Smoke Weed Before You Pray


A preacher has started a business, Cannabis for Christians. He testifies use of marijuana helped him deal with physical pains and with the death of his father. Using it before prayer, he says, helps you become closer to God. If "marijuana for medical use" is legal why not "marijuana for religious use." Alcohol for religious use was legal during prohibition.  

It is inevitable drug use in religion will increase. The so-called Freedom of Religion is said to have started when native Americans were given legal rights to use peyote in their religious ceremonies. The drug is not part of native American ancient history but started not that long ago. Nevertheless, users said they had sincere religious experiences while using peyote and needed it for their worship. 

It is well known hallucinogenic substances were used even in prehistoric times. We all know of those which are accepted as OK, alcohol, and those that are sinful, evil and criminal. Maybe someone else can recall when the "three strikes you're out" law came along. It meant the third conviction of drug offenses put you in prison for life. How in the world did we get from there to taking-drugs-to-pray?

Actually, we know how we got there. It is through the peculiar world that is religion. Activities and beliefs considered harmful or dangerous outside of religion are wonderful inside of it. Drugs are an example. 

Christianity is full of suspicious stories. Paul of the Bible wrote of how he liked wine. He also had a visit or visits with Jesus after Jesus was long dead. I hate to suggest wine caused those visits but they do not make sense except in some mind-altering experience. No doubt there were other mind altering substances used at the time. Everyone knows the Bible is full of visions and dreams. No one knows how they came to happen. 

The 1960's is often criticized as a time when drug use soared and became more acceptable than ever before. It was also the time of "The Jesus People" who traveled about in old converted school buses and smoked marijuana. They now seem like the pioneers who mixed contemporary forms of hallucinogenic drugs to Christianity. 

The irony is that "three strikes you're out" died and was replaced with frantic stands against trans, bi and gay marriage. One needs to follow closely what is a top the sin leader board at any moment or he will not know what is sin today.  

Comments

  1. JinxMarch 30, 2022 at 9:22 PM

    One plant Native Americans used for eons of time was Datura, I believe it was the sticky seed pods that carried the active ingredient. The person going on a "journey" would often go to a safe isolated spot (small cave or whatever), fast and then injest the Pod. It often made them vomit and then they were off on a hallucinogenic journey, this journey would help them decide their path in life. Shaman's use this drug and you had to go to them and explain why you needed it. Of course the plant, pods and journey were sacred and heavy ritualized. I think a little Pot, Datura or Peyote would mellow out the churches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon LindgrenMarch 31, 2022 at 6:30 AM

      Thanks Jinx. Whatever it takes should be the rule.

      Delete

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