Lecture Notes: Episode with Dr. Hillman

Introduction

• Guest: Dr. Hillman
• Academic Background: Masters in Bacteriology, Masters in Classics, PhD in Classics
• Controversial figure; investigated by the Catholic Church for demon possession
• Lecture content: Provocative and unsettling, heavily censored for public release but uncensored version available on Patreon

Defining a Classicist

• Classicist: Specialist in the translation of ancient Greek and sometimes Latin
• Greek language: Superior, large unique word count, absorbed other languages
• Classicists' duty: Preserve and translate ancient documents
• Critique of modern classicists: Career-focused, ignoring important texts

Dr. Hillman's Academic Journey

• Started studying Greek at 21, went through University of Arizona's Classics program
• Childhood: Born-again Christian, converted drunks through mission work
• Disillusionment: Standards of ancient Greek in Christian context were poor
• Transition to Sciences: Studied neuropeptides and endocrinology

The Megiddo Excavation

• Participated in excavation at Tel Megiddo, Israel
• Found Canaanite temple floor dating back to 4000 BC
• Experienced hallucinations and prophetic statements from excavation teammates

Academic Struggles and Discoveries

• Dissertation: Roman Pharmacy, faced opposition for including recreational drug use
• Published 'The Chemical Muse' after removing controversial content from dissertation
• Response: Mixed, some labeled it dangerous, others ignored it

Drugs in Antiquity

• Recreational drugs were not distinguished from medicinal drugs
• Ancient pharmacology: Combining plants and animal products for various effects
• Use of drugs in religious and social contexts: For healing, inducing states of mania, etc.

The Chemical Muse and Ancient Texts

• Galen: Second-century physician, extensive work on pharmacology and antidotes
• 'The Chemical Muse': Explores drug use in ancient times, faced backlash from academic community
• Historical sources: Greek Magical Papyri, accounts of medical practices involving body fluids and drugs

Insights on Religion and Society

• Greek language: Rich, capable of conveying complex ideas, influenced Western philosophy and governance
• Democracy in Athens: Direct representation, strict anti-corruption measures
• Religious practices: Use of drugs for rituals, initiation into mysteries
• Influence on modern perceptions: Drugs seen as part of cultural and religious fabric

Controversial Claims about Jesus

• Jesus: Portrayed as deeply involved in drug use and controversial relationships with children
• Gospel of Mark: Mentions a boy with a medicated bandage who was with Jesus
• Interpretation: Jesus as a figure using drugs and leading a controversial life

Reflections on Modern Religion

• Modern translations of the Bible: Often inaccurate, obscuring original meanings
• Academic and religious institutions: Resistant to controversial interpretations
• Call for renewed understanding: Advocates for seeing historical and religious texts in their true context

Conclusion

• Dr. Hillman's mission: Preserve and reveal the true context of ancient texts
• Vision: A society enlightened by the true history of its religious and cultural foundations
• Recommendation: Study ancient languages and texts to understand history authentically