Is it wrong for a Christian to smoke weed?
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1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
It's a depressant and it slows your mind and body way down. It's also an hallucinogen. I grew up with it in my home. It is NO FUN for kids to have parents who are dazed and confused. At work I've seen people who come in high repeatedly and they cannot do their simple jobs. They also lie and say they're just tired or sleepy. It's very very annoying. Yes, marijuana changes you, it affects your brain in a big way.
It's a depressant and it slows your mind and body way down. It's also an hallucinogen. I grew up with it in my home. It is NO FUN for kids to have parents who are dazed and confused. At work I've seen people who come in high repeatedly and they cannot do their simple jobs. They also lie and say they're just tired or sleepy. It's very very annoying. Yes, marijuana changes you, it affects your brain in a big way.
From Colossians chapter 2
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [SUP]17 [/SUP]These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [SUP]18 [/SUP]Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. [SUP]19 [/SUP]They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: [SUP]21 [/SUP]“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? [SUP]22 [/SUP]These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
____________________________________
From 1 Corinthians 10:
[SUP]23 [/SUP]“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. [SUP]24 [/SUP]No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, [SUP]26 [/SUP]for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[SUP][f][/SUP]
[SUP]27 [/SUP]If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. [SUP]28 [/SUP]But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. [SUP]29 [/SUP]I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? [SUP]30 [/SUP]If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
[SUP]31 [/SUP]So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. [SUP]32 [/SUP]Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— [SUP]33 [/SUP]even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
____________________________________
From Mark chapter 7
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. [SUP]15 [/SUP]Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
____________________________________
From Titus Chapter 3
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [SUP]2 [/SUP]to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
____________________________________
From Romans Chapter 13
1. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
____________________________________
(From me, Joseph. A joyful servant of the living God.)
It seems obvious to me. If using a substance is against the law where you live you should not to it; otherwise it is personal choice.
I actually suffer with debilitating chronic back pain. I have prescriptions now for several hardcore pain medications. I choose to limit my intake of these drugs unless my pain level is above 8 on a scale of 1-10. I do not have an option of ingesting cannabis as it is currently illegal where I live. However; if it were to become legal I would likely try using it for pain management.
So to answer the post directly: Is smoking weed a sin. No it is not. However if it is illegal where you live, it then becomes a sin for you because it is against the law. (Rom 13:1)
There are many posts here in which people have declared it to be sinful; legal or not. Obviously I strongly disagree. I suggest those posters read carefully the verses I have quoted. Some of you may be sinning just by your own declarations. Consider what our true purpose here is: let us serve one another in love. Also consider, you may be declaring unclean what God has declared clean. (acts 11:9)
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [SUP]17 [/SUP]These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [SUP]18 [/SUP]Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. [SUP]19 [/SUP]They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: [SUP]21 [/SUP]“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? [SUP]22 [/SUP]These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
____________________________________
From 1 Corinthians 10:
[SUP]23 [/SUP]“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. [SUP]24 [/SUP]No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, [SUP]26 [/SUP]for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[SUP][f][/SUP]
[SUP]27 [/SUP]If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. [SUP]28 [/SUP]But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. [SUP]29 [/SUP]I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? [SUP]30 [/SUP]If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
[SUP]31 [/SUP]So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. [SUP]32 [/SUP]Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— [SUP]33 [/SUP]even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
____________________________________
From Mark chapter 7
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. [SUP]15 [/SUP]Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
____________________________________
From Titus Chapter 3
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [SUP]2 [/SUP]to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
____________________________________
From Romans Chapter 13
1. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
____________________________________
(From me, Joseph. A joyful servant of the living God.)
It seems obvious to me. If using a substance is against the law where you live you should not to it; otherwise it is personal choice.
I actually suffer with debilitating chronic back pain. I have prescriptions now for several hardcore pain medications. I choose to limit my intake of these drugs unless my pain level is above 8 on a scale of 1-10. I do not have an option of ingesting cannabis as it is currently illegal where I live. However; if it were to become legal I would likely try using it for pain management.
So to answer the post directly: Is smoking weed a sin. No it is not. However if it is illegal where you live, it then becomes a sin for you because it is against the law. (Rom 13:1)
There are many posts here in which people have declared it to be sinful; legal or not. Obviously I strongly disagree. I suggest those posters read carefully the verses I have quoted. Some of you may be sinning just by your own declarations. Consider what our true purpose here is: let us serve one another in love. Also consider, you may be declaring unclean what God has declared clean. (acts 11:9)
What is wrong with altering your mind? And how come that just because a doctor prescribes it, that makes it ok - but it's not ok if you take it independently? If it's wrong to take it independently, wouldn't it still be wrong even if a doctor prescribes it? There is that distinction made, that whether something is right or wrong, depends on the context. This is not like the absolute-minded Christians that I know! 
I am prescribed drugs to slow down my mood. If I don't take these drugs, I would be really hyper, and maybe even manic. But, if I couldn't afford to go to the doctor, or to buy meds, I would be condemned for taking something like weed or alcohol for the purpose of changing my mood. But it would be helping me. I know that prescribed meds and these things are different, and work differently, but what if I could afford a bottle of wine, but prescribed something that isn't generic, that I can't afford?
And you know, I personally don't think there's anything wrong with a little buzz now and again to relax - as long as you don't go to far. Yes, the Bible says to be alert, but that would mean I'm sinning when it's nearing bedtime, and I'm not alert. I guess that means I should splash my face with water and drink coffee... oh wait...
So maybe it's not an absolute command of Scripture. The 1 Peter 5 verse, if studied in context, is talking about humility - being aware you are a sinner, and being alert to the dangers of temptation. That is not the same thing is "Don't smoke this, don't drink this." Different people have different tolerances and can handle a buzz without going off to sleep with a prostitute or some other sinful thing.
I think he means not chain smoking every night. Having a joint a week, or something.
I am prescribed drugs to slow down my mood. If I don't take these drugs, I would be really hyper, and maybe even manic. But, if I couldn't afford to go to the doctor, or to buy meds, I would be condemned for taking something like weed or alcohol for the purpose of changing my mood. But it would be helping me. I know that prescribed meds and these things are different, and work differently, but what if I could afford a bottle of wine, but prescribed something that isn't generic, that I can't afford?
And you know, I personally don't think there's anything wrong with a little buzz now and again to relax - as long as you don't go to far. Yes, the Bible says to be alert, but that would mean I'm sinning when it's nearing bedtime, and I'm not alert. I guess that means I should splash my face with water and drink coffee... oh wait...
So maybe it's not an absolute command of Scripture. The 1 Peter 5 verse, if studied in context, is talking about humility - being aware you are a sinner, and being alert to the dangers of temptation. That is not the same thing is "Don't smoke this, don't drink this." Different people have different tolerances and can handle a buzz without going off to sleep with a prostitute or some other sinful thing.
I think he means not chain smoking every night. Having a joint a week, or something.
K
Think about your Bible study and what the Holy Spirit is telling you. You should not have to ask this question to know the truth. So the real question is, are you looking for us to justify your wanting (or doing it already) to get high? If your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit and you're reading your Bible regularly, you wouldn't feel the need to get high. The Holy Spirit will fill the void and not allow you to "want to do it". If your faith is strong, don't get high or else it will weaken your faith and your relationship with Christ + God.
Personally, I don't see any reason to get high. I like being healthy and clear-minded and that is how I live my life. Doing drugs will fill a void in your life and replace any "want and need" to find a job, go to college and get good grades, and to live life the way God intended you to live it, and it literally holds back your mental growth. I don't think God wants us to get high and any type of external source that we use to get high is against the wishes of the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God. Think about how hard it would be to do your Bible study while being high. Not only would it be nearly impossible, but it's an insult against God to read His book while stoned.
From experience, the "high" that I do like is from running, swimming, skiing, and weight-lifting. I swim almost every weekend and I wouldn't give up my healthy mind and body for anything especially smoking weed. And I wouldn't have my career either if I did drugs.
Do yourself a favor if you haven't started; don't start. If you have, quit.
Personally, I don't see any reason to get high. I like being healthy and clear-minded and that is how I live my life. Doing drugs will fill a void in your life and replace any "want and need" to find a job, go to college and get good grades, and to live life the way God intended you to live it, and it literally holds back your mental growth. I don't think God wants us to get high and any type of external source that we use to get high is against the wishes of the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God. Think about how hard it would be to do your Bible study while being high. Not only would it be nearly impossible, but it's an insult against God to read His book while stoned.
From experience, the "high" that I do like is from running, swimming, skiing, and weight-lifting. I swim almost every weekend and I wouldn't give up my healthy mind and body for anything especially smoking weed. And I wouldn't have my career either if I did drugs.
Do yourself a favor if you haven't started; don't start. If you have, quit.
K
Because when a doctor prescribes med's, it is for a mental or physical ailment and the reasoning is to help you become better. Most often the prescription in for a short-term situation. Most people do not need drugs every day of their lives but the few that do, well, they are justified in taking them.There are conditions that some have in which they need med's every day, but unless you're in this condition, you should take advantage of your good health. Doing drugs does not enhance your well-being or self-reliance in pursing the life that God intends. It will only hold you back an it is called called, "going nowhere fast".
God intended you to live your life clear-minded, healthy, and able-bodied. He didn't intend us to clutter our minds with needless drugs. Lastly common-sense should tell you this. Getting high just does not make any sense. Go live your life and do something with it.
God intended you to live your life clear-minded, healthy, and able-bodied. He didn't intend us to clutter our minds with needless drugs. Lastly common-sense should tell you this. Getting high just does not make any sense. Go live your life and do something with it.
J
I can't imagine the damage that would be done if a Christian walks around hard core stoners and says that they believe getting high is perfectly acceptable before God. This would give the world great justification to dive into it even deeper.
even if it isn't a sin, i don't see any wisdom in encouraging the world to partake of it, because we know the world uses in excess.
i understand those who are in chronic pain using it. I would not deny a cancer patient the drug if it helps alleviate their pain.
But the simple truth is, marijuana destroys far more many lives than it helps. This alone should give us great pause.
even if it isn't a sin, i don't see any wisdom in encouraging the world to partake of it, because we know the world uses in excess.
i understand those who are in chronic pain using it. I would not deny a cancer patient the drug if it helps alleviate their pain.
But the simple truth is, marijuana destroys far more many lives than it helps. This alone should give us great pause.
Yes, I know, because the Bible means EXACTLY the same thing to EVERYONE - the reason everyone doesn't get along and agree is because the majority is just too dang stupid to comprehend what "God clearly reveals."
Well, you said the magic word: Personally. It's a personal choice. And I hail your restraint. That's good! But not everyone is going to feel the same way. And you know, I've heard people say that smoking weed while meditating on the things of God actually makes them feel closer to God. You should talk to a variety of people who advocate smoking it (because it affects different people different ways), thus educating yourself on what it actually does rather than relying on second-hand sources that are biased against it. Then you wouldn't appear so ignorant to others (not saying you ARE, just that when you say things like this, throwing stereotypes around, you show that you clearly have not listened and researched the supporting view of weed.)
I have tried it - once. Maybe I didn't smoke enough, but it really didn't do much of anything to me but made me feel more relaxed - like something that's not drugs, like going to a spa or something. I won't take the risk of getting arrested, and it's not important enough to me to break the law. It's just not the special - for me.
I've exercised - and yes I agree, there is a natural, feel-good high... but what about people who CAN'T do those things? Those in wheelchairs, with bad knees, etc? What do you suggest for them?
I don't plan on doing it anytime soon - even if it was legal, there's still a stigma against it, and just the boss knowing I've smoked could cost me my job. So yes, I agree - the sensible thing to do is to stay away from it.
Do you know people PERSONALLY you can point to, whose lives have been ruined? Can you show that the weed caused it, and not other factors in their lives?
Yes, ANYTHING in excess is not good for you. But hitting a joint once in a while - I don't see the harm in that.
Jda016:
You know, I'm sure the religious leaders of Jesus' day thought the same thing of the disciples picking wheat to eat. I wonder why Jesus didn't say "Now don't pick the wheat - you know that will send the message that you're not good Jews." Jesus DID things that displayed to certain people that He wasn't a good Jew, and wasn't obeying God, like the healings. Thus showing that it was the people who misunderstood the Scriptures. So yeah, I understand discretion in how the world looks at us, but at the same time, we can't impose legalism on our church members JUST for the sake of image.
Well, you said the magic word: Personally. It's a personal choice. And I hail your restraint. That's good! But not everyone is going to feel the same way. And you know, I've heard people say that smoking weed while meditating on the things of God actually makes them feel closer to God. You should talk to a variety of people who advocate smoking it (because it affects different people different ways), thus educating yourself on what it actually does rather than relying on second-hand sources that are biased against it. Then you wouldn't appear so ignorant to others (not saying you ARE, just that when you say things like this, throwing stereotypes around, you show that you clearly have not listened and researched the supporting view of weed.)
I have tried it - once. Maybe I didn't smoke enough, but it really didn't do much of anything to me but made me feel more relaxed - like something that's not drugs, like going to a spa or something. I won't take the risk of getting arrested, and it's not important enough to me to break the law. It's just not the special - for me.
I've exercised - and yes I agree, there is a natural, feel-good high... but what about people who CAN'T do those things? Those in wheelchairs, with bad knees, etc? What do you suggest for them?
I don't plan on doing it anytime soon - even if it was legal, there's still a stigma against it, and just the boss knowing I've smoked could cost me my job. So yes, I agree - the sensible thing to do is to stay away from it.
Do you know people PERSONALLY you can point to, whose lives have been ruined? Can you show that the weed caused it, and not other factors in their lives?
Yes, ANYTHING in excess is not good for you. But hitting a joint once in a while - I don't see the harm in that.
Jda016:
You know, I'm sure the religious leaders of Jesus' day thought the same thing of the disciples picking wheat to eat. I wonder why Jesus didn't say "Now don't pick the wheat - you know that will send the message that you're not good Jews." Jesus DID things that displayed to certain people that He wasn't a good Jew, and wasn't obeying God, like the healings. Thus showing that it was the people who misunderstood the Scriptures. So yeah, I understand discretion in how the world looks at us, but at the same time, we can't impose legalism on our church members JUST for the sake of image.
That part in bold made me laugh, and yes if that makes me biased then so be it. I used to smoke that trash for years, got born again and got rid of it. You seem to have second hand sources since have never smoked it as a lifestyle so your ignorant of it's effects. The chase for that crap is bondage enough in itself, dealing with shady dealers who are mostly unreliable at best. Ever had four dealers that you know who were dry because of the last $5 million dollar bust being reported on the news? I think not. I have mercy and pity on those who are struggling to give it up but not on those who are willingly advocating it's usage for someone who has been redeemed by our merciful God.
J
Yes, but wheat isn't a gateway drug.
There are plenty of studies of the dangers of getting stoned and just because someone "felt" that they were closer to God while doing it, doesn't excuse it. I imagine many people have said the same thing when they get "happy drunk."
Pharisees condemned Jesus for healing the sick and letting his disciples not starve. They clearly had legalist attitudes, because they hated Jesus and wanted to condemn him. I can hardly equate getting stoned out of your mind with healings and feeding those who are hungry. They simply are not in the same league.
Getting stoned by marijuanna would be more akin to the disciples getting drunk on the sabbath rather than just picking wheat. I don't think Christ would have approved drunkenness since the Bible condemns it and getting high produces similar results.
Scripture also tells us to flee any appearance of evil.
Besides, even if state law allows it, It is still against Federal law and thus against the U.S. government.
But like I said before, I take exception to people who are given it to combat pain.
It is just my opinion.
There are plenty of studies of the dangers of getting stoned and just because someone "felt" that they were closer to God while doing it, doesn't excuse it. I imagine many people have said the same thing when they get "happy drunk."
Pharisees condemned Jesus for healing the sick and letting his disciples not starve. They clearly had legalist attitudes, because they hated Jesus and wanted to condemn him. I can hardly equate getting stoned out of your mind with healings and feeding those who are hungry. They simply are not in the same league.
Getting stoned by marijuanna would be more akin to the disciples getting drunk on the sabbath rather than just picking wheat. I don't think Christ would have approved drunkenness since the Bible condemns it and getting high produces similar results.
Scripture also tells us to flee any appearance of evil.
Besides, even if state law allows it, It is still against Federal law and thus against the U.S. government.
But like I said before, I take exception to people who are given it to combat pain.
It is just my opinion.