122. Mormonism and Western Esotericism 

Recorded for the 2021 Sunstone Symposium
Thanks to the work of such scholars as D. Michael Quinn, John L. Brooke, and Lance Owens, scholars of Mormonism increasingly turn to the Western esoteric tradition for insight into Mormon origins and the development of Mormon theology and practice. Early Mormonism was an esoteric movement in that it pursued hidden truths and embraced “rejected knowledge.” In the endowment, Mormonism also incorporates theurgic rituals of heavenly ascent that resonate with ancient esoteric teachings and practices. This panel will explore the unprecedented promise of esotericism for elucidating Mormonism’s past and for forging paths forward in theological exploration and ritual hermeneutics.
Speakers Ed Goble, Trevor Luke, Kerry Shirts, and Maxine Hanks