Sunday, June 6, 2010

Christian Ethics vs. Marijuana

This post is prompted by some recent experiences I've had around marijuana. I whole-heartedly believe that the body is the temple of God and that it needs to be taken care of and respected. I also believe whole-heartedly in the enjoyment of alcohol. And on a third note, I believe whole-heartedly in the call to be sober. So, then, we know how alcohol falls into this place: don't have too much, but enjoy yourself. Too much is throwing up, losing your train of thought, headaches, all that jazz. Where does weed fall into this category?
I have heard some people argue that "there is no way to smoke weed and stay in moderation," but I have found that statement to be entirely untrue. So it is possible to stay within that parameter. In addition, it is possible to ingest the plant without any health risks associated (except maybe for the high-fructose corn syrup that the brownies are made of). So we are able to stay within the parameter of keeping your body healthy. Why is this such a hot topic?
I am not writing this post to provide a solution, but only to bring up the question. I think that for myself, abstention from marijuana makes sense because there are commands in the Word to obey your civil authorities. But what if I'm in Amsterdam? I have a feeling that if I were to go and peruse weed in Amsterdam, Christian friends would not be happy--even though it isn't illegal, isn't necessarily unhealthy depending on how you do it, and I wasn't necessarily high out of my mind. So what gives? Why is this different than alcohol? Thoughts are appreciated.

5 comments:

Dan Lower said...

Applying Christian principles, I'd argue that it ought to be abstained from here in the USA but permitted in Amsterdam, assuming it doesn't do violence to our bodies or to our moral reason.

Dan Lower said...

Applying Christian principles, I'd argue that it ought to be abstained from here in the USA but permitted in Amsterdam, assuming it doesn't do violence to our bodies or to our moral reason.

- Dan

Dan Lower said...

So apparently every time I try and post a new comment, it brings back the version from 10:52. And every time I delete one, I delete both.

Great.

Kev said...

Sounds like you got it right, Daniel. But there is much to be said for Christians' moral ability to lobby towards it's legalization. Another interesting direction this could take is the idea of civil disobedience. Could there be an appropriate place for this, by a Christian, no less?

Dan Lower said...

I'm not sure I see much of a case for civil disobedience even if I might see a case (based on consistency if nothing else) for lobbying. Austin?

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