Psychedelics Today PT 605 - Jeff Breau - Exploring Psychedelic Churches at Harvard Divinity School
May 27, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Jeff Breau, a researcher from Harvard Divinity School's Center for the Study of World Religions, explores the burgeoning psychedelic church movement and its intersections with spirituality. He shares his personal journey from atheism to psychedelic spirituality and discusses the critical role of music in therapy. Jeff also delves into the legal challenges faced by these churches and the complexities of labeling emerging spiritual communities. Moreover, he highlights the potential of psychedelic chaplaincy in providing spiritual care during transformative experiences.
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Music's Cultural Impact in Therapy
- Psychedelic therapy music playlists carry cultural and religious coding that affects participant experience.
- Standardized playlists may harm some patients due to personal associations with tracks or context recorded in.
Jeff’s Personal Transformation
- Jeff Breau transitioned from devout atheist and tech worker to psychedelic religious researcher after a profound mystical experience.
- He lived at Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram and later pursued study at Harvard Divinity School to merge psychedelics and religion.
Translating Experience into Action
- Psychedelic churches face the challenge of translating transcendent experiences into everyday, practical community life.
- Religious traditions differ in balancing internal mystical states with external service and care to others.
