Griffiths et al.'s Study of Psilocybin with Religious Professionals: A Theological Response from a Christian Perspective.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Griffiths et al.'s recent "Effects of Psilocybin on Religious and Spiritual Attitudes and Behaviors in Clergy from Various Major World Religions" is an important study in the literature on psychedelic medicine and religious experience. In this commentary on the study, we argue: (1) The study design's implicit presupposition of perennialism in its conception of mysticism burdens it with metaphysical and theological freight it doesn't need to support its hypothesis; and (2) Psychedelic usage in pursuit of mysticism, however construed, risks two pathologies-hyper-individualism and idolatry-that religious traditions and communities are well-positioned to counter.