Item Detail
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30825
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2
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0
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English
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The Book of Mormon as a Symbolic History : A New Perspective on Its Place in History
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Sunstone
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March 2004
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131
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Salt Lake City, UT
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Sunstone Education Foundation
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35-45
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I have examined the Book of Mormon as a product of grand symbolic processes that touch on archetypal themes in the collective unconscious and unleash associated energies in the way described by Jung. Though the Book of Mormon’s specific origins can be located in the tensions between European and Indian cultures, it is clear from its farreaching influence that it can also be applied helpfully to issues in hundreds of cultures and without regard to particular historical contexts. Much as Black Elk’s vision of the six grandfathers and the many sacred hoops of the world gave hope and identity to his people, the Book of Mormon has shown a similar ability to bring peace and a sense of belonging to many people in many places. Regardless of one’s reaction to my overarching thesis that the Book of Mormon is best understood as a symbolic history capable of uniting the un-unitable in shamanic balance, I believe there are more important questions to reflect upon than whether the Book of Mormon is literally an translation of an ancient record or literally a product of nineteenth century or psychological influences. These more important questions center on why it is that the Book of Mormon occupies such an important place in the collective psyche of so many. Instead of worrying about its ancient, modern, or psychological origins, we should be asking what it is about the book that has had power to motivate millions of people to spend their time and energy—some even sacrificing careers and fortunes—in efforts to share this book with others.