Entheogens and the Future of Religion

by Robert Forte (editor), Albert Hofmann, R. Gordon Wasson

A study of the importance of psychedelic plants and drugs in religion and society With contributions by Albert Hofmann, R. Gordon Wasson, Jack Kornfield, Terence McKenna, the Shulgins, Rick Strassman, and others Explores the importance of academic and religious freedom in the study of psychedelics and the mind Exposes the need for an organized spiritual context for entheogen use in order to fully realize their transformative and sacred value We live in a time when a great many voices are calling for a spiritual renewal to address the problems that face humanity, yet the way of entheogens--one of the oldest and most widespread means of attaining a religious experience--is forbidden, surrounded by controversy and misunderstanding. Widely employed in traditional shamanic societies, entheogens figure prominently in the origins of religion and their use continues today throughout the world. They alter consciousness in such a profound way that, depending on the set and setting, they can produce the ultimate human union with God or revelation of other mystical realities. With contributions by Albert Hofmann, Terence McKenna, Ann and Alexander Shulgin, Thomas Riedlinger, Dale Pendell, and Rick Strassman as well as interviews with R. Gordon Wasson and Jack Kornfield, this book explores ancient and modern uses of psychedelic drugs, emphasizing the complementary relationship between science and mystical experience and the importance of psychedelics to the future of religion and society. Revealing the mystical-religious possibilities of substances such as psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, and LSD, this book exposes the vital need for developing an organized spiritual context for their use in order to fully realize their transformative and sacred value. Stressing the importance of academic and religious freedom, the authors call for a revival of scientific and religious inquiry into entheogens so they may be used safely and legally by those seeking to cultivate their spiritual awareness.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Psychology, Philosophy, Drugs, History, Essays

183 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the few forefront minds privy to understanding the place and role of entheogens in modern society. I especially enjoyed how several of the authors linked their ideas to the possible ancient uses of theses "gratuitous graces." Although, I think the greatest source of aspiration within this book comes from a renewed sense of having the potential to reach our own moments of illumination, rather than relegating those miracles to the past and dutifully living out our religions on empty rituals. In hindsight, these historical periods of grandeur and exception seem only to make sense when we wed them with what we now know to be probable chemical-based experiences. I, along with Aldous Huxley, prefer that these substances be held in small circles, and they must be treated with the utmost caution. However, of the roughly 10,000 years of written Human history, it's time we took the initiative to rewrite this system of constant warfare, political feuding, and neocorporate machiavellian blood drama that constantly plagues the better peoples of the world. In one sentence? A new religion.

If you like this book, I recommend reading as much as you can from Terrence McKenna. Also, a little dated, but Pierre Teilhard de Chardin hints at similar ideas without references to chemicals--that is, if the idea of chemicals is too offensive for the reader.

[Abdu Sharifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot reading this book.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a series of interviews and essays and I found several of them quite rambling.

[Ruben Mes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very outdated yet soulful because of the mystical overtones.

Some essays were really good, mostly mentioning Hoffman's contribution about the new religion, a new Eleusis.

McKenna was unfortunately not really all that exciting, and the final essays were completely drudgery, because of how times have changed, policies are changing and the psychedelic renaissance is already fully on its way.

There were some beautiful pieces about religion and psychedelics there, about the need for the transcendent and how that's at the root of the mystical traditions, but even that has now clinically been proven by Griffiths to be beneficial for peoples wellbeing and mental health.

In all, some good stuff; but not recommended.

[Roger Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well edited collection. I often get annoyed at the same old cults of personality in books on psychedelics, but the selections of particular works and interviews here are well worth the reading and reveal Forte's sophisticated understanding as well.

[Samantha McGuire (Mirror Bridge Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've been searching for my whole life. I've always been interested in psychedelics' especially psycisolbin mushrooms and this book thoroughly discuss the sacramental and religious uses and the controversy it causes with law enforcement! Highly recommend anybody interested in psychedelic spirituality!

[Maggie Mayhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come for the psychedelics, stay for the theology. A fascinating set of perspectives by cutting edge thinkers. A must read on the psychonaut syllabus. Skip over Leary and start here.

That said, I don't endorse 100% of the content. I still valued the unorthodox thought experiments.

[Eric Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of papers written by experts in this field. It provides support for my current non-conformist lifestyle. Though I fake it pretty good. :)

[Adam Azeris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, insightful compilation of essays & interviews. Was especially inspiring to comb over the Wasson interview & the Hoffman essays!

[Rediheem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really terrific