PSYC 475 Wk 8 Replies - Essay Example

Due Discussion Board Responses Response to Carol I enjoyed your post and I agreed with your perspective that many people use drugs and alcohol to fill a hole in themselves where something, possibly God, is missing. I, also, agree that it is entirely possible that some people are affected differently from others. Some people become funnier, friendlier, sometimes too friendly, but others can become cruel, belligerent, and violent. Drugs and alcohol and can exacerbate existing anger, mental illness and may produce violent behavior.

I cannot, however, make the claim that drugs and alcohol automatically lead to violent acts, but they can be entirely contributory to violence in those with an existing propensity for violence. The argument that I have to make, as in my initial post, is that if alcohol was an immediate gateway to anger and violence, then why would Jesus have turned water into wine to celebrate a wedding? This means that even Jesus understood that there was no real harm in a little alcohol as long as we appreciate and honor restraint and moderation.

This is also supported by Isaiah 5:11, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Peach, 2011). In other words only abusing a substance is bad and likely to lead to violence when alcohol is overly and too often abused, not enjoyed on occasions.REFERENCESPeach , D. (2011, June 29). 15 bible verses to help with addiction [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/15-bible-verses-to-help-with-addiction/Response to Grant I agree with your posting very much.

I, also, feel that it is short-sighted and a bit arbitrary to say that all alcohol and drug consumption leads directly to violence. After all there are many people who consume some alcohol and do not become predictably violent. I, also, feel that it is am matter of restraint, moderation, and self-respect. If we can honor these aspects of life then you can enjoy a glass of wine or occasional margarita on hot day without becoming heavily intoxicated or violent. Jesus turned water into wine to celebrate a wedding.

If alcohol would immediately breed violence then why would he do such a thing? He would not. In fact, the Bible has many instances where drinking and being intoxicated was not completely banned, but they warn against consuming it in excess. As in Isaiah 5:11, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Peach, 2011).In other words if all you do is drink and be drunk then you are likelier to commit uninhibited acts, may cause violent outbursts, and cause an individual to lose control of their actions and be unable to remember them later.

That is the danger of drugs and alcohol; but in moderation it is neither a universal creator of violence nor a sin in the eyes of God.REFERENCEPeach , D. (2011, June 29). 15 bible verses to help with addiction [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/15-bible-verses-to-help-with-addiction/