Annalee Skarin

Annalee Skarin (born Annalee Kohlepp: July 7, 1899 – January 17, 1988), was an American writer of mysticism and New Age literature, with nine best-selling books. She had been raised as a Latter-day Saint, and her 1948 book Ye Are Gods, with over 18 printings, was popular among some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The primary claim of the book was the possibility of attaining physical immortality through the ardent pursuit of Christian and ascetic principles. Skarin reports being "translated" to immortality in 1952. The nature of this "translation" is controversial, as she continued to publish in the ensuing decades.

Early life Skarin was born in American Falls, Idaho, the seventh of twelve children, raised in the "bleak environment" of a dry farm by parents Frederick John Kohlepp and Mary Ella Hickman.

Annalee Skarin married William Michael "Mikey" Gorman on July 15, 1916; the marriage was annulled in 1920. Her second marriage, arranged by her mother, was to Hugo Joseph Avarell on August 31, 1922 in Salt Lake City. It ended in divorce after 21 years. In each of these marriages Annalee bore a son who died as a baby. to whom she had taught the gospel as a missionary.

The book's most controversial claim was the possibility of attaining physical immortality through the ardent pursuit of Christian principles, which she summarized as gratitude, praise, and love. She later wrote, "Death is the dreary, backdoor entrance into the other world. It is the servant’s entrance. But there is a great front door of glory for those who OVERCOME."

Correspondence indicates that this initial version was soon followed by a second volume in 1949. She published a new edition in 1952 that combined the two volumes. This edition removed explicit references to the LDS Church but still widely quoted early LDS leaders and scripture.

Skarin sent copies of her books to all the church leaders. In an October 12, 1949 letter to her daughter Hope, she wrote, "From many have come beautiful letters --- the one from President George Albert Smith was filled with love and kindness." She also referred to letters from apostle (later to be President) Spencer W. Kimball and from "Stake, Mission, and Temple Presidents…".

Church leaders felt the book had serious doctrinal flaws and her refusal to renounce the principles taught in the book led to her excommunication.

Excommunication In 1952 Skarin's daughter and son-in-law, Hope and Lynn M. Hilton, sent an unfavorable study they had made of Annalee's book to LDS apostle and president of the Deseret News, Mark E. Petersen. A Sunstone article by Samuel Taylor describes the ensuing events:

Later life After her excommunication Skarin told followers, including the Franchow family, of her impending translation. Skarin then disappeared two weeks later in 1952, with conflicting reports of surrounding events. It indicates she was buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Corning, California.

As of 2014, Ye Are Gods was in its 18th printing, though her later books were more popular among non-Latter-day Saints in the New Age movement. She accepted no royalties, and it remains unclear who, if anyone, profits from her many successful books.

Works The underlying theme in all of Skarin's writings was a desire to understand the deeper meaning behind scripture. Nine of Skarin's works are best sellers.

The Pathway of Glory Annalee Skarin, compiled 1933–1946, self-published. Formed the basis for Ye Are Gods Ye Are Gods, self-published, 1948 Ye Are Gods (, published by De Vorss and Co, 1952) As of 2014 this book was in its 18th printing. Sons Of God, by Christine Mercie (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1954) A drama written by Annalee Skarin under a pen name. This was Annalee's first book written after her excommunication. As of 2003 it was in its 23rd printing. To God The Glory (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1956) Temple Of God (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1958) Secrets Of Eternity (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1960) Celestial Song Of Creation (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1962) Man Triumphant (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1966) Beyond Mortal Boundaries (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1969) The Book Of Books (, pub. De Vorss and Co, 1972) Pathway of the GODS, Vol 1 date unknown 1995 Pathway of the GODS, Vol 2 date unknown 1995