Issue 10 - Focus On The Big Three Abrahamic Religions
‘Whereas the truths of science are communicable, … mythology and metaphysics are but guides to the brink of a transcendent illumination.’ — Joseph Campbell
Please check out this video, mysteriously beamed down from an unknown dimension. In it, an intergalactic dakini explains the fundamentals of the Elevator project in only one minute:
We have now turned on the paid option for Initial Elevator Membership so if you would like to support us, please feel free to join or gift a subscription!
We now have to address the current tragic situation in Israel and Palestine. Words will not capture even a fraction of the suffering. Yet not to mention the conflict, not to acknowledge the calamity that continues to unfold in that part of the world, also seems like a turning away. Our intention is not to fall into taking a side, yet fully witness the grief on both of those sides.
Potentially, the widespread adoption of an Analytic Idealist ontology could be a paradigm shift comparable to the Copernican revelation that the Earth orbits the Sun, which had a massive impact on modern civilization. The worldview of modern humanity would be transformed, and we would see the core teachings of religion in a new light.
This is not to say, of course, that we would be forced to abandon our current faith, if we have one, or even reconsider our atheism if that is what we favor. As Bernado Kastrup writes in ‘More Than Allegory: On Religious Myth, Truth and Belief’:
“To restore meaning to our lives, we must develop a close relationship with the transcendent truths symbolically unveiled by the obfuscated mind in the form of religious myths. After all, ‘Every positive statement about ultimate things must be made in the suggestive form of myth’”.
Understanding myths as pointing to transcendent truths which are unable to be expressed any other way, rather than as fictional stories, enables us to reimagine religion. We can concentrate on what the myth expresses, rather than, as both atheists, and - ironically - religious fundamentalists both tend to do: focus on whether the events in the religious myths ‘really happened’ or not.
If fascination with the historical truth of scripture and its prophetic potential became less widespread, we could develop a healthier appreciation of mythic structures. Religious believers might lessen their attachment to place and open to a broader exchange of wisdom. This shift recognizes that diverse faiths are essentially pointing towards a common, profound truth.
It will certainly be a lengthy process but one which will yield important results and provide the backdrop for a re-visitation of what religion is really for in our daily lives. Better than fighting over doctrine—or rejecting as worthless superstition the entire edifice that has been constructed over millennia.
We send love to everyone who is suffering, especially at this time of year.
Table of Contents
Using A.I. to Talk to the Dead
Tracking Brain's "Wave of Death": New Insights into Neural End-of-Life
Scientists Preparing to Turn on Computer Intended to Simulate Entire Human Brain
How Social Media Weaponizes Emotional Reactions: A Jungian Psychoanalyst's Perspective
Podcast: From Physicalism to Idealism: Challenging Assumptions about Reality
Singing to babies is vital to help them learn language, say scientists
Cat Ownership Linked to Increased Schizophrenia Risk
Focus on Religion
The Israelis and Palestinians Doing Ayahuasca Together
Why Myth Matters with Sophie Strand
Racist Premium X Users Exploiting Israel-Hamas War to Push Antisemitism, Islamophobia: Study
Gordon from Rune Soup discusses the resurgence of Christianity with Dougald Hine
A Breaking Heart Is A Heart Breaking Open – Rune Soup
Gen Z has an Israel problem - UnHerd
Muslims on Drugs: Psychedelics, Queerness, and Identity in the Post-9/11 Era | DoubleBlind Mag
Unveiled: Yasmine Mohammed on Extreme Fundamentalism | A Little Bit Culty with Sarah and Nippy
Documentary: Dream Walking, Conditioning, and Unconscious Brainwashing
Podcast: Finding God on Psychedelic Drugs | America Magazine
Nuggets From The Archive
Santa Claus the Magic Mushroom & the Psychedelic Origins of Christmas
How to Make a Consciousness Meter | Scientific American
Claire Wineland: Living a Life of Inspiration
Are Minds Confined To Brains · advaya
Bigelow Essays
Upcoming Events
Consciousness, Altered Brain States and Wellness
Saturday, January 6, 2024 · 8 - 9:30am CET. Online
“This talk will cover current understanding of consciousness based on recent advances in neuroscience research, topics on altered brain states … and the implications of these altered brain states for “wellness” (e.g., improved mood, increased neural plasticity, and enhanced interactions between the brain and the rest of the body).”
Addressing The Failure of Pharma: Exploring a New Model for Psychedelic Healthcare with Dr Bennet Zelner & Dr Rosalind Watts
Thu 8th Feb 2024, 8pm – 10pm CET (UTC +01:00). Online.
“Join Business Professor Bennet A. Zelner and Psychedelic Therapist Dr Rosalind Watts as they delve deep into the intricate interplay between psychedelics, capitalism, and societal structures. We will look at the potentials and limitations of psychedelic therapy while seeking pragmatic solutions for its safer and more inclusive future. They will discuss the principles and strategies for an ethical, community-driven, and inclusive psychedelic industry.”
Course: Contemporary Spirituality · advaya
This online on-demand course aims to examine the place that spirituality has in the modern world. It will touch on entheogens, sacred activism and eco-spirituality.
Recent Links
Using A.I. to Talk to the Dead
This New York Times article, "Using A.I. to Talk to the Dead," delves into the emerging use of artificial intelligence to create digital avatars of deceased individuals. Utilizing platforms like HereAfter AI and StoryFile, users can interact with AI-generated versions of their loved ones, receiving responses based on pre-recorded interviews. While some find solace in this technology, it also raises ethical questions and discomfort for others. The article explores the implications of this tech on grieving, consent, and our perspectives on death and remembrance.
Tracking Brain's "Wave of Death": New Insights into Neural End-of-Life - Neuroscience News
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the neurological process of dying. During anoxia, or oxygen deprivation, the brain undergoes a series of changes, including a massive release of glutamate and a surge in gamma and beta waves, potentially linked to near-death experiences. This is followed by a ‘wave of death’ – a high-amplitude wave marking the transition towards total cessation of brain activity. The study challenges the notion of a flat EEG as a definitive marker of ceased brain functions and provides a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms as death approaches.
Scientists Preparing to Turn on Computer Intended to Simulate Entire Human Brain
Scientists at Western Sydney University, collaborating with Intel and Dell, are developing DeepSouth, a supercomputer designed to simulate human brain-like neural networks. With capabilities of 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, mirroring human brain operations, DeepSouth is built on a neuromorphic system for efficiency and reduced power usage. Set to launch next April, its applications span sensing, biomedical fields, robotics, space exploration, and AI. This project is poised to significantly enhance understanding of brain processing and enable brain-scale computing applications.
Aaron Balick - Why Does Social Media Weaponize Our Reactions?
In this video Dr. Aaron Balick, a Jungian psychoanalyst, explores how social media, especially X/Twitter, weaponizes emotional reactions, amplifying anger, distress, and polarization. He discusses the concept of emotional contagion, highlighting how social media degrades consciousness and fosters regressive, binary thinking, lacking nuance. Balick draws on Melanie Klein's theory of the paranoid-schizoid position to explain this phenomenon of idealizing or demonizing. He suggests that moving from reactive to nuanced responses requires engaging in small-scale interactions and in-depth conversations, rather than relying on short-form, reactive platforms like Twitter.
Podcast: From Physicalism to Idealism: Challenging Assumptions about Reality | Mind Matters
Are the brain and the mind just two words for the same process? They are clearly closely related, but if one adopts an Idealist perspective, the brain is dependent on the mind (at large) rather than vice versa. In this podcast neurosurgeon Michael Egnor continues his conversation with Dr. Angus Menuge, Chair of Philosophy at Concordia University, about his book Minding the Brain. They explore both Idealism and Dualism, which claims that mental states are entirely dependent on physical processes.
Singing to babies is vital to help them learn language, say scientists
Language is a key component of self-aware consciousness, and studying its development in young children can illuminate how the sense of self is constructed. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Cambridge suggests that singing and rhythmic information are crucial for helping babies learn language. The research found that infants learn languages from the rise and fall of tone, as seen in nursery rhymes or songs, and that they do not begin to process phonetic information until they are about seven months old.
Cat Ownership Linked to Increased Schizophrenia Risk - Neuroscience News
This story is about a study which analyzed research from 1980 to 2023 in order to explore the link between cat ownership and schizophrenia-related disorders. Reviewing 17 out of 1915 studies, it found a significant association, with cat owners having higher odds of developing these disorders (odds ratio 2.35 unadjusted, 2.24 adjusted). However, the connection with psychotic-like experiences (PLE) remains unclear due to varied measurement methods, highlighting the need for further, more standardized research.
Focus On Religion
“Some things have to be believed to be seen.” - Ralph Hodgson
The Israelis and Palestinians Doing Ayahuasca Together
This Vice article discusses the unique experience of Israelis and Palestinians participating in ayahuasca ceremonies together, fostering deep connections and understanding. These psychedelic experiences can be key in healing individual and collective traumas and building empathy between the two communities. The ceremonies, led by both Israeli and Palestinian facilitators, offer a space for reconciliation and peacebuilding, showcasing the potential of psychedelics in bridging deep-rooted divides.
Why Myth Matters with Sophie Strand
This video of an encounter between Alexander Beiner and Sophie Strand explores the relevance of myth in the modern era. What is the role of myth in understanding the world, the impact of AI on consciousness, and the interplay between spirituality, storytelling, and ecology? They get into the contrast between oral and written communication, the significance of beauty and poetry in complex environments, and the need to reshape our creation stories for better environmental stewardship.
Racist Premium X Users Exploiting Israel-Hamas War to Push Antisemitism, Islamophobia: Study
White supremacists are exploiting the Israel-Hamas conflict on social media site X (formerly Twitter) to spread antisemitic, Islamophobic, and racist narratives. A report by the Tech Transparency Project found that premium subscribers are violating X's policies against hate speech. Elon Musk, the owner of X, has shared antisemitic content. Extremists use the platform to promote divisive theories – like ‘the Great Replacement – under the guise of legitimacy provided by premium features, despite the platform's rules against inciting fear or spreading stereotypes. The concern is that this will fuel the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism and neo-authoritarianism in the US.
Christianity's Surprising Resurgence: An Ivan Illich Perspective | Dougald Hine
Gordon from Rune Soup discusses the resurgence of Christianity with Dougald Hine. This revival is evident in various forms, including Orthodox Christianity. It aligns with a conservative shift in environmentalism, influenced by figures like JRR Tolkien. This shift also reflects a rejection of modernity's future-focused ideals, leading to a reconnection with historical and timeless values. Environmentalism seeks to create belonging in displacement, moving away from nostalgia for a lost home.
A Breaking Heart Is A Heart Breaking Open – Rune Soup
More from Rune Soup, and indirectly related to the above video, Gordon discusses his reaction to the tragedy in the Holy Land.
Gen Z has an Israel problem - UnHerd
In this article for Unherd, Samuel Rubinstein discusses the challenges in the relationship between Gen Z and Israel, addressing the growing disconnect and skepticism among young people towards the country. He delves into the reasons behind this shift, such as the influence of social media:. “...instead of going through the laborious effort of selecting your stance on each issue à la carte, you can opt instead for the set menu: climate justice is racial justice is LGBTQ justice is reproductive justice is Palestinian justice. But “intersectionality” breeds conformity. If you dissent on any one of these issues, you risk suggesting to your peers that you dissent on the others — marking you out as a bad person.”
Muslims on Drugs: Psychedelics, Queerness, and Identity in the Post-9/11 Era | DoubleBlind Mag
Ismail Lourido Ali's article offers a personal account of his experiences with Islam, identity, and psychedelics. Ismail went from Islamic school to exploring psychedelics, inciting an evolution of his relationship with his faith. The narrative also covers Ismail's involvement in activism, his struggles with identity and belonging, as he seeks a nuanced spiritual perspective that honors his complete identity.
Unveiled: Yasmine Mohammed on Extreme Fundamentalism | A Little Bit Culty with Sarah and Nippy.
This at times raw podcast goes into the story of a girl brought up in Canada in a fundamentalist Islamic family and her struggles to have the same laws applied to her as would apply to non-Islamic people. She argues that Western liberals ‘are so open-minded their brains have fallen out’, and that extreme interpretations of mainstream religions should be considered cults like any other, despite the progressive kneejerk desire for inclusivity.
Why I am now a Christian
Ayaan Hirsi Ali's personal essay recounts her religious journey from a non-practicing Muslim influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, through atheism, to eventually embracing Christianity and her reasons for doing so. She also delves into the broader societal and civilizational impacts of religious beliefs and the significance of Christianity in Western culture.
A Journey Into New York’s Jewish Psychedelic Counterculture and the Hasidic Underground | DoubleBlind Mag
Madison Margolin, a Jewish psychedelic journalist and co-founder of DoubleBlind Magazine, discusses her book "Exile & Ecstasy" in a detailed interview. She explores the intersection of Judaism and psychedelics, the concept of living a psychedelic life, her writing process, and substance addiction issues. Margolin shares insights on integrating psychedelic experiences into everyday life, including perspectives on prayer, mindfulness, and human vulnerability.
One Pair of Eyes: Dreamwalkers, Full Documentary (Sub Esp-Ita-Fr-Rus)
This classic documentary from 1970 by the well known Sufi author Idries Shah delves into dream walking, conditioning, and unconscious brainwashing, examining how our beliefs and behaviors are shaped by external stimuli and labels. It explores the impact of conditioning on decision-making and the importance of questioning our beliefs. The film also looks at how IQ differences influence perceptions and attitudes, emphasizing the need for awareness of conditioning to avoid irrational choices. It contrasts the honesty and vitality between children and adults, urging viewers to be conscious of the realities of conditioning.
The Cross and the Machine
Paul Kingsnorth's article "The Cross and the Machine" reflects on his spiritual journey amidst modernity's impact on the natural world. It explores his struggle with the decline of traditional religious practices and his quest for meaning in a tech-dominated, materialistic society. He critically examines modern consumption, technology, and environmental approaches, considering the relevance of traditional spiritual paths in today's world.
““The story of Christianity,” wrote Moriarty, “is the story of humanity’s rebellion against God.” I had never thought of that ancient, tired religion in this way before, never had reason to, but as I did now I could feel something happening—some inner shift, some coming together of previously scattered parts designed to fit, though I had never known it, into a quiet, unbreakable whole.”
Podcast: Finding God on Psychedelic Drugs | America Magazine
A “chat with Bryan McCarthy, who teaches philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and is the author of a new paper, “Christianity and Psychedelic Medicine: A Pastoral Approach.” They discuss:
What the church teaches about drugs and intoxication
How psychedelic drugs are being used in therapeutic settings, and how Christians should respond
Bryan’s own religious experiences while using psychedelic drugs.”
(Interview starts at minute 16. Before this is Catholic news, discussion, and announcements.)
The Return of the Black Madonna: A Sign of Our Times or How the Black Madonna Is Shaking Us Up for the Twenty-First Century
The Black Madonna archetype's resurgence reflects a call to embrace both literal and metaphorical darkness, symbolizing a deeper connection with the divine, earth, and diverse elements outside of one’s comfort zone. This movement encourages introspection, grief, creation, and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life. It is seen as a counter to modern society's superficiality and division, promoting harmony with the planet and each other by finding meaning and transformation in darkness.
Nuggets From The Archive
Santa Claus the Magic Mushroom & the Psychedelic Origins of Christmas
Melanie Xulu explores the unconventional theory that Christmas and Santa Claus traditions have roots in Siberian shamanism and the use of the hallucinogenic Amanita Muscaria mushroom. The theory suggests that Santa's red and white attire and other Christmas customs may originate from these shamanic practices. The piece also touches on the significance of December 25th, tracing its celebration back to Paganism, Nordic mythology, and pre-Christian times, and examines how magic mushrooms could have influenced the creation of Santa Claus and certain Christmas traditions.
(btw a fun song about this theory is here:Why Do Santa's Reindeer Fly?)
How to Make a Consciousness Meter | Scientific American
Christof Koch explores the development of technology to assess consciousness, examining tools like EEG for brain activity analysis. He discusses Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and its role in understanding conscious experiences, and introduces the 'zap and zip' method—a rudimentary application of IIT for detecting consciousness in patients with severe disorders. The method involves establishing a threshold (PCI*) for determining the presence of consciousness, offering insights into the complex nature of conscious experience and its measurement.
Claire | The Documentary
Claire Wineland was born with cystic fibrosis and so lived her entire life in the shadow of impending death. Rather than succumbing to despair and depression, she vowed to ‘live a life I can be proud of’, despite being constantly in and out of hospital. This is one of the most inspirational documentaries you will ever see. And Claire is funny.
Are Minds Confined To Brains · advaya
Hannah Hooper discusses the question of whether minds are only found within brains, delving into the philosophical and scientific perspectives on consciousness. She explores the theories of materialism and dualism, which have been prevalent in scientific discourse, and also introduces a theory proposed by biologist Rupert Sheldrake, who suggests that the mind is not confined to the brain but is field-like in nature, extending far beyond it. This idea is supported by the concept of the 'extended mind,' which presents the mind as an interaction between the brain and its environment, emphasizing consciousness as a playing field that extends into the world beyond our bodies.
Bigelow Essays
Evidence for Survival of Consciousness in Near-Death Experiences: Decades of Science and New Insights by Jeffrey Long, MD
This essay presents comprehensive research on near-death experiences (NDEs) and their implications for the survival of consciousness after death. Dr Long reviews extensive studies and personal accounts of NDEs, analyzing common elements like out-of-body experiences, heightened senses, and encounters with deceased individuals or mystical beings. The research demonstrates consistent patterns in NDEs across cultures and age groups, challenging conventional understandings of consciousness and highlighting the need for further scientific exploration of these phenomena.
 | A guest post by
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The big three world-dominant Abrahamic tribalistic cults are of course the source of much/most of the toxic dramas now being dramatized on to the world stage in the collective lunatic asylum of the Middle East, and more specifically the so called "holy land".
Indeed it could be said that they are now engaged in a fight-to-the-death struggle for world domination or control. Each of them justifying their self-appointed-authority to do so via appeals to their ancient cultic/tribalistic "God".
All "God's" and "God"-ideas whether single (mono) or poly and either male or female in their naming are creations and projections of their collective tribalistic ego. The Abrahamic "god's" are of course all male in the naming, and are all to one degree or another hostile towards the Feminine Principle or female bodies, and thus by extension the natural world.