More than Allegory

On Religious Myth, Truth and Belief

By: Bernardo Kastrup

Narrated by: Matthew Josdal

This book is a three-part journey into the rabbit hole we call the nature of reality. Its ultimate destination is a plausible, living validation of transcendence. Each of its three parts is like a turn of a spiral, exploring recurring ideas through the prisms of religious myth, truth, and belief, respectively. With each turn, the book seeks to convey a more nuanced and complete understanding of the many facets of transcendence. Part I puts forward the controversial notion that many religious myths are actually true, and not just allegorically so. Part II argues that our own inner storytelling plays a surprising role in creating the seeming concreteness of things and the tangibility of history. Part III suggests, in the form of a myth, how deeply ingrained belief systems create the world in which we live. The three themes, myth, truth, and belief, flow into and interpenetrate each other throughout the book.

©2012 Bernardo Kastrup; Introduction copyright 2015 by Jeffrey J. Kripal (P)2021 Tantor

Wow

All I can say is wow. This concept of consciousness, reality, myth, truthful fiction, resonates with me at the deepest levels.

Words arranged in a way that allows for moments of clarity.

This is a beautiful book. The ideas expressed in it and the approach taken were inspired and inspiring. The reader was not on the same level as the writing. Especially in part 3. I am interested in reading the book now to process the material without the slightly distracting cadences and strange choice of word emphasis that the reader expressed. But it was read well enough to allow me to access lots of beauty. I am grateful to have come across this book. Thank you Bernardo Kastrup.

Dense

I plan to start over and listen again. I made it through part one then skipped to the allegory - part III. This is so chock full of thought provoking narrative, I can’t just let it go. I know I’ll get so much more — enlightened viewpoints — by going at it again. I have it 4 stars because my mind wandered so much as I listened to it the first time.

I will listen to this again!

If you want to hear a case for the importance of symbol, metaphor and the like then this is a goldmine. I found this deeply satisfying.

One of kind

I’ll be listening to this audiobook again soon. So much packed under its pages. Recommended.

Stunning

This dense nugget of a book is like being given some of the missing pieces to this puzzle.
The way he builds the lesson makes it very scalable and accessable.
Don't underestimate what you may find in this book.

Finally, the Clarity I’ve Been Searching For, A Beautiful Articulation of Deep Truths

Bernardo Kastrup’s More Than Allegory is nothing short of a revelation. For years, I’ve struggled to find the words—or even the framework—to make sense of certain profound concepts that touch on the nature of reality, mythology, and spirituality. Kastrup has done what so many others have failed to do: he has beautifully explained, described, and articulated these ideas with a clarity and depth that resonate deeply.

The book doesn’t merely scratch the surface; it dives into the heart of topics that are often left tangled in esoteric jargon or overly simplistic analogies. Kastrup strikes an exquisite balance between intellectual rigor and accessible storytelling, making this a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s something more to the myths, stories, and symbols we take for granted—or wondered how they connect to our own experiences of reality—this book will speak to you in ways you didn’t think possible. It’s a transformative read, and I’m grateful for the clarity and insight it has given me.

Symbolisch en diep

Wat een heerlijke reis door de realiteit. Bernardo schept ruimte en laat je verder kijken dan je neus lang is. Het “verhalende einde” werkte bij mij ook hallucinerend, alsof ikzelf 400 jaar een insect was. Aanrader.

Not what I expected

This is so much more and so different than what I had expected. Beautiful in every way and I just happened upon it. More than the book the author stood out to me right from the start and now I know why. I will be looking for all your books..Please find me..I’d love to send you an infinity orb. fractalprismglass❤️✌️

Piercing the Veil

Piercing the Veil. Science meets the Conscious Source through psychedelic journeys and religious signposts. Excellent!