1: Introduction

In this episode, Gabe and Elden embark on a profound exploration of mystical experiences and their intersection with Mormonism, psychedelics, and altered states of consciousness. They delve into the psychological definition of mystical experiences and discuss Joseph Smith's experiences, highlighting the potential connection to psychedelic experiences and automatic writing. The conversation extends into the integration of religion with science, examining Joseph Smith's life, including the role of trauma and the representation of religion as an evolutionary stage of human consciousness. They draw parallels between Mormonism and other religions, emphasizing the historical role of psychedelic sacraments and altered states in religious traditions. The hosts advocate for a growth mindset and open-mindedness, stressing the importance of exploring expanded states of awareness and the potential for personal transformation. They discuss reconstructing beliefs by integrating science, spirituality, and philosophy, offering a middle way beyond deconstruction that provides a positive and hopeful perspective on spiritual journeys. Elden shares his personal journey beyond Mormonism, discussing the shift in understanding personal revelation and the integration of philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. The episode concludes by stressing the need for adaptability and diverse perspectives in a changing world.

Links

Roland Griffiths TEDX talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKm_mnbN9JY

Psychology Today Article on Endogenous Mystical Experiences - https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/social-instincts/202301/have-you-had-a-drug-free-psychedelic-experience

The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs by Cody Noconi - https://a.co/d/12MJlPl

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn - https://a.co/d/ckebGw5

New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:

https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM

https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics

Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mormons, Mystics, and Muons

01:56 The Psychedelic Hypothesis of Mormonism

03:04 Mystical Experiences

06:03 False Dichotomies

08:02 Psychedelic Research and the Good Friday Experiment

10:35 Creating a More Integrative Holistic Narrative

14:30 Different Modalities for Accessing Mystical Experiences

16:19 Transcending False Dichotomies

18:09 The Book of Mormon

20:18 Different States of Consciousness

27:18 Pious Fraud Hypothesis and the Evidences Joseph Believed

36:16 Joseph's Struggle with his Shadow

43:20 Evolution of Religion and Science

49:35 The Eleusinian Mysteries and the Psychedelic Roots of Religion

55:38 The Likelihood of Psychedelics in Early Mormonism

57:18 The Zionitic Brethren and the Ephrata Cloister

59:29 Mormonism and Gnosticism

01:01:16 The Implications of Mormonism's Overlap with Esoteric Traditions

01:04:05 Idealism

01:08:54 The Pursuit of Truth

01:15:04 Moving Beyond Deconstruction to Recontextualization

01:21:15 Leaving the Church

01:28:03 Purpose of the Podcast

01:35:54 Gabe's Journey

01:41:35 Elden's Journey

01:48:35 How Gabe and Elden Met and Plans for the Podcast