THE RESTORATION AND THE SACRED MUSHROOM: DID JOSEPH SMITH USE PSYCHEDELICS TO FACILITATE HIS VISIONARY EXPERIENCES? Gnosticism and shamanism practice techniques of “knowing”, entering spiritual dimensions and experiencing the ineffable, both heavenly and hellish. Derivative forms of these ancient traditions were practiced in upstate New York during Joseph Smith’s formative years. Interestingly, shamans and Gnostics …
Speaker: Robert Beckstead
Reincarnation and The Restoration: Does Joseph Smith’s Last Teaching Help Explain Pre-Mortality and Eternal Progression?
Shortly before his death, Joseph Smith taught several of his followers the principle of multiple mortal probations. How was he converted to this teaching? Which revelations are only understood if one presupposes reincarnation? How does this notion shed light on the prophet’s teachings about premortality, eternal progression, and deification? Robert Beckstead, Gae Lyn Henderson
Did Swedenborg Influence LDS Doctrine?
Emanuel Swedenborg, born 1688, taught that the world of spirits is a preparation for heaven, there are three heavens, marriage is necessary to inherit the holiest of the heavens, the celestial kingdom is divided into three heavens, and there is a balance (opposition) in all things. Such unique and unusual similarities in the teachings of …