>SNIP
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>>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).
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>Hilmar,
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>Just curious. . . I understand that tobacco only came to Europe/Asia in the 1500s. Is there a direct reference to tobacco in these Writings?
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>>Hilmar.
Jim, I have to clarify two things in this context:
1) The Bahá'í Faith dates from 1844 D.C. I was referring to writings by the founders of the Bahá'í Faith, form the 19th. century, and which we consider Sacred Writings.
2) The Bahá'í Faith originated in Persia (Iran). However, now it is spread all over the world. In geographical distribution (but not in the number of believers!) the Bahá'í Faith is second after Christianity, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Hilmar.
Difference in opinions hath cost many millions of lives: for instance, whether flesh be bread, or bread be flesh; whether whistling be a vice or a virtue; whether it be better to kiss a post, or throw it into the fire... (from Gulliver's Travels)
