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Hallucinogenic Substances in Ancient Religions and Cults
Hallucinogenic drugs were used in ancient religions and cults because of their psychological effects on human beings. It was believed that when worshipers consumed these substances, they would be brought closer to the supernatural forces (James, 2013). It was, however noted that some hallucinogenic drugs had a different and unique effect on some people with specific conditions. To these people, the drugs would result in a profound, transcendental and mystical experience involving subjective or immediate experience of ultimate reality (James, 2013). It is possible that these hallucinogenic drugs had a profound effect of stirring the deeply buried unconscious and hence brought about non-rational reactions.
The loftiest aim, however of using these hallucinogenic substances was what was described as a pure delight. This it was interpreted as the direct experience with God, the spirit that takes charge of one’s destiny, the ultimate reality or whatever objects that was worshiped by the worshiper (Rogers, 2011). In addition the use of these substances was believed to have healing, purifying and divination effects in observing certain rituals in some cultures. It is observed that the very religious impulse may have had its origin from the incredulity felt by primitives on ingesting and hence accidental findings on hallucinogenic properties (James, 2013).
The freedom to practice and choose any religion without government’s intrusion is a fundamental human right. In addition, it is a civil right that is protected by the Constitution of the United States (James, 2013). The first amendment in the constitution stipulates clearly that the United States government cannot make any religious laws. However the law can step in if the religious practice causes harm or threat to other citizens (Rogers, 2011). Some ancient hallucinogenic substances are outlawed and if still used by some religious practices the law will definitely step in.
If a new religion emerged today with the sacrament being a hallucinogenic substance, that religion would thus be termed as the universal obsession neurosis of the human kind (James, 2013). This is so true because such a religion will bring with it obsession restrictions just as the individual obsession neurosis restriction performs. The government would be allowing a religion of direct disavowal of reality and wishful illusions (Rogers, 2011). Such kind of properties of hallucinogenic properties can be compared to the condition of amentia which is usually comprised of an individual being in a state of blissful hallucinating confusion.
Such religious practices and beliefs are deeply rooted in a world of illusions and fantasy. This effect can therefore be blamed largely for the development, mental conditions such as neurosis or even psychosis (Rogers, 2011). The mental practitioners have over the years regarded such practices in a negative perspective. Despite the changing perspectives on the use of hallucinogenic substances, the law has played a bigger role by interfering with the belief that their use is acceptable.
For many years extreme practices that involved the use of high levels of hallucinogenic substances was considered to be an example of psychiatric mental illness (Rogers, 2011). This perception, however was not based on research directly to the religious practices, but was based on clinical experiences and personal opinions considered in mental patients practicing such religions. Therefore, it is very important for the law to be enacted to regulate religious practices and shun the use of hallucinogenic substances in an effort of preventing the development of mental illness. The government should be keen on such practices.
References
James, W. (2013). The varieties of Religious Experiences. New York. Dover Publications, Inc.
Rogers, K. (2011). Substance Use and Abuse. New York. Britannica Educational Publishers.