LSD and Mystical Experiences
- Source: Journal of Bible and Religion (Vol 31 No 2 April 1963)
- Author: G Ray Jordan Jr.
Summary
In this article Jordan explores the similarities between LSD-induced experiences and mystical experiences. While such correlations seem self-evidence to us today, such was not the case in the early 1960s. At the time much contention existed between adherents of R.C. Zaehner’s “psychedelic experiences are inherently not mystical” approach and Aldous Huxley’s stance of psychedelics acting as “gratuitous graces.”
Jordan discusses the psychological, physical, and ontological effects of the LSD experience, marshalling additional support for the Huxley camp. He offers summaries of experiences reported by normal LSD subjects in the form of composite descriptions from many different sessions.