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Galatians 5:20 Sorcery is defined in the ancient Greek as φαρμακεία pharmakeia -
Strong's G5331 - pharmakeia
Anything to do with the use of drugs.
This lovely concept is why people in some churches with members who have a mental illness go untreated. Their wise elders and pastors try to pray the problems away instead of proffessional treatment and medication. So sad.
The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. The same Bible also says that women should not teach or preach.
So if we are to interpret the Bible literally, since the Bible says nothing about smoking pot, am I correct in assuming that smoking pot is OK?
There's the first problem...taking the Bible "literally"...this is a "Spiritual Book" and not to be taken "literally". While there are literal situations, the applications to life and the living of it are spiritual. We don't live by "the letter" because we know "the letter" kills...when applied spiritually we find the right path.
That being said, I feel pot is no worse than alcohol...when used in moderation, it hurts no one. I would rather be on the road with someone who has smoked pot than with someone who has been drinking to excess.
I believe that everything that grows or moves on this earth is here for some benefit to man, including the plants such as marijuana which has some medicinal value when controlled in prescription form..
It is the abuse of those things that are not in accordance to Christian beliefs..
Personally I have never wanted to not be in control of my mind so have never used the "weed" or overindulged in "Jack Daniels" to enhance my social life..
When you lose control of your mind you put not only yourselves in danger, but those around you whether they are strangers in the other car, or your loved ones anxiously awaiting for you to come home safely..
This lovely concept is why people in some churches with members who have a mental illness go untreated. Their wise elders and pastors try to pray the problems away instead of proffessional treatment and medication. So sad.
pharmakeia is never defined by it's Biblical usage. It is used so rarely.
However we can see that it is used in conjunction with witch-craft. So from it's Biblical usage it is meant to have some meaning which closely relates it to idolatry / witch craft.
To assume that pharmakeia is referencing ALL drugs, would have a huge effect on the medical field. And with today's science knowledge we understand that alcohol is a drug, which would cast a shadow of sin over wine.
This would have far reaching effects on doctrine, and in fact would create contradictions with other Bible passages.
I think that we are on much firmer ground when we discuss 'drunkenness'.
Drunkenness is forbidden. To become a drunkard is forbidden.
However getting drunk is not forbidden.
Enjoying wine and even hard drink is encouraged at times by God.
So we can remain on solid Biblical footing, if we apply this guideline instead.
The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. The same Bible also says that women should not teach or preach.
So if we are to interpret the Bible literally, since the Bible says nothing about smoking pot, am I correct in assuming that smoking pot is OK?
Well unless you live in California where they are about to legalize it then you have your answer to this thread Christians are commanded to obey the law
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