Legalize Marijuana
To SF Chronicle Insight
Prohibition became the law of the land because Baptists and Methodists with their strong anti-alcohol beliefs led the way. I agree with Debra J. Saunders that our nation should move to legalizing drug use, perhaps starting with marijuana. (SF Chronicle Insight 12/7/08) However, religious groups will again lead the fight to keep drugs illegal. The Mormons will join the others in vigorously opposing decriminalization. These denominations not only oppose alcohol use but any substance that stimulates the body and mind. The main line denominations like Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Lutherans will probably say nothing but will be quietly opposed.
The underlying issue is the fear that most religious groups have about pleasure. Sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, alcohol or marijuana use give people pleasure. They believe pleasure that is good for the body is bad for the soul.
Prohibition became the law of the land because Baptists and Methodists with their strong anti-alcohol beliefs led the way. I agree with Debra J. Saunders that our nation should move to legalizing drug use, perhaps starting with marijuana. (SF Chronicle Insight 12/7/08) However, religious groups will again lead the fight to keep drugs illegal. The Mormons will join the others in vigorously opposing decriminalization. These denominations not only oppose alcohol use but any substance that stimulates the body and mind. The main line denominations like Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Lutherans will probably say nothing but will be quietly opposed.
The underlying issue is the fear that most religious groups have about pleasure. Sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, alcohol or marijuana use give people pleasure. They believe pleasure that is good for the body is bad for the soul.
posted by RWC | 8:29 AM
1 Comments:
Robert,
One of the best things that has happened to me since moving back to California and to the Bay Area four years ago has been getting to know you. I can't tell you how much I admire you and Ann, your values and witness. It is always a pleasure to read your blog.
One of my happiest memories of 2008 is attending your 25th wedding anniversary celebration at St. John the Evangelist and hearing the warm and wonderful words you spoke to Ann in your fine sermon that day.
These latest postings of yours are entirely interesting and wise. I particularly like what you write about the true meaning of Christmas. I also affirm what you say about Obama. I watch his press conferences in awe and wonder. Here is a brilliant, wise, and caring leader who displays amazing knowledge of the most complicated problems and has chosen an outstanding group of people to work with him. I believe he may become one of the greatest of the presidents.
"I agree with Debra J. Saunders that our nation should move to legalizing drug use, perhaps starting with marijuana (SF Chronicle Insight 12/7/08)" You are so right about that. Legalization would reduce crime, save lives wasted in prison for non-violent drug peddling and use, save billions of dollars, and allow police to concentrate on dangerous criminals. Unfortunately it is not going to happen. Too many law enforcement people have based their careers on the "drug war" and, as you point out, religious groups would oppose legalization.
All the best to you and Ann for Christmas and the New Year.
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