does drug use get you closer to god?

Question

many cultures through the ages have used natural narcotics and/or hallucinogens to get closer to the divine. some still do.
drug use is illegal, but should people be allowed to do it for ceremonial practises?

Juggling - what the HECK are you trying to say? you don't make any sense

don't get me wrong, i don't even use drugs (well not since i was a teen)
this is just a question to get people thinking and for me to get insight into people's beliefs and opinions

angel, i hadn't meant to include alcohol as a drug, but yes, i guess it is.

"Drugs have been proven to be harmful to your mind and body. What does this scripture say? Doesn't it say to "cleanse ourselves of every defilement" ?

well guess what, so are fatty foods, cigarettes, car emmissions, and countless other things, are you as pure as you thought?

the lamb icon guy made a good point - how come its ok to use some man made drugs like aspirin to change your physical state, but not god grown ones to have a similar effect?

gee rezany, are you sure you aren't a closet witch? cause my witch friends would give a similar answer ; )

Answer 1

I don't know. I've often considered this, I don't mean drug use like we think of today. But there are so many smells and tactile sensations that promote a spiritual lifting. Like incense and perfumes, oils. I've been meaning to do some serious research in this area. I'd like to learn how to make the holy anointing oil. I have found a website where I can buy frankincense and myrrh plants, I'd like to add this fragrance to my special room. I wish I knew how the ancient ceremonies were actually carried out. I'd like to try and experience what they did. Honestly, I just don't know where to go for references on such things. I do think what we read about these in scriptures has been altered and I think I know why. Now, after saying all of that I must say. Life is joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, blissful. I do not and will not ever compromise what God has given me by lowering myself to drug use.

Answer 2

In the olden days, the shamans were much more powerful. As time went by, their powers weakened, and that's where the use of narcotic substances for reaching altered states of consciousness began.

But the thing is that these plants are living entities, teachers. Taking them requires great knowledge and practice. If taken correctly, they can give an enormous boost to a person's development. If, on the other hand, taken lightly, in jest or pride, the consequences can be harmful and irreversible.

My own approach has been: not to dabble in things of which I have not enough knowledge. Altered states can be reached without artificial aids. I think people only have to remember, how.

By the way, the members of the Native American Church are permitted to use peyote for ceremonial purposes.

Answer 3

If you think about it then the drugs make no sense at all. We are created exactly the way we are supposed to be. Drugs alter that reality. Sometimes in a good way like aspirin and other pain relievers sometimes in a bad way like opium and methamphetamine. I am an old drunk and drug addict, the first thing I wanted to do after being saved is to sober up. This is how the Holy Spirit began the process of cleaning up his new home. So for this reason I believe that drugs numb us to the truth.
IMHO

Answer 4

NO. Drug use does not bring you close to God. It blocks the true voice of God. We do not need anything but faith to talk to God.
Many churches did use narcotics and some still do, especially in certain cultures. BUt that doesnt make it right. THere are religions where its ok to marry a 8 yr. old kid, dodes that make it right? NO> I dont even care what the majority do, still doesnt make it right.
Drugs lead to the ruin of the ppl involved and then society. we see it all around us right now. Its all over and really awful. YOu cant even talk to them about God as they are too doggone stoned. Memories are shot, see someone after many years on just pot and where are their memories. gone. brain cells gone... Does that sound like waht God would want for His ppl? He tells us our bodies are a temple of God and to take care of our bodies. so does using drugs sound like God like behaviour? NO.
Drugs should be illegal, and so should cigarettes and alcohol. all kill. YEt , try to get a new herb on the market that is truly healthy, and they must proove its safe. We know alcohol kills and cigerettes, yet they are still with us. Go figure.
All we can do is learn what God says and do it, and doing only what He says. loving HIm enough to obey Him and to know apart from Him we are pretty clueless. when self is involved, we tend to mess it up.....
Get clear headed and truly find God He is the source to every problem you have,,,, for answers. amen

Answer 5

First of all i think you have to come up with the definition for the word '' Drug '' and when you do you have to define '' God ''.
If you have a clear definition of those 2 you will have your answer.

From what i know it seems that some ppl worship certain gods with drugs as a part of the teaching. For others it is forbiden. Some ppl dont believe in God and use drugs and vise verse. I guess it all depends on personal experience and your personal set of believes.

More or less humanity have a long history with drugs.

Answer 6

Some people are allowed to use drugs. In the US it depends on convincing a court that you are a real religion and your drug use is intrinsic to your religion.

This is how the Native American Church got permission to use peyote in their religious ceremonies. And no, nobody has convinced the US government that marijuana use should be legal, not even the Rastafarians who probably have the best argument.

As to the broader question, neurological research seems to show that the highs brought on by some drugs are very similar to those brought on by religious experience. Our brains seem to be hard wired to experience a sense of what religions call spirituality.

Answer 7

ALL narcotics and hallucinogenic drugs are very dangerous! More then likely it will get you much closer to actually SEEING the Devil himself! And he'll be laughing at you as you either O.D. or get so sick you wish you were dead!
What a way to get closer to God though. You can, as you're slipping into a coma, cry out to the God you have ridiculed on this board, for His help!!! Oh, that's right, .. You don't believe in Him, so why bother even then?!

Answer 8

Drugs may put you in a meditative state which is where you need to be in order to draw closer to God. The specifically states let nothing keep you from the knowledge of god. I want to reasurre there is a state of mind that can be acheived in which you actually are one with God but you must do all he ask to get there. We are not perfect that why we only see peeks and glimores of his glory. Seek purity. Seek obedience

Answer 9

I don't believe that narcotics or hallucinogens bring you closer to God. However, I do believe that God gave us a plant that was intended to increase our happiness and help some physical woes. In GEN 1:29 God gives Adam all the seed bearing plants and all the trees that bear fruit with seed in them to be his food. Hemp in all its forms, including sativa and indica fully meet that description. God created it and gave it to us, the government has no authority to take it away.

Answer 10

They stimulate the imagination, so I'd say yes, definitely.

What the heck is "the most holy book" darth? where does it say in the bible or qu'ran or torah that drug use is a sin?

“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of the Earth.” (Genesis 1:29)

And John was certainly tripping balls when he wrote revelations.