As marijuana use becomes more and more mainstream, many Christians find themselves wondering: is smoking weed a sin? What does the Bible say about weed? And how can I, as a Christian, make the right decision for me and my faith? While smoking marijuana is a personal choice, there are some guiding passages you can take from the Bible to help you choose whether or not you’d like to use marijuana in your daily life. Keep reading to learn what God says about weed and how you can make the right choice for yourself.
Things You Should Know
- The Bible does not mention marijuana by name. However, it warns against using substances to alter your state of mind or distract you from God.
- Smoking weed may be considered a sin if you use it to lose self control. It may not be a sin if you use it in moderation or for medicinal purposes.
- Ultimately, smoking weed is still a divisive topic in the Christian community.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionAm I going to get punished for smoking weed?Liz Cooledge Jenkins is a Christian Theology Expert based in Seattle, Washington. She is a freelance writer and preacher. Liz’s writing is focused at the intersections of faith, feminism, and social justice. She is the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism. She also blogs at her own Substack, and has written for outlets such as Sojourners, The Christian Century, Premier Christianity, Christians for Social Action, Red Letter Christians, and Feminism & Religion. She worked as a Chaplain for King County Fire District in Burien Washington. Prior to that, she served as College Ministry Director at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California. She received a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She earned a BS in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University.There is no particular verse in the Bible that speaks of smoking marijuana, but many Christians look at broader biblical principles to determine if it is something they should do. The Bible teaches people to take care of their bodies, calling them "temples of the Holy Spirit." For some, this can also interpret the use of marijuana, especially if it's used recreationally to alter one's state of mind. Punishment in Christianity is not the same as in a legal system where certain actions lead to certain penalties. Instead, it is based on the relationship between an individual and God.
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QuestionSo I should follow all laws even if they are of opressive and unjust nature?Mr cTop AnswererFollowing laws is generally a good idea for keeping society running smoothly. But if a law goes against basic human rights or is unjust, there's room for debate. Sometimes standing up against unjust laws can bring about positive change, like in the civil rights movements. It's a balance between respecting the law and fighting for what's right.
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QuestionWill smoking weed keep you from entering into heaven?Mr cTop AnswererDifferent religions and beliefs have different views on this. Some say it might affect your spiritual journey, while others focus more on how you treat others and yourself. Ultimately it's about your personal beliefs and how you live your life.
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about religious values, check out our in-depth interview with Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH .
References
- ↑ https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana
- ↑ https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/smoking-sin/
- ↑ https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Obeying-The-Law/
- ↑ https://www.openbible.info/topics/drunkards
- ↑ https://www.openbible.info/topics/mind_altering
- ↑ https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/what-about-medical-marijuana
- ↑ https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/what-about-medical-marijuana
- ↑ https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/what-about-medical-marijuana
- ↑ https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/christians-and-marijuana
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