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From Light Into Darkness: The Evolution of Religion in Ancient Egypt
Have popular modern religions developed out of practices in ancient Egypt? Did religion in Egypt represent only a shadow of the spiritual practices of prehistoric people? This work explores the teachings of the King Akhenaten and the real Moses, the true identity of the Hyksos, and Akhenaten's connections to The Exodus and the Rosicrucian Order.
- GenresNonfiction
229 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
6 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Stephen S. Mehler
4 books15 followersStephen Mehler’s fascination with ancient Egypt , which began at the age of eight, has guided his education and spiritual work all his life. Mehler holds three degrees in the sciences and is a trained field archaeologist and prehistorian. Mehler also served as a Staff research scientist for the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, in San Jose , California from 1978-1980.
Since 1992, Mehler has worked with and been a student of, Egyptian-born Egyptologist and indigenous wisdom keeper, Abd’El Hakim Awyan, popularly known as Hakim. Stephen has written two books, The Land of Osiris and From Light Into Darkness: The Evolution Of Religion In Ancient Egypt, based on his 14 years of work with Hakim and Stephen’s almost 40 years of research in the area. Stephen is currently Director of Research of both the Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association and his own Land Of Osiris Research Project . He also leads tours to Egypt and is working on a third book with Hakim.
Since 1992, Mehler has worked with and been a student of, Egyptian-born Egyptologist and indigenous wisdom keeper, Abd’El Hakim Awyan, popularly known as Hakim. Stephen has written two books, The Land of Osiris and From Light Into Darkness: The Evolution Of Religion In Ancient Egypt, based on his 14 years of work with Hakim and Stephen’s almost 40 years of research in the area. Stephen is currently Director of Research of both the Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association and his own Land Of Osiris Research Project . He also leads tours to Egypt and is working on a third book with Hakim.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 17, 2010
How religion developed out of spirituality.
October 10, 2018
WOW...mind blowing and revolutionary read about the evolution of religion and what existed before man tainted spirituality. This book requires individuals who are in search of the truth and/or who are trying to have an experience with the alpha and omega that transcends manmade ideals or theories. You will be taken on a journey into pre-literacy times, Khemit, and the advent of religious practices. It also explores the origins of Judaism (oldest documented religion), and how other religions share remnants of each other and the hidden truth (five stages of the sun). I highly recommend this book to people seeking God, not religion, and those trying to understand the nascent of religion; and the difference between religion and spirituality.
Dr. James Arthur Williams
Author of From Thug to Scholar
www.unmaskytp.com
Dr. James Arthur Williams
Author of From Thug to Scholar
www.unmaskytp.com
September 16, 2017
Stephen Mehler's brilliant book on Kemet provides a unique insight into the evolution of the Egyptian priest class, that explains the original matriarchal culture's transformation into the patriarchal foundation for the later Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. I found fascinating his explanation of the complex political situation that evolved with the rise of the revolutionary "Akhenaten" and his wife and partner, "Nefertiti", who struggled to undermine the power of the "priests of Isis" and return Egypt to its matriarchal golden age.
October 3, 2021
This book, the sequel to the "Land of Osiris", further relays the indigenous oral histories of ancient Khemit, straight from the keeper of the keys himself, Abd'el Hakim Awyan; the content of which is like lighting a firecracker up an Egyptologist's ass... and I couldn't love it more if I tried.
The unexpectedly profound capstone to my many years of seeking.
Everything from here on out is just fine polishing.
Bravo.
The unexpectedly profound capstone to my many years of seeking.
Everything from here on out is just fine polishing.
Bravo.
Read
September 13, 2015Stephen Mehler, From Light Into (sic) Darkness: The Evolution of Religion In (sic) Ancient Egypt (Kempton: Adventures Unlimited, 2005), 229pp.
This publication starts off badly and becomes progressively worse.
Apart from the fact that the author is unable to follow the rules of English grammar in terms of the use of upper and lower case letters in titles (p. 0 , verso) - a minor sin, perhaps - the reader already senses a number of alarm bells before the author even gets to grips (or otherwise) with his subject (whatever the latter may be).
In the ‘Acknowledgements’ section Mehler expresses his thanks to ‘the [sprit] of Akhenaten […] without whose life [experience] and [influence] this book could never have been possible’ (p.xiii), but Mehler fails to explain by what miraculous means Akhenaten, who died ca.1336 BC, managed to rise from the dead and convey his ‘life [experience] and [influence]’ to the author Mehler. This curious statement pales, however, into insignificance in comparison with the preposterous nonsense which follows. Already on p.2 we are erroneously informed that ‘recent research in quantum and theoretical physics is inexorably heading to a fusion of physics and metaphysics’. No, it most certainly is not, and Mr Mehler would be well advised to study the works of respected natural scientists such as Lawrence Krauss before firing off such ludicrous claims. There are further attempts to hijack the work of real scientists later in this work (p.6 et al.).
As an aside, Mehler’s deployment of the term ‘inexorably’ reveals much about his failure to understand the nature of scientific enquiry. Natural scientists - just like genuine academics of every ilk - do not ‘inexorably’ head towards a conclusion, but rather they test out hypotheses again and again and maintain a healthy sense of doubt and uncertainty.
The reader - already wary given Mehler’s attempted usurpation of quantum physics for his own metaphysical aims - is further alarmed by the author’s questioning of Darwin’s analysis and explanation of evolution. Those conversant with Darwin’s On the Origins of Species will be familiar with the manner in which Darwin presents his thesis in a rational manner and develops his argument on the basis of evidence. Mr Mehler, it would appear, has not bothered to read Darwin (the title is not listed in what is presumably his bibliography (he terms it ‘Selected References’ - whatever that is supposed to be; one assumes he means ‘Bibliography’)), otherwise he would be familiar with the notion of presenting evidence for one’s arguments.
Mehler, however, presents no arguments and no evidence for his assertions. One is nothing less than startled to discover on the ‘About the Author’ page (p.229) that the writer of this work has attained university degrees, and one can only conclude that he missed the tutorials which dealt with the topics of academic discourse and the use of evidence to support one’s thesis.
Mehler continues (and, presumably, he erroneously considers the sentence to constitute evidence for his assertions re Darwin): ‘There are researchers currently arguing against all theories of Darwinian evolution, that there is no evidence for evolution at all’, but he absent-mindedly forgets to state the names of these ‘researchers’ in a footnote. Who, one wonders, are these ‘researchers’? Surely not Richard Dawkins or any of the myriad of other respected evolutionary biologists who would, presumably, fall over laughing at Mehler’s unfounded assertions.
Mehler employs this approach ad nauseam. The reader is presented with an untiring series of assertions (‘the bias of academia’, ‘the whole incorrect conception of evolution’ (p.7) and so on and so on…) without the slightest shred of evidence. Instead, Mehler discusses ‘statements [he] completely disagrees with’ (p.9). Very good, Mr Mehler, but, sadly ‘I disagree with a statement’ is scarcely an argument and Mr Mehler should be aware that he can disagree with a statement until the cows come home but he will impress no thinking person with the expression of his own private and unfounded opinions.
By page 20 Mehler has also rejected the Big Bang explanation of the universe, but again without the slightest vestige of evidence. This just happens to be his opinion. Having opinions, however - no matter how improbable - and printing them on paper is not the same as expounding a scientific theory.
Instead of evidence, arrived at on the foundation of scientific research, Mehler presents the unfortunate reader with a series of scientifically worthless and wholly gratuitous assertions and opinions. His evidence (if ‘evidence’ be the appropriate expression) consists in the ‘teachings’ (this word is altogether revealing in terms of the unscientific nature of this publication) of one Mr Abd’El Hakim, an individual who appears, as we learn, to have some special (and unexplained) connection to deeper wisdom (or, perhaps: shallower delusion). No (one is tempted to state), some bloke called Hakim standing on the Giza Plateau spouting pseudo-profundities is not a credible source of evidence.
As if all of the above were not enough, Mehler goes on to question the generally accepted age of the pyramids (against the prevailing scientific consensus and, as usual, without a shred of evidence for his assertion). He then propounds a theory whereby the pyramids were connected by water ‘to produce hydrogen gas for energy’ (sic!). And so on.
This is not an academic work. Nor is this work about ‘The Evolution of Religion in ancient Egypt’, as it is misleadingly subtitled. Readers interested in an assortment of unfounded assertions, opinions, pseudo-profundities and metaphysical claptrap should, of course, go ahead and purchase this work. The rest of us should stick with trustworthy academic publications on the subject such as Stephen Quirke and Jeffrey Spencer, The British Museum Book of Ancient Egypt, Nicholas Reeves, Echnaton etc. etc. etc.
The publication From Light Into (sic) Darkness: The Evolution of Religion In (sic) Ancient Egypt dwells in its superstitious preoccupations upon the cyclical nature of all things, and Mr Mehler will be delighted, one assumes, to note that at least one copy of his publication will be confirming the cyclical nature of all things by being disposed of in a paper recycling container. The author of this review will, sadly, never again see the £14.99 he squandered on this ridiculous book, but is cheered in the thought that others will not make the same mistake.
This publication starts off badly and becomes progressively worse.
Apart from the fact that the author is unable to follow the rules of English grammar in terms of the use of upper and lower case letters in titles (p. 0 , verso) - a minor sin, perhaps - the reader already senses a number of alarm bells before the author even gets to grips (or otherwise) with his subject (whatever the latter may be).
In the ‘Acknowledgements’ section Mehler expresses his thanks to ‘the [sprit] of Akhenaten […] without whose life [experience] and [influence] this book could never have been possible’ (p.xiii), but Mehler fails to explain by what miraculous means Akhenaten, who died ca.1336 BC, managed to rise from the dead and convey his ‘life [experience] and [influence]’ to the author Mehler. This curious statement pales, however, into insignificance in comparison with the preposterous nonsense which follows. Already on p.2 we are erroneously informed that ‘recent research in quantum and theoretical physics is inexorably heading to a fusion of physics and metaphysics’. No, it most certainly is not, and Mr Mehler would be well advised to study the works of respected natural scientists such as Lawrence Krauss before firing off such ludicrous claims. There are further attempts to hijack the work of real scientists later in this work (p.6 et al.).
As an aside, Mehler’s deployment of the term ‘inexorably’ reveals much about his failure to understand the nature of scientific enquiry. Natural scientists - just like genuine academics of every ilk - do not ‘inexorably’ head towards a conclusion, but rather they test out hypotheses again and again and maintain a healthy sense of doubt and uncertainty.
The reader - already wary given Mehler’s attempted usurpation of quantum physics for his own metaphysical aims - is further alarmed by the author’s questioning of Darwin’s analysis and explanation of evolution. Those conversant with Darwin’s On the Origins of Species will be familiar with the manner in which Darwin presents his thesis in a rational manner and develops his argument on the basis of evidence. Mr Mehler, it would appear, has not bothered to read Darwin (the title is not listed in what is presumably his bibliography (he terms it ‘Selected References’ - whatever that is supposed to be; one assumes he means ‘Bibliography’)), otherwise he would be familiar with the notion of presenting evidence for one’s arguments.
Mehler, however, presents no arguments and no evidence for his assertions. One is nothing less than startled to discover on the ‘About the Author’ page (p.229) that the writer of this work has attained university degrees, and one can only conclude that he missed the tutorials which dealt with the topics of academic discourse and the use of evidence to support one’s thesis.
Mehler continues (and, presumably, he erroneously considers the sentence to constitute evidence for his assertions re Darwin): ‘There are researchers currently arguing against all theories of Darwinian evolution, that there is no evidence for evolution at all’, but he absent-mindedly forgets to state the names of these ‘researchers’ in a footnote. Who, one wonders, are these ‘researchers’? Surely not Richard Dawkins or any of the myriad of other respected evolutionary biologists who would, presumably, fall over laughing at Mehler’s unfounded assertions.
Mehler employs this approach ad nauseam. The reader is presented with an untiring series of assertions (‘the bias of academia’, ‘the whole incorrect conception of evolution’ (p.7) and so on and so on…) without the slightest shred of evidence. Instead, Mehler discusses ‘statements [he] completely disagrees with’ (p.9). Very good, Mr Mehler, but, sadly ‘I disagree with a statement’ is scarcely an argument and Mr Mehler should be aware that he can disagree with a statement until the cows come home but he will impress no thinking person with the expression of his own private and unfounded opinions.
By page 20 Mehler has also rejected the Big Bang explanation of the universe, but again without the slightest vestige of evidence. This just happens to be his opinion. Having opinions, however - no matter how improbable - and printing them on paper is not the same as expounding a scientific theory.
Instead of evidence, arrived at on the foundation of scientific research, Mehler presents the unfortunate reader with a series of scientifically worthless and wholly gratuitous assertions and opinions. His evidence (if ‘evidence’ be the appropriate expression) consists in the ‘teachings’ (this word is altogether revealing in terms of the unscientific nature of this publication) of one Mr Abd’El Hakim, an individual who appears, as we learn, to have some special (and unexplained) connection to deeper wisdom (or, perhaps: shallower delusion). No (one is tempted to state), some bloke called Hakim standing on the Giza Plateau spouting pseudo-profundities is not a credible source of evidence.
As if all of the above were not enough, Mehler goes on to question the generally accepted age of the pyramids (against the prevailing scientific consensus and, as usual, without a shred of evidence for his assertion). He then propounds a theory whereby the pyramids were connected by water ‘to produce hydrogen gas for energy’ (sic!). And so on.
This is not an academic work. Nor is this work about ‘The Evolution of Religion in ancient Egypt’, as it is misleadingly subtitled. Readers interested in an assortment of unfounded assertions, opinions, pseudo-profundities and metaphysical claptrap should, of course, go ahead and purchase this work. The rest of us should stick with trustworthy academic publications on the subject such as Stephen Quirke and Jeffrey Spencer, The British Museum Book of Ancient Egypt, Nicholas Reeves, Echnaton etc. etc. etc.
The publication From Light Into (sic) Darkness: The Evolution of Religion In (sic) Ancient Egypt dwells in its superstitious preoccupations upon the cyclical nature of all things, and Mr Mehler will be delighted, one assumes, to note that at least one copy of his publication will be confirming the cyclical nature of all things by being disposed of in a paper recycling container. The author of this review will, sadly, never again see the £14.99 he squandered on this ridiculous book, but is cheered in the thought that others will not make the same mistake.
May 24, 2020
Excellent book on the topic of ancient Egyptian alternative history. Most material is from the teachings of the Egyptian sage Abd’El Hakim.
November 28, 2024
Spent years listening to theories about Ancient Egypt. It wasn't until I read this book that I hear what I believe to be the truth.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews