Psychedelics and Christian Faith

Psychedelic drugs may be illegal, but research shows that they are highly promising treatments for a range of mental health challenges. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse disorders, and many other conditions may soon be treated by adding one or two psychedelic sessions to conventional psychotherapy. The new approach is called "psychedelic-assisted therapy," and some believe it will be so transformative that they call this moment the "psychedelic renaissance." What makes it important for Christians is that these drugs bring about profoundly meaningful spiritual experiences. In the very same labs where psychedelics are studied for their mental health benefits, researchers are documenting that they bring about intensely meaningful "mystical" or spiritual experiences. In fact, the latest research points to a connection between the spiritual experience and the mental health benefit, as if the healing comes from the spiritual experience. Christians are typically cautious about psychedelics, but our moment calls for theological and pastoral boldness. It is time to prepare a welcome for those whose spiritual awareness has been awakened by these drugs, whether used in therapy or in other settings. All spiritual seekers, especially today's psychedelic spiritual seekers, deserve a home in the community of faith.

"In this prudent exploration of psychedelics and spiritual experiences, Ronald Cole-Turner considers not only the risks of psychedelic medicines but also the risks to the church of discounting spiritual experiences associated with psychedelics. An exceptional theological ethicist, Cole-Turner also writes as a pastor--someone dedicated to the care of souls--asking: Is there room in the church (or in science) for people who have psychedelic experiences that defy clear rational explanation?"

--Tracy J. Trothen, co-author of Religion and the Technological Future: An Introduction to Biohacking, AI, and Transhumanism

"In this tour de force, Ron Cole-Turner takes us on a journey exploring the intersection between psychedelics and Christianity. In the next decade as the impact of psychedelics on the mental health sector continues, the all-important question of mystical and spiritual experiences needs urgent attention. There is no better book available than the one on offer here to help with this. It is groundbreaking in its historical, theological, cultural, and scientific perspectives. With both thoroughness and clarity, it will become a marker for all further conversations to come."

--Brian Macallan, University of Divinity, Pilgrim Theological College

"If we have the opportunity to show up in an informed and engaged manner, it is thanks to Cole-Turner preparing and equipping us to do so. This will be required reading for any Christian interested in a serious, accessible, balanced treatment of this most pressing cultural, medical, and spiritual development. It will be used in training psychedelic chaplains and in seminary courses devoted to the church in its social context as well as pastoral care and spiritual formation programs. Unequivocally, we are in Cole-Turner's debt for this volume."

--Jaime Clark-Soles, professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

"The 'psychedelic renaissance' has commenced, with linkages between psychedelics, mental health, and spiritual experience evident. Theologian and ethicist Ron Cole-Turner ably guides through challenges such as nature of the linkages, societal and ecclesial acceptance, integration of the experience, and safety. Decades--or perhaps just years--from now, psychedelics hopefully will be normalized in mental health and spirituality. This book will register as key in that transition, with faith leaders and religion scholars benefitting."

--Calvin Mercer, professor of religion, East Carolina University

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"In this prudent exploration of psychedelics and spiritual experiences, Ronald Cole-Turner considers not only the risks of psychedelic medicines but also the risks to the church of discounting spiritual experiences associated with psychedelics. An exceptional theological ethicist, Cole-Turner also writes as a pastor--someone dedicated to the care of souls--asking: Is there room in the church (or in science) for people who have psychedelic experiences that defy clear rational explanation?"
--Tracy J. Trothen, co-author of Religion and the Technological Future: An Introduction to Biohacking, AI, and Transhumanism

"In this tour de force, Ron Cole-Turner takes us on a journey exploring the intersection between psychedelics and Christianity. In the next decade as the impact of psychedelics on the mental health sector continues, the all-important question of mystical and spiritual experiences needs urgent attention. There is no better book available than the one on offer here to help with this. It is groundbreaking in its historical, theological, cultural, and scientific perspectives. With both thoroughness and clarity, it will become a marker for all further conversations to come."
--Brian Macallan, University of Divinity, Pilgrim Theological College

"If we have the opportunity to show up in an informed and engaged manner, it is thanks to Cole-Turner preparing and equipping us to do so. This will be required reading for any Christian interested in a serious, accessible, balanced treatment of this most pressing cultural, medical, and spiritual development. It will be used in training psychedelic chaplains and in seminary courses devoted to the church in its social context as well as pastoral care and spiritual formation programs. Unequivocally, we are in Cole-Turner's debt for this volume."
--Jaime Clark-Soles, professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

"The 'psychedelic renaissance' has commenced, with linkages between psychedelics, mental health, and spiritual experience evident. Theologian and ethicist Ron Cole-Turner ably guides through challenges such as nature of the linkages, societal and ecclesial acceptance, integration of the experience, and safety. Decades--or perhaps just years--from now, psychedelics hopefully will be normalized in mental health and spirituality. This book will register as key in that transition, with faith leaders and religion scholars benefitting."
--Calvin Mercer, professor of religion, East Carolina University

Ron Cole-Turner is the H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and Ethics emeritus at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is a founding member of the International Society for Science and Religion.

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