I don't think the idea would be entirely wrong... were it not dangerously addictive. To be simple, God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Weed, and substances/things like it, would most definitely divert our focus away from Him and to whatever thing we are consumed with. So... if somehow someone was biologically wired to resist weed addiction, then okay, too bad no one's like that.
I personally don't think smoking pot is a sin in itself... but as a Christian, I would be careful not to stumble anyone. I wouldn't approve of it if it's going to be addictive.
I think weed is a lot less addictive than other substances though, but I do feel that it can be pretty stumbling, and in terms of that I feel that a Christian should be careful. And if there were some bad consequences physically, then I feel that a person should not smoke weed because our body is a temple.
well, if in all that we do and say we should glorify God (1 cor 10:31), i would ask your friend how smoking weed would be a practical way to glorify God. i would also argue that our bodies are holy temples in which the holy spirit dwells, which is why i would be highly hesitant to allow for something that is potentially addictive to impair my body and judgment.
at the same token, i believe in christian liberties; and if the person is indeed convicted to do it, then i don't think that we are in the right to condemn the act either.
well regardless of its addictive power (and that it is probably less dangerous than cigarettes), the fact that it is illegal to possess marijuana (except medical marijuana), I would say it is wrong for anyone to smoke weed, Christian or not (again without a medical prescription).
Now you can argue that just because our law forbids it doesn't make it "sin," but Paul commands us to submit to governing authorities unless of course it causes you to directly disobey God's commands and I think it will be very difficult to show that not being allowed to smoke weed by the Government is somehow against God's commands. now is it wrong for a Christian over 18 to smoke cigarettes? I think that's a more interesting question!
Point well taken. But what if he was a new believer who was a weed smoker before recently receiving Christ, and he heard this message about "grace" and being saved by faith alone, not by what you do?
i think we can ask two more questions to help answer the first.
1) what is the motive?(why one would want to smoke out), and then
2) What was the fruit/result of smoking weed?
I think ironing these out helps measure whether it is right or wrong.
NOT sure if weed is addictive...i didn't smoke ALL the time, but did for a span of around 4years...but then i just stopped one day & it wasn't that hard to do...but i did make a break with much of the people that smoked all the time, so that helped.
I'd second what Jack said. (A) Christians are commanded to submit to governing authorities, (B) marijuana is illegal in the US, (C) Christians should not use marijuana in the US (with the exception of medicinal* marijuana in some states).
*Re: the use of analgesic medications, if they are legal, indicated, and under the careful supervision of a health care provider, then I don't think a Christian needs to feel guilty over using analgesics, because it is due to the limitations of physical weakness than to moral disobedience. Likewise, I think other Christians can respond in compassion.
From what I understand, marijuana has a relatively low addiction potential and toxicity, not just compared to illegal drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, but also nicotine and tobacco. That's not to say that it's without harmful effects, but that those effects are not fully understood (but I doubt it strays far from our imagination).
I think Jack presents an interesting question re: 18 y/o's smoking cigarettes, or, if I may add, smoking marijuana in a hash bar in the Netherlands, or smoking hookah in the Middle East. If that's the sub-question, then I see no explicit biblical prohibition on the use of mood-altering substances, so usage is within the realm of liberty, but qualified by aforementioned considerations (body as temple, self-control, conscience of weaker believers, wisdom re: health risks, etc). That being said, I'd feel hard-pressed to see much wisdom in using tobacco considering the current scientific evidence. If I could expand this even more and apply it to church discipline to a Christian smoker, I think that more specifics probably need to be considered for that individual.
For Christians who disagree with US drug policies, I think they are free to pursue reform through the political process, but until that is the established law, then we are accountable for submission.
Sorry to give such a bloated answer, Greg. I like to answer questions with more questions :)
I think appealing to the law sidesteps the moral question of smoking marijuana. What if it were decriminalized? For example, fornication isn't illegal, but the morality of it wouldn't change if it were.
Another thing to consider is that alcohol can be more addictive, toxic, and destructive than marijuana, yet Jesus didn't seem to have a problem with drinking.
So, at least for now, I don't think it's wrong for a Christian to smoke marijuana.
I appreciate that observation. Appealing to the law does sidestep the issue of the morality of smoking weed in itself (although the issue of the law is a point wellt taken). Thanks for raising that.
I would also respond to the comment about Jesus and wine. The wine during Jesus time was almost always diluted with water, it was rarely served pure. Most often it was served 3 parts water to 1 part wine. There are historical accounts of wine even being served 20 parts to 1 part. It's been said that it was sometimes closer to grape juice than it was to wine as we know today.
appealing to the law does sidestep the moral question of smoking pot, but I guess my point was in this case there isn't much wrestling I have to do in regards to figuring out if I should or should not smoke weed since the law makes that decision for me. quite honestly I would rather smoking marijuana be legalized and smoking cigarettes and alcohol be made illegal (not because I smoke pot of course but because of all the health problems that are the result of cigarettes and alcohol).
now I agree that just because the law prohibits (or allows) something doesn't make it inherently wrong or right . But...some things are delineated as right or wrong based simply on the law. for example, i don't think eating animals that don't have a split hoof or doesn't chew the cud is inherently evil, but at one time it was wrong simply because that was the law and God commanded it. Many of the laws in the OT fall under this category... things that aren't inherently evil, but were commanded to set apart Israel for the Lord.
God made the plant. If you read original scriptures, you will find that cannabis was used in anointing oils along with other edible spices. It may very well have been used on meats and other foods even just to settle your stomach after large feasts.
Some of you said it's dangerously addictive. I am going to assume those of you that stated this have not done much (or any) research on marijuana as the most basic thing you should know about the plant is that it does not have an addictive nature.
Upon further research you will also find that it has the least negative health affects of any substance classified as a drug - virtually none. Why? Because it's actually a plant. That's right - it's even safer than drugs such as tylenol, ibuprofen, gravol, and even caffeine. Many deaths from these drugs. Believe it or not, ZERO deaths from marijuana.
For those Christians who have never tried marijuana, I suggest you try smoking/consuming it at least once and reading scriptures under the influence, as it is very mind-opening, and intensify your quiet time with the Lord.
As for what Christ said about laws - I refuse to accept the government can put a law against a direct creation from God. Also remember that it was the government that put Jesus to death.
16 comments:
I don't think the idea would be entirely wrong... were it not dangerously addictive. To be simple, God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Weed, and substances/things like it, would most definitely divert our focus away from Him and to whatever thing we are consumed with. So... if somehow someone was biologically wired to resist weed addiction, then okay, too bad no one's like that.
I personally don't think smoking pot is a sin in itself... but as a Christian, I would be careful not to stumble anyone. I wouldn't approve of it if it's going to be addictive.
I think weed is a lot less addictive than other substances though, but I do feel that it can be pretty stumbling, and in terms of that I feel that a Christian should be careful. And if there were some bad consequences physically, then I feel that a person should not smoke weed because our body is a temple.
well, if in all that we do and say we should glorify God (1 cor 10:31), i would ask your friend how smoking weed would be a practical way to glorify God. i would also argue that our bodies are holy temples in which the holy spirit dwells, which is why i would be highly hesitant to allow for something that is potentially addictive to impair my body and judgment.
at the same token, i believe in christian liberties; and if the person is indeed convicted to do it, then i don't think that we are in the right to condemn the act either.
anyone know if weed is really addictive?
For what kind of reasons would someone WANT to smoke weed? Would any of those reasons for smoking weed challenge any commitments of a Christian?
well regardless of its addictive power (and that it is probably less dangerous than cigarettes), the fact that it is illegal to possess marijuana (except medical marijuana), I would say it is wrong for anyone to smoke weed, Christian or not (again without a medical prescription).
Now you can argue that just because our law forbids it doesn't make it "sin," but Paul commands us to submit to governing authorities unless of course it causes you to directly disobey God's commands and I think it will be very difficult to show that not being allowed to smoke weed by the Government is somehow against God's commands. now is it wrong for a Christian over 18 to smoke cigarettes? I think that's a more interesting question!
Point well taken. But what if he was a new believer who was a weed smoker before recently receiving Christ, and he heard this message about "grace" and being saved by faith alone, not by what you do?
is it wrong?
i think we can ask two more questions to help answer the first.
1) what is the motive?(why one would want to smoke out), and then
2) What was the fruit/result of smoking weed?
I think ironing these out helps measure whether it is right or wrong.
NOT sure if weed is addictive...i didn't smoke ALL the time, but did for a span of around 4years...but then i just stopped one day & it wasn't that hard to do...but i did make a break with much of the people that smoked all the time, so that helped.
I'd second what Jack said. (A) Christians are commanded to submit to governing authorities, (B) marijuana is illegal in the US, (C) Christians should not use marijuana in the US (with the exception of medicinal* marijuana in some states).
*Re: the use of analgesic medications, if they are legal, indicated, and under the careful supervision of a health care provider, then I don't think a Christian needs to feel guilty over using analgesics, because it is due to the limitations of physical weakness than to moral disobedience. Likewise, I think other Christians can respond in compassion.
From what I understand, marijuana has a relatively low addiction potential and toxicity, not just compared to illegal drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, but also nicotine and tobacco. That's not to say that it's without harmful effects, but that those effects are not fully understood (but I doubt it strays far from our imagination).
I think Jack presents an interesting question re: 18 y/o's smoking cigarettes, or, if I may add, smoking marijuana in a hash bar in the Netherlands, or smoking hookah in the Middle East. If that's the sub-question, then I see no explicit biblical prohibition on the use of mood-altering substances, so usage is within the realm of liberty, but qualified by aforementioned considerations (body as temple, self-control, conscience of weaker believers, wisdom re: health risks, etc). That being said, I'd feel hard-pressed to see much wisdom in using tobacco considering the current scientific evidence. If I could expand this even more and apply it to church discipline to a Christian smoker, I think that more specifics probably need to be considered for that individual.
For Christians who disagree with US drug policies, I think they are free to pursue reform through the political process, but until that is the established law, then we are accountable for submission.
Sorry to give such a bloated answer, Greg. I like to answer questions with more questions :)
I think appealing to the law sidesteps the moral question of smoking marijuana. What if it were decriminalized? For example, fornication isn't illegal, but the morality of it wouldn't change if it were.
Another thing to consider is that alcohol can be more addictive, toxic, and destructive than marijuana, yet Jesus didn't seem to have a problem with drinking.
So, at least for now, I don't think it's wrong for a Christian to smoke marijuana.
I appreciate that observation. Appealing to the law does sidestep the issue of the morality of smoking weed in itself (although the issue of the law is a point wellt taken). Thanks for raising that.
I would also respond to the comment about Jesus and wine. The wine during Jesus time was almost always diluted with water, it was rarely served pure. Most often it was served 3 parts water to 1 part wine. There are historical accounts of wine even being served 20 parts to 1 part. It's been said that it was sometimes closer to grape juice than it was to wine as we know today.
I think the parallel still applies, since the wine still had intoxicating effects, and was able to be abused.
appealing to the law does sidestep the moral question of smoking pot, but I guess my point was in this case there isn't much wrestling I have to do in regards to figuring out if I should or should not smoke weed since the law makes that decision for me. quite honestly I would rather smoking marijuana be legalized and smoking cigarettes and alcohol be made illegal (not because I smoke pot of course but because of all the health problems that are the result of cigarettes and alcohol).
now I agree that just because the law prohibits (or allows) something doesn't make it inherently wrong or right . But...some things are delineated as right or wrong based simply on the law. for example, i don't think eating animals that don't have a split hoof or doesn't chew the cud is inherently evil, but at one time it was wrong simply because that was the law and God commanded it. Many of the laws in the OT fall under this category... things that aren't inherently evil, but were commanded to set apart Israel for the Lord.
I don't think it's wrong.
God made the plant. If you read original scriptures, you will find that cannabis was used in anointing oils along with other edible spices. It may very well have been used on meats and other foods even just to settle your stomach after large feasts.
Some of you said it's dangerously addictive. I am going to assume those of you that stated this have not done much (or any) research on marijuana as the most basic thing you should know about the plant is that it does not have an addictive nature.
Upon further research you will also find that it has the least negative health affects of any substance classified as a drug - virtually none. Why? Because it's actually a plant. That's right - it's even safer than drugs such as tylenol, ibuprofen, gravol, and even caffeine. Many deaths from these drugs. Believe it or not, ZERO deaths from marijuana.
For those Christians who have never tried marijuana, I suggest you try smoking/consuming it at least once and reading scriptures under the influence, as it is very mind-opening, and intensify your quiet time with the Lord.
As for what Christ said about laws - I refuse to accept the government can put a law against a direct creation from God. Also remember that it was the government that put Jesus to death.
I started typing up a response and finished by writing up a post of my own.
Find it @
faithtransparent.blogspot.com
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