Psychedelics Should Not Have A Role

Human beings are divinely gifted with intellect, self-awareness, reason and other cognitive faculties specifically so that we can recognize, receive and understand God’s self-revelation and respond to that revelation in faith through the gift of free will. These distinctively human faculties function best when not interrupted or distorted by foreign elements such as psychedelics. Therefore, psychedelics should be avoided in general and specifically have no role in religion and spirituality.

Having said that, it should also be noted that despite the detrimental and distortive effect of psychedelics, it is possible that God can work through any circumstance to accomplish His will and communicate grace. As St. Paul reminds us, “Where sin abounds, Grace abounds all the more.” This reminder is not permissive of any mentally altering substances but rather a reminder that God’s grace can supersede any situation in exceptional circumstances. Caution dictates that exception should not become the rule.