Early Mormonism and the Magic World View

[Brian Johnston]

I’m about 2/3 through this book now. Here’s the update:

It is exhaustive history and exhausting to read. While I would gladly recommend to anyone this book if they are interested in the topic of Joseph Smith (and the Church’s) early ties to ritual magic, and it is the highest-quality historical research, the flow of the book is lacking. Fawn Brodie’s “No Man Knows My History” was enjoyable to me as it was written more like a story. “Rough Stone Rolling” was dry, but I got into it after a while. “Early Mormonism and the Magic World View” is even farther past dry than RSR.

I have the current “revised” edition that is on sale. Normally I don’t pay much attention to that. Authors sometimes go back and update a few facts in light of research that comes to light after their book is published. I’m cool with that. However, the revisions are extensive, and they are addressed to other academics and historians by name. I don’t feel like I am reading a book written for me. I feel like I am a fly on the wall of a history professor’s office listening to a rant with a colleague about why all his academic opponents are idiots. Quinn constantly references himself and his previous edition in the book and is then clear to label anyone who disagrees as an “apologist” or “polemicist.” The scholars that back his views are the honest ones

All that being said, the research is amazing. I can’t believe how deep and wide Quinn reached to find facts and information, comparing elements from Mormon history to common sources (books and cultural traditions) about ritual magic and religion in the 19th century. His analysis of Smith family possessions (items of ritual magic) and historical events in the early Church is top notch and compelling.

His overall point is very positive in my mind, even if it is still shocking to moderns (us). Ritual magic was common among the uneducated and even the well-educated, intellectual elites in that era. It was not necessarily seen as contrary at all to the notion of Christian religion. In fact, Joseph Smith’s claims and experiences in them self were so common, that it is a far more reasonable explanation for his persecution than the fact that he made amazing claims of seeing God and angels. It really sucks a lot of air out of the anti-Mormons parading this stuff around to show that Mormonism is a “cult.” People had a completely different view of the world back then (a magical world view), even though it was not so long ago in the grand scheme of things.

[Old-Timer]

Amen, valoel. Very well said.

[Brian Johnston]

Finished the last of the book this week. I don’t think my overall review has changed. It is a long and technical book. I think it is a fantastic resource of information about issues of magic and magical thinking in the Church. If the following topics are things that either trouble or interest you, and you feel like you really want/need to know a lot more about them in depth, I highly recommend the book:

1. Joseph’s treasure digging activities (a form of treasure quest)

2. Seer stones, diving rods (like Oliver Cowdery’s), the Jupiter Talisman, consecrated oil, and other artifacts.

3. Interesting connections to times and dates in important Church history, and their connection to astrology.

4. 19th Century cultural perspective on folk magic and religion, and why people participated in both (even non-LDS).

5. What sources (books, etc.) were available to Joseph Smith regarding religion and magic in his environment.

[Heber13]

Brian, back in your earlier post, you stated:

Brian Johnston wrote:

People had a completely different view of the world back then (a magical world view), even though it was not so long ago in the grand scheme of things.

Do you think that is a hindrance to the modern church? If many doctrines were given to a prophet with this world view and understanding, he could certainly be greatly enlightened with truth, but still influenced by the world view which is all he knows…right? With so much of our scripture coming from Joseph Smith, is that a factor that leads more people today to disaffection because it is harder to hold on to the “magical” view of the doctrines that aren’t as accepted in today’s society?

I just wonder if you think after reading the book that this is an inevitable stumbling block for all religions as they progress over time, whether it is magical views in JS day, or violent life in OT days, or whatever.

[Brian Johnston]

Great question Heber. I am not sure. That’s a really good observation though about how almost all people today in the western world have a materialistic view, but we are still using largely the work of a prophet with a strong magic world view. You are right. That is bound to cause some friction.

I think it might explain a lot why we are not as dramatic today as in the early Mormon Church. I think it may also explain why more recent leaders do not seem to give out as much revelation, prophecy and express spiritual gifts as publicly. This stuff was the norm back them, and I don’t think people had as much problem when great blessings and prophecy were pronounced, or more dramatic statements were made.

[Author]

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