As cannabis decriminalization and legalization evolve globally, this article examines the relationship between Cannabis sativa and religion. It covers the plant's ancient origins, chemical structure, historical medicinal uses from ancient China to modern applications, and its criminalization, questioning the constitutionality of current legal frameworks. The article also explores cannabis's role in selected religions. The authors suggest future research, including a questionnaire to investigate how religious beliefs shape attitudes toward cannabis.
Henri Nouwen's approach to spiritual transformation begins by diagnosing the alienation inherent in the typical Western lifestyle, then proposes an antidote: a process of transformation into love. The article examines Nouwen's methodology, sources, and central metaphor, considering the nature of transformation in the classic mystical tradition and the possible influences of perennial philosophy and transpersonal psychology. It explores whether transformation is linear, staged, or cyclical, engaging with Waaijman's proposal that it should be described as a "way." The article contributes to the study of spiritual transformation by presenting Nouwen's description of transformation as a series of spiritual swings between poles.