To the editor:

            I am noted for my moral intolerance on the drug war issue. Recently, I encountered a minister from a “bible believing church” who humbled me somewhat with a “difference of opinion”.  We both agreed on two things:

            1] The War on Drugs has caused harm

            2] No CURRENT  benefits from the policy

I was quick to judge this as “pure evil”; after all, how else does one define evil?  I was corrected with the argument that this was “necessary evil” – and besides, there was a difference of opinion on how much harm it actually caused.  In  previous conversations we had agreed that there was nothing wrong with drug use; however, widespread use leads many into abuse and drugs – even currently legal ones – should be restricted for the general good. We wouldn’t see immediate benefits, but generations later we would reach a “drug free utopia”. While I’m not a biblical scholar, I don’t recall Jesus expounding on situations where committing evil ever lead to a greater good, but obviously many bible believing Christians believe it’s OK.

            I’m pondering two questions:

1] Marx advocated for a society free from the greed that led to wars and exploitation – a problem far worse than mere drug abuse.  He condemned religion because of all the moral restrictions; if he made alliance with likeminded Christians would we be well on our way to a “greed and drug free utopia”? 

2] Do they serve coffee at this minister’s church?