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"Enemies of the Human Race" William Blake on the disaster of atheism

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Manage episode 483355533 series 2846308
Content provided by Mark Vernon. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mark Vernon or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

William Blake opens the third part of his epic poem, Jerusalem: the Emanation of the Giant Albion, with an astonishing remark. “He never can be a friend of the Human Race who is the Preacher of Natural Morality or Natural Religion.”

The declaration is shocking because today, two hundred years since he first printed these lines, naturalistic explanations of morality and religion have become standard. Even amongst champions of Blake.

But what did he mean? What did he propose as an alternative? And why might that matter now?

An earlier version of this essay is in the current issue of Vala, the magazine of The Blake Society.

Mark Vernon’s new book is Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination - out in June 2025 (UK), September 2025 (US). Pre-order now!

  continue reading

178 episodes

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iconShare
 
Manage episode 483355533 series 2846308
Content provided by Mark Vernon. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mark Vernon or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

William Blake opens the third part of his epic poem, Jerusalem: the Emanation of the Giant Albion, with an astonishing remark. “He never can be a friend of the Human Race who is the Preacher of Natural Morality or Natural Religion.”

The declaration is shocking because today, two hundred years since he first printed these lines, naturalistic explanations of morality and religion have become standard. Even amongst champions of Blake.

But what did he mean? What did he propose as an alternative? And why might that matter now?

An earlier version of this essay is in the current issue of Vala, the magazine of The Blake Society.

Mark Vernon’s new book is Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination - out in June 2025 (UK), September 2025 (US). Pre-order now!

  continue reading

178 episodes

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