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Waterjug
by Jan Vermeer
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Drawing either upon personal experience or empathy for others, what is the one of the most unpleasant things about being drunk? (Serendipity Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, page 1033).
The
other day I wrote a blog (click here) in which I discussed idolatry as a means of
escapism. Escapism is at the core of idolatry, and likewise is at
the core of the use of drugs or alcohol. When one considers it
carefully, escapism can be seen as the ultimate basis of all sin. It
is thus for me this symbolic nature of alcohol and drugs as an avenue
of escapism that makes me continue to hate them almost as much as
their physical effects. You may say, but a good book or movie can be
escapism. That may be true, but it is often the case that
stories—both tragedy and comedy—offer powerful glimpses into
reality. In fact, a central characteristic of creativity is that it
drills down into the core of reality.
But,
you may say, I accede this is the case with drunkenness but surely
“social drinking” is exceptionally exempt—at this stage
addiction to escapism is no way a factor. I once was picnicking with
family at the beach and next to our table was a table where alcoholic
drinks flowed freely. There were children at the table and the tipsy
adults hugged and joked with their somewhat subdued children. I felt
great sadness and sympathy for the children who could not know
whether the embraces were of love and for real or were born of
escapism.
I
have attempted many times, since I have family and friends that use
alcoholic beverages, to rationalize away my negative feelings towards
this substance. But all such attempts are never in the end
successful. I have come at times to say that I may be wrong in this
as it applies to others, but as for me the will of God is clear,
adamant, and unchanging.
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