Summary of Ep 241 | People, Angels & Demons: Do They Walk Among Us? | The Glenn Beck Podcast

Release Date: January 18, 2025

In Episode 241 of "The Glenn Beck Program," hosted by Glenn Beck on Blaze Podcast Network, Glenn Beck engages in a profound and enlightening conversation with Jonathan Pageau, a renowned Christian artist and public intellectual. This episode explores the intricate relationship between American culture, politics, and deep-seated mythological and symbolic narratives that shape societal perceptions of good and evil.

1. The Allure of Angels and Demons in Modern Society

Glenn Beck opens the discussion by questioning the fascination with supernatural entities, asking, "Do we live in a world with angels and demons? And if we don't, why do we find the idea so fascinating?" (00:09). This sets the stage for a deep dive into how these concepts reflect broader societal fears and hopes.

Jonathan Pageau explains that humanity's intrigue with angels and demons stems from a "spiritual world" perspective, suggesting that our attraction to these ideas points to "entire dimensions of reality that we are oblivious to" (00:11).

2. Conspiracy Theories as Reflections of Leadership Distrust

Beck brings up prevalent conspiracy theories, such as "Pizzagate" and the notion of "lizard people," stating, "There's this collective feeling that elites are raping our children and we don't have any evidence" (04:34).

Pageau interprets these theories as symbolic expressions of distrust in leadership. He notes, "People have an insight about our leadership... They see us as just something to feed upon," comparing it to mythological images like the serpent in the Garden of Eden (05:06).

3. Principality and Transpersonal Agencies

The conversation delves into complex theological concepts when Pageau introduces "principality," describing it as an active principle or force that binds society, akin to a boss in a workplace (11:40). He relates this to modern-day phenomena where collective intentions shape societal outcomes, sometimes leading to chaos and destruction.

Pageau further explains, "These transpersonal agencies spiral into chaos," drawing parallels between mythological demons and contemporary societal issues driven by unseen forces (12:14).

4. The Nature of Evil and Demonic Influence

Beck presses on the reality of evil entities, asking, "Do you believe in evil as an entity?" (13:59). Pageau affirms his belief in the devil as a parasitic force that distorts good into evil: "Evil doesn't have its own existence. It's a parasite" (14:07).

The discussion touches on how these malevolent forces manifest in society, such as through destructive ideologies or movements that deviate from traditional moral frameworks (14:23).

5. Societal Breakdown and Historical Cycles

Beck and Pageau explore the idea that American society is on the brink of a significant crisis, comparable to historical moments like the fall of the Roman Empire. Pageau states, "Any culture becomes obsessed with that which is strange signals something about who we are. It signals that we're running out of fuel, on the edge of death" (09:22).

They discuss how contemporary movements like "wokeism" and postmodernism reflect a societal obsession with difference and multiplicity, leading to either decomposition or the rise of authoritarian structures (21:23).

6. Symbolism in Fairy Tales and Religious Narratives

A substantial portion of the episode examines fairy tales and religious stories as symbolic representations of life's transitions. Pageau analyzes "Snow White," highlighting its themes of coming-of-age, chaos, and the discovery of identity: "It's about transition... a girl, a young girl who is innocent and beautiful... she starts to change" (35:20).

He contrasts this with modern retellings, criticizing how companies like Disney strip away deeper meanings to create sanitized versions that lose their symbolic depth (38:15).

7. The Decline of Traditional Religious Institutions

Beck and Pageau discuss the diminishing role of churches and traditional religious symbols in modern society. Pageau argues that without these symbolic anchors, society loses its orienting mechanisms, leading to confusion and moral decay: "We need to give these teenagers a way to see something beyond themselves and to participate in it" (30:56).

8. Architecture as a Symbolic Language

Pageau emphasizes the importance of architecture in conveying cultural values and maintaining societal hierarchies. He criticizes postmodern architecture for its assault on traditional forms, stating, "Postmodern architecture is an assault. It is trying to reprogram us to understand what is inside and what is outside" (52:07).

Beck references iconic structures like Rockefeller Center, interpreting them as deliberate symbols of man’s triumph over traditional values and hierarchy (52:33).

9. Personal Faith and Discernment

Beck shares a personal anecdote about receiving a mysterious painting of Christ, which he interprets as a divine sign of protection and guidance. This story underscores the episode's theme that meaningful, spiritual experiences often guide individuals through personal and societal turmoil (69:10).

Pageau concurs, highlighting that such experiences are "little glimmers that we are in something bigger," reinforcing the idea that humanity is part of a larger, meaningful reality (81:07).

10. The Role of Secrets and Symbolism in Society

In the latter part of the discussion, Beck and Pageau explore the symbolism behind modern myths like aliens and UFOs. Pageau posits that these symbols represent humanity's fear and fascination with the unknown: "Aliens exist and UFOs exist... the story is about the alien influence on us" (89:25).

They debate whether these narratives are external threats or manifestations of internal societal issues, ultimately agreeing that such symbols reflect deeper truths about power, control, and trust in leadership (96:19).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jonathan Pageau [04:28]: “A good way to understand it is that famous conspiracy theory about the lizard people is a good way to understand it.”

• Jonathan Pageau [12:14]: “These transpersonal agencies spiral into chaos.”

• Jonathan Pageau [14:07]: “Evil doesn't have its own existence. It's a parasite.”

• Glenn Beck [30:56]: “It's the hero generation.”

• Jonathan Pageau [34:12]: “Fairy tales are orienting mechanisms. They help people understand how to be with others and how to orient yourself as you move.”

• Jonathan Pageau [52:07]: “Postmodern architecture is an assault. It is trying to reprogram us to understand what is inside and what is outside.”

• Glenn Beck [69:10]: “You give. And it wants more, of course.”

Conclusion

Episode 241 of "The Glenn Beck Program" presents a comprehensive exploration of how ancient symbols and modern myths intertwine to shape contemporary American culture and politics. Through the insightful dialogue between Glenn Beck and Jonathan Pageau, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the metaphysical underpinnings of societal behaviors and the critical importance of maintaining traditional values and symbolic narratives to navigate the complexities of modern life.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments within the transcript were omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussions.