A question about lifestyle

[Jack_Attack]

Hi, I’m new to this Forum. My Grandmother told me I should talk to a priest but I’m shy so here I am hiding behind a screen. I have a broad question to ask and it involves a taboo subject. Well, I’m not even sure if it’s a taboo, I’ll wait for some answers before I make that assumption. I suppose I’ll tell you a little background first…

I’m 21. Religion has always been a big interest of mine. While all the other kids in my class were outside playing in the park, I was asking theological questions to anyone who would have a go at answering. Religion confuses me. I have never understood any of it. I want to understand. I have not read the bible. I have been to church with my grandmother many times, she is catholic. I am always very interested to hear what preachers have to say. I do not believe any of us can claim to know anything for sure about the divine that isn’t a simplistic aspect of it, relayed to us by our sense perceptions. Basically, I have never been satisfied with any answers to my questions. But I am hoping and I am trying to pray that someone here will be able to answer this…

Is it morally wrong to ingest mind altering naturally occurring substances that are illegal in most parts of the world? Do Catholics believe it to be wrong?

 

[Cricket2]

Hi, I’m new to this Forum. My Grandmother told me I should talk to a priest but I’m shy so here I am hiding behind a screen. I have a broad question to ask and it involves a taboo subject. Well, I’m not even sure if it’s a taboo, I’ll wait for some answers before I make that assumption. I suppose I’ll tell you a little background first…

I’m 21. Religion has always been a big interest of mine. While all the other kids in my class were outside playing in the park, I was asking theological questions to anyone who would have a go at answering. Religion confuses me. I have never understood any of it. I want to understand. I have not read the bible. I have been to church with my grandmother many times, she is catholic. I am always very interested to hear what preachers have to say. I do not believe any of us can claim to know anything for sure about the divine that isn’t a simplistic aspect of it, relayed to us by our sense perceptions. Basically, I have never been satisfied with any answers to my questions. But I am hoping and I am trying to pray that someone here will be able to answer this…

Is it morally wrong to ingest mind altering naturally occurring substances that are illegal in most parts of the world? Do Catholics believe it to be wrong?

I have to say yes for the most part. A lot of illegal drugs can have some beneficial use, in certain medical instances. In a case like that there would not be sin involved. But to use such drugs for the sole purpose of getting high would be immoral for a number of reasons.

1. Our bodies are the temple of God and we are to respect them and take care of them. Doing anything, such as drinking in excess, using illegal drugs just to get high, smoking, overeating is a form of sin as all can harm the body and the mind.
2. By purchasing illegal drugs you are supporting drug cartels and other illegal activities including the potential assault and/or murder of others. This is a dangerous group of people who have only one interest: The money they can make off from other people’s sufferings.
3. If you are feeling the need to use drugs you may be side stepping other issues that need better attention and care. A lot of people who are depressed can get caught up in drug use because they are trying to self medicate. It is better to seek professional help rather than try to bluff and pretend nothing is wrong.

I am certain others will suggest other reasons for the immorality involved in using such substances. These are just what comes to mind now.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Religion will seem foolish for most who look into it without faith.

First off, we have to understand what faith is and where it comes from.

Faith is a gift. It is God’s revelation of himself to us, however that may happen. So, to receive faith, you have to go to the source of faith, Jesus Christ.

Religion on the other hand, is our response to faith. It’s where we learn about God and worship Him.

Those who chose a religion, because they find the doctrines and rites attractive, but don’t have faith, often link their ego-identity to the religion. As a result, they become rigid and intolerant toward those outside the religion. Any question or accusation about their religion, and they will react offensively, because their ego is threatened.

So, if you want to understand religion, you must first have faith and that can come only from God, but you have to be open to receiving the gift.

Jim

 

[runningdude]

People are oblige to follow just laws. Generally speaking, drugs are illegal because they are potentially harmful. Thus, their prohibition is justified, and people should generally respect these laws.

 

[Jack_Attack]

In response to Cricket2:

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. So, in the cases where the consciousness expanding substance is not abused, not used to just ‘get high’ and not purchased, given that it is still not used with the intent to medicate… It is not morally wrong? Not a sin?

I noticed you said there’d be other reasons that it could be morally wrong. Reasons which you hadn’t at that time considered. Can you think of any other cases?

In response to JimR:

I am interested in religion as a reaction to faith. I am also interested in the word faith. I have been beginning to consider this one thing you mentioned prior to me joining this forum which is ‘to receive faith, you have to go to the source of faith, Jesus Christ.’ You say faith is a gift. What else is faith? How would I go about having faith? Take a leap?

In response to runningdude:

I used the phrase naturally occurring mind altering substance because I don’t believe the name drug applies to the category. However my terminology was poor as well. Instead of trying to group them I’ll just name them or at least a few that come to mind:
-Peyote
-Cannabis
-DMT plants
-Ayahuasca
-Psilocybin mushrooms

These so called ‘drugs’ were made by ‘God’. I don’t believe God would manufacture drugs so I don’t call these organisms drugs. I suppose it boils down to whether you think man has free will or her path is determined. If God made man in the image of God but man still has the ability to choose, drugs are a human invention… but if her path is determined then God made man make drugs… Drugs like alcohol. Which are harmful but happen to be big business.

To my knowledge alcohol is the only drug the bible mentions by literally addressing its name. The bible also mentions healing herbs. There are other figurative references to the substances I’ve listed or at least some of them. It is my belief that it’s simply one institutions translation of the last when it comes to the bible. A little bit like Chinese whispers. What do you think?

-Jack

’

 

[DMC12]

everything in this world was made by God and its not bad.

using Marihuana is not bad when you do it for medical purposes, Cocaine as far as i understand can be used to make bread without any hallucinogen effect, alcohol can be consumed without any bad effect even with some good ones when done moderately.

 

[Methos]

I used the phrase naturally occurring mind altering substance because I don’t believe the name drug applies to the category. However my terminology was poor as well. Instead of trying to group them I’ll just name them or at least a few that come to mind:
-Peyote
-Cannabis
-DMT plants
-Ayahuasca
-Psilocybin mushrooms

These so called ‘drugs’ were made by ‘God’. I don’t believe God would manufacture drugs so I don’t call these organisms drugs. I suppose it boils down to whether you think man has free will or her path is determined. If God made man in the image of God but man still has the ability to choose, drugs are a human invention… but if her path is determined then God made man make drugs… Drugs like alcohol. Which are harmful but happen to be big business.

To my knowledge alcohol is the only drug the bible mentions by literally addressing its name. The bible also mentions healing herbs. There are other figurative references to the substances I’ve listed or at least some of them. It is my belief that it’s simply one institutions translation of the last when it comes to the bible. A little bit like Chinese whispers. What do you think?

-Jack

’

Many of these are not harmful in the cultures in which they are used. The problem is, they’re not used in the culture here and possibly where you live, as you didn’t say what country you were from in the post. For example, people chew coca leaves instead of drinking coffee in South America. Many actual practitioners will tell you that you don’t simply take peyote or drink Ayahuasca and gain “enlightenment.” There’s a process or ritual leading to and including the use of it, guided by an elder with years, if not decades of experience in use of these substances as well as interpreting the accompanying visions.Now, you can take them and think you’re “enlightened.” You can also teach yourself a martial art and go up against someone actually who went to a dojo and learned from a teacher. Who do you think will win that fight? Take sweat lodges for example. A few years ago, a man named James Arthur Ray set them up in Arizona for people seeking “enlightenment.” In the culture where they are used, it takes years of apprenticeship before you’re even allowed to help out in one. He just set one up and sold tickets. Several people died as a result to his playing plastic shaman.

Now, you mention alcohol. You can see the tragic damage it’s done to people with broken families and car crash deaths. In the Bible, Lot’s daughters get him drunk to have sex with him. St. Paul said drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom. Yet, wine is used for the Blood in the Eucharist. You see what I’m getting at here. Now, as the Church has never said that any of these substances or others can aid us in our relationship with God, so you, if you’re Catholic, should not use them to do so.

 

[mexolic]

Yes we have a free will. Whether one chooses to call something a drug or not is irrelevant. What would be the purpose of using something to alter one’s consciousness? Perhaps people find pleasure in that. Just like finding pleasure in other things that would be considered immoral.