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245. Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – The New Axial Age & The Future of Faith
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In this episode, Jerry and Abigail return for their fourth conversation in the series Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue, exploring the most profound theme of God: An Autobiography as Told to a Philosopher: the New Axial Age.
The term “Axial Age,” introduced by philosopher Karl Jaspers, describes the pivotal era when some of the world’s greatest spiritual figures appeared within a few centuries of one another: Socrates, the Hebrew prophets, the Buddha, Confucius, and the sages of the Upanishads.
Humanity shifted on its spiritual axis, developing new ways of thinking, deeper moral insights, and new pathways to the divine. Now, Jerry shares that God revealed to him we stand on the threshold of another great transformation, a new spiritual era filled with both peril and promise.
Together, Jerry and Abigail ask what this might mean for religions and traditions born in the first Axial Age. Are they fading, losing their power to hold communities together, as God suggests, while a new spirituality rises in diverse, often fragmented ways?
Abigail speaks of her profound yet complex relationship with Judaism, her spiritual experiences in India, her affection for Gandhi, and her surprising love of country gospel. Jerry recalls his own journey from Southern Baptist and Pentecostal childhood through philosophy into a direct encounter with God.
Their conversation moves between history, theology, and personal testimony, showing how ancient wisdom and modern lives intertwine. They consider the Jewish vocation of chronology and covenant, the Hindu pursuit of Atman and Brahman, and the universal human calling to partner with God in history.
Through all of this, one theme emerges as both anchor and challenge: to be truthful—to reality, to God, and to oneself.
Are we living through a moment of spiritual collapse or the birth of something radically new?
Other Series:
The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:
The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.
From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.
Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.
Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.
What’s Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.
What’s On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.
What’s On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue.
Stay Connected
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Chapters
1. 245. Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – The New Axial Age & The Future of Faith (00:00:00)
2. Introduction to God: An Autobiography, The Podcast (00:00:17)
3. Introduction to Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue (00:01:10)
4. The Threshold of a New Axial Age (00:02:02)
5. Religions Falling Apart and the Rise of New Spirituality (00:08:13)
6. Jewish Persistence and Spiritual Continuity in History (00:12:12)
7. Abigail’s Jewish Identity, History, and Openness to Other Faiths (00:16:10)
8. India, Gandhi, Country Gospel, and Surprising Spiritual Loves (00:18:41)
9. Coexistence of Traditions: Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and More (00:25:17)
10. Personal Truth, Philosophy, and the Care of the Soul (00:32:36)
11. Loyalty to Origins, Growth, and Spiritual Memory (00:39:00)
12. Outro and Contact Information: Stay Connected (00:43:20)
248 episodes
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