#1005 The Zen Rabbi - Rabbi Rami Shapiro (PT1)

What is God? Why are people leaving organised religion in droves? What is mysticism? What is the delusion of separation? Why are we terrified of death? What is enlightenment? Why would a loving God create hell? What are the four components of perennial wisdom? How is religion a ‘map’ and mysticism/spirituality a compass? How and why does a Rabbi (and Doctor of Religion) consider religion to be the problem and not the solution? As you can imagine (if you know me), I was super excited to talk with Rabbi Rami and he did not disappoint. When I chat with guests, I’m almost-always thinking about questions, topics and conversations that will be of most value and interest to my audience but sometimes, I’m selfish. Sometimes I open conversational doors that I know won’t be of interest to the entirety of my (typical) audience. This chat was that. I f*ckin’ loved it and many of you will too, but perhaps not all. *BIO: Rabbi Rami Shapiro is an author, teacher and speaker on the subjects of liberal Judaism and contemporary spirituality, he served for ten years as Adjunct Professor of Religion at Middle Tennessee State University and is an award–winning author of thirty-six books on religion and spirituality. He also received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, holds a Ph.D. in religion, was a rabbinic chaplain with the USAF for 3 years, a congregational rabbi for 20 and was a Professor of Religious Studies for 10. Okay, he’s been busy (lol). Enjoy. rabbirami.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.