Popular inferences from surveys and clinical trials—that psychedelic experiences dissolve atheist convictions, replace them with traditional monotheist beliefs, and that atheism and depression are linked afflictions treatable by psychedelics—are substantially misleading. Analysis of the studies shows most psychedelic atheists do not cleanly abandon their convictions, nor do they adopt traditional monotheism. Personal testimony and microdose trial effectiveness complicate any claim that psychedelics alleviate depression by curing atheism. The broader field of neurotheology contributes to these misconceptions.
This chapter compares the Catholic sacrament of extreme unction with modern psychedelic therapy for the dying. Extreme unction, a final ritual fortifying the soul for heaven, is embraced by Catholics but viewed by Protestants as fraudulent. Since the 1960s and recently, psychiatrists have used LSD and psilocybin to help terminal cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The chapter explores how this psychedelic therapy shares the high purposes of extreme unction and some of its surrounding problems.