The core argument presented is a challenge to the modern Western priority of materialist, objective reality. Instead, the author posits that action, perception, and experience (meaning) are primary for living beings.

Sharon and I kick back on the deck for another Sunday morning conversation, this time diving into the book of Revelation. As we read, we don’t just stick to the text — we bring in questions, insights, and ideas from all over, weaving them together to shape how we see it. What starts as a simple reading often grows into something surprising, thought-provoking, and deeply motivating.

This audio recording, "Sept 14th 2025 Revelation 4: 1-6, features hosts Nick and Sharon discussing Revelation chapter 4, reviewing last weeks verses 1-4 and then focusing on verses 5 and 6, offering a detailed, conversational analysis. They explore the symbolism of the throne, the emerald rainbow, and the 24 elders, drawing connections to Old Testament traditions and the letters to the seven congregations. The discussion emphasizes themes of invitation, identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises, with particular attention paid to the "glassy sea" and the "seven spirits of God" before the throne. Throughout their exploratory conversation, they aim to gain personal insights from the text, recognizing that complete, objective understanding is not the sole purpose but rather a deeper, receptive engagement with the scripture. They hope their exploratory conversation, even if imperfect, will serve as a valuable record for their family and others in the future.

The provided slides from "The Primacy of Beauty with Dr. John Vervaeke: Lecture 1" explore the concept of beauty and its perceived decline in modern society. The presentation argues for a return to an ancient understanding of beauty as a sacred expression of God and a foundational element in shaping our perception of reality, contrasting this with a modern "smooth aesthetic" that values simplicity and easy consumption. It discusses how appearances can reveal deeper truths through comparison, distinguishing between the inexhaustible depth of reality and the shallowness of illusions. Furthermore, the slides introduce Eric Fromm's existential modes of "having" versus "being," suggesting that true satisfaction comes from growth and becoming, rather than mere possession, and critiques how a disconnect from reality can lead to "modal confusion" and a loss of meaning in contemporary life. Ultimately, the lecture champions the idea of transcendent beauty that extends beyond physical or reductionist explanations, advocating for an engagement with beauty as a call to deeper understanding and meaning in a world that often prioritizes shock over traditional aesthetics.

This discussion initiates a podcast titled "Dinner with the Dead," where three individuals, Nick & Sharon Pavlovits, Connor, and Bogdan, aim to explore philosophical and theological concepts. They express interest in applying the Estuary Protocol for structured conversations, a method emphasizing coherence and mutual understanding. A central theme revolves around contrasting philosophical inquiry with biblical interpretation, particularly whether one should approach the Bible through a philosophical lens or vice versa. The participants introduce the concept of "propositional tyranny," highlighting the overemphasis on factual knowledge and the undervaluing of other forms of knowing, such as procedural, perspectival, and participatory knowledge, in modern culture. They conclude with a shared commitment to fostering ongoing, open-ended discussions, recognizing the value of both their individual perspectives and the collective pursuit of insight.

Dinner With The Dead is a table for thoughtful, Socratic conversation—where we use the Estuary protocol to guide dialogical, philosophical discussions inspired by voices of the past and present. No mysticism, just lively inquiry and reasoned debate. Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

"Randos" unite! We are hot off the heels of the Midwestuary conference and excited to throw our hat into the ring and hoping that through the dialogical we can learn, grow and give. When I say give, I mean it in the sense of Giving people a hard time...just kidding.

In this contemplative episode, Nick Pavlovits engages in a slow, dialogical journey through Revelation 2:17—exploring hidden manna, the white stone, and the new name only known to the one who receives it. This is not a sermon, not a lecture, but a conversation: one part meditation, one part metaphysical exploration.

Drawing connections between scripture, Greek concepts of beauty (kaleō), identity, and even The Matrix, this episode invites listeners into a relational reading of Revelation—where victory flows from intimacy, not effort.

What if hearing the Spirit is less about action and more about orientation? What if the name written on the stone is your true self, waiting to be realized?

In this groundbreaking episode, curator Nick Pavlovits explores Dr. John Vervaeke’s "The Primacy of Beauty" (Peterson Academy), weaving together philosophical insight, modern culture, and pop icons like The Matrix. What if beauty isn’t just decoration, but the secret code that awakens us to reality itself? Why has beauty been exiled—and how can reclaiming it restore meaning in our fractured world?

Join us for a deep dive through wonder, relevance realization, and the possibility of a world made new—not by escape, but by the courage to see and participate in the beautiful.

Featuring reflections on Vervaeke, Elaine Scarry, and a vision for beauty as both revolution and restoration.

Step into the shadows—and the unexpected light—of Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel with host Nick Pavlovits and ChatGPT-4.1. Whether you’ve read All the Light We Cannot See or not, this Dinner with the Dead “Deep Dive” explores the timeless struggle between conscience and complicity, the meaning of agency and arena, and how beauty acts as an ethical force—even in the darkest times.

Drawing from the novel’s unforgettable characters, real-world modern parallels, and Elaine Scarry’s provocative insights on beauty and justice, Nick invites you to reflect on the invisible forces that shape us all. Join us at the table, where literature meets philosophy, and discover what it means to search for the light we cannot see.

Perfect for readers, thinkers, and anyone navigating the complicated arenas of modern life. Tune in—and bring your appetite for meaning.