In February, a group called Singularism scored a troubling victory under the Utah Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), claiming police violated their rights by confiscating otherwise illegal magic mushrooms (psilocybin) used for tea ceremonies and their “scriptures” (recorded insights during trips). A mental health counselor had allegedly formed the organization to alleviate suffering and facilitate practitioners’ (called “voyagers”) connections with themselves and God.
A federal judge ordered the return of the items, rejecting the government’s argument that Singularism was “essentially a drug-dealing business in a minister’s robe.” The judge further found that Singularism held sincere religious beliefs and that each day the group was “deprived of the sacrament they suffer harm to their religious exercises.” Although the judge noted that individuals could perhaps achieve the same experiences from meditation, as opposed to illegal drugs, she said “most people do not have that luxury of time,” accurately distilling the zeitgeist of American obsession with a quick fix. And then she called it religion.
Litigation continues, but meanwhile, the decision sets a disturbing precedent. And a movement is afoot to capitalize on the win. Led by well-funded educated elites that includes scholars, lawyers, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs, the goal is obtaining widespread U.S. legalization of psychedelics.
How did we get here?
During the 21st century, the percentage of Americans attending religious services steadily shrank, while the percentage of those claiming no religion more than doubled. Christianity in particular has been in rapid decline. In 2007, 78 percent of U.S. adults identified as Christians; in 2024, that number had dropped to 62 percent.
Hellbound and Down 