Recent research in the psychedelic renaissance shows promising results for treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction, especially in treatment-resistant cases. As legal changes and corporate investment increase the availability of these substances, Christians must develop a thoughtful theological response. The paper argues that because Christians are among those who could benefit from these treatments, previous Christian responses have been insufficient. It analyzes pertinent research, considers hurdles and objections, and calls for rigorous theological reflection on this cultural moment.
Three historical and contemporary examples illustrate what the authors call 'psychedelic Christianity': hippies who converted during the Jesus movement while still using psychedelics, mid-20th-century Catholic intellectuals who experimented with the compounds for spiritual and therapeutic reasons, and contemporary clergy who participated in Johns Hopkins and NYU studies with psychedelics. The authors highlight the healing these Christians experienced through their psychedelic practice, addressing a gap in academic literature that has largely focused on historical or ethical questions rather than how such a practice might look.
A commentary on Griffiths et al.'s study of psilocybin's effects on clergy argues that the study's design assumes a perennialist view of mysticism, which adds unnecessary metaphysical and theological weight. The authors also contend that using psychedelics to pursue mystical experiences risks two pathologies: hyper-individualism and idolatry. Religious traditions and communities are well-suited to counter these risks.