The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name

The author provides a fascinating journey through classical religious history which requires careful reading. The description of palliative care combining morphine with psilocybin to relieve pain and anxiety of death is worthy but let us not pretend survival of consciousness after death! I also do not wish to have my airline pilot, surgeon, or fellow auto traffic drivers on psychedelics believing “If you die before you die, you won’t die when you die” mythology. Of interest, the author introduces the reader to renowned researchers in ancient religions and their influence. While fleetingly aware of the Greek mystery religions such as Eleusis, Demeter, Persephone, and Dionysus, I was certainly not cognizant of their influence on the development of Christianity. Of course, I am not surprised that the ancients created the mythology of religions including Christianity while “Stoned” and on a “Trip” to paradise! It was disturbing to read of the Greek's ancient sacrifice of dogs in the practice of their myths. The author provides an enjoyable description of the visit to the Louvre’s masterpieces. Appreciative of the author referencing “The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World” by Catherine Nixey. The author is unlikely to experience “excommunication” but in a different age and time would experience the same fate as Bruno in 1600! Recommended read!

I am now watching the author (and Graham Hancock!!) talk to Joe Rogan and I think that anyone thinking about reading this book should spend some time with the JRE podcast. Regarding the book, I read it in one (long) sitting. This book merges themes that I have been chasing after for years. Ancient Greek mythology (and Christianity) and psychedelics – how can it get any better? The book is incredibly well researched. The author does his homework in the US and then takes off for Europe to investigate some more. He is not shy about chasing scholars and scientists and probing the living hell out of them. Finally someone that’s willing to hold their feet to the fire! So, Muraresku is this unique product of post-Gen X America. He majored in Sanskrit – and Greek! He worked for a New York law firm (I guess someone had to pay the student loans). And he’s curious and incredibly entertaining in person (at least in the podcast) and in the book. As you read, you can actually find yourself rooting for him as he unspools the thread of the mystical use of psychedelics as the basis for the whole of Western civilization – and he nails it! I’ve read (and imagine that anyone thinking about reading this book has read as well) a significant amount of the current literature on psychedelics and this is by far the more entertaining one I’ve laid hands on. Muraresku heads to Greece, Spain, France, Germany and Italy with a fascinating romp through Rome. The most fun is had when he makes it to the Vatican and rummages around in archives where he focuses with laser type precision on closely kept secrets. Unlike the author (who sounds a little straight edgy to me) I’ve consumed psylocibin – several times. And it gave me an intuitive understanding of the new testament – a new understanding, a welcome reconciliation, a coming home. Enjoy this book, folks. I know I did.

It would be hard to overestimate the importance of this book. A real life, evidence-based, detective story, exposing the suppressed roots of Western religion and spirituality, from pre-history to the present day. Meticulously researched by a relentlessly curious man who, in addition to being schooled in the classics (which turns out to be a critical advantage) is also, thank all the gods ancient and modern, a master of the English language. The scope of the book is such that it had to be a long one to do the topic justice. But the author's writing style is clear and lacks any of the tedium that could kill a book of this kind. The story is also structured in a way that flows remarkably well. Clearly, the author not only put tremendous time and energy into the research that is the real heart of the book, but also into the writing of the book.If you aspire to any understanding of the history of religion in the Western world, you had best read this book. But relegating it to mere history would be a huge mistake because the central theme of the book has never been more relevant than it is today.

The book is loaded with intrigue and solid evidence. I am not a fan of the author's storytelling aspect, but that is a personal preference, not a legit criticism. Just know if you read, as I do, for information and not the personal experiences of the author - be ready to skim your way through a lot of fluff. However, at its core, this book does a good job of supporting its premises. There are good scientific, literary, and works of art to support the author's main conclusions, which is a welcome surprise for a book with such a provocative title. I would recommend this book as a solid look into the roots of Christianity.

Would highly recommend. Great author, great evidence and a great story. I really enjoyed and learned alot from this book. Lots of hidden truths are contained in this(;

Tout est dans le titre :)

This book is a much needed refresh into the psychedelic elements that originated religion and humanity's approach to the Mystery throughout history, as well as a renewal of the important reminder of women's paramount role in the initiation exercises that gave us the direct experience of God for thousands of years.Also, it links it up with current research into scientific research into psychedelic mushrooms and current testimonies regarding such experiences, breaking, yet again, the paradigm that "drugs are evil" (which it also addresses with serious research on the historic war on drugs).I thoroughly recommend this book and thank the author for his decades long research and dedication.

I found ‘The Immortality Key’ to be a truly fascinating read! The topic is well researched, and the book is well written. Given the amount of information covered, I appreciated the author’s frequent summarising of the overall discussion and the repetition of points made from previous chapters. Despite being a chunky book, it felt mostly concise. I didn’t find myself growing bored of laboured points or irrelevant details. I found that the book was easy to understand but didn’t feel overly simplified. Complex points offer enough explanation that you don’t need a background in linguistics, history, etc to understand the discussions.If you’re curious about how ancient humans shaped the world we live in today, and how echoes of their beliefs and practices can still be found in modernity, this book will grip your attention from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Graham Hancock’s work (who wrote the foreword for this book), then you’ll definitely enjoy ‘The Immortality Key’.However, I would like to address some of the comments that I read in this review section prior to purchasing the book. There are many reviews which claim that the author holds some hatred or vendetta against Christianity and that such an attitude distracts from the primary focus of the book. Having literally just finished reading it moments ago, I hold the opinion that the majority of references to Christianity within this text are relevant to the discussions taking place. Whenever the author does portray a negative view of Christianity, it’s in relation to an action or event that is undeniably unacceptable. If criticism of the destruction of books, artefacts, temples, and knowledge, or criticism of the active persecution, imprisonment, torture, and murder of thousands of people, particularly women bother you, then that is a reflection of you rather than the author.I look forward to seeing future publications by Brian C. Muraresku if he decides to continue writing. Hopefully, it won’t take another 12 years of research!

The book sets out to show that the ancient concept of immortality is linked to psychedelic drug use. These were administered in religious rituals, resulting in ecstatic revelatory experiences. An unexpected teist was the author linking pre Christian use and the initial Holy Eucharist of the Christian churches.There's good research over the European/Mediterranean area and an interesting insight into Vatican records.Stylistically the book falls between pure research and selling of ideas. Where facts are found, they're well documented and explained, but the downside is that much of the author's theories are repeated and nauseam. And there's an air of flippancy that belies what appears to be serious research. There appears to be a strong link between pre-Christian and Christian ceremonies and beliefs, which are heavily expounded. There also appears to be a case made for exclusion of women from roles in the early church, but little evidence is presented as to why. Selected examination of inquisition records is used to justify the author's reasoning, but for me it needs a lot more research.Sadly a lot of what is said is based on supposition and extrapolation, which detracts.That said, it's readable and brings to light good evidence for the use of psychedelics in older religious ceremonies. Certainly worth reading objectively as it collated and affirms much which was downplayed in the past.