Do Mushrooms Have Religion, Too?

Authors

  • Hollis Phelps Mercer University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/bsor.33142

Keywords:

Donovan Schaefer, affect theory, animals, plants, fungi, hallucinogens

Abstract

I argue in the paper that Donovan Schaefer’s inclusion of animality in the realm of religion via affect rests on the exclusion of non-animal bodies. This exclusion, moreover, is wrapped up in the type of affect theory that Schaefer deploys, specifically phenomenological and psychological approaches over-against Deleuzian and Spinozistic models. Drawing on the latter, among others, and recent studies concerning plants and various fungi, I argue for the inclusion of non-animal life within the discussion of the relationship between affect and religion. I also suggest that such an inclusion may be grasped through investigation into the use and effects of hallucinogenic substances, or “ecodelics,” as Richard Doyle refers to them.

Author Biography

  • Hollis Phelps, Mercer University

    Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mercer University

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Published

2017-12-21

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Phelps, H. (2017). Do Mushrooms Have Religion, Too?. Bulletin for the Study of Religion, 46(3-4), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1558/bsor.33142