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Editorial: Freedom of Religion |
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Written by Scott
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Sunday, 21 December 1997 |
With the recent polls we've been having, we've been able to tell a little bit more about the way our readers feel regarding some important issues. The polls allow folks to remain anonymous, and yet still share their feelings to us all. Some of the topics that the polls cover are controversial... and that's our intention. We, and I include all EDot visitors, like to know where we stand with our opinions and our peers. One thing that most folks feel strongly about is religion.
The question has recently come up as to the “true” definition of the word entheogen. Since that question is highly debated, it's largely a matter of opinion. But the thought remains, can plants be considered religious items, worthy of laws respecting religious freedom?
When I tell people that I'm a highly religious person, a lot of people find that hard to believe. I don't belong to any of the “major” religions, and my beliefs are hard to put under one title. I don't believe in a puppet-master god, but rather a god/dess that is a part of myself, in the same way god/dess is a part of my dog, or a part of the plants that share my life. But that's my own personal view...the fact is that religion is very important to me, and plays a large part in my life.
Because my religious views are not shared by the majority of citizens of the US, does that mean that they are any less valid, or do not deserve the same protection as the more common religions of today? Yet I can't grow the wonderful Peyote plant that our Native Americans are allowed to grow for religious purposes...simply because of my heritage, or lack of Native heritage.
It is amazing to me that the cause of a large portion of the wars that have been fought in the history of the planet have been the result of religious differences. “My god is better than yours, and only my way of thinking is correct. You are simply wrong. If you don't change your way of thinking, I'll be forced to kill you.” I simply can't fathom that, yet I can't think of anything more worth dying for.
Live and Let Live. It's a simple statement, but one that many people, and our own government, should take to heart. If a person gets closer to their own god by having a relationship with a plant, and that plant is a Peyote cactus, should they be placed in prison--because they are somehow a threat to society? I wish someone could adequately explain how anyone could think that way...and while they're at it, could they explain why the color of our skin should determine if we are able to have such a relationship with that plant.
Laws are laws, but the law-enforcers don't make the laws, society does. If you're afraid to discuss the subject with your friends, spouses, relatives, parents, ministers, priests, doctors--society--then nothing will ever change. Those in society that support these inadequate laws are not doing so out of hatred or fear, but out of ignorance. They simply don't know any different, and how can they if nobody talks to them about it. So make the effort...just because you like to discuss religious topics does not make you a zealot, nor does it make you a “druggie.” This site is not about drugs, it's about plants and the relationships we make with them.
Plant the seed of thought in thy neighbor's mind, with love in your heart. Rock on...
Keep thinking! Keep writing! Keep spreading the truth! |
