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The Return of the Dragon : The Shocking Way Drugs and Religion Shape People and Societies
“Fascinating…” - Mike Cernovich, Best Selling Author
“Extremely interesting…” - Jake Shields, MMA Fighter, 5 time champ
“Great read on an important topic” - Andrew Torba, Funder of Gab Social Media
What if the spirits and entities people experience while on drugs like ayahuasca aren't 'just in their heads?' What if changing brain chemistry can tune the mind into another dimension where real entities can be experienced?
The next question must be "who are the entities?"
The answers to this question is shocking and unexpected. This book outlines the science, philosophy, and theology behind psychedelic drugs and how they have historically affected individuals and societies. It is a wild story with many unexpected twists and turns. It will interest everyone with even a passing interest in the use of psychedelics.
“Extremely interesting…” - Jake Shields, MMA Fighter, 5 time champ
“Great read on an important topic” - Andrew Torba, Funder of Gab Social Media
What if the spirits and entities people experience while on drugs like ayahuasca aren't 'just in their heads?' What if changing brain chemistry can tune the mind into another dimension where real entities can be experienced?
The next question must be "who are the entities?"
The answers to this question is shocking and unexpected. This book outlines the science, philosophy, and theology behind psychedelic drugs and how they have historically affected individuals and societies. It is a wild story with many unexpected twists and turns. It will interest everyone with even a passing interest in the use of psychedelics.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2022
67 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 1, 2023
Psychedelic drugs, serpents, human sacrifice. Throughout human history this pattern manifests itself in civilizations the world over. People take hallucinogenic drugs, they see serpents, they sacrifice innocent people. From ancient Sumer, to Eastern India and China, to the more popularized horrors of Mesoamerica--it's the same story. Drugs, serpents, sacrifice.
Interestingly the greek word in the Bible "Pharmakeia" is the same word used for both sorcery and drugs. They are linked, which is why Early Judaism and Christianity has pushed back with such violence on the use of drugs. To the Christian worldview they are far more serious than a mere therapeutic experienced; wherever Christianity went the dragon was fought to the death.
But the dragon is returning. Psychedelics are becoming not only socially acceptable, but promoted by viral figure heads as enlightening and holding the keys to a limitless future. Wisdom and creativity can be imparted from the very real beings on the other side. Deepening consciousness is offered and studies have even shown anxiety and depression to be alleviated by such drugs. No doubt public sentiment has shifted and movements are in place to legalize psychedelics.
Lewis Ungit warns us just because drug usage may be spiritual, or have certain benefits (they undoubtedly do), does not mean the spirits on the other side are good. Could it be the serpents frequently seen on DMT trips are actually the same spiritual serpents that have haunted civilizations throughout human history--perhaps even back in the garden of Eden?
The evidence is quite good, and if true, we had better stay away from portals to the demonic. The end result could prove catastrophic.
Interestingly the greek word in the Bible "Pharmakeia" is the same word used for both sorcery and drugs. They are linked, which is why Early Judaism and Christianity has pushed back with such violence on the use of drugs. To the Christian worldview they are far more serious than a mere therapeutic experienced; wherever Christianity went the dragon was fought to the death.
But the dragon is returning. Psychedelics are becoming not only socially acceptable, but promoted by viral figure heads as enlightening and holding the keys to a limitless future. Wisdom and creativity can be imparted from the very real beings on the other side. Deepening consciousness is offered and studies have even shown anxiety and depression to be alleviated by such drugs. No doubt public sentiment has shifted and movements are in place to legalize psychedelics.
Lewis Ungit warns us just because drug usage may be spiritual, or have certain benefits (they undoubtedly do), does not mean the spirits on the other side are good. Could it be the serpents frequently seen on DMT trips are actually the same spiritual serpents that have haunted civilizations throughout human history--perhaps even back in the garden of Eden?
The evidence is quite good, and if true, we had better stay away from portals to the demonic. The end result could prove catastrophic.
February 15, 2024
This is more a survey of the topic than an exhaustive discussion, but there-in may be its strength. Each chapter could easily be expanded in a lengthy volume of its own, but modern Christendom is already grossly behind the curve on this and tangential issues. The author does a great job of keeping each topic concise enough to be accessible to nearly any reader, but does offer historical and scriptural scaffolding for each.
November 19, 2024
Excellent. The book really hits home hard for me, being a previous psychedelic user and being converted to Christianity shortly after a trip on mushrooms. Understanding what I experienced now through the lens of the historical context helps me immensely. I now am thankful to the Lord that none of the several trips that I had included visits from any entities. I literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death unscathed because of the eternal determination of God to save me. Praise be to the Lord.
January 26, 2024
Excellent.
August 11, 2025
I'll give this 3.5 stars. It is a valuable contribution to the small set of works dealing with psychedelic drugs from a Christian perspective. Ungit does some good Biblical work and historical work to craft his narrative that malevolent spiritual entities (demonic) have communicated to humans through psychedelic experiences and that they encourage sin, idolatry, and death - specifically the murder of children.
There is definitely something to this narrative. However, it does seem to me that at times Ungit draws tenuous connections to try and support his thesis. While the cumulative effect of the evidence he garners certainly is hard to dismiss completely, I am sure that a critical reader could poke holes in a number of assertions (or leaps) that Ungit makes at various points in the book.
The book is generally quite well written, but there are a few points where the prose is sloppy or too casual (such as the repeated use of the word 'insane' or 'near-insane' to refer to things which are hard to believe). These are somewhat minor quibbles but they do undermine the reader's ability to take the book's argument as seriously as the author means us to take it.
I enjoyed and appreciated the book - and learned from it. I think that, on the whole, Ungit is correct about the spiritual dangers inherent in the use of psychedelic drugs - and especially DMT / ayahuasca. In my own writing I have given much the same kinds of warnings. Ungit positions himself firmly on one far end of the spectrum with regard to how Christians view these drugs. I am slightly more moderate only in the sense that I am more agnostic about some of the ways that microdosing or other substances like MDMA or ketamine should be understood and classified.
To be fair, Ungit does not address these questions in detail in his book - he focuses on the clearer examples of DMT, Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and LSD. At some point we will need a more detailed and discerning approach to these substances - especially as they become medicalized and enmeshed in various treatment approaches. Christians will have all kinds of thorny questions about whether MDMA-assisted therapy for traumatized war veterans is permissible. At that point, we will need something a little more nuanced than the conviction that DMT is somehow linked to demonic entities.
2nd Reading:
Still agree with my initial review but I especially noticed the good research in primary source material this time around. It's a solid, simple, accessible introduction to the topic from a Christian point of view.
There is definitely something to this narrative. However, it does seem to me that at times Ungit draws tenuous connections to try and support his thesis. While the cumulative effect of the evidence he garners certainly is hard to dismiss completely, I am sure that a critical reader could poke holes in a number of assertions (or leaps) that Ungit makes at various points in the book.
The book is generally quite well written, but there are a few points where the prose is sloppy or too casual (such as the repeated use of the word 'insane' or 'near-insane' to refer to things which are hard to believe). These are somewhat minor quibbles but they do undermine the reader's ability to take the book's argument as seriously as the author means us to take it.
I enjoyed and appreciated the book - and learned from it. I think that, on the whole, Ungit is correct about the spiritual dangers inherent in the use of psychedelic drugs - and especially DMT / ayahuasca. In my own writing I have given much the same kinds of warnings. Ungit positions himself firmly on one far end of the spectrum with regard to how Christians view these drugs. I am slightly more moderate only in the sense that I am more agnostic about some of the ways that microdosing or other substances like MDMA or ketamine should be understood and classified.
To be fair, Ungit does not address these questions in detail in his book - he focuses on the clearer examples of DMT, Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and LSD. At some point we will need a more detailed and discerning approach to these substances - especially as they become medicalized and enmeshed in various treatment approaches. Christians will have all kinds of thorny questions about whether MDMA-assisted therapy for traumatized war veterans is permissible. At that point, we will need something a little more nuanced than the conviction that DMT is somehow linked to demonic entities.
2nd Reading:
Still agree with my initial review but I especially noticed the good research in primary source material this time around. It's a solid, simple, accessible introduction to the topic from a Christian point of view.
February 19, 2023
El libro es una bendición para el pueblo de Dios.
Read
September 22, 2024In some ways this book is pedestrian-oriented. But that can be a good thing. Ungit succeeds at communicating his hypothesis that psychedelic usage has historically been associated with malevolent spiritual entities and cultural destruction. I'd like to see more rigorous historical and theological volumes in the future, but the basic hypothesis has a lot to commend it.
I am still left with a number of questions, though. For example, Ungit cites the LXX version of Deuteronomy 18:10: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in pharmakous.”
This is a major prooftext which he claims rules out the legitimacy of psychedelic usage altogether.
However, as other have pointed out, some of the other practices listed in that verse have a holy, sanctioned version described in the Bible. The high priest and other characters practice divination through the Urim, Thummim, the ephod, the casting of lots, and even a cup of divination (Gen. 44:5, 15). Others, such as Gideon, interpret omens (Judges 6:36–40).
Therefore, the Deuteronomy prohibition seems to presuppose that the proscribed practices in question were in reference to false deities, not performed in relation with Yahweh. Michael Heiser's paper, "The Old Testament Response to Pagan Divination," elucidates this distinction. He points to the two factors of 1) intent and 2) being commissioned by Yahweh as the prerequisites for the faithful engaging in divination.
Therefore, I could see someone pushing back on Ungit's usage of this passage and claiming that there could be a place for Christian use of psychedelics under submission to God for the right reasons (not that I endorse such a view).
One area where I think Ungit especially succeeds, though, is his dismantling of the overconfident claims of contemporary psychedelic boosters:
One of the big claims made by proponents of psychedelics is the supposed good effect they have on morals and ethics. Tripping causes a person to become more open, understanding, and tolerant of others, they say. It helps us see our place in the universe and gives us a sense of unity with all creatures. Graham Hancock once opined that if all politicians would use ayahuasca, the world would be much better. The drugs bring enlightenment to those that take them.
He juxtaposes this attitude with the historical data:
Societies that used pharmakeia practiced human sacrifice, infanticide, constant war, brutal xenophobia, and slavery. The Inca, whose priests used ayahuasca to direct their empire, also cut the hearts out of living children. If, as proponents of psychedelics often suggest, these drugs are the best hope for the enlightenment of humanity, why is it that when we actually look at societies that followed the guidance, it is unclear how things could have possibly been less enlightened?
He further succeeds in dispelling the modern contempt for the wisdom of the ancients:
We are so conditioned in modern society to assume that “spiritual” equals “good” that we never ask what ancients would have asked: “which spirit?”
And he closes the book with this:
We think we are more advanced than the ancients but what if — at least on this question — they understood things better than we do? The purpose of this book is to point to that message from Zeus warning not to open that [Pandora's] box.
Overall, I am glad this book exists. There is a real dearth of Christian interaction with the new wave of interest in altered states of consciousness, and the Church has some catching up to do.
I am still left with a number of questions, though. For example, Ungit cites the LXX version of Deuteronomy 18:10: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in pharmakous.”
This is a major prooftext which he claims rules out the legitimacy of psychedelic usage altogether.
However, as other have pointed out, some of the other practices listed in that verse have a holy, sanctioned version described in the Bible. The high priest and other characters practice divination through the Urim, Thummim, the ephod, the casting of lots, and even a cup of divination (Gen. 44:5, 15). Others, such as Gideon, interpret omens (Judges 6:36–40).
Therefore, the Deuteronomy prohibition seems to presuppose that the proscribed practices in question were in reference to false deities, not performed in relation with Yahweh. Michael Heiser's paper, "The Old Testament Response to Pagan Divination," elucidates this distinction. He points to the two factors of 1) intent and 2) being commissioned by Yahweh as the prerequisites for the faithful engaging in divination.
Therefore, I could see someone pushing back on Ungit's usage of this passage and claiming that there could be a place for Christian use of psychedelics under submission to God for the right reasons (not that I endorse such a view).
One area where I think Ungit especially succeeds, though, is his dismantling of the overconfident claims of contemporary psychedelic boosters:
One of the big claims made by proponents of psychedelics is the supposed good effect they have on morals and ethics. Tripping causes a person to become more open, understanding, and tolerant of others, they say. It helps us see our place in the universe and gives us a sense of unity with all creatures. Graham Hancock once opined that if all politicians would use ayahuasca, the world would be much better. The drugs bring enlightenment to those that take them.
He juxtaposes this attitude with the historical data:
Societies that used pharmakeia practiced human sacrifice, infanticide, constant war, brutal xenophobia, and slavery. The Inca, whose priests used ayahuasca to direct their empire, also cut the hearts out of living children. If, as proponents of psychedelics often suggest, these drugs are the best hope for the enlightenment of humanity, why is it that when we actually look at societies that followed the guidance, it is unclear how things could have possibly been less enlightened?
He further succeeds in dispelling the modern contempt for the wisdom of the ancients:
We are so conditioned in modern society to assume that “spiritual” equals “good” that we never ask what ancients would have asked: “which spirit?”
And he closes the book with this:
We think we are more advanced than the ancients but what if — at least on this question — they understood things better than we do? The purpose of this book is to point to that message from Zeus warning not to open that [Pandora's] box.
Overall, I am glad this book exists. There is a real dearth of Christian interaction with the new wave of interest in altered states of consciousness, and the Church has some catching up to do.
November 17, 2024
Fascinating, informative, and helpful.
In light of the recent popularization of psychedelic drugs in pop- culture, I’ve been looking for a book to connect the dots for me on psychedelic experiences and spiritual encounters. This is that book. Ungit explores the historic practices of psychedelic trips, highlights the near universal encounters with spiritual beings associated with them, and explores some of the implications that may follow.
In particular, Ungit mentions the frequent encounters with serpents and dragons, which stood out to me in light of the biblical material about demonic forces being described in identical terms . He also draws attention to the cultures of death and child sacrifice that emerged within tribal societies that practice frequent use of psychedelics.
This book provides a helpful framework for thinking about the experiences people report when taking psychedelic drugs. It is not a framework that accords with a naturalistic worldview, but it is one that provides a more wholistic explanation of these experiences and that points toward some sobering possibilities.
Thanks @LandonColeman for pointing me to this work.
In light of the recent popularization of psychedelic drugs in pop- culture, I’ve been looking for a book to connect the dots for me on psychedelic experiences and spiritual encounters. This is that book. Ungit explores the historic practices of psychedelic trips, highlights the near universal encounters with spiritual beings associated with them, and explores some of the implications that may follow.
In particular, Ungit mentions the frequent encounters with serpents and dragons, which stood out to me in light of the biblical material about demonic forces being described in identical terms . He also draws attention to the cultures of death and child sacrifice that emerged within tribal societies that practice frequent use of psychedelics.
This book provides a helpful framework for thinking about the experiences people report when taking psychedelic drugs. It is not a framework that accords with a naturalistic worldview, but it is one that provides a more wholistic explanation of these experiences and that points toward some sobering possibilities.
Thanks @LandonColeman for pointing me to this work.
February 21, 2024
Mr. Ungit adeptly dismantles the notion that Christians can engage in pharmakeia. Pharmakeia has always coupled witchcraft/sorcery with drugs. They necessarily go together and the two cannot be separated. So, if you are a Christian that wants to OK drug use, then you are engaging in one side of a two-sided coin. Drugs conjure the serpent, and the serpent wants to tyrannize you not matter how glorious and friendly it may appear.
The last chapter was very pivotal for me, showing that all societies that have done drugs, have been backwards and in love with sacrificing babies and humans. Drugs are regress not progress. Christianity is progress.
I was surprised Ungit did not note on the use of Soma in "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. I was also surprised he didn't comment on the opioid crisis, another example of drugs destroying humanity rather than enlightening it. Hope to see some of this on the substack!!!
The last chapter was very pivotal for me, showing that all societies that have done drugs, have been backwards and in love with sacrificing babies and humans. Drugs are regress not progress. Christianity is progress.
I was surprised Ungit did not note on the use of Soma in "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. I was also surprised he didn't comment on the opioid crisis, another example of drugs destroying humanity rather than enlightening it. Hope to see some of this on the substack!!!
January 3, 2025
Even in 2024, after hearing story after story of the benefits of psychedelics, or how marijuana is misunderstood, Lewis does a fantastic job of reminding our current world why the fence was put up in the first place.
Very quick read and Ungit brings many great examples. While the world will always hate Christianity and blame the Christian, the arc of history shows that the spread of Christianity truly has been the light of the world that has pushed back against evil.
This book does a great job to remember before removing a fence, always ask why was the fence put up in the first place? May our current podcast-twitterverse-“always connected culture” heed the wisdom of lessons learned by our forefathers long ago.
Very quick read and Ungit brings many great examples. While the world will always hate Christianity and blame the Christian, the arc of history shows that the spread of Christianity truly has been the light of the world that has pushed back against evil.
This book does a great job to remember before removing a fence, always ask why was the fence put up in the first place? May our current podcast-twitterverse-“always connected culture” heed the wisdom of lessons learned by our forefathers long ago.
September 14, 2024
This is a fantastic primer on the subject of pharmakeia and offers a well researched and broad history on the topic. Most importantly, the author provides a well thought out apologetic on the topic and a warning to those who fail to grasp the serious scale of the danger posed by the west’s rapid return to the demon gods of old.
January 19, 2024
Absolutely fascinating
September 5, 2024
Fascinating read. Very interesting how drugs and religion have related in various civilizations. Also, good interpretation of the Koine Greek and the word for sorcery.
November 19, 2024
A great short read about the interconnection between psychedelics, Christianity, and paganism.
August 4, 2024
Very Interesting
May 30, 2024
Nice book with an interesting thesis.
It is easy to read book and Ungit is able to make interesting connections between drugs, culture and religion.
The book would be better if it had a more "academic" pace, i.e. take the time to give more details that come with the arguments, but for the purpose it had, it worked.
It is easy to read book and Ungit is able to make interesting connections between drugs, culture and religion.
The book would be better if it had a more "academic" pace, i.e. take the time to give more details that come with the arguments, but for the purpose it had, it worked.
January 25, 2024
“Drugs for spiritual purposes, serpent gods, and human sacrifice.”
Just about every culture throughout history (Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, Celts, Native Americans, Chinese, Indians, Vikings, Druids, Egyptians, Greeks, Mesopotamians, Canaanites, Amorites, Philistines) is united by psychedelic drug use in which the person “tripping” comes in contact with serpent beings they deem to be deities which demand human sacrifice.
These serpent beings are demonic. They are servants of the same serpent who deceived Eve in Genesis 3, who opposes God and His people, and who is thrown into the lake of fire in Revelation 20: Satan. And he is regaining a foothold in our culture through the use and acceptance of psychedelics. The dragon is returning.
We must follow Christ and our forefathers in the faith and wage war against the dragon. We must be sober-minded and watchful; the Devil prowls around like a roaring Lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We must not be ignorant of his designs lest we be outwitted by him (2 Corinthians 2:11). No matter how many benefits psychedelics may appear to offer, don’t be deceived. Remember, Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
Fight the dragon—resist that ancient serpent. Christ is King! He shall have dominion!
Just about every culture throughout history (Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, Celts, Native Americans, Chinese, Indians, Vikings, Druids, Egyptians, Greeks, Mesopotamians, Canaanites, Amorites, Philistines) is united by psychedelic drug use in which the person “tripping” comes in contact with serpent beings they deem to be deities which demand human sacrifice.
These serpent beings are demonic. They are servants of the same serpent who deceived Eve in Genesis 3, who opposes God and His people, and who is thrown into the lake of fire in Revelation 20: Satan. And he is regaining a foothold in our culture through the use and acceptance of psychedelics. The dragon is returning.
We must follow Christ and our forefathers in the faith and wage war against the dragon. We must be sober-minded and watchful; the Devil prowls around like a roaring Lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We must not be ignorant of his designs lest we be outwitted by him (2 Corinthians 2:11). No matter how many benefits psychedelics may appear to offer, don’t be deceived. Remember, Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
Fight the dragon—resist that ancient serpent. Christ is King! He shall have dominion!
May 9, 2025
The author, Lewis Ungit, begins with a somewhat positive view of psychedelics; this view is inline with current trendiness in the West. He then puts the hammer down to clearly explain why there are plenty of reasons for psychedelics to be outlawed and approached with great caution. Anybody who wants to agree with the current trendy mantra of "drugs aren't so bad" should read this book. Ungit reminds the reader that there are very good reasons that mind-altering drugs should not re-emerge.
A thought-provoking read.
A thought-provoking read.
April 6, 2024
An important book about a very real danger that has been with human society since the beginning. There is a reason that Christian societies have always had an adversarial relationship with drugs and their mind-altering effects. There is also a reason that Pagan societies that embrace these drugs always descend into the types of wickedness that they do. And that reason has almost everything to do with the entities that these drugs serve as the gateways for.
Reading this book I found myself nodding along in agreement through basically every page. When I reached the end I thought to myself, this is great. It can serve as a great introduction to the topic, especially if someone is interested in the renewed popular interest in psychedelics, ancient civilizations and mythologies, and New Age spiritualities. There is a real danger emerging, and Christianity provides both the right understanding, warnings, and solution to these things.
One drawback of the book is in its style. It asks a lot of questions along the way, and too many of these come on the conclusion side of the arguments (or at the end of chapters). Questions lead to more questions, and you get to the point where you wonder if any solid answers have been provided for the foundational ones that we're stepping out on as the the argument goes forward. I think the reason that I enjoyed this book was that I had already read, considered, and engaged with much of the background information that makes this book's argument so forceful. There is an extensive bibliography in the back of the book that shows the author has done his research, but I wonder how forceful the conclusions will feel to someone that hasn't "done their own research" as the internet likes to insist. I just tend to recoil from a writing style that is built upon leading questions to keep interest. It reminds me of those horrible Ancient Aliens shows or paranormal investigators videos where at the end of the episode (or season) nothing has really been proven, only more questions to lead you further into the confusion. This may be too harsh, and maybe I was noticing more question marks than were actually there, but I felt if he swapped out a few of them for some solid periods the book would have been better. Less "what if..." and more "If, then..."
Reading this book I found myself nodding along in agreement through basically every page. When I reached the end I thought to myself, this is great. It can serve as a great introduction to the topic, especially if someone is interested in the renewed popular interest in psychedelics, ancient civilizations and mythologies, and New Age spiritualities. There is a real danger emerging, and Christianity provides both the right understanding, warnings, and solution to these things.
One drawback of the book is in its style. It asks a lot of questions along the way, and too many of these come on the conclusion side of the arguments (or at the end of chapters). Questions lead to more questions, and you get to the point where you wonder if any solid answers have been provided for the foundational ones that we're stepping out on as the the argument goes forward. I think the reason that I enjoyed this book was that I had already read, considered, and engaged with much of the background information that makes this book's argument so forceful. There is an extensive bibliography in the back of the book that shows the author has done his research, but I wonder how forceful the conclusions will feel to someone that hasn't "done their own research" as the internet likes to insist. I just tend to recoil from a writing style that is built upon leading questions to keep interest. It reminds me of those horrible Ancient Aliens shows or paranormal investigators videos where at the end of the episode (or season) nothing has really been proven, only more questions to lead you further into the confusion. This may be too harsh, and maybe I was noticing more question marks than were actually there, but I felt if he swapped out a few of them for some solid periods the book would have been better. Less "what if..." and more "If, then..."
November 18, 2025
Ungitt has written a very good book concerning the intersection of psychedelic drugs and the spiritual realm. I must confess that I needed no convincing that the "entities" people who do physchcedelics meet are demonic. I was already pretty well on that understanding because of listening to testimonials of psychedelic users, my studies into shamanism generally, and reading the book "Spirit of the Rainforest." The shamans discussed in that book are a clear case of what Ungitt describes in his book: the use of drugs for spiritual worship and its associated horrors. The connection between these things is readily seen.
Anyone with a Biblical worldview will have little difficulty understanding and accepting Ungitt's suppositions and conclusions. As he pointed out, this is a view Christians and Jews have held for thousands of years. It is only the Western materialistic mind that stumbles over the ideas. Ungitt did a good job of overcoming those barriers for his readers. Non-Christians may find it more of a challenge to swallow, and those who have adopted postmodern and progressive attitudes will no doubt recoil at Ungitt's views. However, both groups would do well to consider Ungitt's key question: who are the entities? If they are spiritual, how do you determine they are good? Even if you disagree with Ungitt's conclusions, you should take the time to consider them and come to your own reasoned position.
I would recommend that most people read this book. It is a simple, straightforward treatment of the topic at hand. It does not devolve into conspiratorial nonsense or spooky speculations. It answers from the Christian perspective, in short and simple terms, who those entities in psychedelic visions are, and challenges us as a society to rethink our relationship with the dragon worship associated with these drugs. Indeed, it is a very good book that you should read.
Anyone with a Biblical worldview will have little difficulty understanding and accepting Ungitt's suppositions and conclusions. As he pointed out, this is a view Christians and Jews have held for thousands of years. It is only the Western materialistic mind that stumbles over the ideas. Ungitt did a good job of overcoming those barriers for his readers. Non-Christians may find it more of a challenge to swallow, and those who have adopted postmodern and progressive attitudes will no doubt recoil at Ungitt's views. However, both groups would do well to consider Ungitt's key question: who are the entities? If they are spiritual, how do you determine they are good? Even if you disagree with Ungitt's conclusions, you should take the time to consider them and come to your own reasoned position.
I would recommend that most people read this book. It is a simple, straightforward treatment of the topic at hand. It does not devolve into conspiratorial nonsense or spooky speculations. It answers from the Christian perspective, in short and simple terms, who those entities in psychedelic visions are, and challenges us as a society to rethink our relationship with the dragon worship associated with these drugs. Indeed, it is a very good book that you should read.
January 23, 2024
The blurb says this:
"Psychedelics are in vogue again. No longer are they promoted solely by hippies and cultural outsiders. The potential benefits of LSD, mushrooms, and ayahuasca are now being touted by major cultural influencers, tech titans, and academia. It seems a matter of time before our laws loosen and the use of these drugs becomes mainstream. But why were they illegal in the first place? What are the potential downsides? Why has Western civilization historically viewed these drugs with such suspicion? . . . This book outlines the science, philosophy, and theology behind psychedelic drugs and how they have historically affected individuals and societies."
Lots of thought-provoking stuff in this book. The more I learn about the ancient world and psychedelic drugs, the more I'm convinced that they played a very significant role in ancient religion and mythology and culture. Graham Hancock talking on Joe Rogan about the "serpent" he has "met" while doing ayahuasca in the Amazon, and how enlightening "she" was, while slipping in random mockery of Christianity along the way, ought to raise eyebrows.
"Psychedelics are in vogue again. No longer are they promoted solely by hippies and cultural outsiders. The potential benefits of LSD, mushrooms, and ayahuasca are now being touted by major cultural influencers, tech titans, and academia. It seems a matter of time before our laws loosen and the use of these drugs becomes mainstream. But why were they illegal in the first place? What are the potential downsides? Why has Western civilization historically viewed these drugs with such suspicion? . . . This book outlines the science, philosophy, and theology behind psychedelic drugs and how they have historically affected individuals and societies."
Lots of thought-provoking stuff in this book. The more I learn about the ancient world and psychedelic drugs, the more I'm convinced that they played a very significant role in ancient religion and mythology and culture. Graham Hancock talking on Joe Rogan about the "serpent" he has "met" while doing ayahuasca in the Amazon, and how enlightening "she" was, while slipping in random mockery of Christianity along the way, ought to raise eyebrows.
February 18, 2025
Fascinating look at the history of psychedelics. I am convinced that the majority of people tripping see serpents. Additionally, no one would doubt the tragic universal history of child sacrifice. Yet, to turn all of this into a 1-1 correlation is weird to me. Not to justify human sacrifice, but to emphasize a universal point of fact; mankind is tempted to sacrifice because deep down, we know we need atonement. We know we need to shed blood to appease a Supreme Deity. Christianity is a religion of human sacrifice, not because we sacrificed humans... although there are some accounts to consider (Genesis 22, Judges 11), but because the climax of our religion is one Human sacrifice.
Additionally, with recent academic studies, we are noticing that psychedelics may prove to be helpful for many if administered properly under medical care. Oregon recently legalized psylocibin therapy and the testimonials have been overwhelmingly positive.
I am not directly disputing what Ungit found in his historical survey here, I am just questioning the severity of his conclusions.
Additionally, with recent academic studies, we are noticing that psychedelics may prove to be helpful for many if administered properly under medical care. Oregon recently legalized psylocibin therapy and the testimonials have been overwhelmingly positive.
I am not directly disputing what Ungit found in his historical survey here, I am just questioning the severity of his conclusions.
July 17, 2023
I was drawn to psychedelics for years and looking back I now fully believe I was in contact with demonic entities that often did have serpent-like qualities to them like this book describes. Everything was exciting at first but over time it all got very dark after I was deep into it.
It's fascinating to see accounts of groups like the Aztecs having similar encounters when they discovered psychedelics like DMT, further confirming what I experienced was real and not some hallucination.
Also very interesting to learn what St George and the Dragon was about concerning all of this, along with the deeper meaning of St. Patrick banishing the snakes.
This book is exciting because it's not only all real, it's relevant to what's now rising up once again in our society; and those on the side of good need to be prepared cast these snakes out of our towns once again.
It's fascinating to see accounts of groups like the Aztecs having similar encounters when they discovered psychedelics like DMT, further confirming what I experienced was real and not some hallucination.
Also very interesting to learn what St George and the Dragon was about concerning all of this, along with the deeper meaning of St. Patrick banishing the snakes.
This book is exciting because it's not only all real, it's relevant to what's now rising up once again in our society; and those on the side of good need to be prepared cast these snakes out of our towns once again.
June 20, 2024
What does the Bible have to say about drug use, the spiritual realm, and witchcraft? Why have societies throughout history that use drugs for religious purposes ended up in serpent worship and human sacrifice? What are the entities that users of hallucinatory drugs, and are they good or evil? What were the gods and legends of old: mere delusion or created spiritual beings that these people actually encountered? These and other questions are explored scientifically, historically, and theologically in this small book. Ungit presents these explorations in a very easily accessible way. I found it difficult to put this down, and it devoured it quickly. This book also contains a thorough bibliography for further research that I'll most likely dive into at some point.
February 16, 2024
a series of blogposts, bound and called a book.
a great example of a book whose priors & conclusions I basically share, but the manner in which they're presented make them less believable rather than more. the arguments aren't wrong, exactly, just weakly formed & presented in a "what if this were true?" kind of tone which undermines any strength they would have had otherwise. if i didn't already agree with much of it, i would've found myself confirmed in my skepticism ("these critics don't know what they're talking about") rather than challenged to reconsider.
still an important subject, worth thinking carefully about.
a great example of a book whose priors & conclusions I basically share, but the manner in which they're presented make them less believable rather than more. the arguments aren't wrong, exactly, just weakly formed & presented in a "what if this were true?" kind of tone which undermines any strength they would have had otherwise. if i didn't already agree with much of it, i would've found myself confirmed in my skepticism ("these critics don't know what they're talking about") rather than challenged to reconsider.
still an important subject, worth thinking carefully about.
July 22, 2024
I was gifted an audiobook copy by the author which I'm very grateful for, and was not disappointed in the slightest. The Return of the Dragon is a short, easily digestible tome on a very weighty topic with worldwide implications, and I would recommend it to anyone who is curious as to the effects of psychedelic drugs on cultures worldwide.
If you like books on psychology and the esoteric, and want to know where the two collide, this book is the one for you. I've recommended it to family who also loved it.
The only thing I have left to say is that I would love to see the author, Ungit, on Joe Rogan's podcast. The interactions would be amazing to see.
If you like books on psychology and the esoteric, and want to know where the two collide, this book is the one for you. I've recommended it to family who also loved it.
The only thing I have left to say is that I would love to see the author, Ungit, on Joe Rogan's podcast. The interactions would be amazing to see.
August 7, 2024
A needed perspective
The seemingly divine and euphoric experiences many experience on psychedelics seems to point the way to it being a great tool for enlightenment, insights, and spiritual growth. Lewis Ungit asks very critical questions everyone should ask before doing or continuing with them. Even if you dismiss the concerns you will have done due diligence before allowing this tool to guide your life in any manner. This is smart. And could just save you from ruin that isn’t recognized as such for many decades.
The seemingly divine and euphoric experiences many experience on psychedelics seems to point the way to it being a great tool for enlightenment, insights, and spiritual growth. Lewis Ungit asks very critical questions everyone should ask before doing or continuing with them. Even if you dismiss the concerns you will have done due diligence before allowing this tool to guide your life in any manner. This is smart. And could just save you from ruin that isn’t recognized as such for many decades.
November 11, 2024
3.75*
Nice overview of the use of psychedelics in modern and ancient times. It does come off a little woo-woo at times, but Ungit tries to quote scientific papers as much as people like Joe Rogan and Graham Hancock. The most fascinating part for me was Christianity's aversion to pharmakeia, I learned a lot in that section. Thinking this was going to be an all in for psychedelics book, the tonal shift towards the end confronts the reader with the notion that psychedelics will not fix the modern world. Ancient cultures used them and they still committed war, genocide, and other atrocities.
Nice overview of the use of psychedelics in modern and ancient times. It does come off a little woo-woo at times, but Ungit tries to quote scientific papers as much as people like Joe Rogan and Graham Hancock. The most fascinating part for me was Christianity's aversion to pharmakeia, I learned a lot in that section. Thinking this was going to be an all in for psychedelics book, the tonal shift towards the end confronts the reader with the notion that psychedelics will not fix the modern world. Ancient cultures used them and they still committed war, genocide, and other atrocities.
January 20, 2024
Drugs for spiritual purposes, serpent gods, and human sacrifice.
Ungit makes a compelling case for how psychedelics have been used in past pagan religions, how there increase today, and the visions seen while on them mean they should be avoided. The case includes the idea that what people see while in them is in fact demonic and does not have the best intentions for humans, which is why he urges Christians to follow in the footsteps of Saint George and slay the dragon.
Ungit makes a compelling case for how psychedelics have been used in past pagan religions, how there increase today, and the visions seen while on them mean they should be avoided. The case includes the idea that what people see while in them is in fact demonic and does not have the best intentions for humans, which is why he urges Christians to follow in the footsteps of Saint George and slay the dragon.
May 2, 2025
Great little intro to the world of hallucinogens and how Christians should be responding to recent rise in popularity of hallucinogen usage. I learned several tidbits of important information, and I would recommend this as an easy book for the average person to read. The implications in this book are frightening to consider, but I keep reminding myself Christ has already conquered the dragon. This is just its dying breaths.
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