From: pearsodc@hydra.rose-hulman.edu
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: Re: ECSTACY followup
Date: 20 Nov 92 05:15:49 GMT
Reply-To: pearsodc@hydra.rose-hulman.edu
Organization: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

>	I'm not advocating the use of drugs, and I certainly agree that they
>induce unreal feelings.  What I'm saying is that in some cases, these false
>feelings can be utilized in a very good way.  My best friend, who had a
>hideous childhood and for a long time didn't care about living, tried ecstacy
>this past summer.  The change in his attitude toward the world is phenomenal.
>Before he was full of hatred and depression.  Now, when my friends meet him,
>they think he's one of the most hyper, happy people they've ever met.  And
>no, he doesn't need it all the time to stay that way.

i think a distinction needs to be drawn between "good feelings" and "holy
feelings."  The question doesn't need to be if something - and i don't care
what the 'thing' is - makes you feel good, or even creates good things for
others.  the question is does something draw you closer - genuinely closer - to
God.  i will argue (and i think that this is pretty Scriptural - if it isn't,
someone please correct me) that the only way one can draw closer to God is
purely through the movement of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is given to
us FREELY.  you don't have to take a drug for the Holy Spirit to work in you. 
that's a lie from satan's lips, pure and simple.

> [...]
>	The side effects of ecstacy include being in a good mood anywhere
>from one week to the rest of your life.  I know that it's wrong to alter
>yourself through drugs, but I truly believe that ecstacy has the potential 
>to heal a lot of hatred and misguided ideals in this world.  The Holy Spirit,
>idealistically, is the true answer to the world's problems.  But there are 
>a lot of people out there who cannot relate to religion.  Charles Manson,
>for instance:  Sure, you can put a Bible in front of him and tell him it'll
>change his life, but I'd be willing to bet my life savings he'd stay the same.
>On the other hand, if you put a pill in his mouth, he'd be giving you hugs.

the Holy Spirit is the true answer to the world's problems IDEALISTICALLY?  how
about in every way, shape, and form?  don't you believe that God can do
whatever He wants to do whenever He wants to do it in any way that He chooses?
i know that i do.  And i know that, to use your example, charles manson could
be hoppin' up and down praisin' God with all his might if he was high on the
holy ghost.  how's he gonna get that way?  a whole lot of prayer, and a whole
lot of love from folks like us.  that applies to anybody, especially those who
you don't think will ever know the love of God.

i don't want anyone to misunderstand me.  i'm not saying that anybody is damned
for all eternity because they have done any halluciongenic drug.  i am saying
that chemical stimulation is not of God.  i think it's an entirely reasonalble
thing to question the holiness of any thing...even and especially every 'good'
thing.  there is a way that seems right to a man, but it will lead to death.
(what's the citation for that?  i can't remember for certain...proverbs,
maybe?)

to the King and to His Kingdom,

clueless chuck
pearsodc@rosevc.rose-hulman.edu