In Greek mythpology, the lotus eaters were a group of people who ate the white lotus. White lotus would pacify them and put them in a euphoric state. They, in turn, would become addicted to it. In the Odysee, Oddyseus had to try and keep his men from even going near the island, because the stuff was so powerful that one try got you hooked forever. He's trying to draw a connection between the Lotus Eaters of Greek mythology and religion. Religion is like an opiate that keeps people pacified and narcoticized. Just like the White Lotus of Greek Mythology.
In Greek mythpology, the lotus eaters were a group of people who ate the white lotus. White lotus would pacify them and put them in a euphoric state. They, in turn, would become addicted to it. In the Odysee, Oddyseus had to try and keep his men from even going near the island, because the stuff was so powerful that one try got you hooked forever. He's trying to draw a connection between the Lotus Eaters of Greek mythology and religion. Religion is like an opiate that keeps people pacified and narcoticized. Just like the White Lotus of Greek Mythology.