Elliott Bazzano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Le Moyne College, where he teaches courses on Islam, comparative religion, and altered states of consciousness. Elliott also publishes numerous blog posts and interviews about all things religion, spirituality, and dad jokes. In addition to finding inspiration in the mystical percolations of the Sufis, including coffee (pun intended), he finds his deepest wonder and joy in the miracle of his two daughters who offer him limitless contemplation for the mysteries of the universe.

keywords love, spirituality, Islam, Swedenborgianism, community, mysticism, identity, cultural exchange, acceptance, religion

summary In this conversation Elliot and Sage explore the themes of love, spirituality, and identity through personal stories and experiences. They discuss the influence of family, particularly Elliot’s Swedenborgian grandmother, on their spiritual journey, the complexities of navigating different religious identities, and the importance of community and acceptance. The conversation also touches on the role of mysticism in uniting people across different traditions, the challenges posed by societal hierarchies, and the hope for a more compassionate world.

takeaways

* The influence of family in shaping our spiritual journeys.

* People's identities are complex and multifaceted.

* Experiences in diverse communities foster acceptance and understanding.

* Conversion to a new faith can be a transformative experience.

* Language and cultural connections enhance our understanding of spirituality.

* Mysticism often serves as a unifying force in religion.

* Hierarchies in society can hinder genuine connection and learning.

* Shared experiences create a special kind of community.

* Most people desire similar basic needs and values.

* Embracing eclectic spiritual influences can lead to a richer understanding of faith.

Sound Bites

* "There's a common touchstone of love."

* "Words can unify us."

* "You can't argue with historical linguistics."

* "The mystical element unites us."

* "People mostly want the same things."

Chapters

00:00 The Influence of Family and Early Spirituality

02:55 Exploring Identity and Religion

05:44 Experiences in Diverse Communities

09:01 The Journey of Conversion and Spiritual Practices

11:47 Cultural Connections and Language

15:08 The Role of Mysticism in Unity

18:01 Navigating Hierarchies in Religion and Society

20:50 The Power of Shared Experiences

24:01 Finding Common Ground in Humanity

26:48 The Challenge of Identity in Spirituality

29:59 Embracing Eclectic Spirituality

32:44 Hope and Optimism in a Divided World

To hear more from Elliot you can listen to him on a recent episode of the History Speaks podcast.

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

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