Hallucinogenics and Christianity. Do they mix?

[Lungs]

Last night I meet a divinity student, let's call her "Jane". During the course of our conversation I brought up the idea that, if she was serious about studying God, she should experiment with a Hallucinogenic.

My line of reasoning: "How can you help others develop an understanding of God if you've never experimented with the limits of your own perceptions? That's like trying to be a auto-mechanic without ever seeing the insides of a car.

I have some experience with Hallucinogenics and I don't treat them as recreation. Peyote, Mushrooms or San Pedro are like chainsaws in the hands of fools when not shown the proper respect. Thankfully Jane's intent is pure: She wants to remember the face of God she used to know as a child. Therefore, I have agreed to help her get a hold of a batch of good mushrooms and provide a safe space.

However, upon reflection I am not sure if I should encourage Jane in her quest.

I feel like I have just invited a country-music fan to a classical opera. Jane is a liberal mainstream Christan, I don't know if she would enjoy this ceremony.

Are hallucinogenics compatible with Christian theology? Do you think it will enhance or hinder her understanding of a Christian God?

Thoughts?

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Read about the Good Friday Psilocybin experiment

In 1963, Tim Leary -- when he was a Harvard professor -- tested the idea that psychedelics could facilitate religious experiences. He gave a group of divinity students either a dose of pharmaceutically pure Pislocybin, or a placebo.

OF course, we all know what happened (or can guess), but in 1963, very few people had heard of psilocybin, especially a bunch of fairly straight-laced divinity students.

Using drugs for insight is a kind of a "garbage in -- garbage out" deal. The user's "set and setting" (state of mind and environment) make the difference. Which is why you really shouldn't use head drugs at parties. It's usually a waste of a perfectly good trip.

--p!

[Dogmudgeon]

2. And here's some links

The Council on Spiritual Practices has a large amount of information on spirituality and entheogenic drug use including the Good Friday experiment.

John Horgan's Tripping De-Lite Fantastic is another interesting essay with a modern (i.e., non-1960s-worshiping) point of view.

Also, the "experiment" took place on Good Friday in 1962, not 1963; and Leary wasn't the lead investigator; it was Walter Pahnke, a theologian -- Leary was an advisor.

--p!

[jedr]

3. if she survives the nausea;

I'm sure that she will believe that there is a God

[skids]

4. They are compatible... but...

They are only a jump start (and in fact many into meditation consider them "cheating") Expectations shouldn't be raised too high.

Set and setting are vitally important (e.g. bringing some of her own music, her favorite stuffed animal, whatever.)

A sense of purpose is also important. However, for a first-timer spiritual exploration is too heavy a starting point. "Thinking new thoughts/ways" is enough of a purpose. And of course, having fun at it.

Not sure psylocibin is the best choice for a first-timer either. Antacids w/magnesium and have some alcohol handy.

[Warpy]

5. Religion is a defense against a religious experience

If she approaches the whole thing with an open mind, that she doesn't have any expectations, then she may be all right. If she has a rigid fundamentalist mindset, she will not be all right.

I wouldn't encourage anyone to experiment with hallucinogenics. If they're interested in seeking out the experience, they will. If not, then one runs the risk of pushing them into something they're not equipped to handle.

[Viktor Runeberg]

6. Yes, but ...

When you say "her understanding of a Christian God" you miss the certainty that God is not a Christian. Perhaps you meant to say that her understanding of God is the Christian sort of understanding. And to ask whether the Christian sort of understanding is compatible with the psychedelic sort of understanding? If her understanding is truly liberal, then yes, hallucinogens will be good for her soul. If her understanding is conservative, she may be shocked to discover that she's been serving at the feet of Satan, thinking him God, and then take the standard psychedelic turn towards the profundities and mysteries of Buddhism, Taoism, Wicca, the Greek Pantheon, and Native American sorts of understanding of the Ultimate.

[riverwalker]

7. religious vs mystical experience

If Jane is a mainstream Christian, she may not be prepared for a true mystical experience, but be expecting a "religious" one with structure and hierarchy. If she is familiar with the Christian mystical traditions, such as Theresa of Avila, maybe she would be more prepared. Otherwise, she may not be able to handle dancing with McKenna's little green men. ;)

This book looks like it addresses your question.

"Entheogens and the Future of Religion."

"Exciting book on the spiritual benefits of the entheogens, especially to our society. Huston Smith says it is “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experiences”."

[burn the bush]

8. The right atmosphere is what will decide the trip

beautiful things, not ugly. sweet pleasant. If there are religious items, she will definately reflect a lot on that. Her only problem would be in how fearful of her own doubts is she? If she feels her comittment is strong she should be ok, but if she is tottering, it could make for an unpleasant trip.

[shadowknows69]

9. as longs as she doesn't view

some of the various sensations and visuals she's going to have as "the work of the devil" she should be ok. I've done my share of hallucinogenics myself and the potential for spiritual epiphany is definitely there. Not that this person hasn't already had an epiphany (clearly she has if she chose any spiritual path) but I think it can put even christians in touch with the more supernatural state of the world and God.