Phallus in fungusland : a critique of The sacred mushroom and the cross

Abstract

This is a critique of a book entitled "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross," by John Marco .Allegro. The author of this thesis begins by giving background concerning John Allegro and his previous published works. Next, the author examines the historical statements of the book in light of relevant research in the field of ancient Near East studies. Here, contemporaries and friends of Allegro lend their insights as to the motivation for writing the book and criticism for his approach. Is the Sumerian language the "mother tongue" of all oral transmission? Are the epics of the Old and New Testaments cover stories for some ancient fertility cult found in Sumer? Allegro says yes , his critics and this author say no . A frontal criticism is then made by the author of Allegro's use of Sumerian and Koine Greek . This is an attempt to meet Allegro on his own ground and soundly discredit his philological approach. Finally, a simple botanical comparison is made of the Amanita Muscaria in other societies that are known to use the drug. Furthermore, primary sources which Allegro uses are suspect and are shown to be such.