The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine

Episode 148
Magic: Spiritualism and Theosophy, Part I

John L. Crow

The 19th century saw the rise of a variety of secret and secretive movements. Freemasons, Spiritualists, Theosophy and Esoteric Orders give rise to a variety of mystic-themed groups whose influence lurks under the mainstream themes of the 19th century. In this episode of MonsterTalk, we talk with religious studies scholar John L. Crow about the birth of these movements and how they influenced 19th (and 20th) century thought.

Mentioned in this episode

• Proofs of a conspiracy against all the religions and governments of Europe: carried on in the secret meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati, and reading societies
• Swedenborgian Church
• The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia (1877), by Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie
• An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, by Albert C. Mackey M.D.
• The Spiritualist Movement
• Spiritism
• Daryl Bem’s precognition tests
• The first mention of the Illuminati in America was in 1799 in a sermon which was reprinted as A sermon, exhibiting the present dangers, and consequent duties of the citizens of the United States of America : Delivered at Charlestown, April 25, 1799. The day of the national fast, by Jedidiah Morse, D.D.

Music

• Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys

The views expressed on this program are not necessarily the views of the Skeptics Society or Skeptic magazine.