My comparison of other seemingly harmless substances was an attempt to get people to think outside the box a little bit and approach the issue from another angle. I hear too many people go all out against things without really thinking about it. For example, that anti-gay and sexual sin issue. (off topic warning lol but just to make a point) Why do we hold people to a higher standard when they struggle with sexual sin but don't even acknowledge that gossip, coveting, and lying are probably even more rampant in our churches than blatant sexual sin. (back on topic) The real issue with pot, when it becomes a sin issue, is the self control issue. To be fair, we need to recognize that the self-control issue probably effects us all as it relates to an otherwise innocent/sinless thing or act. Why hammer one one thing when we are free to choose as individuals. Laugh if you want, but I know people that more addicted to garage sales than some people are to coffee. Is it not sin?
All I want is a fair discussion free from the bias of our upbringing that was inundated with government anti-drug propaganda.
Why can I legally get coacaine from a doctor but not marijuana?
Why is the federal governments business what happens between myself and a doctor?
I recognize that I need to obey the laws of the land, even when I disagree with them. What if those laws, while not directly commanding me to sin by disobeying a direct command from God but they do go against the Christian ideal of taking care of the sick as best we can? What about when the laws demand we take medicine that clearly is worse than the disease instead of something that really could help without the nasty side effects?
"Because it gets you high and messes with your brain and its unhealthy for you."
That dog won't hunt. If you want to take that hard stand then you have to demand no more store bought food or beverages and no medicine at all.
Here's an interesting study...
http://www.aahperd.org/iejhe/archive/donnelly20004.pdf
http://www.drugwarfacts.org/causes.pdf
just an interesting article
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa121.html