Here James Tunney expresses both appreciation and pointed criticism of the life and philosophy of Bishop George Berkeley (1865-1753). While he is considered among the top rank of philosophers, he was also a slaveholder (at least briefly) and a supporter of British Imperialism. Tunney notes that Berkeley’s version of metaphysical idealism often engenders a feeling [...]

Here James describes the contributions of the British writer, Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), to our understanding of mysticism. During her lifetime, she wrote 39 books covering many aspects of the mystical path, including her 1911 classic, titled Mysticism. She also wrote about ancient Greek and Indian mysticism. While she was a student of esoteric, occult, and [...]

In this three-hour conversation, James reviews his background in international law. He shares his interest in the rights of indigenous people and how they conflict with the modern tendencies toward standardization. Tunney’s writings on mysticism (light) versus repressive technology (dark) emerges from the insight that there has been a failure of spiritual evolution. This is [...]

Here describes a 1917 series of events that took place in Fatima, Portugal, involving apparitions of “Our Lady” that appeared to three children – and eventually to a large crowd of tens of thousands of people. Various prophecies have been associated with the Fatima occurrences. Tunney examines the existing records concerning these prophecies and relates [...]

Here he points out that the great science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick, was “more Greek than Geek” – meaning that he paid more attention to ancient mythological and theological traditions than he did to modern technology. He developed a friendship with the late Bishop James Pike, who wrote extensively about mediumistic communications with his [...]

James Tunney describes sixth century Ireland, often considered to be the beginning of the Dark Ages in Europe. It was then that Columba established a monastery on the remote Island of Iona. It became a center of learning and culture that kept Christianity alive in Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Columba’s biography [...]

Here he describes fifteenth century France into which Joan of Arc was born. It was a time of enormous social disuption and turmoil. England and France were engaged in what is now known as the 100 Years War. The Catholic Church was divided with different claimants to the title of Pope. He describes the visions [...]

Here he describes the context in which Rev. Robert Kirk wrote his classic book about faeries in 1691. He emphasizes that Kirk was not intending to write a book of folklore, but rather an accurate description of experienced phenomena. He points out that interaction with such beings appears to be dependent upon the common gift [...]

Here he explores the controversies concerning the artistic genius of one of the greatest science fiction writers of the twentieth century. There are those who insist that his creations were the result of drug-induced paranoic fantasies. Others describe him as a visionary, mystic, gnostic, and even a prophet. While acknowledging Dick’s psychological disturbances and addictions, [...]

Here he explores the artistic and intellectual complexities of Francis Bacon (1909 – 1992), one of the most successful artists of the twentieth centuries who paintings have sold for more than $100 million. He points out that Bacon found inspiration in the spiritualist literature and possibly functioned mediumistically himself. Tunney also focuses on Bacon’s artwork [...]

Here he reviews the many accomplishments of William Blake (1757-1827), a visual artist, poet, and mystic. Blake was an important influence on people such as W. B. Yeats, Alan Ginsberg, Kathleen Raine, Aldous Huxley – the contemporary artist, Francis Bacon – and even the rock musician, Patti Smith. Many of his contemporaries, and even some [...]

Here he describes the work of George William Russell who was known by his pen name of “AE”. Russell was a fine artist, poet, dramatist, critic, playwrite, statesman, publisher, and mystic. He was closely associated with W. B. Yeats and served as an inspiration for a generation of esotericists, writers, and political activists. His life [...]