We've Been Lied To About Our Spiritual History (& The Hidden World of Esoterica) | Dr. Justin Sledge

Dr. Justin Sledge introduces the concept of Western esotericism as a realm of knowledge that has been diminished, hunted, repressed, and suppressed by those in power. He argues that this suppression has robbed humanity of important spiritual technologies, encompassing hermeticism, kabbalah, the occult, witchcraft, and gnosticism. He brings up a 1533 book that was actively targeted for destruction by the church and suggests that the witch trials, which executed between 40,000 and 60,000 people, mostly women, were a result of political power being given to conspiracy theories.

Dr. Sledge explains his approach to skepticism, defining it not as disbelief but as withholding judgment to allow texts and traditions to speak for themselves. He advocates for intellectual humility and embracing bewilderment when exploring mystical topics, emphasizing understanding over judgment. He differentiates between religion as an institution and marginalized spiritual traditions whose voices were suppressed, and how those traditions offer alternative avenues for spiritual and philosophical inquiry. He discusses the etymology of "Gnostics," explaining that the term was coined by their opponents, and details how Gnostics believed salvation came through knowledge (gnosis) of reality as a cosmic prison controlled by the demiurge.

Sledge outlines William James's four qualities of mystical experiences: noetic (intellectual content), transient (temporary), passive (cannot be induced), and ineffable (beyond words). He notes the paradoxes within these experiences, such as the tension between propositional knowledge and ineffability, often expressed through terms like 'shining darkness.' He addresses the recurring themes in mystical experiences, such as fundamental unity, acknowledging that cultural backgrounds shape these visions. He also discusses how these profound experiences can lead to universalizing propositions, which can be dangerous, as seen in historical figures who justified violence through spiritual certainty.

Sledge clarifies the distinction between irrational and nonrational, explaining that nonrational experiences, like aesthetic appreciation, are common and not contradictory. He emphasizes that mystics engage with rationality in their writings while acknowledging the nonrational nature of their experiences. He argues against the modern dichotomy of logic versus mysticism, asserting that many historical figures, like Descartes and Newton, embraced both. Sledge criticizes the dismissal of ancient experiences and texts as mere mythology, arguing that myths are powerful tools for meaning-making and that our modern narratives, such as those about scientific figures, are often curated to omit their mystical dimensions. He highlights the dangers of intellectual dishonesty in history and its contribution to a contemporary meaning crisis.

Sledge discusses the historical suppression of the feminine, tracing its roots to the medieval concept of the 'great chain of being' where women were seen as derivative and inferior to men. This centuries-long misogyny, combined with fear and conspiracy theories, culminated in the witch trials. He defines witch trials as a moral panic where innocent individuals, primarily women, were accused of heresy and tortured into confessing to fabricated crimes. He cites the Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of the Witches) as a key text that fueled these persecutions. Sledge mentions historical figures like Johan Wier and Agrippa who bravely defended accused witches, highlighting the intellectual and moral courage required in those times.

Sledge shares his personal connection to acquiring and studying rare historical texts like Agrippa's 'Three Books of Occult Philosophy' (1533) and the first printed edition of 'Sefer Yetzirah' (1562), a foundational kabbalistic text. He explains that these books, containing ideas on human dignity, magic, and cosmic creation, represent suppressed knowledge that was often targeted for destruction. He notes the mysterious variations between different printings of Agrippa's work, suggesting hidden meanings or 'blinds' intentionally placed for initiates. Sledge describes his work as a custodian of these texts, emphasizing their sacred nature due to their survival against immense historical pressures.

Sledge delves into hermeticism, contrasting it with gnosticism. While Gnostics believed the physical world was evil, hermeticists viewed it as divine, seeking to escape fate through ritual practices like theurgy. He explains that hermetic teachings aimed to remind individuals of their divine origin, purge their souls of fated elements, and facilitate ascent to the 'One.' He provides examples of hermetic practices through music, vegetarianism, and contemplation, as well as the use of talismans. He discusses the historical context of hermetic texts, such as the Corpus Hermeticum, which were rediscovered and translated in the 15th century, sparking a 'hermetic renaissance' and profoundly influencing Western thought alongside Plato's works.

Sledge reflects on the underlying human desire for awe and meaning, suggesting that the universe's fine-tuning and the existence of mind-independent mathematical truths hint at a transcendental reality. He argues that materialists, when deeply engaged with physics, encounter a world so exotic it blurs the line with spirit. He emphasizes that truth is a verb, an ongoing process discovered through dialogue and diverse perspectives, not a static possession. Sledge connects this pursuit of meaning to people's attraction to narratives found in modern media, which serve as a form of mythology, fulfilling a deep human need for awe in a world experiencing a 'meaning famine.' He advocates for fostering a new 'renaissance' through democratized education and challenging intellectual complacency.

Sledge recounts a profound personal experience from his youth: being falsely accused of belonging to a satanic cult after a school shooting. This traumatic event propelled his academic journey, as he sought to understand the historical roots of moral panics and conspiracy theories, especially those surrounding the occult. He explains that his work aims to serve as an antidote to ignorance and fear by making knowledge transparent and accessible. He encourages individuals to embrace challenges, deep dive into niche areas of interest, and seek out diverse perspectives as paths to growth and wisdom, contributing to a collective 'renaissance' of thought and spirituality.

Sledge offers a final message: human flourishing begins in awe. He encourages everyone to actively seek out awe daily, connecting it to cultivating curiosity, beauty, and personal growth. He asserts that the quest for meaning has led humanity to explore 'magical' technologies, like alchemy, which reveal the world's deeper, non-apparent realities. He warns against the misuse of power and spiritual tools for self-serving or destructive purposes, citing historical examples like erotic binding magic and the atomic bomb. He advocates for fostering genuine, diverse communities through education, combating the current 'meaning crisis' and spiritual loneliness. Sledge concludes by emphasizing that religion serves as a spiritual technology, providing the framework through which humans interpret and find meaning in their existence, thereby safeguarding their humanity against nihilism and monstrosity.