>SNIP
>>
>>BTW, in my faith, use of both alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden. Our Holy Writings speak up against tobacco, too, although the prohibition is not strict (the reason, pressumably, is what you already hinted in your message: while tobacco is very harmful for health, it doesn't immediately cause erratic behavior).
>
>Hilmar,
>
>Just curious. . . I understand that tobacco only came to Europe/Asia in the 1500s. Is there a direct reference to tobacco in these Writings?


I've heard that too, and about Syphillus, also. However, recent work by Greek archeologests indicate that both tobacco and Syphillus were present in Greek culture around 300AD. They found bones from that time period that showed leisons typical of Syphillus, and writings from Turkey that dicussed smoking a particular weed. So maybe the American Indians aren't guilty of returning any favors afterall ???