If you think you know everything about the origins of Christianity, think again. There is a book that claims that the whole religion was based on a secret code for psychedelic mushrooms. The author is a respected scholar who worked on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Written by John Allegro in 1970, the book is called The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross. Continue reading to learn more about this controversial and fascinating book and why it caused such a stir.
What is The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross about? According to Allegro, Jesus Christ never existed as a historical person. He was a mythological creation of early Christians who used psychedelic mushrooms to induce visionary experiences and communicate with God. These mushrooms were their sacrament, and a symbol of divine power and knowledge.
Allegro claimed that these early Christians revered the mushrooms as sacred and gave them various names, such as manna, bread of heaven, flesh of God, and son of God. He also claimed that many of the words and symbols in the Bible were actually derived from ancient names and images of the mushroom and its psychedelic effects.
How did he come up with these ideas? He used his knowledge of ancient languages to trace the origins of many biblical words to their roots in older languages. He then showed how these words had multiple meanings and associations.
For example, he claims that the name Jesus comes from a Hebrew word meaning “he will save”, which also refers to the mushroom as a savior and healer. He also claims that the cross, the tree of life, and the serpent are all symbols of the mushroom and its power.
But why would early Christians use a code for mushrooms? Allegro argues that they had to hide their true beliefs from the Roman authorities who persecuted them. He also suggests that they wanted to preserve their secret knowledge from outsiders who were not worthy or ready for it.
The book was met with outrage and ridicule by most scholars and religious leaders when it was published. They accused Allegro of being a fraud, a lunatic, or a blasphemer. They also pointed out that there was no archaeological or historical evidence for his claims.
However, some people were intrigued by Allegro’s book and found it plausible or inspiring. They saw it as a challenge to the orthodox views of Christianity and a revelation of its hidden origins. They also saw it as a way to connect with the ancient wisdom and spirituality of mushrooms.
The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross has become a cult classic among some mushroom enthusiasts, psychedelic explorers, and historians. Some scholars defend Allegro’s work as being original, provocative, and worthy of reconsideration.
What do you think of The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross? Do you think Allegro was onto something or just making things up? Have you read it or would you like to read it? Let me know in the comments below.
References
Allegro, John M. The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross: A Study of the Nature and Origins of Christianity within the Fertility Cults of the Ancient Near East. London: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd, 1970.
Ashley Ryan, M.S. 