The Zealot and the Drunk

I'm on a vegetarian diet today and so I ordered some plant-based meal from the pub here for my early dinner. I enjoy blogging from a pub because I tend to feel more relaxed in such places. I plan to spend a couple of hours here and will probably grab some beers after finishing this article.

We all know that excessive consumption of alcohol leads to drunkenness, characterised by a loosening of inhibitions, slurred speech and impaired judgement. That is why it is unwise to drive when one is in an intoxicated state. 

The mind has so many mental blocks, and when people drink, they temporarily remove them. This makes people more relaxed and social, and this lack of inhibition sometimes making people do  things that are socially inappropriate. That is why most religions prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Alcoholism could also lead to all sorts of long-term health issues. 

Why then do people drink? Well, same reason why people play computer games, binge on Netflix serials or stuff themselves with junk food. We all want to take a break from the stress of everyday problems, and find ways to trigger the release of all the feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. 

All pleasurable experiences could lead to addiction, when the brain's pleasure circuits are hijacked. It is easy to get addicted to anything that's pleasurable. Almost everyone craves for their favourite food. We even celebrate that: look at how many Youtube videos and TV programs that are dedicated to food. 

Gluttony is considered one of the 7 deadly sins by the medieval church. Even the consumption of coffee was debated by Muslim scholars during the 15th and 16th century, when its popularity began to surge and coffee-houses became boisterous social interaction hubs, prone to licentiousness. Today, we celebrate the consumption of coffee in all its variety. 

What is prohibited by the religions of the day will be determined by the zeitgeist. There is no right or wrong to it. There will always be purportedly religious people who will behave in a holier-than-thou attitude, condemning others for their failure to strictly follow the rules and regulations of their sect, when they themselves succumb to the deadly sin of pride.

Anything pleasurable consumed in access will tend to lead to bad consequences, whether it is inappropriate behaviour or long term health issues. Religion should help people to cultivate responsible behaviour and alleviate the suffering of the human condition. Everyone is simply trying to cope with the circumstances that they are in, in the best way they know. 

Excessive indulgence in religious fervour should be abhorred as much as alcoholic drunkenness. The religious zealot who bays for the blood of sinners is as repulsive as the abusive drunk who hurls obscenities after a few drinks.  If you know better than others, lead by example. Truth will alway shine like a beacon. Inspire others with the sheer joy of your path. And you bet I will drink to that. Cheers!