Born

I tell my kids to ask a shit ton of questions now, if you really want to talk to me. Don't wait till I'm dead to try and talk to me, or even feel sorry for me.

How could the use of an "occult tool" that's mass produced by Hasbro be misconstrued as foolish?

Ouija Boards only work with more than one slider. Three is the optimal number (for logistical reasons), and I would suggest some basic Work prior if you (or your "friend") are really committed.

JK

You have no control of who or what will contact you. There are cases of negative spirits and creatures actually infesting the homes of ouija board users. You are pretty much opening a door to the dead and demonic.

Ghost hunters use EVPs. All you need is a voice recorder and a voice editing program. Also take photos and if possible, videos of the hot spots in the house.

Most likely you will never know why they are still here.

I'd say have at it. But you should be aware that you'd be just as likely to get results by inviting spirits to speak through an Optimus Prime doll. Ouija boards are a child's toy. They're something that teenage girls use to freak each other out at slumber parties. All this fear and mystery about them can be traced back to "the Exorcist" and to fundamentalist Christian fear mongering. So, go ahead. Use away. I don't think you'll get results (beyond ideomotor effect), but you wont be in any danger either.

IMHO Ouija boards are bunk. I have one myself... I use it as a place mat / serving tray. My alphabits cereal have put forth more profound messages...

"Has your alcohol and marijuana abuse caused you to lose your spirituality with God and the church?" You should have answered like this: "No, madame, on the contrary. I've never been closer to the Lord than when I was stoned or drunk as fuck. Only when I somehow manage to stay sober do I start having problems with my faith. This is why I turn to alcohol and drugs...just to save my soul."

I feel they were trying to twelve step you in a way. In the minds of substance abuse specialists abuse is a spiritual disease, and there's no such thing as free will. You are "powerless". That's why and how they link the two. Its a nice little excuse those in "recovery" use. "Its not my fault I got drunk, and rolled my car into a ravine, its my disease. Now that I have a higher power I'm cured."

I would have answered like this to be honest, I got drunk and loaded due to people like you asking me stupid questions, I got sick of stupidity and found myself wanting to escape it. I just do not see what your religious beliefs have to do with your choices to drink or do drugs.

It's related to the 12 step program, I'm pretty sure.When I was 21, I went to rehab for substance abuse. In the meetings they say, that you must believe in a 'higher power'... What's worse is that you have to admit that you are 'powerless' over your abuse / substance of choice. I could never accept either condition...

I've always believed that in every instance, it comes down to choice. Sure, some addictions will make you sick if you stop, but you can still choose to tough it out for a week and stop. It's all choice, and a bottle can't make you drink it... And no 'higher power' is going to make that bottle disappear. Addicts choose their affliction, and it is only through strength, will and choice that they may be healed.

You were right to answer the way that you did, because who the fuck knows how they would treat you had you been more open.

You're going to notice that a lot of the recovering alcoholics / addicts that have been in the program long term have simply shifted their addiction. They're addicted to the 12 step program!

Best of luck getting through this. You will certainly meet some interesting individuals.

"Religion" is just the thing that binds. Whenever any person steps out of line (e.g. Socrates, Jesus), they are branded a traitor to the Cause. Google "stepping out of line" for some insight.

What's really great about "our side" is that it is built entirely from "stepping out of line" - i.e. challenging every single cultural artifact and reaching a personal equanimity.

JK

I feel like it's something thats been a part of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation system for many many years. It seems to be a factor relating to why many 70's and 80's rock and metal musicians quit drugs because they "found god". I suppose when you hit rock bottom like that, there isn't much hope or motive left for them. I guess it works for some people. I personally think it's just a little dumb. People should be guided back to trusting themselves and being at ease with there being, rather than being guided back into religion. What it really boils down to is that you cannot go back to being at ease with life and the world around you until you've come to ease with yourself, which is not the concept being practiced in most of these treatment and abuse centers. At least none of the ones I've been to thus far