Beckstead et al. hypothesize that Joseph and other early LDS produced visions through entheogens.

Date
Jun 2019
Type
Academic / Technical Report
Source
Robert Beckstead et al.
Hearsay
Direct
Secondary
Reference

Robert Beckstead et al., "The entheogenic origins of Mormonism: A working hypothesis," Journal of Psychedelic Studies 3 (June 2019): 212–260

Scribe/Publisher
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
People
Robert Beckstead et al.
Audience
Reading Public
PDF
Transcription

Historical documents relating to early Mormonism suggest that Joseph Smith (1805–1844) employed entheogen-infused sacraments to fulfill his promise that every Mormon convert would experience visions of God and spiritual ecstasies. Early Mormon scriptures and Smith’s teachings contain descriptions consistent with using entheogenic material. Compiled descriptions of Joseph Smith’s earliest visions and early Mormon convert visions reveal the internal symptomology and outward bodily manifestations consistent with using an anticholinergic entheogen. Due to embarrassing symptomology associated with these manifestations, Smith sought for psychoactives with fewer associated outward manifestations. The visionary period of early Mormonism fueled by entheogens played a significant role in the spectacular rise of this American-born religion. The death of Joseph Smith marked the end of visionary Mormonism and the failure or refusal of his successor to utilize entheogens as a part of religious worship. The implications of an entheogenic origin of Mormonism may contribute to the broader discussion of the major world religions with evidence of entheogen use at their foundation and illustrate the value of entheogens in religious experience.

Citations in Mormonr Qnas
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