I also am a student of Religious Philosophy. It is frustrating that substances capable of enriching Religious and Mystical Experiences are outlawed, while alcohol use is promoted!
Jane - thanks so much for this newsletter. Really fascinating. If you have permission, any possibility you might be able to share the syllabus for the course so we can see what else is on the reading list? Thanks!
I find it endlessly amusing that whenever some new "science" becomes popular - or perhaps even beforehand - someone uses it to "explain away" Jesus. This tells us much more about the human condition than it does about Jesus. Truly irrelevant things need not be explained away.
I am much more curious about psychedelic use in ancient Greek culture (not to mention the Mongols) - even as far back as the Iliad and Odyssey. There is much wisdom in those works which alludes to the deep truths of good and evil. And what about the oracle of Delphi? That is much more interesting to me than whether we can finally, after all these years of failed attempts, explain away that which cannot be explained away.
With respect to mystical experiences like those recorded by the ancient prophets (Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, etc.) and the less ancient Apostles (Paul, John), must they have been caused by exogenous substances? Consider the dietary restrictions of the Mosaic law, as well as the practice of regular fasting (voluntary or not) - and often combined with the sleeplessness of war, or bondage, or exile - and their associated griefs.
I once went more than 72 hours without food or sleep, and it certainly had an affect on my perspective. As do long days spent alone in the wilderness (Matthew 4). Perhaps the mystical utility of psychedelics is more of a shortcut than it is a key? Whatever the case I'm confident that such things are not to be trifled with. "Short cuts," said Pippin, "make long delays." Perhaps there is some wisdom in the New Testament warnings against φαρμακεία (pharmakeia)?
I spoke with Allegro one wintry day after hearing him speak at a small church near Toronto in the early 1970s. He told me he had never taken Amanita Muscaria mushrooms or any psychedelic drug, and was very much against the use of such substances. To me, he seemed to be quite angry and sadly ignorant.
Thanks for this great interview! One question: his quote is: "There’s this very ugly situation happening where the acquisition of peyote has created a shortage among the Indigenous communities that have been using it for the last few thousand years. However, you can't bring that historical knowledge into the frame if you want to market yourself as a progressive industry."
I don't understand why this can't be brought "into the frame". This would seem to be part of the definition of "a progressive industry," integrating historical aspects among others...
So much food for thought here. Book club read was "Otherlands" and now wondering just how many ancient cultures and animals kingdoms understood plant 'medicine'. Thank you - will re-read this and investigate.
I can recommend Ronald Siegel's 'Intoxication' and Giorgio Samorini's 'Animals and Psychedelics' as great reads on the relation of psychoactives and animals. Otherlands looks fascinating, added it to the ever-growing to-read list :)
I also am a student of Religious Philosophy. It is frustrating that substances capable of enriching Religious and Mystical Experiences are outlawed, while alcohol use is promoted!
Jane - thanks so much for this newsletter. Really fascinating. If you have permission, any possibility you might be able to share the syllabus for the course so we can see what else is on the reading list? Thanks!
Such a good question and call for humility: "How can we make critiques of psychedelic therapies and trials, without being considered an opponent?"
Absolutely fascinating start to finish. I had NO IDEA about this "academic suicide" article.
I find it endlessly amusing that whenever some new "science" becomes popular - or perhaps even beforehand - someone uses it to "explain away" Jesus. This tells us much more about the human condition than it does about Jesus. Truly irrelevant things need not be explained away.
I am much more curious about psychedelic use in ancient Greek culture (not to mention the Mongols) - even as far back as the Iliad and Odyssey. There is much wisdom in those works which alludes to the deep truths of good and evil. And what about the oracle of Delphi? That is much more interesting to me than whether we can finally, after all these years of failed attempts, explain away that which cannot be explained away.
With respect to mystical experiences like those recorded by the ancient prophets (Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, etc.) and the less ancient Apostles (Paul, John), must they have been caused by exogenous substances? Consider the dietary restrictions of the Mosaic law, as well as the practice of regular fasting (voluntary or not) - and often combined with the sleeplessness of war, or bondage, or exile - and their associated griefs.
I once went more than 72 hours without food or sleep, and it certainly had an affect on my perspective. As do long days spent alone in the wilderness (Matthew 4). Perhaps the mystical utility of psychedelics is more of a shortcut than it is a key? Whatever the case I'm confident that such things are not to be trifled with. "Short cuts," said Pippin, "make long delays." Perhaps there is some wisdom in the New Testament warnings against φαρμακεία (pharmakeia)?
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5331/kjv/tr/0-1/
Interesting article, nonetheless. Keep up the good work!
As with the others before me, I appreciate this discussion.
I spoke with Allegro one wintry day after hearing him speak at a small church near Toronto in the early 1970s. He told me he had never taken Amanita Muscaria mushrooms or any psychedelic drug, and was very much against the use of such substances. To me, he seemed to be quite angry and sadly ignorant.
Thanks for this great interview! One question: his quote is: "There’s this very ugly situation happening where the acquisition of peyote has created a shortage among the Indigenous communities that have been using it for the last few thousand years. However, you can't bring that historical knowledge into the frame if you want to market yourself as a progressive industry."
I don't understand why this can't be brought "into the frame". This would seem to be part of the definition of "a progressive industry," integrating historical aspects among others...
Cheers and thanks again.
👁 ❤︎ Christian! Nice.
Enlightening! I was unaware of the Jesus controversy--where have I been?
So much food for thought here. Book club read was "Otherlands" and now wondering just how many ancient cultures and animals kingdoms understood plant 'medicine'. Thank you - will re-read this and investigate.
I can recommend Ronald Siegel's 'Intoxication' and Giorgio Samorini's 'Animals and Psychedelics' as great reads on the relation of psychoactives and animals. Otherlands looks fascinating, added it to the ever-growing to-read list :)
Thank you for the recommendations.