Evil Exists and Its Name is Poppy

I recently watched a National Geographic documentary on the problem of heroin. I found the video to be quite interesting and informative. Not only did I not know very much about the drug prior to watching the documentary, but I had not seen many examples of the effects of the drug on the user.

A portion of the documentary highlighted the fact that about 90% of the heroin distributed worldwide originates in the poppy fields of Afghanistan. This was not really new information to me owing to the increased media coverage in the region over the previous decade. Nonetheless, the documentary dove into a deeper problem. Perhaps the makers of the documentary did not mean to communicate it, but it occurred to me that the problem of heroin in Afghanistan is a microcosm of a larger problem... Evil.

The documentary explained that heroin distribution ceased under the rule of the Taliban. The cruel and evil practices of the Taliban led to the severe death and injury of many poppy farmers. The destruction of poppy farming at the hands of the Taliban was founded on the Islamic condemnation of growing, selling, and/or using hallucinogenic drugs.

As most of us know, the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan and used it as one of the fronts for the "War on Terror." After months of fighting the Taliban, the regime's rule over the people of Afghanistan came to an end, for the most part. Since the beginning of the war Afghanistan has held multiple elections and dramatically changed its government. However, with the end of Taliban rule came the renewed growth and distribution of heroin. Thus, the previous evil (heroin) which was squashed by the other evil (the Taliban) arose to popularity yet again. Despite efforts of the United States, and others, to stop one type of evil, it has led to the reemergence of another.

This reveals the problem of evil that all of us face in this world. In an attempt to feel happiness, heroin users shoot up. In an attempt to gain power, the Taliban continues terrorist practices. In an attempt to stop evil, the United States opens the doors for another evil to thrive. Yet, one must come to realize that true happiness cannot be gained through a needle. Mankind deserves no power. And our efforts to do things on our own will ultimately lead to problems.

Evil exists. Ultimately, man can do nothing to stop its spread on his own. It is only through the grace of God as revealed in Jesus Christ that we have any hope of escaping from evil. Paul writes about creation yearning for redemption. This brings to mind the concept that God's original creation (not tainted by sin) was perfect- no thorns, no pain, no ill-effects. In the same way, man yearns for a return to original perfection without evil people and practices. As a follower of Christ I have hope that one day evil will cease. In addition, I know that a temporary high will not satisfy my craving for joy. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that I will experience joy in this life, and future fulfilled joy in the presence of God for eternity. May the problem of heroin illuminate man's ultimate need for salvation and the grace of God in Jesus Christ.