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To: kosciusko51
The word translated "sorcery" is the NT Greek word φαρμακεία (pharmakeia) which has multiple meanings:

1) the use or the administering of drugs

Under that broad reading, medicinal drugs would be ruled out - as would the drug alcohol.

2) poisoning

Not the intent of any recreational drug use - and in the sense of chemical toxicity no more applicable to other drugs (and less applicable to marijuana) than to alcohol.

3) sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it

Irrelevant to the question of recreational drug use.

Also, there are general principles that Christian should consider when approaching drug use.

"The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use."

Bears repeating.

"Christians are under a universal mandate to respect and obey the laws of the land"

If drugs were legalized this wouldn't apply.

"For example, Christians are all required to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, regardless of our national identity (Matthew 25:13-30). This includes our earthly bodies. Unfortunately, illicit drug use is an extremely effective way to destroy your health, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. [...] the apostolic exhortations to remain sober-minded and alert [...] Any time spent kneeling before the god of drugs is time spent with your back towards the God of the Bible."

All equally applicable to alcohol.

111 posted on 02/27/2013 2:15:46 PM PST by JustSayNoToNannies ("The Lord has removed His judgments against you" - Zep. 3:15)
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To: JustSayNoToNannies
Nice cherry-picking from the second link. You completely missed (or intentionally misconstrued) the point of the author:

The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. ... This is not to say, however, that recreational drug use is permissible. On the contrary, there are several very clear biblical principles that place drug use well outside the realm of acceptable behavior.

...

In summary, the Bible teaches us that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12).

To your next point:

"For example, Christians are all required to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, regardless of our national identity (Matthew 25:13-30). This includes our earthly bodies. Unfortunately, illicit drug use is an extremely effective way to destroy your health, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. [...] the apostolic exhortations to remain sober-minded and alert [...] Any time spent kneeling before the god of drugs is time spent with your back towards the God of the Bible."

All equally applicable to alcohol.

Not exactly the same. I can drink a beer or glass of wine without getting drunk. But I've never met someone who uses pot not to get stoned. However, if one drinks to get drunk, then yes, they are the same. And we have laws against public intoxication and DWI, as well as the prohibition of selling liquor to those visibly intoxicated.

112 posted on 02/27/2013 2:31:17 PM PST by kosciusko51 (Enough of "Who is John Galt?" Who is Patrick Henry?)
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