Weed has long been a controversial topic. Many governments around the world have loosened their respective regulations on the drug, as more and more people are beginning to accept and understand its potential. But from a religious standpoint, particularly that of Christianity, is weed really allowed?
In Christianity, there is a clear moral stance against anything that can prove detrimental to physical and mental health when taken in excess: this is obviously the case for weed, too. Cannabis does have the potential to give rise to a range of negative consequences, such as paranoia, impaired memory, and depression, although medical cannabis has shown potential to mitigate such issues. Furthermore, no matter how ‘medicinal’ the application of the drug is, it’s also possible that marijuana can become a vehicle, a tool, to taint the ethics of engagement. Taking into consideration substance abuse, it is likely that Christian values and beliefs attribute weed with an immoral status.
When viewed from an international level, there is a great disparity in how weed is viewed in the eyes of Christianity. Whilst in Africa, many churches oppose the decriminalisation of cannabis, in the Netherlands, the less stringent approach to the drug’s use has resulted in 500 coffee shops centred on the sale of it. This range of attitudes has resulted from a blend of cultural and national values, but it does bring about the question of what the real morality behind the drug is.
Justifying any human action is often much less about the act itself, and more about the purpose that it serves. Ultimately, it is down to the individual to decide whether the medications, practices and situations that they are exposed to are in alignment with their religious beliefs. Within the confines of Christianity, using weed is ethically considered wrong and in breach of faith, but as opinions evolve and become more complex, it’s also seen – by some – as an unnecessary restriction on patients that could benefit from medical cannabis.
But just as any action can be justified and rationalised in accordance with one’s beliefs, the same applies to weed. There is no universal religious agreement that deems the drug wrong. Of course, the perspective on the drug will differ from person to person, but Christians of different denominations, along with religious leaders, have been known to allow the use of weed in situations where it alleviates suffering or provides a physical need. There are also quite a few scriptures from the Bible which, if looked into closely, could actually be interpreted as being in favour of marijuana.
So is weed really against Christianity? From an individual perspective, the question is obviously thicker than without. It is up to the person to decide whether their faith should reconcile an action such as this or not. There are those who believe it detracts from Christian values and those that don’t. Ultimately, an individual must look inwards to find their own answer.
Traditional Christian Teachings & Weed
Whether or not one agrees with the official Christian stance on the issue, there is a long history of traditional teaching associated with it. One example of this is the idea of ‘sin’, or immoral acts that are against God’s law. As far as Christianity is concerned, marijuana falls under this category and is frowned upon, as it is thought to lead individuals down a slippery slope of moral degeneration.
Additionally, traditional teachings also tend to portray marijuana use as being a vice or an addiction – something that can be psychologically and spiritually damaging. The Bible, for example, has a multitude of passages which talk of the ‘drunkard’ and the ‘glutton’, yet there are no mentions of marijuana use at all. This perhaps implies that weed and its effects are not considered as seriously as other forms of intoxication.
In essence, marijuana falls under the umbrella of all types of sinful behavior, and its place in the Christian faith is strongly contested. In certain churches and denominations, it is permitted in the case of medical use, and the drug is not openly condemned. However, for those with a conservative leaning, weed is still considered a form of substance abuse, and one should therefore abstain at all costs.
The Bible and Weed Over Time
Over the years, the interpretations of religious scriptures – such as that of the Bible – have changed with the times. This is especially true for one of the more commonly-quoted passages, Proverbs 23:29: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?” which is usually seen as referring to the use of cannabis.
In today’s society, this verse is often considered to be a warning against smoking marijuana. This perception has, however, been in flux due to the changing cultural attitudes around the drug. For example, in the 1920s – when the use of marijuana was starting to become popular – it was claimed that the same passage was referring to the drinking of alcohol, not the use of cannabis. This indicates how the interpretation of religious scriptures can vary
Ultimately, this implies that one cannot use a single passage of the Bible when trying to ascertain the morality of weed. As mentioned before, there is no universal agreement on this particular matter, and each interpretation should be considered with an open mind.
Medical Cannabis & Religion
As time passes, the tide is slowly beginning to turn in favour of the drug. This is particularly true within the medical field, as cannabis has been found to have countless beneficial properties for those suffering from chronic illnesses and illnesses. Consequently, many Christian-based organisations have begun to look more favourably upon the drug, and even accept its place within medicine.
For example, the Green Cross of The Episcopal Church in the United States is one such body that is pushing for the reform and potential decriminalisation of marijuana. Within its ‘Green Cross Statement of Policy’, it includes specific references to the use of medical cannabis, and states that “demand for medical marijuana should be regulated,” and furthermore, “law-abiding patients who receive medical marijuana should not be subject to criminal penalties.”
Nevertheless, whilst many Christians and organisations may be in favour of the drug’s medicinal uses, they often still choose not to accept weed recreationally. This is due to its potential to cause addiction, make volatile the judgmental processes, and run contrary to a person’s beliefs. As such, it appears that there is still a distinct line drawn between medical and recreational weed.
The Debate Over Weed’s Place in Christianity
Overall, the debate over weed and its place in Christianity appears to be far from resolved. For some people, it meets all of their needs, medically and spiritually. For others, it goes against every single thing they believe in and advocate for, and in particular, runs counter to their Christian beliefs. Therefore, whether or not weed is against Christianity can only be answered on an individual basis, as opinions will all vary.
For those of the Christian faith, it’s important to consider all available evidence, conflicting scriptures, and any personal experiences when forming a strong opinion. After all, considering the individual circumstances of each person is often the best way to gauge the morality of an issue such as this.
The Role of Cannabis in Religion
Considering that religion and spirituality are typically associated with intoxication, it’s not surprising that cannabis has been used for centuries for experiential and spiritual purposes. The drug’s ability to induce feelings of euphoria, and its healing properties, have made it attractive to those wishing to explore their relationship with the divine and nature.
As a result, different religions and cultures have begun to embrace the drug as a form of healing. For example, in Ancient Egypt, cannabis was used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes; in Hinduism, the process of smoking marijuana is known as ‘bhang’ and is thought to be a method of deepening one’s spiritual understanding; and, in Buddhism, marijuana is sometimes used in meditation practices.
Clearly, then, weed has the potential to play a significant role in the development and practice of religion, and its use has been heavily debated in Christian communities throughout history. Overall, opinions are split on the matter.
The Impact of Weed in Christianity
Regardless of whether weed is accepted or not, it is clear that its effects can be felt throughout all aspects of life. For example, in Christianity, the debate over its use can often lead to further scrutiny and judgement from people within the community. As a result, there can be a sense of alienation and alienation from those within the faith that oppose marijuana, and subsequently, those that chose to use it for medicinal reasons (for example) do not feel as though they can be their true selves within the faith.
Overall, then, weed has the potential to cause a great deal of tension into a faith system, as opinions are often polarized (so much so that it has forced denominations to essentially go their separate ways with some even establishing their own churches). It is clear, then, that the role of marijuana in Christianity is an important and complex one, and it’s up to each individual to consider their own morals and beliefs before deciding on which stance to take.
The Social Impact of Marijuana in Christianity
Regardless of one’s stance on the use of marijuana in Christianity, it has been proven to have a direct impact on social life. This is especially apparent in countries where the use of the drug has been legalized, as its usage has become far more widespread (and accepted) than before. For example, in the Netherlands – which contains a population of predominantly Christian people – the legalization of marijuana has posed a unique challenge to the traditional Christian values that have been held since ancient times.
More importantly, the effects of marijuana on social life can be felt in the church. For many Western denominations, the debate over legalizing marijuana has caused a great deal of internal strife; in some cases, pastors have even testified in favor of the drug in churches. This implies that the social implications of marijuana in Christianity can be far-reaching, and in many cases, lead to further divisions in the church – particularly those between those in favor and those opposed to the drug.
Prescribing Cannabis for Health Reasons
Clearly, the question of weed and its place in Christianity has not been answered. And yet, despite the many debates, there are instances of the drug being prescribed for health reasons. This is particularly true within the medical world: for example, in the United States, some doctors are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana for a range of conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain and anxiety.
This suggests that although there is still a great deal of debate over the morality of marijuana in Christianity, its medical applications cannot be ignored. As such, it is likely that the legalization of medical cannabis may continue to gain momentum, and pave the way for religious groups – particularly those within Christianity – to become more receptive to the idea of the drug being utilized as a form of relief.
