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Elliot Ziwira
At the Bookstore
Alfred Adler’s philosophical words echo through the ages as he affirms: “It is easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.”
Similarly, Karl Marx’s avowal that “religion is the opium of the people” profoundly resonates in humanity’s experiences.
As such, this exploration delves into the concept of escapism through the lenses of philosophy, literature, and human experience.
It has to be put to the fore that principles are the foundation of society.
They shape individual destiny, governing interactions within families, communities, and nations.
Principles provide a moral compass, guiding actions and decisions. Without adherence to them, society disintegrates, plunging into chaos and disorder.
However, lack and frustration often lead individuals to abandon responsibilities, seeking temporary reprieve in escapism. As a coping mechanism, men and women find solace in different escapes.
While many women turn to religion, men and some women find refuge in alcohol.
Contrary to popular belief, most religions accommodate alcohol consumption.
The Christian Bible, for instance, does not condemn moderate drinking. In fact, Jesus’ first miracle, as recorded in the Gospel of John, was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana.
It is trite that alcoholic beverages lead to merriment, without which nuptials cannot be boisterously kindled.
In Genesis, the “tree” of knowledge, whose forbidden fruit Adam was cajoled into eating, was a grapevine.
The scriptures teach that men of worth were blessed with rich vineyards. Therefore, The Bible is not scornful of alcohol, no wonder why Roman Catholics and Anglicans have no qualms with it. Also, the Vatican City is believed to be the world’s highest consumer of wine.
In that vein, could alcohol consumption be considered virtuous?
If used in moderation, scientists insist, alcohol is not destructive, for it has some medicinal properties, which are motivational and inspiring.
One only has to be mindful of the line on the sand. Who really draws the line for one to prevent drinking oneself to a stupor, then?
Even though God’s Word seems to condone alcohol use, it is uncompromisingly derisive to drunkenness and revelling. Hence, escapism through alcohol can be considered a double-edged sword.
As has been highlighted earlier on, in a world where life’s burdens weigh heavily, individuals seek refuge in various elixirs. For some, alcohol offers temporary solace. But does it truly solve problems, or create new ones?
A closer look at faiths reveals differing views on alcohol. Judaism sees it as a means to connect body and soul, while Islam strictly prohibits consumption.
Christianity cautions against excess, warning of destructive consequences.
Concerning drunkenness, Apostle Paul implores in Galatians 5v21 and Romans 13v13: “Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying’s”.
In the biblical account, Noah’s excessive drinking led to disgrace. Nadab and Abihu’s alcohol-fuelled entry into the Tabernacle ended in tragedy.
And, David’s drunken dance, though joyful, earned his wife’s disdain.
On the flipside, in Judges 9v13, alcohol imbibing is described as “bringing joy to God and man”, since every sacrifice offered in the Holy Temple was accompanied by a wine libation.
Furthermore, Judaism incorporates alcohol for easing inhibitions and weakening the body’s natural defence systems, making the body and soul work in tandem to create an inspirational ambiance.
Rabbi Avon Moss clarifies: “Wine represents what Judaism is all about: the fusing of the holy and the mundane, the spiritual and physical, the body and soul.”
Hence, a life of asceticism and abstinence is rather unrealistic. It defeats the communion that should prevail between the body and the soul.
In the African milieu, alcohol has been used for centuries, not only for pleasure, but for divinity and communion. It is used at traditional rain-making ceremonies, weddings, harvesting, and other social gatherings.
Online Reporter