Salvation or Sin? The Ethics of Psychedelic Spirituality

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The Integration Session

Dr. Elena Koning and The Centre for Psychedelics Health and Research

17 episodes

1 week ago

The Integration Session is for staying up-to-date on all things psychedelic science, with the experts themselves. This podcast takes an integrative approach—sharing research findings, their clinical relevance, and reaching towards solutions to key challenges in the field today. Hosted by Dr. Elena Koning, this show is where scientists connect to discuss anything from mechanisms and study design to ethics and policy. If you’re a scientist, trainee, or simply someone who wants to dig deeper, tune in for engaging discussions about psychedelics and their promising future in healthcare and beyond.

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Salvation or Sin? The Ethics of Psychedelic Spirituality

The Integration Session

37 minutes 1 second

2 months ago

Salvation or Sin? The Ethics of Psychedelic Spirituality

Can psychedelic experiences be considered ‘authentic’ spirituality? How can these substances foster spiritual healing, and what ethical principles must guide their use in society? In this episode of The Integration Session, we take a deep dive into the topic with distinguished theological ethicists Dr. Tracy J. Trothen and Ron Cole-Turner. Together, we explore how psychedelics could enrich spiritual health, the ethical tightrope of integrating them into mental health care and religious contexts, how spirituality can be measured in clinical trials, and the role of theological ethics in bridging divides within faith communities. Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation that weaves together science, spirituality, and ethics to reimagine the responsible use of psychedelics.

Tracy J. Trothen is an interdisciplinary professor of ethics at Queen’s University, jointly appointed to the School of Religion and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada and has expertise in clinical spiritual care. Trothen is the author or editor of numerous articles, chapters, and books including her co-authored books, Understanding Religion and Artificial Intelligence: Meaning-Making in the Digital Age (with R. Reed, 2026), and Religion and the Technological Future: An Introduction to Biohacking, AI, and Transhumanism (with C. Mercer, 2021). Tracy co-chairs the American Academy of Religion's (AAR) Artificial Intelligence Unit and is a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR).

Ron Cole-Turner explores the spiritual significance of psychedelics for Christians. He is the author of Psychedelics and Christian Faith: Exploring an Unexpected Pathway to Healing and Spirituality (2025). Some recent articles include “Psychedelic Integration and Spiritual Growth in a Christian Context” (2025) and “Psychedelic Mysticism and Christian Spirituality: From Science to Love” (2024). He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and taught theology and ethics at the seminary level for 35 years. He is a founding Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.