Is smoking dope bad as a christian?

[KyroZetera]

Cannabis is not in and of itself a sin to intake. If you say it is, then you are adding something to the scripture. God never said not to use cannabis, neither did he say not to use alcohol, but to use it in moderation, not to be a drunkard. And this is possible with the usage of cannabis as well, to use in moderation. Now perhaps smoking is not the best idea, but it is still good for food.

No the thing that has actually been bothering me recently is the illegality of it. That's why I have been quit for over 2 months. I had no problem quitting, because I practice self-control, self-discipline. And I think that this can be done also in moderating its use. I have not wanted to use it again for it would be hard on my conscience for the one reason that it is illegal. And the verse in Romans does say to follow the laws of the governments, of the rulers. But are the current people in power really the rulers of this country, or the usurpers? Is there anything in the constitution in prohibition of the use of this plant? And also I have considered a few verses that God has drawn my attention to.

Colossians 2:20-23 and Romans 14

Why are you subject to ordinances that appear to have moral values in abstaining from fleshly indulgence but really have no value in the using of those things which perish? It is speaking of ordinances of men, and the Greek word used in Colossians is kosmos which pertains also to government. And so I ask, is this an exception to Romans 13? The government should have no control over what it is you eat and drink, in thanksgiving towards God. It is a liberty afforded by him, for he has given you these things of which to partake, and the governments and ordinances of men defy him by attempting to strip you of these liberties, of this gift. It is your own self-control, your own faith, your own heart which should judge whether you partake of wine or weed. If it is a stumbling block for you or your friends then don't do it. If you cannot control yourself in moderation of it, then it is best to abstain, and if you lose control of yourself in the using, then stay away. But to those who are stronger in their faith, then leave them alone and do not judge them.

You are not judged of these things but by your own conscience, so if a brother's faith is weak and does not allow him to eat then do not berate him, and the same goes for the other way around, as according to I Corinthians 10:24-33. So if you eat, do all to the glory of God.

Now I wrote this out of order, it's just how my mind works, so please forgive if I jump around a bit.

In the Spirit of God's Love and Grace, Bless you all,
- Kyro

 

[BigChrisfilm]

Cannabis is not in and of itself a sin to intake. If you say it is, then you are adding something to the scripture. God never said not to use cannabis, neither did he say not to use alcohol, but to use it in moderation, not to be a drunkard. And this is possible with the usage of cannabis as well, to use in moderation. Now perhaps smoking is not the best idea, but it is still good for food.

No the thing that has actually been bothering me recently is the illegality of it. That's why I have been quit for over 2 months. I had no problem quitting, because I practice self-control, self-discipline. And I think that this can be done also in moderating its use. I have not wanted to use it again for it would be hard on my conscience for the one reason that it is illegal. And the verse in Romans does say to follow the laws of the governments, of the rulers. But are the current people in power really the rulers of this country, or the usurpers? Is there anything in the constitution in prohibition of the use of this plant? And also I have considered a few verses that God has drawn my attention to.

Colossians 2:20-23 and Romans 14

Why are you subject to ordinances that appear to have moral values in abstaining from fleshly indulgence but really have no value in the using of those things which perish? It is speaking of ordinances of men, and the Greek word used in Colossians is kosmos which pertains also to government. And so I ask, is this an exception to Romans 13? The government should have no control over what it is you eat and drink, in thanksgiving towards God. It is a liberty afforded by him, for he has given you these things of which to partake, and the governments and ordinances of men defy him by attempting to strip you of these liberties, of this gift. It is your own self-control, your own faith, your own heart which should judge whether you partake of wine or weed. If it is a stumbling block for you or your friends then don't do it. If you cannot control yourself in moderation of it, then it is best to abstain, and if you lose control of yourself in the using, then stay away. But to those who are stronger in their faith, then leave them alone and do not judge them.

You are not judged of these things but by your own conscience, so if a brother's faith is weak and does not allow him to eat then do not berate him, and the same goes for the other way around, as according to I Corinthians 10:24-33. So if you eat, do all to the glory of God.

Now I wrote this out of order, it's just how my mind works, so please forgive if I jump around a bit.

In the Spirit of God's Love and Grace, Bless you all,
- Kyro

Just because I can not do drugs, or drink because I am an addict does not mean I am weak in faith. I was only weak in faith when I continued to do what I knew was wrong, and not until I got delivered me from this addiction that I grew in my faith. Don't be so quick to judge someone that can't smoke weed and drink as weak. If this isn't what you meant the I am sorry.

 

[fringe]

BigChrisfilm,

I dont think that that is exactly what KyroZetera was implying in the full sense that you took it but Paul states in Romans 14:12

'One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables'.

and in 1 Corinthians 8:7

'But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled'.

Also in 1 Corinthians 8:9

'Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak'.

What paul is saying here is that some of us have greater freedom in some areas and can partake of things that may be a stumbling block to others. He is not saying that others are lesser of Christians, just that they have an issue in this one area, and that those who don't have an issue with it should not berate them for it. He also speaks to those who cannot, for various reasons, drink wine, eat certain foods, etc. that they should not judge their brothers in Christ who do. It's a bit complicated of text until you take it all into context and there are many more verses that speak to this subject. Basicially, we all have 'weaknesses' in our faith. No one person is exempt. They may lie in completely different areas but we all fail and have different obstacles to overcome. This might mean that you are stronger in your faith in other areas... just not this one. Btw, it is possible to be released from this lack of freedom by prayer and supplication. Many who have decided to stay 'clean' don't see the point in doing so and that's fine. Just so long as they don't accuse other brothers who don't have a problem in this area. If you would like i can post more verses on this subject.

 

[invisible trousers]

There are some very, very ironic posts in this thread.

As for the original question, I think you can only determine on an individual basis. It might be bad for the believer who is addicted and does nothing with his life, but might not be bad for the one who has a steady job (or good grades etc) and uses it in moderation.

 

[RIPPED420]

Hi all. before i really toss my beliefs out there I want to give my general response to this "question"..

I use cannabis, regularly. It's not because i have fallen away from God, or that i put all my energy and love into a plant, because that's not it at all.

Someone mentioned before...can you glorify God and put enough attention towards God all while smoking weed? Some people cannot, as the guy above me has mentioned. On the other hand, I can. I don't always think about the next time i wanna "get high". My daily life revolves around my job and/or house chores, working out, talking to some girl friends of mine, my dad, and the list goes on. I smoke because i like the feeling. After working out and/or doing my days work at my job, how come JoBlo can go home and down a glass of whiskey and still be considered a christian/responsible adult, yet the guy who goes home and smokes a joint/blunt to relax is the criminal? They have the guns...we have a plant...who's the criminal? For the guy who said it has 40% or some odd percentage more carcinogens than cigs, you're totally off base. Google Erowid - erowid is an UNBIASED website dedicated to dispelling rumors about all drugs, pharmacuticals, etc. Provides medical research, references, everything. Check it out when you have questions on a certain drug.

there have recently been studies that show that not only does cannabis have about 1,000 less chemicals than cigarettes do, its actually be proven to SLOW CANCER GROWTH in lab rats. Google it if you don't believe me. Cannabis is a wonderful plant which was made illegal for the wrong, wrong reasons. Do some research on cannabis, mexican immigrants and DuPont. You'll learn a lot. I also really take offense to people who stereotype - who say anyone who smokes weed is a certain way...whether it be stupid, "living in their own reality", "liars", "cheats"...whatever. The only way to truly know a person is to know their heart, and the only way to do that is to talk to them and spend time with them. Saying a pot smoker is a certain way because of pot is the exact same thing the KKK does - stereotyping others of different backgrounds - saying things like all black people are theives..which is just wrong..think about what you say before you say it guys..

Anyway, back to the topic. God is your first and foremost priority. If smoking gets in the path of that, you need to stop smoking or change your priorities. I can balance both. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Kielso]

I began smoking marijuana last year, when I was in a wheelchair for my neuropathy. I managed to learn to stand and take a few steps within a month of using it, despite being confined to the bed for almost six months prior to that.

I still smoke marijuana for it's calming effects. I tend to have spiritual revelations while smoking...And they all seem to be good and true to the path I am supposed to take. I discover new things about myself and my actions, and how to dedicate myself to God even more.

Now, I am a new Christian and beyond that, have Bipolar Disorder, so my opinion probably won't have allot of weight to it. But I believe that your path walking with God is YOURS alone. What may work for one person may not work for another.

Your decision to smoke Marijuana should be between YOU and GOD. Pray about it, and if YOU feel it's a sin, don't do it! However if you feel that Marijuana, in moderation, is NOT a bad thing, remember it's your choice to smoke it.

Just pray about it...God is always listening.

 

[BigChrisfilm]

I began smoking marijuana last year, when I was in a wheelchair for my neuropathy. I managed to learn to stand and take a few steps within a month of using it, despite being confined to the bed for almost six months prior to that.

I still smoke marijuana for it's calming effects. I tend to have spiritual revelations while smoking...And they all seem to be good and true to the path I am supposed to take. I discover new things about myself and my actions, and how to dedicate myself to God even more.

Now, I am a new Christian and beyond that, have Bipolar Disorder, so my opinion probably won't have allot of weight to it. But I believe that your path walking with God is YOURS alone. What may work for one person may not work for another.

Your decision to smoke Marijuana should be between YOU and GOD. Pray about it, and if YOU feel it's a sin, don't do it! However if you feel that Marijuana, in moderation, is NOT a bad thing, remember it's your choice to smoke it.

Just pray about it...God is always listening.

The only problem with that is that we do not get to choose what is and isn't a sin, only god does, if we rely on what man thinks is and isn't a sin, then where would we be? There are people out there that think there is nothing wrong with killing inocent people, they are called terrorist, and they do not think it is a sin.

 

[fringe]

This exact same argument has been rehashed since Pauls day. He states in his epistles succinctly:

Everything is permissable but not everything is bennificial.

It is not that which goes into a man that is sin but what comes out.

'Everything' in moderation...

So we are not 'deciding' what is sin... Scripture already settled the matter.

 

[invisible trousers]

The only problem with that is that we do not get to choose what is and isn't a sin, only god does, if we rely on what man thinks is and isn't a sin, then where would we be? There are people out there that think there is nothing wrong with killing inocent people, they are called terrorist, and they do not think it is a sin.

The irony of your condemnation for people using illegal drugs combined with your avatar has been noted.

 

[ArmouredSaint]

I began smoking marijuana last year, when I was in a wheelchair for my neuropathy. I managed to learn to stand and take a few steps within a month of using it, despite being confined to the bed for almost six months prior to that.

I still smoke marijuana for it's calming effects. I tend to have spiritual revelations while smoking...And they all seem to be good and true to the path I am supposed to take. I discover new things about myself and my actions, and how to dedicate myself to God even more.

Now, I am a new Christian and beyond that, have Bipolar Disorder, so my opinion probably won't have allot of weight to it. But I believe that your path walking with God is YOURS alone. What may work for one person may not work for another.

Your decision to smoke Marijuana should be between YOU and GOD. Pray about it, and if YOU feel it's a sin, don't do it! However if you feel that Marijuana, in moderation, is NOT a bad thing, remember it's your choice to smoke it.

Just pray about it...God is always listening.

how in the heck did you manage to score pot from a wheelchair?