the Catholic side - that Paul represents the charismatic pillar of the Church where as Peter represents the institutional (and they share a feast day possibly for that reason?). I grew up in a Pentecostal church, but am Episcopalian now, fwiw, so while I'm familiar with Protestant traditions that downplayed Paul's mysticism, I've never experienced that - but you're talking about scholars, anyway, not average churchgoers & pastors.
I think this is really fascinating to pair with some models of soteriology, particularly the idea that God became human in Christ to essentially join human nature to God, & as such, when (as Paul writes) we're baptized into Christ's death, death is actually our salvation (not in a substitutionary sense, but more participatory). That would make death & baptism (ritual dying) the ascent you describe, I imagine. Which is definitely a development in the understanding of Christian baptism from its origins with John the Baptizer.
I'm definitely going to be thinking about this! Thank you so much. I love your channel (and enjoy your little "metal band" jokes).
i for one would be interested in any class you teach on Mysticism. Especially ...is it Merkavah and Hekhalot?....thanks for informing us on these interesting and fascinating subjects!!! I look forward to more!!
Chariot Shaddai???
Fascinating, thank you so much for your work! I'm an enquirer into learning about Jewish Mysticism.
Here my vote for the class on Merkabah mysticism❤❤❤. 🙏 awesome episode Dr Sledge. Thank you.
Did you say that 2 Corinthians was assembled from other documents? I would like to know more about that. Are there any recommended resources for that?
Great post. This should be taught in church ⛪ and school
Excellent episode as usual. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Great video as always! I would be super down for a class on merkavah. I truly appreciate all the work you do in creating these videos. They've greatly deepened my understanding of the vastly complex and dense world of Abrahamic religious history.
Seems like the author of Revelation came from a similar background. Angels, thrones, singing, and unrepeatable audio? Check.
Pshht, Paul didn't even get to measure any of God's body parts. Great stuff, and again, hell yeah on the hekhalot/Merkava classes.
Ive been thinking about this type of Jewish mysticism for awhile now, glad to see i wasnt the only one thinking it had an influence on the new testament. Wish more people wrote about this topic. Its sad to hear it wasnt until the 1900s that it became relevant to Christian academics, since Im Christian myself. The parallel between the idea of theosis in the Orthodox church and the ascension of the mystic in Merkavah, its a very interesting one.