We have now had years of headlines talking about new research into using psychedelic drugs for therapy and, along with it, an increase in spiritual seekers.<\/p>\n
Studies about the use of psychedelic drugs for therapy have been growing for years, with increased institutional involvement from universities, Congress, and the US Department of Defense to name just a few.<\/p>\n
Outside of clinical trials, psychedelic use among young adults has nearly\u00a0tripled<\/a>\u00a0in the past decade. Religious leaders\u2014including hospital chaplains and religious psychotherapists\u2014are also exploring the use of these drugs, as recently reported by\u00a0NPR<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Esquire<\/a><\/em>. Ordained clergy are even conducting underground retreats that blend psychedelics with Christian worship with an emphasis on \u201chealing.\u201d<\/p>\n While I believe there are likely legitimate-use cases for psychedelic therapy that will bear out in time, I want to raise awareness of the many psychological risks of psychedelics that are often underemphasized in the research. And as a pastor, I feel an urgency to inform Christians of the serious spiritual risks of psychedelics\u2014including the idolatry of spiritual experience.<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a pastor, I feel an urgency to inform Christians of the serious spiritual risks of psychedelics\u2014including the idolatry of spiritual experience.\u201d<\/p>\n From @revjoewelker<\/a>: https:\/\/t.co\/HcusnXPudl<\/a><\/p>\n — Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) November 16, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n