<p>Dr. Justin Sledge, creator of the Esoterica channel, joins the Mystery College podcast to discuss the difference between esoteric and exoteric religious practices, the role of intellectual humility, and the importance of philosophy and language learning in understanding mysticism. He shares insights from his academic journey, practical advice for self-learners, and his vision for accessible community-focused education. Topics range from spirituality vs. religion, neurophilosophy, and the limits of scientific and experiential knowledge to the future of education and his work with Esoterica.</p><p><br></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel</p><p><br></p><p>Website: https://www.justinsledge.com/esoterica</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Justin Sledge & Esoterica</p><p>01:00 - Defining Esoteric vs. Exoteric Practices</p><p>02:30 - Mysticism in Major Religions & Occultism</p><p>04:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Approach to Belief, Religion & Intellectual Humility</p><p>06:00 - Symbolism, Myths & Navigation of Reality</p><p>09:00 - Sensory Experience and Prayer</p><p>11:00 - Language Learning for Religious Studies</p><p>13:00 - The Importance of Reading in Original Languages</p><p>15:00 - Science, Mathematics & Logic in Truth-Seeking</p><p>17:00 - The Limits of Propositional & Experimental Knowledge</p><p>18:30 - Phenomenology, Meaning, and Experience</p><p>20:30 - Qualities for Rigorous Phenomenology</p><p>22:00 - Interdisciplinary Approach: Neuroscience, Philosophy & Religion</p><p>27:00 - Learning, Intellectual Humility, and Psychological Development</p><p>34:00 - Belief vs. Knowledge: Navigating Mystical Experience</p><p>40:00 - Hubris, Memory, and Experiencing ‘Truth’</p><p>44:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Philosophy on Education</p><p>48:00 - Expanding Esoterica: Future Projects & Community Engagement</p><p>52:00 - How to Connect with Dr. Sledge & Closing Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses</p><p>Our ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.</p>