Psychedelic Mystical Experiences Are Authentic
Religions October 11, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16101294 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Counterfeit Paranormal Sufism Narrative Psychoanalysis Epistemology Aesthetics |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelically induced mystical experiences should be considered authentic based on their neural and phenomenological similarities to other mystical experiences. |
Abstract
The paper critically discusses whether mystical experiences induced by psychedelics should be considered inauthentic or counterfeit forms of mystical experiences. It examines three arguments against the authenticity of these experiences: pimes are too easy; pimes do not have lasting spiritual or moral effects; pimes do not involve divine grace. Positive arguments for the authenticity of pimes discussed are as follows: pimes rely on similar neural mechanisms as other mystical experiences; pimes are phenomenologically similar to other mystical experiences. The paper argues that the positive arguments are more convincing than the negative ones. It thereby presents a case in favor of the authenticity of psychedelically induced mystical experiences.