Stimulants, intoxicants and spiritual experience

[Nihilist]

It seems that one of the things which reduces the capacity for spiritual experiences is social inhibitions, sense of time and space, etc.

Now, it is known that various intoxicants can reduce, not only social inhibitions, but also the ‘normal’ framework of consciousness (cf. Timothy Leary)- there are accounts that this ‘de-normalized’ state of consciousness was encouraged by some saints by sleep deprivation, fasting, etc.

Is it spiritually legitimate? I am thinking about Rastas in particular. And we know Christ was characterized as a ‘wine-biber’

I have not real opinion on this…On the one hand- anyone can get stoned and have the feeling that “Everything is God” (perhaps just a physiological feeling)- but, on the other hand, in vino veritas, etc. Maybe it is just our inhibitions which hold us back from perceiving spiritual realities.

Any opinions?

 

[DerekTM]

I would say that intoxicants can lead to psychological truth but I doubt they provide spiritual truth. Cannabis might make somebody more receptive to spiritual concepts but as in the case of most drugs the mindset is usually temporary.

In the case of hallucinogens like LSD, mescaline, DMT, or psilocybin they most certainly offer psychological insights and they may create a mindset more open to spiritual truth - for much longer durations than most substances - but I doubt they offer anything in and of themselves.

 

[inocente]

I googled what the CCC says.

**II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

Respect for health**

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

 

[Nihilist]

I googled what the CCC says.

**II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

Respect for health**

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

I’m surprise at a Baptist quoting the CCC. I agree that profiting from drugs is a sin. But what about Bob Marley- pretty close to a modern day saint, surely?

And does this this prohibition on ‘trafficking’ apply to hotel owners, brewers, etc.?

 

[Ignatius]

I’m surprise at a Baptist quoting the CCC.Bob Marley- pretty close to a modern day saint

A saint is someone who leads a life of heroic sanctity, from what I know about Bob Marley, he did not lead many to Christ.

Blessed Chiara Bodano is one step away from sainthood. Here’s her story: reallifecatholic.com/blessed-chiara-luca-badano-pray-for-us/

Saint Gianna Molla is another: catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=33384

 

[Dorothy]

I googled what the CCC says.

**II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

Respect for health**

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

Thank you!

I recall that Art Linkletter’s daughter jumped out of a window (she did die) while under the influence of LSD.

We definitely need prayer and our Saviour Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

 

[StrawberryJam]

Some religions use intoxicants in their religious rituals. Peyote comes to mind. There are other examples.

 

[thinkandmull]

I googled what the CCC says.

**II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

Respect for health**

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

The Church has not said which drugs it is speaking about in particular. It leaves that to science and psychology. The issue is whether some are therapeutic. MAPS has looked into it. I don’t by the traditional argument about “losing your reason” because you lose your reason during sleep and sex. Are naps always immoral, or sex after menapause a sin? Sometimes you may want to jumble your mind up a bit for a night, you may see the world in a whole new way after. I am not a supporter of pot however. I think it has very very very very rarely done any good.

 

[MTarcisius]

First of all drugs do not cause spiritual experiences. For example when someone eats 7 or more grams of psilocybin mushrooms they may be so inebriated that they don’t know their name. However if a person ate a quarter of a gram of mushrooms (which people don’t do because it doesn’t get you high) they would notice almost no effect however the mind is usually calmed and quieted, which can allow for meditation. A meditational drug dose would be entirely different than a recreational drug dose. As humans our mindset is dynamic. Fast food can have substantial effect on the human psyche, just watch “Super Size Me”.

 

[Methos]

First of all drugs do not cause spiritual experiences. For example when someone eats 7 or more grams of psilocybin mushrooms they may be so inebriated that they don’t know their name. However if a person ate a quarter of a gram of mushrooms (which people don’t do because it doesn’t get you high) they would notice almost no effect however the mind is usually calmed and quieted, which can allow for meditation. A meditational drug dose would be entirely different than a recreational drug dose. As humans our mindset is dynamic. Fast food can have substantial effect on the human psyche, just watch “Super Size Me”.

Additionally, you’ll get nowhere without an elder (or as the West has improperly named them, shamans) guiding you. You don’t take peyote or sit in a sweat lodge and become “enlightened.” It’s not a day spa where everything is done in a day. It’s part of a process.It evens takes 5 years for an apprentice to be allowed to conduct a sweat lodge. So, that shows how seriously these people take their practices. Unfortunately, there are many frauds and “plastic shamans” out there who perpetuate these abuses of take one and done.