Feasts of Reason

What do we mean when we say "God"? Can reason take us all the way to theism, or are there limits to what reason can tell us about ultimate reality?My guest is psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, and author Jamey Hecht. In his forthcoming book, Into Theism: Overcoming Obstacles to Belief in God, Jamey draws on psychology, philosophy, literature, religion, and the work of Iain McGilchrist to argue that human experience points toward a reality deeper than a purely material description of the world.We explore consciousness, mysticism, near-death experiences, the psychology of belief and disbelief, the role of religious stories, and whether the search for meaning reveals something fundamental about the nature of reality.Along the way we discuss William James, Kant, Shakespeare, Spinoza, the limits of scientific explanation, and the question at the heart of so many philosophical and religious debates:How do we distinguish between what feels meaningful and what is actually true?For more information about Jamey Hecht: https://www.jameyhechtauthor.com/For more information about New Atenism: https://newatenism.org/#FeastsOfReason#JameyHecht#Theism#Atheism#Philosophy#Religion#Consciousness#Mysticism#WilliamJames#Psychology#Spinoza#Kant#MeaningOfLife#CriticalThinking#Podcast

Why do intelligent people repeatedly act against their own interests?If human beings are rational creatures, why do we procrastinate, avoid opportunities, stay stuck in destructive patterns, and sabotage our own success?In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Matt Ward sits down with psychologist, therapist, and veteran talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante to explore the psychology of self-sabotage. Drawing on decades of experience working with performers, Bramante explains why insight alone often fails to change behavior, how fear disguises itself as logic, why we cling to limiting identities, and what self-sabotage reveals about human nature.Topics include:• Why knowledge doesn't automatically produce better behavior• Fear of failure vs. fear of success• The brain's negativity bias• Catastrophizing and worst-case thinking• Comfort zones and personal growth• Why actors provide a fascinating window into human psychology• Hypnosis, subconscious beliefs, and self-awareness• The relationship between reason, emotion, and behaviorIf you've ever known exactly what you should do and still failed to do it, this conversation is for you.

The conversation delves into the topic of dyslexia and its treatment, highlighting the lack of change in dyslexia treatment since the 1950s and the potential for success in treating dyslexia with the right approach. The conversation delves into the craft of research and data analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'how' and 'why' questions. It then explores the challenges of knowledge creation and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. The discussion shifts to the changing institutional framework for teaching dyslexia and the impact of social norms on perceptions of dyslexia.TakeawaysDyslexia treatment has not changed much since the 1950sSuccess in treating dyslexia is possible with the right approach Understanding the 'how' and 'why' questions is crucial in research and data analysis.The use of artificial intelligence can significantly enhance productivity and effectiveness in written work.Chapters00:00 Success in Treating Dyslexia32:31 Craft of Research and Data Analysis39:15 Challenges with Knowledge Creation and Artificial Intelligence44:54 Changing Institutional Framework for Teaching Dyslexia56:04 Social Norms and Dyslexia

For nearly 30 years, Clifford Brown worked for USAID in some of the world's most unstable regions, witnessing coups, revolutions, corruption, humanitarian crises, and the collapse of governments firsthand.In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Brown shares stories from Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and the former Soviet Union, explaining what happens when trust disappears, institutions fail, and social order breaks down.We discuss:·       Why some societies remain stable while others collapse·       Whether foreign aid actually works·       Corruption, democracy, and unintended consequences·       The destruction of USAID and its global impact·       Human tribalism and the future of national borders·       Why civilization may be more fragile than most people realizeWhether you support foreign aid or oppose it, this conversation offers a rare look inside the machinery of international development and the challenges of building trust in a divided world.#FeastsOfReason #USAID #ForeignAid #Trust #Democracy #Civilization #Politics #Development #HumanNature #InternationalRelationsLink to 2009 WP article: https://www.meforum.org/campus-watch/in-fighting-radical-islam-tricky-course-for-us-aidCliff’s website: www.cliffordhbrown.com

In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Matt Ward sits down with John Zachery to explore a fascinating and controversial question:At what point does pattern recognition become proof?Drawing on astronomy, historical chronology, ancient calendars, and statistical analysis, Zachery argues that the Book of Daniel contains a genuine prophecy predicting the destruction of Herod’s Temple centuries before it occurred — and that this supports the Christian worldview.The conversation dives deep into:• Biblical prophecy and the Book of Daniel• Historical dating using astronomical records• The destruction of Herod’s Temple in AD 70• Pattern recognition, numerology, and statistical confidence• The difference between prediction and interpretation• Whether complicated models can produce certainty• The role of belief in shaping scientific inquiryWhile Matt accepts much of the underlying historical and astronomical dating, he repeatedly presses on a central question:Does the text itself clearly predict the event — or are modern interpretations and numerical models being layered onto ambiguous language after the fact?A civil but deeply probing conversation about faith, evidence, interpretation, and the limits of human reasoning.Feasts of Reason is a podcast for curious minds exploring philosophy, religion, science, psychology, and the ideas shaping human flourishing.

Ever wonder if your dreams are just random mind movies or if they could be a message from something greater?Dreams are often thought of as our subconscious stories, but my guest this week believes they’re also a way God communicates with us. Psychotherapist Ara Trembly, shares his thoughts about why dreams are more than psychology — they are divine whispers.He shares stories of dreams that predicted shipwrecks and healed traumas — and why understanding your dreams could unlock spiritual insights.Are dreams just personal truths or signals from beyond? That is the subject of this week’s Feast of Reason.

This conversation with Philosopher Dylan Shaul delves into the importance of philosophy and its role in answering fundamental questions about the universe, human existence, and the nature of reality. It explores the distinction between philosophy, religion, and art in addressing these questions and discusses the limits of empirical observation in understanding metaphysical truths. We also touched on the challenge of induction and the role of reason in arriving at metaphysical truths. The conversation delves into metaphysical concepts like the existence of God. It explores the ontological argument, the definition of God, Spinoza's pantheism, and the dispute of verbal disagreement. The attributes of thought and extension, the root of thinking and extension in German idealism, and the unconditioned and the good are also discussed. The conversation concludes with an exploration of the argument for the existence of God and the definition of God.TakeawaysPhilosophy as the Love of WisdomThe Role of Reason in Metaphysical Truths Metaphysical conceptsGod's existenceSpinoza's philosophyChapters00:00 Introduction to Philosophy and Its Importance08:01 Philosophy, Religion, and Art: Different Approaches to Fundamental Questions13:12 Metaphysical Truths and the Limits of Empirical Observation23:00 The Challenge of Induction and the Role of Reason in Metaphysical Truths44:25 The Ontological Argument and God Ideas49:27 Spinoza's God Idea and Humility55:11 The Unconditioned and the Good

Can science succeed where politics fails?In this episode of Feasts of Reason, I speak with Dr. Zafra Lerman — chemist, educator, human rights advocate, and founder of the Malta Conferences Foundation.For more than two decades, Zafra has brought together scientists from across the Middle East — including Israelis, Palestinians, Iranians, Jordanians, Egyptians, and others — to collaborate across some of the world’s deepest political, religious, and cultural divides.Her work has earned multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and offers a powerful answer to one of the central questions of our time:How do we rebuild trust in a world driven by tribalism, propaganda, and polarization?We discuss:• Why science creates trust where politics often fails• The hidden social architecture of peacebuilding• Why “people who know each other cannot be enemies”• Human rights, Cold War Soviet dissidents, and risking arrest by the KGB• Why scientists have moral responsibilities beyond the lab• Creating a “critical mass” of scientists for peace#ScienceDiplomacy #MiddleEastPeace #Reason #HumanRights #NewAtenism #FeastsOfReason #ZafraLerman #MaltaConferences #Peacebuilding #CriticalThinking For more information about New Atenism: https://newatenism.org/ Dr. Lerman’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Rights-Peace-Zafra-Lerman/dp/9815129724/ref=sr_1_2?crid=138IJLD4LJH0I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TW6NIoQQRh7nmBN7xksItuGuUMZm_Svk1Hkxi6EL0N6BHqnwVYdW9Xq1jIxxvNM1gjPHXmAyPgGEdqW4onL7CDPe7YQ-ue9w2QpfM4Bwe1znOD9W7nxZTBftZwnW_SI1xTu9RquFN5cbzQVBbjqHlp2kHVEpNG7Jzf7-Tp767hgwlj0Q2xgfUTDeJMUWzuFuPaegfkfxVZYw6eMkkmtwafjWNMMiOpVrvR9W346st30.2gJ53H5NxAkML75KDPW-EYQLf9tJhxExuxTurQ8h5Fo&dib_tag=se&keywords=zafea+lerman&qid=1777468899&s=books&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C145&sr=1-2 To support the Malta Conferences Foundation: https://www.maltaconferencesfoundation.org/

Can reason bring us to religion—or does it lead somewhere else entirely?In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Matt sits down with Daniel Bookman, a lawyer and lifelong student of Jewish thought who has spent over four decades navigating the fault lines between religion, law, and modern society.Drawing on his experience in Israel and the United States, Bookman explores whether deeply divided societies can hold together—and what role religion might play in that effort.At the center of the conversation is a provocative idea from his book Fundamentally Rational: that belief in morality, religion, and even a creator might be grounded not just in faith, but in reason itself.Along the way, the discussion turns to one of the most contentious topics of all—evolution.Can evolutionary theory fully explain human existence and morality? Or does it leave something essential unanswered?This is a respectful but unflinching conversation about truth, belief, and the limits of reason in a divided world.Topics covered:Can reason justify religious belief?Religion vs. secularism in modern societiesEvolution and the origins of moralityIsrael as a case study in ideological tensionWhat holds societies together when values clash?

Canadian Disability Activist (and wheelchair hockey star) Hollis Peirce describes how evolving technology and social attitudes have led to disabled people not only being able to get around better, but to become more involved and integrated into society. He also relates his experiences living in a facility run by the Catholic Church, and the close relationship he's developed with a Chaplin there, despite being an atheist.To learn more about Hollis Peirce: https://www.21stcenturydisability.com/To learn more about Sielo Robotics: https://www.sielorobotics.com/To lean more about New Atenism: https://newatenism.org/

Author Anne Riley discusses her latest book "The Human Idea: Earth's Newest Ecosystem." The conversation delves into the evolution of human understanding and the exploration of the human idea, highlighting the collaboration and competition observed in nature. It further explores the concept of humans in the universe, survival and collaboration, government and nature, taxation and nature, coordinating institutions, intrinsic morality, and progress. The conversation delves into the impact of wealth accumulation as a human goal and its potential consequences. It also explores the role of reason and emotion in decision-making and societal progress.TakeawaysEvolution of human understandingCollaboration and competition in nature Wealth accumulation as a human goalThe impact of reason and emotion on decision-makingChapters00:00 Exploring the Human Idea09:10 Survival and Collaboration18:45 Taxation and Nature30:17 Intrinsic Morality and Progress36:11 The Impact of Wealth Accumulation41:21 The Role of Reason and Emotion

New Atenism presents Feasts of Reason. In this episode, Professor Raphael Cohen Almagor, a British Israeli political theorist, discusses his background, interest in conflict resolution, and the research behind his forthcoming book on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes the importance of justice, empathy, and leadership in achieving sustainable peace. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the preconditions for peace between Israel and Palestine, the concept of justice as explored by John Rawls, the importance of listening in negotiations, and the current situation with Iran. The themes of peace, justice, negotiation, and conflict resolution are central to the discussion.TakeawaysConflict resolution requires understanding, empathy, and recognition of the other side's wishes.The most important value in conflict resolution is justice, and sustainable peace requires leadership, empathy, and recognition of both sides' aspirations. Preconditions for peace between Israel and PalestineThe importance of listening in negotiationsChapters00:00 The Importance of Justice in Conflict Resolution01:08:26 The Current Situation with Iran

This first Feasts of Reason episode will tell you a bit about where this podcast came from and where it's going. You can find the Feasts of Reason kits on The Thomas Jefferson Foundation's website