Drug use and beliefs.

[flobadob]

Does anyone here think there is any link between what someone believes in a religious sense and their outlook on drug use? For example someone of a religious persuasion may be against drugs because they think God would be against them, whereas an atheist may not worry so much about drug use as they realise you may as well do everything you can whilst here on earth, as once you die you can't do anything else. Do you have an opinion on drug use and do you think it is swayed by your beliefs. I would be particularly interested if any atheists were against drug use and their reasoning.

[naomi24]

I don't understand why you would expect an atheist specifically to think along those lines. Anyone with any sense doesn't need a god to tell them how to live.

[joggerjayne]

I wonder if it's not the other way round ?

Many ancient religions have incorporated, inot their religious worship, substances which have "heightened the senses".

Rastafarianism, and most Eastern religions, are not known for being anti drug use.

[cazzz1975]

regardless of my beliefs (brought up a catholic but basically now an athiest) I think drug taking is a mugs game.

[carrust]

I don't do religion, & I don't do drugs. My reasoning is that I've got a nephew who's a recovering heroin addict.....Heroin became his religion...he even went to jail for it...

[Ankou]

god said...

'behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.'

so this would include cannabis, opium poppies, mushrooms.....

why would the religious say 'drugs are baaad'?

[society]

- "someone of a religious persuasion may be against drugs because they think God would be against them, "

Why would God be against them when he created / put those drugs here on earth.

- "as once you die you can't do anything else. "

Whose to say, this is your belief, I believe otherwise... I'll definitely be coming back to play mind-games with some. :-)


- "Do you have an opinion on drug use and do you think it is swayed by your beliefs."

Drugs usage is no different from - e.g. excessive sugar or salt intake. As everything else disproportionate drug use can cause more destruction with the mind inducing it to create havoc. As for it swaying my beliefs, it does nothing to or for my spiritual beliefs as I never indulge in such vice.

[keyplus90]

I believe religion does play a part. Islam is against any addiction that can damage individual as well as society. That may be any drug, alcohol, fame, wealth, or any other addiction. For example everyone knows alcohol is forbidden in Islam. But now few scholars have an opinion that it is not only alcohol but anything that can damage one’s health or that of around him/her. Say for example cigarette although it has not been mentioned in Quran.

[boxtops]

There are some religions which actively approve of drug use because participants believe that they give the individuals a higher sense of awareness, or they go into some sort of trance.
Personally, religious beliefs or not, I don't hold with drugs except for prescription medication - I don't want to alter my state of mind or make myself less responsible for my actions, which appear to be the outcomes for most people I know who have been or are users of any banned substance.

[sara3]

not religious, anti-drugs.

[razza]

Im an atheist,dont believe in any type of drug taking except prescription drugs,in my opinion those who do take them and those who provide them are the scum of the earth,they ought to be allowed to keep taking them till they die through them,no hospital treatment or the such,the more that die the usage will become less.

[flobadob]

Wow.

[sara3]

well, when I said anti-drugs... maybe not to that degree!

[Buenchico]

I'm an atheist and I believe in the legalisation (and free availability) of all drugs, but I can't see that there's a direct connection between the two. Many religions actively incorporate the use of mind-bending drugs into their practices, particularly those with African origins, such as Rastafari.

Chris

[flobadob]

I just find that a lot of people are very anti drugs and they are also religious. In fairness most people were I am from are religious so it may just be a society thing and nowt to do with beliefs. I just thought that perhaps an atheist standpoint would be to take drugs if you want as it's your body, it's only going to be here for another 50 or so years and why should anyone be able to stop you from doing what you want with usually, quite natural substances. Also I don't particularly buy into the whole addict thing. Yes it does happen but I think it's on the lower end of the scale from my experience.

[jomifl]

Drugs can change your life just as a religion can..not necessarily for the better, which is why I take neither (apart from some local alcoholic remedies in moderation of course).

[RATTER15]

I'm atheist, I'm against drugs because they are bad news, nothing to do with being an atheist though!!!

[flobadob]

Loads of celebrities consume copious amounts of drugs and everyone loves them. They can't all be wrong, surely.

[jomifl]

I haven't loved any celebrities, but now you mention it Lauren Bacall was quite sexy