A spiritual conference in the midst of an investigation.

In the final piece, I wrap up the series with some final theological reflections on what I believe is a case study in the shadow of psychedelics happening in the highest-profile research. I discuss the perverse incentives and the profaning of religion, science, and the sacred. I turn to the Christian mystic Thomas Merton in order to find grace amid moral injuries, grounded hope, an alternative vision, and religious freedom.

Transcript: https://www.psychedeliccandor.org/p/the-religious-science-of-johns-hopkins-cc5

In part seven, I focus on a June 2023 presentation where the researchers presented their high-level findings. I examine the narratives the researchers are attempting to present in furthering their spiritual agendas, the lack of transparency around their financial conflicts of interest and their involvement, and how the incentives of psychedelic capitalism and drug legalization beget psychedelic marketing. I discuss how much the fear of cultural backlash looms large in the minds of researchers, and how many so-called psychedelic “thought leaders” have failed to take accountability for the death and psychological destruction that has happened as a result of their irresponsible advocacy. Transcript: https://www.psychedeliccandor.org/p/the-religious-science-of-johns-hopkins-4b9