The medical profession has finally concluded what many of us
have suspected for years, which is that the drawbacks associated with the consumption
of alcohol outweigh the one positive effect that alcohol seems to have. It has
long been known that alcohol significantly increases the risk of developing a
wide number of ailments. It is also obvious that alcohol consumption leads a
certain proportion of people directly into severe problems – drunkenness,
addiction and mental health issues, each with further social and medical issues
of their own. Some people have taken the view that for this reason alone,
society should stop drinking – for the sake of the vulnerable ones.
The one advantage which has been found is that (specifically) red wine lessens the chance of heart disease. As red wine is a known trigger for migraine, we migraine sufferers have long been puzzled by that one! But now, a huge survey of individuals across 195 countries has found that even those who drink a very small amount of alcohol have a greater risk of contracting a number of diseases, including seven specific cancers. As alcohol consumption increases, so do the risks, exponentially. And crucially, the doctors who compiled this huge survey, now say that the risks from cancer and other diseases far outweigh any possible improvement in heart conditions.
Although Jesus and His disciples drank wine (this may have been less risky than the water that was available to them), a number of the World Teachers of the past have advised their followers against the consumption of alcohol. Two clear examples are the Buddha and the Prophet Muhammad. This is one of the reasons why two-thirds of the world’s population avoid it – meaning that across the world, drinking alcohol is definitely a minority habit.
Bahá’u’lláh, writing for this age, likewise advised His followers to avoid alcohol, saying: “It is inadmissible that man, who hath been endowed with reason, should consume that which stealeth it away.” He saw spirituality as far more beneficial than chemical intoxicants: “Beware lest ye exchange the Wine of God for your own wine, for it will stupefy your minds, and turn your faces away from the Countenance of God…”
The one advantage which has been found is that (specifically) red wine lessens the chance of heart disease. As red wine is a known trigger for migraine, we migraine sufferers have long been puzzled by that one! But now, a huge survey of individuals across 195 countries has found that even those who drink a very small amount of alcohol have a greater risk of contracting a number of diseases, including seven specific cancers. As alcohol consumption increases, so do the risks, exponentially. And crucially, the doctors who compiled this huge survey, now say that the risks from cancer and other diseases far outweigh any possible improvement in heart conditions.
Although Jesus and His disciples drank wine (this may have been less risky than the water that was available to them), a number of the World Teachers of the past have advised their followers against the consumption of alcohol. Two clear examples are the Buddha and the Prophet Muhammad. This is one of the reasons why two-thirds of the world’s population avoid it – meaning that across the world, drinking alcohol is definitely a minority habit.
Bahá’u’lláh, writing for this age, likewise advised His followers to avoid alcohol, saying: “It is inadmissible that man, who hath been endowed with reason, should consume that which stealeth it away.” He saw spirituality as far more beneficial than chemical intoxicants: “Beware lest ye exchange the Wine of God for your own wine, for it will stupefy your minds, and turn your faces away from the Countenance of God…”
At a time when medical science was in its infancy,
Bahá’u’lláh was very clear about the most direct effects of alcohol on the
human brain, with its undesirable results: “Alcohol consumeth the mind and
causeth man to commit acts of absurdity.” Since that time it has been
discovered that alcohol does indeed destroy brain cells, and also that the
human liver cannot cope with significant quantities of this particular
chemical. In addition, correct chemical balances in the brain lead to more
complete development of other aspects of the body. Bahá’u’lláh’s Son,
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, once said: “Experience has shown how greatly the renouncing of
smoking, of intoxicating drink and of opium conduceth to health and vigour, to
the expansion and keenness of the mind and to bodily strength.”
Although many people regard alcohol as a form of stimulant, medically it is the opposite – a depressant and an inhibitor. Perhaps meditation and prayer are two more effective ways of reaching inner happiness than alcohol seems to be. Another could be recognising our natural place in the world by re-connecting with nature, through spending time in parks, woods and the countryside generally. Bahá’u’lláh said: “Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator... Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.”
According to another recent survey, fewer young teenagers in
Britain have been turning to alcohol. Perhaps they are beginning to realise
that there are better ways of finding happiness. If there is a God, it follows
that there ought to be a purpose in life. For Bahá’ís, that purpose is growing
in spirituality, and growing towards perfection – that is, towards God. People have
no need for alcohol if they have
something better, so prayer, meditation and a connection with nature may well
be the answer. Maybe it is “time” to find out.
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