Intoxication

In the Urantia Book

Among primitives

• Belief in the effects of drugs is influenced by supernatural forces, as seen in the veneration of plants and trees in ancient tree worship cults. 85:2.3
• Belief intoxication rendered one divine, as primitive man worshiped intoxicants as something sacred and divine, leading to the belief that being intoxicated brought one closer to divinity. 69:5.11 85:2.1 88:1.9
• Intoxicating liquors from plants were believed to bestow divinity, leading to worship of those plants. 85:2.1
• Shamans were shrewd tricksters who employed drugs to induce physical states and mystify tribesmen. 90:1.4

In current religions

• Gautama's commandment against intoxication: “You shall not drink intoxicating liquors.” 94:8.14
• Jesus, refusing drugged wine at crucifixion, demonstrated a deep commitment to human consciousness and a willingness to face death on his own terms. 187:2.3 194:3.4
• The religion of Jesus is not an opiate but a powerful force that leads humanity upward and onward, providing joy and peace in the spiritual existence to enrich and elevate life in the flesh. 194:3.3-4
• Opium, castor oil, and wine were early medicines used by the Sumerians and later passed down to the Greeks and Egyptians, who evolved rational methods of treating the sick. 90:4.9

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Jesus refuses narcotics 187:2.3 — Mt 27:34; Mk 15:23.

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