Imagine embarking on what some describe as a “spiritual journey” fuelled by a psychedelic substance like psilocybin. Could such a psychedelic trip closer to God genuinely bring you closer to God? This question has sparked widespread debate both within and outside the Church, particularly after a recent clinical trial involving 30 pastors and spiritual leaders revealed fascinating, yet troubling, results.

Among the participants, one Episcopal minister described the experience as life-altering, saying, “I was like a new creation.” Another, however, noted, “There was nothing particularly Christian about it.” These conflicting accounts highlight the complexities of using psychedelics in spiritual contexts. They also raise critical questions about theology, ethics, and the unintended consequences of seeking divine connection through such means.

Psilocybin as a Religious Shortcut

The clinical trial revealed that 96% of participants ranked their psilocybin experience as one of the most spiritually significant of their lives. While that statistic is undeniably striking, it should also prompt caution. Replacing Scripture and faith-driven practices with chemically-induced experiences risks reshaping spiritual foundations entirely.

Psilocybin enthusiasts often describe their experiences as transcendent or enlightening. The term “spiritual journey” is frequently used by proponents. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea that you can artificially induce a connection to the divine undermines the fundamental principles of Christianity. John 14:6 makes it unequivocally clear that the only path to God is through Jesus Christ. Attempting to bridge that gap through hallucinogens trades salvation for serotonin.

The Risks of Chasing God Through Psychedelics

Even if a psilocybin trip feels like a spiritual encounter, it’s important to understand that feelings can be deceptive. The Bible warns us in Jeremiah 17:9 that “the heart is deceitful above all things.” Amid vivid hallucinations and altered perceptions, how can we discern genuine spiritual insights from illusions during a psychedelic trip closer to God?

The danger lies not just in individual deception, but also in leading others astray. Pastors and spiritual leaders who use or endorse psychedelics risk creating a counterfeit spiritual movement. If Christians start seeking God through hallucinogens rather than through faith, prayer, and Scripture, the Church itself could become unrecognisable. Discernment, rooted in biblical truth, collapses when experience supersedes doctrine.

Historical Parallels and Spiritual Consequences

Biblical history offers a cautionary tale in the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 28. Desperate for guidance, Saul sought help from a medium rather than turning to God wholeheartedly. The result wasn’t divine direction but despair and ruin. Similarly, turning to modern-day substances like magic mushrooms as substitutes for genuine spiritual guidance jeopardises one’s faith and well-being.

From a scientific standpoint, the risks of psychedelics are equally alarming. While advocates hail these substances as miracle tools for mental health and enlightenment, incidents of lasting harm are increasingly reported. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and episodes of prolonged psychosis underline the physical and psychological dangers of psilocybin use.

An airline pilot’s recent attempt to crash a flight after using psilocybin underscores the unpredictability of these experiences. Advocates may argue that psychedelics are safe in controlled settings, but even then, the line between benefit and harm remains perilously thin.

What’s Lost When Experience Replaces Truth

If the Church legitimises psilocybin as a pathway to God, it risks losing its unique foundation. Faith becomes chemistry. Doctrine becomes irrelevant. Truth gets exchanged for fleeting experiences. At the core of Christianity is the belief that our connection to God comes through Jesus’ sacrifice, not through substances that inhibit our mental clarity. First Peter 5:8 urges believers to be “sober and alert,” highlighting the importance of a clear mind in spiritual practice.

Furthermore, endorsing psychedelics could shift the Church’s focus from guiding believers to adapting to mainstream culture. Rather than acting as a sanctuary of eternal truth, it could evolve into an organisation shaped by contemporary trends, losing its witness to the gospel in the process.

The Scientific Reality of Psychedelic Claims

While the marketing behind psilocybin and other psychedelics frames them as wonder drugs, the reality is far less convincing. Wealthy investors and commercial interests largely fund the current wave of research, and the findings remain controversial. The American Psychiatric Association, for instance, has stated that there’s inadequate scientific evidence to support the use of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve these substances for any medical condition.

This growing industry raises ethical concerns as well. Ballot measures like the one in Colorado, which permits medical use of psilocybin despite federal restrictions, blur the line between science and commercialisation. Are these substances being promoted for their genuine benefits, or for profit? And at what cost to society?

The Biblical Case for Sober Spirituality

Throughout Scripture, the message is clear: Our relationship with God is based on faith, not artificial experiences. When God called Moses to holy ground, He commanded him to approach with reverence, removing his sandals in the presence of divine holiness (Exodus 3:5). Today, seeking God through substances like psilocybin is akin to approaching the burning bush uninvited, claiming an experience that hasn’t been granted by God.

Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate way to connect with God. We don’t need hallucinogens to bridge that gap; it has already been closed through the cross. While psilocybin may offer intriguing experiences, it cannot replicate or replace the enduring, transformative relationship that comes through faith in Christ.

Seeking God the Right Way

Rather than seeking shortcuts or counterfeit spiritual experiences, the answer is to turn to prayer, Scripture, and community. These practices are rooted in truth, tested by time, and centred on the grace of God. Unlike the fleeting sensations of a psychedelic trip, they provide a lasting foundation for spiritual growth and transformation.

If you’re feeling distant from God, consider reaching out to a trusted pastor, joining a Bible study group, or setting aside time each day for prayer and reflection. True spiritual journeys don’t come in the form of quick fixes or chemically-altered states; they unfold through faith, obedience, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Faith Over Psychedelics: Finding God Through Christ

The idea that psychedelics can bring you closer to God is a dangerous illusion. While a psilocybin trip may create an emotional or mental high, it cannot replicate the true connection with God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The Church must stand firm in promoting spiritual truth over fleeting chemical experiences. A psychedelic trip closer to God is not the answer.

Instead of seeking God in substances, seek Him in Scripture. Instead of following psychonauts, follow Christ. The pathway to God doesn’t need shortcuts; it requires faith, humility, and surrender.

Source: Christian Post