Podcast Summary: "What Does It Feel Like to Believe in God?"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Search Engine
- Host: PJ Vogt
- Episode: What Does It Feel Like to Believe in God? (Classic)
- Release Date: July 25, 2025
Introduction
In this classic episode of Search Engine, host PJ Vogt delves into the profound and deeply personal question: "What does it feel like to believe in God?" This episode stands out not only due to its enduring popularity but also because of the thoughtful and introspective reflections it elicited from listeners. PJ shares his initial apprehensions about tackling such a monumental topic but emphasizes the rewarding insights gained from the conversation with his guest, Zvika Krieger.
PJ Vogt [00:00]: "No question too big, no question too small."
Meet Zvika Krieger: From Orthodox Upbringing to Spiritual Leadership
Zvika Krieger serves as the focal point of this episode. Growing up in a strict Orthodox Jewish community in Los Angeles, Zvika navigated the complexities of a deeply ritualistic life while simultaneously engaging with diverse cultural experiences like punk shows and raves. This unique blend of rigidity and rebellion shaped his understanding of faith and spirituality.
Zvika Krieger [07:15]: "My life was religion because I lived in this insular Orthodox community."
Navigating Dual Worlds
Zvika describes his upbringing between a more centrist Orthodox environment with his mother and an ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) setting with his father. This duality exposed him to varying interpretations of Judaism, fostering a sense of integration rather than conflict when balancing his religious practices with other interests.
Zvika Krieger [12:18]: "I felt a sense of integration. I was just like, okay, there's no paradox here."
Academic and Professional Journey
Transitioning from his Orthodox roots, Zvika pursued higher education at Yale, an experience that broadened his intellectual horizons but also intensified his questioning of faith. Despite this, he maintained his religious practices, illustrating a harmonious coexistence of traditional rituals and modern intellectualism.
Zvika Krieger [17:27]: "To this day, I'm still quite traditionally observant."
His professional path took a unique turn from journalism to ethical innovation, leading roles at Facebook as the first Head of Ethics. Here, Zvika applied his spiritual and ethical insights to corporate environments, blending his Talmudic background with modern ethical dilemmas in technology.
Zvika Krieger [35:07]: "It's not like their job to think about or it's not their mindset to think about how is this thing that I'm working on gonna harm people?"
Understanding Belief: Zvika's Conception of God
Central to the episode is Zvika's personal understanding of God, which diverges from traditional anthropomorphic views. He articulates a vision of God as oneness—the interconnectedness of all existence—rather than a separate, judging entity.
Zvika Krieger [56:28]: "God is everything that was, is, and will be. We are all connected."
Experiencing God Through Oneness
Zvika describes moments of profound connection, such as dancing on the dance floor or surfing at sunrise, where he feels an overwhelming sense of unity and belonging. These experiences transcend intellectual understanding, offering him emotional and spiritual fulfillment.
Zvika Krieger [60:22]: "The place where I most feel connected to God is on the dance floor."
Prayer and Surrender: Practices Beneficial Beyond Belief
Addressing listeners who might not share his belief in God, Zvika emphasizes practices like prayer and surrender as tools for meaning-making and emotional well-being. He distinguishes between traditional prayer—asking for things—and a more universal form of prayer that involves gratitude and letting go of control.
Zvika Krieger [65:01]: "Prayer... has two components: stating what you want and surrendering your control."
Conclusion: Embracing Uncertainty and Finding Meaning
The episode culminates with PJ Vogt reflecting on his personal challenges and how Zvika's insights on prayer and surrender have influenced his approach to uncertainty. The conversation underscores the value of grappling with life's larger questions to foster a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
PJ Vogt [66:37]: "Sometimes I think for those of us who don't believe we make the mistake that if no one's in control, we have to be."
Key Takeaways
- Integration of Faith and Modern Life: Zvika exemplifies how one can maintain traditional religious practices while engaging with contemporary culture and intellectual pursuits.
- Redefining God: Moving away from anthropomorphic depictions, Zvika presents God as the interconnectedness of all existence, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
- Practical Spirituality: Practices like prayer and surrender are valuable not just for believers but for anyone seeking meaning and emotional balance.
- Embracing Uncertainty: Accepting and finding comfort in not having all the answers can lead to personal growth and resilience.
Notable Quotes:
- PJ Vogt [14:36]: "Audre Lorde said, you can't dismantle the master's house with the master's tools."
- Zvika Krieger [17:15]: "I felt a sense of integration. I was just like, okay, there's no paradox here."
- Zvika Krieger [60:22]: "The place where I most feel connected to God is on the dance floor."
This episode offers a nuanced exploration of belief, spirituality, and the quest for meaning, making it a valuable listen for anyone grappling with similar questions or seeking a deeper understanding of faith in the modern world.