Shamanism and the Shamanic Complex
Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture August 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1177/0146107911413212 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | Argues that shamanism represents a recognizable pattern of religious practice based on alternate states of consciousness, and proposes that shamanic studies offer a framework for analyzing biblical visionary and prophetic experiences, including those of Paul and Jesus. |
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to introduce biblical interpreters to shamanism and the study of the shamanic complex. The shaman represents an identifiable pattern of religious entrepreneurs with shared practices and beliefs based on alternate states of consciousness experiences. Based on the bodily and neurological potential for alternate states of consciousness experiences, shamanism finds unique expression within different cultural settings. Shamanic studies also provide the potential for understanding and analyzing various aspects of the biblical tradition. In the final section visionary, ecstatic and prophetic stories as well as other alternate states of consciousness experiences associated with figures such as Paul and Jesus, are presented.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Altered States of Consciousness Archives of General Psychiatry September 1, 1966
- Phenomenological Mapping and Comparisons of Shamanic, Buddhist, Yogic, and Schizophrenic Experiences Journal of the American Academy of Religion 1993
- The nose and altered states of consciousness: Tascodrugites and Ezekiel HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies August 18, 2010
- Perceptual Diversity: Is Polyphasic Consciousness Necessary for Global Survival? Anthropology of Consciousness March 1, 2001
- A Definition of Shamanism Temenos - Nordic Journal of Comparative Religion 1973