Christian Responses to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and Potential Religious and Spiritual Experiences
Brian Claude Macallan
Religions October 19, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/rel14101312 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Religious experience Christian responses Psilocybin therapy: psilocybin Hallucinogen-assisted therapy Entheogenic treatment Spiritual encounters Mystical experiences Transcendent moments Divine revelations Christian interpretations Theological viewpoints Faith-based responses Religious viewpoints Entheogens and faith Hallucinogens and spirituality Spiritual well-being Psychological benefits Therapeutic spirituality Holistic healing |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Proposes that Christians should engage in active dialogue about psilocybin-assisted therapy and its associated religious and spiritual experiences to avoid hindering individuals seeking mental health relief. |
Abstract
This paper explores Christian responses to religious and spiritual experiences (RSEs) associated with psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT). It addresses the challenges of defining and understanding spiritual and religious experiences and examines the theological implications of PAT-induced RSEs. It highlights the growing acceptance of PAT as a therapeutic approach and its potential benefits for mental health. It also discusses the occurrence of RSEs in individuals undergoing such therapy. In response to these experiences, I propose four possible Christian perspectives: viewing RSEs as illusions, perceiving them as inherently evil, considering them as encounters with the Christian God, or acknowledging their reality while recognizing their broader occurrence beyond the Christian tradition. The paper emphasizes the importance of active dialog and collective responses within the Christian community to avoid hindering individuals seeking mental health relief through PAT. By engaging with these theological questions, Christians can navigate the complexities and potential benefits of RSEs in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The influence of therapists’ first-hand experience with psychedelics on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and therapist training | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 16
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 11 more in the library