15 Grams of Religion

15 Grams of Religion Welcome to my channel, “15 Grams of Religion”!

My name is Michal Puchovský (Institute for Sociology of Slovak Academy of Sciences), and my goal is to share with you the knowledge about religions I have gained during my academic career.

10/06/2026

You're Not a Holy Crusader, You're a Corporate Pope

Did you know that your heroic underground crusade in Oblivion's Knights of the Nine DLC is actually a textbook example of how radical cults inevitably turn into boring corporate bureaucracies? Join me as we use Max Weber's sociology to uncover the hidden truth behind the Order of the Nine and your role as the Holy Crusader.

NEW EPISODE OUT!It took some time, but here is video I am proud of - my analysis of religion in Shivering Isles and Knig...
08/06/2026

NEW EPISODE OUT!

It took some time, but here is video I am proud of - my analysis of religion in Shivering Isles and Knights of The Nine. I really played throught both DLCs, did lots of notes, lots of video editing and here is the result. Hope you like!

You can expect:
⚔️ an overview of in-game factions and cults such as the reformed Order of the Nine or Church of Arden-Sul
⚔️ an analysis of mythological figures like Pelinal Whitestrake and Sheogorath
⚔️ few fancy academic words like the routinization of charisma, divine madness, the Jungian Shadow, and apotheosis
⚔️ real-world inspirations behind the lore, from Greek epics and Norse gods to ancient shamanism

Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/qYLNeZAToAk

Hello everybody!Did you know that I have also been writing for the Czech rock magazine Spark since 2019?Following a rece...
05/05/2026

Hello everybody!

Did you know that I have also been writing for the Czech rock magazine Spark since 2019?

Following a recent change in my professional life, I unexpectedly found myself with the time not only to write several academic studies but also to devote more time to rock journalism for Spark. This has given me the opportunity to interview giants of rock history such as Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), and Adrian Belew (ex-King Crimson), alongside blues ace Joe Bonamassa. From the Czech and Slovak pagan music scene, I've also spoken with Tomáš Kočko & Orchestr and Ramchat. These interviews are gradually appearing in various issues of Spark.

On top of that, I've contributed a few little tidbits in the form of short reviews for live albums by Scorpions and The Dead Daisies, as well as new albums from hard rock projects like Purpendicular, Joel Hoekstra's 13, and Black Swan.

I often use the first-hand information from these artist interviews in my scientific research and YouTube videos! :)

FRIDAY’S UPDATE #23Hello everybody!First, let's talk briefly about my ideas for videos. Next on the menu is a long over...
23/04/2026

FRIDAY’S UPDATE #23

Hello everybody!

First, let's talk briefly about my ideas for videos. Next on the menu is a long overdue analysis of religion in the Oblivion DLCs Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. It's good to be back in Cyrodiil! After that, I will prepare another gaming video about games, religion, and clichés.

The video after that will again be musical - thanks to my rock journalist job I will have a chance to speak with Blackie Lawless from W.A.S.P. and I plan to use this opportunity to discuss religion and his spirituality with him. Last, but not least, I have a semi-prepared script for either the sacred places of Pagans in Slovakia or mystical creatures and beings from Slavic mythology. Lots of plans, as you can see!

Second, last week, the 17th ISORECEA conference took place in my hometown of Bratislava, organized by researchers from the countries of the former Eastern Bloc.

In addition to presenting a paper on the preliminary findings of my research into the motivations for being a pagan in Slovakia, I had the honour of receiving a diploma for winning the Miklós Tomka Award for my study on the history of paganism in Slovakia.

I was, of course, very pleased with the award, and after a long period of having various projects and competition entries rejected, it gave me the confidence that my research is, after all, worth something :)

Have a lovely weekend, wonderful people!

15/04/2026

Did you know what Slovakia's fastest-growing alternative faith actually is?

When the 2021 Slovak national census results were released, the data revealed a fascinating sociological surprise: over 4,000 citizens officially identified as Pagans or followers of nature-based spirituality.

THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF MODERN PAGANISM IN SLOVAKIA (+ SK titulky)Slovakia is such a tiny European country that it’s hones...
13/04/2026

THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF MODERN PAGANISM IN SLOVAKIA (+ SK titulky)

Slovakia is such a tiny European country that it’s honestly a miracle when people don't confuse it with Slovenia. 😂 Which probably explains why there is exactly zero English content on YouTube about its modern Pagan scene.

Well, I decided to fix that! 🇸🇰🔮

I just uploaded a brand new, highly exclusive video exploring the untold history of modern Paganism in Slovakia. The core of the video features my presentation from the EUREL conference in Bratislava (September 2025), where I trace the movement from its absolute zero before 1989, through the boom of Slavic reconstructionists in the 90s, up to the modern Wiccan covens of today.

If you are a history nerd, a sociology geek, or just curious about how ancient gods make a comeback in post-communist countries, this one is for you.

👉 Watch the full video:

https://youtu.be/DeLVot4y5i8

24/03/2026

An absurd parody poking fun at YouTube sponsor segments done 15 minutes, included in my last video about religion and Black Sabbath. If you’re into deadpan humor, this is for you.

22/03/2026

While "N.I.B." is often cited as a satanic recruitment song, it actually started as a joke about a band member's beard. Discover how this iconic track is more of a subversive love song parody than a tribute to the dark lord.

19/03/2026

Did Black Sabbath accidentally invent Christian Metal back in 1971? We analyze the lyrics of "After Forever" to see how the architects of doom created the ultimate song of faith.

New episode out!After Ozzy, as a longtime fan of all incarnation of the band, the next choice was logically Black Sabbat...
15/03/2026

New episode out!

After Ozzy, as a longtime fan of all incarnation of the band, the next choice was logically Black Sabbath! The question is rather obvious - are Black Sabbath truly the most evil band ever or has history misunderstood their message? 🤘

In this episode of 15 Grams of Religion, we dive deep into the religious and sociological layers of the band that started heavy metal. Forget the tabloid headlines—we’re analyzing Black Sabbath through the lens of religious studies to not only look smart, but mainly to uncover the interesting story behind the inverted crosses and horror-filled lyrics.

In this video, we explore:
✅ The myth of Black Sabbath as a Satanic band and where it actually came from
✅ How Geezer Butler used Christian concepts to deliver cutting social critiques
✅ Short-lived Pagan turn during the Tony Martin era
✅ What does lyrics and music of Black Sabbath and their public reception shows us about our society from religious studies and sociological perspective

▶️ https://youtu.be/cGa0_CMPDtQ

Adresa

Brno

Internetová stránka

Upozornění

Buďte informováni jako první, zašleme vám e-mail, když 15 Grams of Religion zveřejní novinky a akce. Vaše emailová adresa nebude použita pro žádný jiný účel a kdykoliv se můžete odhlásit.

Odkazy

Sdílet

Kategorie