Early Mormonism and the Magic Worldview Early Mormonism, founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, was deeply influenced by the prevailing magical worldview of the time. The magic worldview encompassed various beliefs and practices that were common during this period, such as divination, seer stones, and treasure hunting. Joseph Smith himself was known to be involved in treasure seeking activities before he claimed to have received divine revelations. He used a seer stone, similar to the ones used for divination and scrying, to locate buried treasures. This magical worldview, which saw the physical world as infused with supernatural power and hidden treasures waiting to be found, shaped the early development of Mormonism. The Book of Mormon, considered a sacred text by Mormons, bears traces of this magical worldview.
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The Book of Mormon, considered a sacred text by Mormons, bears traces of this magical worldview. The book tells the story of an ancient civilization in the Americas and is said to have been translated by Joseph Smith from golden plates. The plates were allegedly found buried in a hillside and associated with divination practices, such as using a seer stone to interpret ancient writings.
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Furthermore, early Mormon rituals and beliefs incorporated elements of folk magic and occult practices. For example, rites of divination, healing, and blessing were common in early Mormonism, reflecting the magical worldview prevalent at the time. These practices were seen as a way to access supernatural powers and connect with divine forces. Despite the influence of the magical worldview, as Mormonism developed and gained more followers, it gradually distanced itself from these practices. As the religion grew, it sought to establish itself as a legitimate and respectable faith, moving away from its magical roots. In conclusion, early Mormonism was deeply influenced by the magical worldview of the time. Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure seeking activities, the translation of the Book of Mormon through divinatory practices, and the incorporation of folk magic and occult practices in early Mormon rituals all reflect this influence. However, as the religion grew and evolved, it gradually moved away from its magical roots, seeking legitimacy and respectability in the eyes of the wider society..
Reviews for "Magic and Miracles: Exploring the Supernatural in Early Mormonism"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I found "Early Mormonism and the Magic World View" to be an incredibly biased and one-sided portrayal of the history of Mormonism. The author seemed determined to present a negative narrative of the religion, constantly highlighting the more controversial aspects while ignoring any positive contributions or beliefs. While it is important to critically analyze any religious movement, this book failed to provide a fair and balanced perspective. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Mormonism.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "Early Mormonism and the Magic World View" as it did not live up to my expectations. The book focused heavily on Joseph Smith's involvement in folk magic and occult practices, which might have been interesting on its own, but it overshadowed any discussion of the actual beliefs and teachings of early Mormonism. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the spiritual aspects of the religion, but it felt like the author was more interested in sensationalizing the magic-related elements. This left me feeling like I only got a surface-level understanding of the subject.
3. Robert Johnson - 1 star
I found "Early Mormonism and the Magic World View" to be an overly critical and speculative take on the origins of Mormonism. While it is true that Joseph Smith had connections to practices of folk magic, the author uses this information to cast doubt on the entire religious movement. The book seems more interested in debunking and discrediting rather than presenting a nuanced analysis. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach that acknowledges the complexity of religious history rather than trying to pass judgment based on personal biases.
4. Emily Thompson - 2 stars
As someone who was genuinely interested in learning about the early beginnings of Mormonism, I found "Early Mormonism and the Magic World View" to be a disappointment. The author's focus on exploring the magical elements in Joseph Smith's life overshadowed any discussion on the religious aspects. While it is important to examine the influences and contexts that shape religious movements, I felt that this book offered little more than a catalog of Smith's connections to folk magic. It lacked a comprehensive exploration of the faith and beliefs that grew out of these origins.