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~Christian_Philosofurs
Founder and current Administrator: HeavenSteed
Greetings all and welcome to the page for all pursuers of truth and lovers of wisdom.
This group approaches life's greatest questions through the lens of Christian worldview, believing that Christianity holds the greatest explanatory scope and power regarding the existence of the universe and human experience.
Christian Philosofurs is geared more towards non-Christians than other Christian-based FA groups and welcomes unbelieving furs as well as believing furs. All furs of every possible identity, class, group, and affiliation are encouraged to participate and engage in critical thought and consideration of the ideas presented. We only ask that you be courteous and civil and participate with the goal of cultivating a deeper appreciation of knowledge and the desire for truth. Trolling behavior such as name-calling, personal insults, ad hominems, threats, harassment, or any other expression of obvious maliciousness or rudeness will not be tolerated. Please also keep in mind that this not a page for preaching or devotions. There are many other groups that fulfill this purpose. Here we want to explore, analyze, and explain the philosophical foundation of the Christian faith.
We do not subscribe to any particular denomination or tradition within Christianity but we hold to the general conviction that God's offer of salvation through Christ applies to all people and the knowledge of God and His will are available to any believer through the Word of God and individual conscience informed and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Lastly, there is no pretense that we, or any one Christian, have all the answers to the enduring questions of life. We respect the fact that thinkers of all worldviews and backgrounds have worked diligently throughout the ages trying to answer the most significant mysteries in life, regardless of the correctness of those answers. We are all fallible human beings on the same journey to find the truth and the surest way we will end up missing it is if we abandon humility and fail to acknowledge our limits and inexhaustible ignorance.
These are the basic contentions that we hold to:
*God, as defined by biblical theism, exists*
* God and truth are knowable through rational intuition, conscience, the physical world, sensory and mystical experience, and divine revelation *
* The Bible exclusively is the inspired Word of God and is the primary source of theological knowledge *
* The core claims of Christianity are true *
* Reason and logic are essential to a sound understanding and application of the Christian faith *
* All truth is God's truth. All forms of revelation must be compatible with each other *
Our goals include but are not limited to exploring the following subjects:
* Explaining the fundamentals of Christian theology and providing philosophical justifications for them *
* Apologetic and polemical responses to issues raised by critics of Christianity *
* The rational application of Christian principles to real world scenarios, issues, and current events (including those that relate to the furry fandom) *
* The rational application of Christian theology to broader philosophical subjects including those that relate to other spheres of knowledge *
* Christian morality and ethics and how they should be understood and applied *
~RESOURCES~ (under construction)
ONLINE
Reasonable Faith, the work of philosopher and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig: Webpage| YouTube
Veritas Forum: a collection of lectures, debates and discussions among scholars on various issues relating to Christian belief
Reasons to Believe: an informative website dealing with matters of faith and science founded by Christian astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross
The Prosblogion: a blog on philosophy of religion for scholars and graduate students
The Virtual Library of Christian Philosophy: A good general resource on Christian philosophy
Is Atheism Irrational? an interview with Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga
RationalChristianity.net: a good beginner's source for Christian apologetics
Peter Kreeft, Christian thinker and apologist: Webpage | YouTube
James White, biblical scholar and apologist recommended for his defense of the reliability and historicity of the biblical text: Webpage | YouTube
N.T. Wright: Eminent British Christian scholar who has written at length on the historical evidence for the Resurrection
The Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: The best online resource on philosophy in general
BOOKS
If you would like to be a part of this group, simply add us to your watch list. Linking to this page on your profile page or elsewhere is much appreciated but not required. If you would like to be affiliated with us, please send us a note.
Christian Philosofurs is currently affiliated with:
Catholic_furries FPC muslim_furs Jewish_Furs
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Stats
Comments Earned: 77
Comments Made: 30
Journals: 10
Comments Made: 30
Journals: 10
Recent Journal
The Christian View on Recreational Drug Use
8 years ago
Once again, a fur asked me in private about how Christianity and biblical teaching deals with recreational drug use and I though my response was worth turning into a journal to share with you all with and spur discussion.
We know that the Bible doesn't specifically mention the use of drugs other than alcohol (and I'll get to that later). As with many moral issues the Bible is technically silent on, however, I think we can deduce from various principles in the Bible, including how the Bible treats alcohol, how Christians ought to deal with recreational substances that have a noticeable effect on body and brain chemistry.
First biblical principle: Live healthy and treat your body with respect. According to the Bible, our bodies are inherently good and holy having been given to us by God. As such, they warrant treatment that accords with their value. That means we should act in ways that are respectful to our bodies which entails engaging in healthy activities. For Christians the body is not only a valuable entity but a temple and residence for the Holy Spirit. Most recreational drugs are harmful to the body and very few offer any real, tangible health benefits with prolonged use. Hence, any substance that is demonstrably harmful to our bodies and health should be avoided because otherwise we are abusing and desecrating our bodies which is a violation of God's law.
Second biblical principle:Moral or virtuous living, as mandated by God, requires a sound mind that can exercise reason and sound judgment. Mind-altering substances inhibit one's ability to think clearly and may even engender delusional feelings and sensations that distort one's perception of reality. If you knowingly and intentionally put yourself in a situation where your use of mind-altering substances will impact your ability to exercise rational and moral judgment in your decision making and if you thereby do something wrong under the influence, you are morally responsible for that action because you had the foreknowledge of the effects of the drug. This argument goes back to Aristotle to explain how a drunk person can be responsible for his actions while he is drunk in cases where he intentionally goes into a situation with the knowledge that his moral clarity and judgment will likely be compromised.
Third biblical principle: We are not an island unto ourselves (something of an extension of the second principle). Our actions, even those that seem limited to our own personal sphere, invariable affect other people. Drug use, especially drug addiction, almost always produces more casualties beyond the person who uses the drugs. Friends and family members suffer as well. For the believer, none of our actions are truly private. God knows about them and knows the causal ripples they make in the course of world events. What we do to ourselves eventually impacts other people (most of us are not hermits). Not only does harm come to others in the form of addiction but certain drugs are also heavily associated with crime, including theft and murder. Biblical morality is "other-centered" which means that it entails putting God and other people above ourselves when necessary.
Fourth biblical principle: God is the center of spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. God is both necessary and sufficient for our spiritual needs. We are forbidden from looking to sources of spiritual fulfillment outside of God because that is a form of spiritual adultery and idolatry which is forbidden by scripture. Some mind-altering substances like marijuana, shrooms, or peyote, are used by people to create feelings of spiritual euphoria and enlightenment. However, these are nothing more than feelings and false perceptions. It is philosophically absurd to think that the mere altering of brain chemistry necessarily or even probably produces an apprehension of truth or if it does so, it is only by sheer accident. There is no metaphysical connection between altering brain chemistry and acquiring true propositions or even true beliefs. Truth, knowledge, and real enlightenment are only reliably obtainable through rational investigation or divine revelation. And since God is omniscient, it is safe to say that he doesn't need mind-altering substances as a means to communicate spiritual truth to people. Interestingly, I've heard the testimony of converts and believers who use to be into drugs and most say that the natural, truly spiritual "high" they get when in loving communion with God is far better than any high they've gotten through drugs.
If we apply these four biblical principles to drug use, we can easily conclude that most drug use violates at least one of these principles and is therefore prohibited by biblical morality.
Now let's move on to the topic of alcohol which is the oldest and most widely used recreational substance in human life and the one drug that the Bible addresses directly. What makes alcohol, if anything, different from other substances like shrooms, given that shrooms are generally not addicting while alcohol is? In the case of shrooms, it may be the case that addiction is not a major factor. However, we must ask whether the effect of shrooms violates any of the four principles I listed above. According to
this website: http://hallucinogens.com/psilocybin/ the hallucinatory component in psychedelic mushrooms can create side effects that are potentially dangerous and harmful and would violate the second and fourth principle I listed earlier if not others. Even if these effects are not guaranteed with consumption, there is a high probability that they will occur and so the rational choice is avoid the unnecessary risk, err on the side of caution and not consume the mushrooms.
Alcohol can be addictive but is not necessarily so. Alcoholism can be triggered or formed by environmental factors such as trauma, mental illness, or other maladies of the mind, or it can be the result of indulging in a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to alcohol addiction. But clearly not everyone who drinks becomes addicted to alcohol and not everyone who drinks alcohol even gets drunk, or at least not knocked-out-cold-with-a-hangover-the-next-morning-drunk. The Bible never condemns alcohol consumption outright and there is even the famous story in the gospels of Jesus turning water into wine at the request of his mother. Mind you, the men he was providing the wine to already had several rounds and remarked that his wine was the best of all. Yet the Gospel accounts never consider this action to be sinful.
The Bible does, however, speak negatively about drunkenness for the obvious reason that, as a mind-altered state, it most directly violates the second principle listed above. Repeated inebriation and heavy drinking leads to a violation of the first principle and usually the third. Moderate and responsible use of alcohol violates none of the four biblical principles and that is why the Bible permits alcohol consumption within reason. I don't think the mere state of being drunk is inherently sinful according to the Bible but it is a state that puts you at risk or increases your chances of engaging in sinful/immoral behavior which is why it should be avoided and why the Bible frowns upon it. Being habitually drunk also violates the fourth principle because it usually means you're seeking fulfillment or comfort or pleasure, whether spiritual or emotional, outside of God and in booze instead. And lastly, if someone cannot control his or her drinking habits or chooses to drink irresponsibly, that person should not use alcohol at all. That much should be obvious.
We know that the Bible doesn't specifically mention the use of drugs other than alcohol (and I'll get to that later). As with many moral issues the Bible is technically silent on, however, I think we can deduce from various principles in the Bible, including how the Bible treats alcohol, how Christians ought to deal with recreational substances that have a noticeable effect on body and brain chemistry.
First biblical principle: Live healthy and treat your body with respect. According to the Bible, our bodies are inherently good and holy having been given to us by God. As such, they warrant treatment that accords with their value. That means we should act in ways that are respectful to our bodies which entails engaging in healthy activities. For Christians the body is not only a valuable entity but a temple and residence for the Holy Spirit. Most recreational drugs are harmful to the body and very few offer any real, tangible health benefits with prolonged use. Hence, any substance that is demonstrably harmful to our bodies and health should be avoided because otherwise we are abusing and desecrating our bodies which is a violation of God's law.
Second biblical principle:Moral or virtuous living, as mandated by God, requires a sound mind that can exercise reason and sound judgment. Mind-altering substances inhibit one's ability to think clearly and may even engender delusional feelings and sensations that distort one's perception of reality. If you knowingly and intentionally put yourself in a situation where your use of mind-altering substances will impact your ability to exercise rational and moral judgment in your decision making and if you thereby do something wrong under the influence, you are morally responsible for that action because you had the foreknowledge of the effects of the drug. This argument goes back to Aristotle to explain how a drunk person can be responsible for his actions while he is drunk in cases where he intentionally goes into a situation with the knowledge that his moral clarity and judgment will likely be compromised.
Third biblical principle: We are not an island unto ourselves (something of an extension of the second principle). Our actions, even those that seem limited to our own personal sphere, invariable affect other people. Drug use, especially drug addiction, almost always produces more casualties beyond the person who uses the drugs. Friends and family members suffer as well. For the believer, none of our actions are truly private. God knows about them and knows the causal ripples they make in the course of world events. What we do to ourselves eventually impacts other people (most of us are not hermits). Not only does harm come to others in the form of addiction but certain drugs are also heavily associated with crime, including theft and murder. Biblical morality is "other-centered" which means that it entails putting God and other people above ourselves when necessary.
Fourth biblical principle: God is the center of spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. God is both necessary and sufficient for our spiritual needs. We are forbidden from looking to sources of spiritual fulfillment outside of God because that is a form of spiritual adultery and idolatry which is forbidden by scripture. Some mind-altering substances like marijuana, shrooms, or peyote, are used by people to create feelings of spiritual euphoria and enlightenment. However, these are nothing more than feelings and false perceptions. It is philosophically absurd to think that the mere altering of brain chemistry necessarily or even probably produces an apprehension of truth or if it does so, it is only by sheer accident. There is no metaphysical connection between altering brain chemistry and acquiring true propositions or even true beliefs. Truth, knowledge, and real enlightenment are only reliably obtainable through rational investigation or divine revelation. And since God is omniscient, it is safe to say that he doesn't need mind-altering substances as a means to communicate spiritual truth to people. Interestingly, I've heard the testimony of converts and believers who use to be into drugs and most say that the natural, truly spiritual "high" they get when in loving communion with God is far better than any high they've gotten through drugs.
If we apply these four biblical principles to drug use, we can easily conclude that most drug use violates at least one of these principles and is therefore prohibited by biblical morality.
Now let's move on to the topic of alcohol which is the oldest and most widely used recreational substance in human life and the one drug that the Bible addresses directly. What makes alcohol, if anything, different from other substances like shrooms, given that shrooms are generally not addicting while alcohol is? In the case of shrooms, it may be the case that addiction is not a major factor. However, we must ask whether the effect of shrooms violates any of the four principles I listed above. According to
this website: http://hallucinogens.com/psilocybin/ the hallucinatory component in psychedelic mushrooms can create side effects that are potentially dangerous and harmful and would violate the second and fourth principle I listed earlier if not others. Even if these effects are not guaranteed with consumption, there is a high probability that they will occur and so the rational choice is avoid the unnecessary risk, err on the side of caution and not consume the mushrooms.
Alcohol can be addictive but is not necessarily so. Alcoholism can be triggered or formed by environmental factors such as trauma, mental illness, or other maladies of the mind, or it can be the result of indulging in a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to alcohol addiction. But clearly not everyone who drinks becomes addicted to alcohol and not everyone who drinks alcohol even gets drunk, or at least not knocked-out-cold-with-a-hangover-the-next-morning-drunk. The Bible never condemns alcohol consumption outright and there is even the famous story in the gospels of Jesus turning water into wine at the request of his mother. Mind you, the men he was providing the wine to already had several rounds and remarked that his wine was the best of all. Yet the Gospel accounts never consider this action to be sinful.
The Bible does, however, speak negatively about drunkenness for the obvious reason that, as a mind-altered state, it most directly violates the second principle listed above. Repeated inebriation and heavy drinking leads to a violation of the first principle and usually the third. Moderate and responsible use of alcohol violates none of the four biblical principles and that is why the Bible permits alcohol consumption within reason. I don't think the mere state of being drunk is inherently sinful according to the Bible but it is a state that puts you at risk or increases your chances of engaging in sinful/immoral behavior which is why it should be avoided and why the Bible frowns upon it. Being habitually drunk also violates the fourth principle because it usually means you're seeking fulfillment or comfort or pleasure, whether spiritual or emotional, outside of God and in booze instead. And lastly, if someone cannot control his or her drinking habits or chooses to drink irresponsibly, that person should not use alcohol at all. That much should be obvious.
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nevermind that philosophy itself has been sitting in a corner snorting its own farts like a cocaine infused pixie stick since it learned how to inhale.
https://youtu.be/YKHGs1OV0g4
Check it out, im sure it will help you to stay conected to God during those days:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUaqOURJFb...
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