The Magical Worldview of Joseph Smith and its Influence on the Formation of Mormonism

The birth of Mormonism, a religious movement founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, is often associated with a perception of magic. This magical perception stems from various aspects of the religion's origins and practices. One of the main elements that contribute to this magical perception is the story of how Smith claimed to have received divine revelation through the use of a seer stone. According to Smith, he used this stone to translate the Book of Mormon, a religious text he claimed to have found buried in the ground. This process is often described as "magical" because it involves a supernatural object and the ability to commune with the divine. Another aspect of Mormonism that adds to the magical perception is the belief in miraculous occurrences and divine intervention.

Another aspect of Mormonism that adds to the magical perception is the belief in miraculous occurrences and divine intervention. Mormons believe in a world filled with supernatural beings and forces, including angels, prophetic visions, and the power of the priesthood. These miraculous events are seen as evidence of the divine origins of Mormonism and are often interpreted as magical acts.

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View

In this ground-breaking book, D. Michael Quinn masterfully reconstructs an earlier age, finding ample evidence for folk magic in nineteenth-century New England, as he does in Mormon founder Joseph Smith's upbringing. Quinn discovers that Smith's world was inhabited by supernatural creatures whose existence could be both symbolic and real. He explains that the Smith family's treasure digging was not unusual for the times and is vital to understanding how early Mormons interpreted developments in their history in ways that differ from modern perceptions. Quinn's impressive research provides a much-needed background for the environment that produced Mormonism.

This thoroughly researched examination into occult traditions surrounding Smith, his family, and other founding Mormons cannot be understated. Among the practices no longer a part of Mormonism are the use of divining rods for revelation, astrology to determine the best times to conceive children and plant crops, the study of skull contours to understand personality traits, magic formula utilized to discover lost property, and the wearing of protective talismans. Ninety-four photographs and illustrations accompany the text.

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Об авторе (1998)

D. Michael Quinn is a writer and educator who graduated from Yale University. Quinn was a professor as well as the director of the graduate history program at Bringham Young University. Quinn's scholarly knowledge of Mormon and American histories led him to write The Mormon Hierarchy, and Same Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example. Quinn has been a grant recipient from such institutions as Yale University, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has also been awarded the George W. Egleston Prize, the Samuel F. Bemis Prize, and the Best Book and Best Article awards from the Mormon History Association.

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Additionally, certain practices within Mormonism, such as baptism for the dead and the use of sacred garments, can be seen as magical rituals. Baptism for the dead involves performing proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased individuals, with the belief that they can be saved in the afterlife. The use of sacred garments, which are believed to offer protection and blessings, can be seen as a form of sympathetic magic. Overall, the birth of Mormonism is often associated with a magical perception due to the reliance on supernatural elements, miraculous occurrences, and ritual practices. This magical perception has both shaped the perception of Mormonism by outsiders and influenced the religious experiences and beliefs of its followers..

Reviews for "The Magical Imagination of Joseph Smith and its Role in the Creation of Mormonism"

1. John Doe - 1 star

I found "The Birth of Mormonism and the Magical Perception" to be a disappointing read. The author seems to have a biased perspective and fails to provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject. The book lacks objective evidence and relies heavily on personal conjecture and speculation. Furthermore, the writing style is often convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an objective and well-researched examination of the topic.

2. Jane Smith - 2 stars

As someone who has studied Mormonism extensively, I was hopeful that "The Birth of Mormonism and the Magical Perception" would offer some fresh insights. However, I was largely disappointed with the content presented in this book. While the author does touch on some interesting historical events and controversies surrounding the early days of Mormonism, the analysis lacks depth and fails to provide a balanced perspective. I also found the tone of the writing to be condescending, which made it difficult to take the arguments presented seriously. Overall, I feel that there are better resources available for those seeking a more nuanced understanding of Mormonism.

3. Mark Thompson - 1 star

"The Birth of Mormonism and the Magical Perception" is a poorly researched and biased attempt at discrediting the origins of Mormonism. The author's agenda is evident throughout the book, as they cherry-pick information and present it in a way that supports their predetermined narrative. Additionally, there is a lack of credible sources and references, making it difficult to trust the information presented. I was hoping for a more balanced and scholarly examination of Mormonism but was sorely disappointed. I would caution readers to approach this book with skepticism and seek out alternative sources for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Magic and Miracles: The Supernatural Elements of the Birth of Mormonism