Entheogens and the Future of Religion (Paperback)

~ Robert Forte (Author), Terence McKenna (Author), Ann and Alexander Shulgin (Author), Robert Jesse (Author), Dale Pendell (Author), Thomas Riedlinger (Author), Thomas Roberts (Author), Rick Strassman (Author), Eric Sterling (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a work of responsible advocacy. Forte and his dozen principal contributors seek the wide acceptance, including legalization and mature practice, of "entheogens" -- "god spawning" psychoactive substances (LSD, mescalin [sic], etc.) that are deemed especially suited for use on designated or readily identifiable sacramental occasions. Though there is inevitably some unevenness, the collection as a whole is very good -- i.e., instructive and clearly presented. At its best, it is excellent (see, e.g., Forte's conversations with R.G. Wasson and Jack Kornfield). Ample lists of references accompany most of the individual chapters. The book should prove to be a welcome complement to other serious studies in mysticism (including those that take a fundamentally different tack). -- C. MacCormick, emeritus, Wells College -- Choice 9/97

Product Description

Exciting book on the spiritual benefits of the entheogens, especially to our society. Essays by Albert Hofmann, R. Gordon Wasson, the Shulgins, Terence McKenna, Dale Pendell, Jack Kornfield, Tom Roberts, Rick Strassman, others. Huston Smith says it is “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experiences”. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 183 pages
• Publisher: Promind Services; 1st edition (1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889725013
• ISBN-13: 978-1889725017
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,398,921 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entheogens? Yes!, August 4, 2000

By	"zahdio" (USA) - See all my reviews

This is a great book for anyone interested in this subject, whether initiate or not. It provides insight from a number of the initial 20th century pioneers, as well as gives us a window into the inner ritual as performed by the more rural indian "initiates". I would recommend this book to anyone interested in using entheogens, writing about entheogens, or anyone who has used them previously and would like a better understanding of their experience. I especially liked the different perspectives such as referring to their experiences as just that-personal experiences rather than simply hallucinations, which implies something false or nonexistant. It provides a profound respect for these experiences rather than a complete dismissal of the experience as nonsense, as our governments and "health" agencies may be tempted to do.

45 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Panoramic Introduction, March 30, 1999

By	Thomas M. Seay (Palo Alto, California USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want a number of perspectives on the serious use of psychedelics, this is the book! Christian, Buddhist, spiritual, scientific and legal considerations on the subject are presented.

As an anthology, it will familiarize you with key figures in the contemporary psychedelic scene.

This is an intelligent book for people wanting to explore psychedelics for spiritual purposes. It is not a book for "stoners" who just want to trip to see "pink bunnies"

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Primary religious experiences, August 22, 2005

By	Heir to the Leary Legacy: a "teacher and expl... (Downers Grove, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entheogens and the Future of Religion (Entheogen Project Series, Number 2) (Paperback)

People need to realize the long history of entheogens (aka psychedelics) in both historical and religious perspective. These sacred substances have been used for centuries to help people get in touch with the god within. The War on Drugs has failed to distinguish between drugs of abuse and sacred sacramentals, this book goes a long way towards clearing up this misconception.