Part 1: Is Your “Higher Self” Divine or Deceptive? | Charles Stang

Demons in Divinity: Charles Stang on the Daimon, the Higher Self, and Discernment On The Lectern, the host welcomes Harvard Divinity School professor Charles Stang, author of Our Divine Double, to discuss his upcoming course “Demons in Divinity,” adapted from his class on the daimon in ancient Greek philosophy and religion. Stang explains that Socrates described a daimonion-like voice or sign guiding him, and situates this within a broader ancient “divine double” framework in which encountering a divine counterpart can inaugurate a lifelong practice of becoming more divine. He argues that studying primary sources can deepen modern notions of the higher self by challenging assumptions and refining practice through reflection. The conversation emphasizes discernment: people can deceive themselves, and traditions—especially Christian monastic ones—develop techniques to judge whether guidance is divine, self-generated wish fulfillment, or a malevolent deception, often discerned over time and in community. Learn more and register: https://lectern.johnvervaeke.com/courses/daemons-in-divinity Explore more from The Lectern: https://lectern.johnvervaeke.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Discernment Dilemma 00:30 Meet Charles Stang 03:00 Socrates and Daimonion 05:30 Divine Double Today 10:00 Why Study the Greeks 16:00 Theory Practice Bridge 19:00 God Devil Discernment 23:45 Everyday Inner Conflict 28:30 Axis Shifting Encounters 28:30 Closing Next Steps 08:15 We the People Platform Explore courses and teachings from The Lectern https://lectern.johnvervaeke.com/ Support the Lectern and join a growing community of wisdom seekers https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke