Psychedelics and Christian 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 DESIGNER: ALL ENDORSEDMENTS ADDED TO FRONTMATTER: PLEASE SELECT ONES FOR THE BACK COVER ONLY; CONSULT JIM OR EDITOR IF NEEDED. REMOVE THIS NOTE WHEN DONE ""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