Pharmakeia: psychedelic drugs and spirituality

[Yoder777]

Pharmakeia: psychedelic drugs and spirituality
http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2010/0 ... s-and.html

There is a disturbing trend in the new age movement of using hallucinogenic drugs as a short cut to spiritual enlightenment. Pharmakeia, the Biblical word that translates as witchcraft, actually refers to the usage of mind-altering drugs for ritualistic purposes. Sound familiar? How does Alex Grey or anyone else know for certain that they aren't being contacted by demonic beings while under the influence of DMT?

I know the source of the above article is an evangelical Christian site, but consider the fact that the Urantia Book warns against self-induced trance-like states. Wouldn't the usage of DMT and other hallucinogens fall in that category?

[Geoff]

When we have asked about this, we have been told that there is zero spiritual value in this approach, and in fact lots of danger. Its a bit like some folks who practice forced OBE, and then travel in their minds, but don't know that is the case, and believe those experiences must be real.

hugs
Geoff

[Sandy]

I would just like to say that there is a whole bunch of false ideas being perpetrated by the Christian faith over the centuries, as well, in regards to the Pagan and Wiccan belief system. There are always rogue groups, extremists who warp beliefs into something ugly in nearly every religious and spiritual group, and I suppose Wicca is no different. Yet the one rule in Wicca is this. "Do as you will and harm ye none." No self respecting witch would ever go cavorting around with so called Demons and the likes of Satan. Wicca is a nature religion. The worship the Divine in nature. Sort of like Christians seeing Jesus and God as they view a cross... or us seeing divine energy being welded by Archangels, Angels, Melchizedeks and the like. We are all one underneath the scales and fur of our belief systems...all children of God.
xxSandy

[Welles]

I have a different point of view. Some people are introduced to the reality that there is more than the material world through psychedelics. They may then realize that those experiences are like like advertisements of a potential state of being that is personally achievable and work toward that. In that process real spiritual growth replaces the advertising that is left behind. It is like any 'bad' habit. Don't stop the bad, create goodness and the error ceases to be attractive.

That pattern is no different from people who enter the world of spirit through mystical belief structures or seeking signs and wonders. It isn't a right and wrong subject. Everyone starts somewhere. Love thy neighbor, leave 'em alone. Be a beacon, not a flashlight.

How often people who don't understand or have never participated in certain activities bemoan the failings of others. That in itself is a failing. It is the presumption of assumed self-righteousness.


Welles