Tuesday, December 07, 2004

Bible opposes marijuana laws?

Decrimwatch points to a good letter to the editor published in a Texas paper, the Valley Morning Star. The fellow is making an argument I've never heard before, but which I like a lot:

Editor:

I agree with credible drug law reform including limiting the federal government’s ability to cage sick citizens for using cannabis (Editorial, "Marijuana case tests limits of federalism," Dec. 1), and wanted to add, further and most important, it is Biblically correct to stop caging humans for using the plant cannabis.

Our unwavering God said He created all the seed-bearing plants and said they were all good on literally the very first page of the Bible. I would also like to see clergy speak up for Christ God Our Father on this issue, since Jesus Christ risked going to jail to heal the sick.

The entire Bible is against cannabis prohibition. For example, 1 John 3:17 — "But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

The Bible describes who will even propose such prohibition as those who "fall away from the faith," in 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

Stan White
Dillon, Colo.

You could probably throw one in about God granting man "dominion" over "every herb bearing seed which is on the face of the earth," in Genesis 1:28-29.

Interesting.

2 comments:

Charles Kiker said...

Scott, I agree with the sentiments. I would be hesitant to use the Genesis reference as a proof-text. According to the creation account, God made all things and called them good. I would hesitate to say that we are encouraged to eat (or smoke) everything God made. Poison mushrooms? Like I said, I agree with the sentiments, but think he's probably stretching with his biblical interpretation.

Charles Kiker

Gritsforbreakfast said...

Rev. Kiker is a retired minister living in Tulia, Texas, and core member of Tulia Friends of Justice. I'd asked his opinion of this letter.