THE SHOW
Elaine Pagels is a preeminent figure in the theological community. She is a religious historian at Princeton and the author of several books including her recent memoir, Why Religion? During this conversation, Elaine opens up about her winding journey with faith, the lessons she’s learned about grief, and how she’s remained optimistic through it all.
Behind Her Brilliance: Following what she loves with passion
THE GUEST
ELAINE PAGELS | Author, Professor, Religious Historian
Elaine Pagels joined the Princeton faculty in 1982, shortly after receiving a MacArthur Fellowship. Perhaps best known as the author of The Gnostic Gospels, The Origin of Satan, and Adam, Eve and the Serpent, she has published widely on Gnosticism and early Christianity, and continues to pursue research interests in late antiquity. Her most recent books include Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (was on the New York Times best-seller list) and Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation (2012). Her current project is working on new research and completing another book.
TOPICS COVERED
-how and why Elaine joined an evangelical Christian group
-the event that led to Elaine moving away from traditional church
-how Elaine found herself studying religion
-Elaine’s perspective on modern religion and its role in our lives
-how Elaine found her way back to the light after tragically losing her son and husband
-Elaine’s take on the current intersection of religion and politics in America
-Elaine’s advice on doing work that’s personally fulfilling
-and much more!
STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Journaling (Lisa Likes)
Journaling prompts (Lisa Likes)
Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James
The Thunder, Perfect Mind (poem)
