Theology Pub – Can a Christian Smoke Pot?
The embedded video is part 1 of a series of videos that can be accessed here.
Earlier this month Missio Dei hosted an event, as part of our monthly Theology Pub, where we discussed the Biblical position on marijuana. It was a fascinating discussion that was not only provocative but challenging and fruitful. There were over 50 people at the event, many of whom did not share our worldview, but left pleasantly surprised as to how the discussion was led. If you weren’t able to attend the event we have provided some video footage of the discussion that can be accessed here.
Join us next month for Theology Pub as we discuss the Biblical position on homosexuality.
Video – Can a Christian Smoke Pot?
In preparation for our next Theology Pub conversation we interviewed a fairly wide cross section of Fort Collins, asking them, “Can a Christian Smoke Pot?”
Can a Christian Smoke Pot?
Each month Missio Dei hosts an event called Theology Pub at Mulligan’s Pub (a local Irish Pub).
If that wasn’t controversial enough, we’ve chosen one of the more polarizing topics facing the Church presently for next month’s discussion:
Or maybe a better question is, “should a Christian smoke pot?”
Many Christians will immediately declare, “absolutely not, it’s illegal!” Which is a great point, for the Bible is clear that we should honor the governing authorities because those authorities have been placed there by God (Romans 13:1).
But what about the 13 states (including Colorado) that have now legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes? What about cities like Breckenridge, CO. that have legalized the use and possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use?
In those cases, which will quickly become the norm rather than exception, it’s not illegal and therefore the only grounds for prohibition would be the mind altering effects that follow marijuana consumption – God’s Word commands us to be sober minded (1 Peter 1:13) and to abstain from drunkeness (Ephesians 5:18) which would certainly apply to the use of drugs. But what about marijuana use in the case of treating various illnesses and chronic pain? How is that treatment any different than mainstream prescription medications like Vicodin and Oxy-Contin? Certainly those drugs produce serious mind altering effects and carry with them debilitating side effects and result in tragic addictions, as was the case for famous radio talk show personality Rush Limbaugh.
The Church (at least in large part) does not prohibit the use of prescription pain killers, but without blinking an eye Christians forbid the use of marijuana in any instance.
Is it really that cut and dry?
It’s our desire at Missio Dei to think through difficult issues like this from a Biblical perspective, divorcing ourselves from tradition or preconceived notions.
As people who view life through a Christian worldview and a gospel grid – what should our position be on this topic?
Why Don’t You Go To Church?
In our latest video we asked Fort Collins residents why they don’t go to church (or why they do if they attend). This video will aide in our discussion about the Church and it’s Relevance for our next Theology Pub on January 6th at 7pm at Mulligan’s Pub.
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