John Miller
The idea that Moses was under the influence of psychedelic drugs when he encountered God has been proposed by Benny Shanon, a cognitive psychologist and professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Shanon suggests that Moses may have been high on naturally occurring psychedelic substances, such as ayahuasca or psilocybin mushrooms, during key events in the Bible, including when he saw the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Shanon's theory has sparked debate, with some dismissing it as heresy, while others explore the potential connection between psychedelics and spiritual experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Benny Shanon, cognitive psychologist and professor at Hebrew University |
| Shanon's theory | Moses was under the influence of psychedelic drugs when he heard God deliver the Ten Commandments and when he saw the burning bush |
| Shanon's evidence | The description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet are classic imaginings of people under the influence of drugs |
| Shanon's evidence | The perception of a bush burning but not being consumed is a telltale sign of a drug-induced vision |
| Shanon's evidence | The "cloud of smoke" that settled on Mount Sinai was indicative of a mass drug-taking event |
| Shanon's evidence | The Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden offered psychedelic substances |
| Shanon's personal experience | Shanon's theory was influenced by his own experience with Ayahuasca, a drink made from plants in the Holy Land and Sinai Peninsula that induced similar visions |
| Reactions | Rabbis in Israel and the UK have largely ignored or dismissed Shanon's theories |
| Reactions | Israeli internet chat rooms are buzzing with a mix of endorsements and condemnations, with some saying "maybe it is true - then religion really is the opiate of the people." |
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What You'll Learn
- Benny Shanon, a Hebrew University professor, claims Moses was high on psychedelic drugs
- Shanon's theory is based on the Bible reminding him of his own visions after consuming Ayahuasca
- Shanon believes Moses' perception of time changed, causing the bush to appear burnt but not consumed
- Shanon's theory is dismissed by Rabbis in Israel and the UK
- Shanon's theory sparked debate in Israeli internet chatrooms
Benny Shanon, a Hebrew University professor, claims Moses was high on psychedelic drugs
Benny Shanon, a cognitive psychologist and professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, claims that Moses was high on psychedelic drugs. Shanon's theory, published in the philosophy journal Time and Mind, suggests that key events in the Old Testament are records of visions by ancient Israelites under the influence of hallucinogens. Shanon believes that psychedelic substances, such as Ayahuasca, were an integral part of the religious rites of the Israelites in biblical times.
In his study, Shanon points to the description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet as classic imaginings of people under the influence of drugs. He interprets the story of the burning bush, which was not consumed by the fire, as a sign of drug-induced visions, where Moses' sense of time was altered. Shanon also suggests that the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden and the trees used by Noah to build the ark may have had psychedelic properties.
Shanon's theory has sparked controversy, with Rabbis in Israel and the UK largely ignoring or dismissing his claims. Some have argued that the Bible conveys a profound event and that Shanon's interpretation undermines the significance of the biblical account of Moses. However, Shanon's theory highlights the possibility that psychedelic substances played a role in shaping the religious experiences and rites of the Israelites in ancient times.
While the idea of Moses being under the influence of psychedelic drugs may seem unconventional, it adds an intriguing layer to the interpretation of biblical events. Shanon's personal experience with hallucinogenic substances may have influenced his perspective, as he admits to having used them extensively. The debate surrounding Shanon's theory underscores the ongoing exploration of the interplay between religion, spirituality, and the potential role of psychoactive substances in shaping religious experiences.
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Shanon's theory is based on the Bible reminding him of his own visions after consuming Ayahuasca
Benny Shanon, a professor of cognitive psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, claims that Moses was likely under the influence of psychedelic drugs when he encountered God and received the Ten Commandments. Shanon's theory, published in the philosophy journal Time and Mind, suggests that the Bible's account of Moses' experiences is reminiscent of the visions one might have after consuming Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink made from plants in the Holy Land and the Sinai Peninsula.
Shanon's theory is based on his personal experiences with Ayahuasca, which he claims induced similar visions to those described in the Bible. He argues that the description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet are classic signs of people under the influence of drugs. Shanon interprets the perception of a bush burning but not being consumed as a result of altered time perception due to drug use. He also suggests that the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden and the Ark built by Noah from Acacia wood, which contains the psychedelic substance DMT, further support the presence of hallucinogenic substances in the Bible.
According to Shanon, psychedelic drugs played an integral part in the religious rites of ancient Israelites. He believes that the Bible's accounts of mass drug-taking, such as the Children of Israel hearing God at Mount Sinai, explain the reported "cloud of smoke." Shanon's interpretation of these events has sparked controversy, with some Rabbis dismissing his theories as a threat to the integrity of the Bible and its profound events.
While Shanon's theory provides an intriguing perspective on the Bible's supernatural accounts, it is important to note that there is no direct proof to support his interpretation. However, his work highlights the potential influence of hallucinogenic substances in shaping religious experiences and the interpretation of divine encounters. Shanon's ideas invite further exploration of the interplay between drug-induced states and spiritual experiences, contributing to ongoing discussions on the complex relationship between psychedelics and spirituality.
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Shanon believes Moses' perception of time changed, causing the bush to appear burnt but not consumed
In the Book of Exodus, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire. According to Benny Shanon, a cognitive psychologist and professor of psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Moses was likely under the influence of psychedelic drugs during this encounter. Shanon suggests that Moses' perception of time changed due to the drugs, causing him to perceive an actual moment in physical time as an eternity. This altered sense of time could explain why the bush appeared burnt but not consumed.
Shanon's theory is based on the idea that certain plants mentioned in the Bible, such as the acacia tree, contain psychedelic substances. He proposes that the Israelites may have used concoctions based on the bark of the acacia tree, which contains the same molecules as the powerful Amazonian hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca. Shanon argues that the description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet are typical imaginings of people under the influence of hallucinogens.
Shanon's interpretation of the Moses story has sparked controversy among religious scholars and rabbis, with some dismissing his claims as "heresy." However, others have embraced the idea that psychedelics may have played a role in biblical events, arguing that Judaism is about meeting people where they are, even if that includes the use of psychoactive substances.
While Shanon's theory cannot be proven, it highlights the potential influence of psychoactive plants on religious experiences and the interpretation of biblical narratives. It invites a re-examination of the texts and encourages further exploration of the potential role of hallucinogens in ancient cultures.
In conclusion, Shanon's interpretation of Moses' encounter with the burning bush as a drug-induced alteration in time perception offers a fascinating perspective on a well-known biblical narrative. Whether one accepts his theory or not, it underscores the complex interplay between human consciousness, spirituality, and the potential influence of psychoactive substances in shaping our understanding of the world.
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Shanon's theory is dismissed by Rabbis in Israel and the UK
Benny Shanon, a professor of cognitive psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, claims that Moses was high on psychedelic drugs when he set the Ten Commandments in stone. Shanon's theory suggests that the religious rites of Israelites in biblical times involved the use of psychedelic drugs, specifically concoctions based on the bark of the acacia tree, which contain hallucinogenic molecules similar to those found in Amazonian plants used to make ayahuasca. Shanon's theory has been met with dismissal and criticism by rabbis in Israel and the UK.
In Israel, Orthodox Rabbi Yuval Sherlow expressed his disagreement with Shanon's theory, stating that the Bible is conveying a profound event and that the focus should be on the significance of the event rather than the state of Moses. Rabbi Sherlow's comments reflect a concern for upholding the traditional interpretation of the biblical narrative and maintaining the integrity of the character of Moses.
Additionally, Rabbi Dov Lior, one of the most powerful Religious Zionist rabbis in Israel, has been involved in a legal dispute with Israel's Chief Rabbinate. While the specific details of Rabbi Lior's dismissal are unclear, he has challenged the decision, claiming that the process did not follow the law. It is not explicitly stated if Rabbi Lior's dismissal is directly related to Shanon's theory, but it contributes to a broader context of controversy and power struggles within Israel's religious establishment.
Progressive rabbis in the UK have also distanced themselves from Shanon's theory and expressed concerns about the Israeli government's plans to annex parts of the West Bank. While they may not directly address Shanon's claims, their focus on social justice and equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians indicates a different priority and perspective from embracing controversial theories.
Overall, Shanon's theory that Moses was under the influence of psychedelic drugs has been dismissed by rabbis in Israel and the UK. The rabbis' responses reflect a range of concerns, from upholding traditional interpretations of the Bible to prioritizing social and political issues that they view as more pressing.
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Shanon's theory sparked debate in Israeli internet chatrooms
In 2008, Benny Shanon, a professor of cognitive psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, published a study in the Time and Mind journal of philosophy. In it, he claimed that Moses may have been under the influence of psychedelic drugs when he set the Ten Commandments in stone. Shanon's theory sparked debate in Israeli internet chat rooms, with some users expressing concern over the potential normalization of drug use and others exploring the potential connection between psychedelics and spiritual experiences.
Shanon's theory is based on the description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet, which he suggests are classic imaginings of people under the influence of narcotics. He also points to the frequent mentions in the Old Testament of concoctions based on the bark of the acacia tree, which contain molecules found in powerful Amazonian hallucinogenic plants.
The debate over Shanon's theory highlights a broader discussion about the role of psychedelics in spiritual and religious experiences. Some individuals, like Breslover Hasid Yosef Harari, separate psychedelic use into four categories: escapist, intellectual, spiritual, and fun. Harari emphasizes that while psychedelics may provide a temporary sense of spiritual connection, what matters most in worship is consistent effort and dedication.
The discussion in Israeli internet chat rooms also reflects a range of opinions on the intersection of Judaism and drug use. While some individuals, like Rabbi Yuval Sherlow, express concern over the potential impact of Shanon's theory on the interpretation of biblical events, others, like Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, suggest that Judaism's historical emphasis on education and personal growth may include the exploration of psychedelics.
The debate sparked by Shanon's theory highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of drug use, spirituality, and religious interpretation. It also underscores the role of internet chat rooms as a platform for discussing sensitive and controversial topics, with users weighing in on the potential implications and interpretations of Shanon's theory in a public and anonymous setting.
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Frequently asked questions
Benny Shanon, a cognitive psychologist at Hebrew University, claims that Moses was likely under the influence of psychedelic drugs when he heard God deliver the Ten Commandments. Shanon suggests that the description in the Book of Exodus of thunder, lightning, and a blaring trumpet are classic imaginings of people under the influence of drugs. Shanon also believes that the Israelites' encounter with God at Mount Sinai was a mass drug-taking event.
Shanon suggests that Moses may have consumed a drink called ayahuasca, which is made from plants that grow in the Holy Land and the Sinai Peninsula. Another possibility is that Moses ingested substances derived from the acacia tree, which is mentioned in the Old Testament and contains the psychedelic substance dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Reactions to Shanon's theory have been mixed. Some Israeli internet chatrooms have condemned the idea as "heresy," while others have endorsed it. Rabbis in Israel and the UK have largely ignored or dismissed the theory, with Rabbi Yuval Sherlow stating that "The Bible is trying to convey a very profound event. We have to fear not for the fate of the biblical Moses, but for the fate of science."
