Confronting Marijuana from a Pastoral Perspective Individual Presentation In partial fulfillment of 5510 Ministry Relationships Professor Melissa Baartman Mork By Steve Lagoon December 4, 2012

The Prevalence of Marijuana Use The National Office of Drug Control Policy states: “According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (formerly called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse), 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried “pot” at least once, and three out of every four illicit drug users reported using marijuana within the previous 30 days.” ( f/marijuana_myths_facts.pdf).

The Bible The Bible does not directly address the issue of Marijuana use. There are two areas in which the use of Marijuana would be out of step with scriptural principles. These two areas are Marijuana’s negative effects on both our physical and mental health.

Physical Health 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Christians have an obligation to be good stewards of the physical bodies that God has given us.

Bible and Physical Health There is much evidence of the damaging effects of Marijuana use on the human body. For instance, S. Michael Houdmann states: “In truth, marijuana causes short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate and anxiety—and that’s just for starters. According to the Mayo Clinic, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.” (

Further Effects of Marijuana Dr. Houdman also stated: “There is a therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective, medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain. It is important to note that researchers also found a significant correlation between increasing marijuana use and drowsiness, loss of control over thought and action, and transient depression and paranoia.” ( marijuana.html). marijuana.html

Marijuana and Mental Health The Bible calls Christians to remain sober-minded and avoid things that distort our thinking. For instance, 1 Peter 4:7 says: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”

The Bible and Keeping a Clear Mind Paul agrees saying: “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).

Marijuana and Alcohol The Bible condemns becoming intoxicated by alcohol for the same reason, it distorts our thinking. For instance, the Book of Proverbs states: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise”(Proverbs 20:1).

Alcohol and the Bible The Book of Proverbs describes those who are held captive by addiction to alcohol: Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35).

Alcohol and Marijuana Just as the Bible condemns intoxication with alcohol, so indeed, would God have Christians avoid the intoxicating effects of Marijuana that cloud the mind and distort thinking. The Prophet Habakkuk (next slide) describes how alcohol lowers our inhibitions to do evil. So much the same with Marijuana.

Habakkuk 2:15-16 “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed.”

Christians and the Law The Scriptures make it clear that Christians are to be law-abiding and outstanding citizens. For example, Paul stated: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good” (Titus 3:1). As long as Marijuana is illegal, Christians should simply not use it.

The Responsibility for Children Jesus taught the great value he placed upon children, and that a great judgment befalls those who hurt them: “If anyone causes one of these little ones— those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

The Example Parents Set for Children In light of the importance Jesus places upon children, we can ask what the implications are for parents who not only use Marijuana, but also set an example for their children, which may eventually result in their ruin as well.

Pastoral Implications of Marijuana Pastors may face those within the church context who are users of Marijuana. How do we respond to those who defend their use? How will we counsel young people who are experimenting with Marijuana? Should pastors participate in efforts to keep Marijuana illegal, even for medical purposes?

Slipperly-Slope Problems of Marijuna It seems clear that Marijuana is a gateway drug that leads many to experiment with harder, more destructive drugs. Also, it seems clear that many proponents of legalizing medical Marijuana are really trying to create a climate for ultimate legalization of recreational use, otherwise they would not object to pill forms of the drug.

Minnesota Treatment Centers for Drug Addiction Traditional Ten-Steps program: Hazelden in Center City Minnesota. Christian Program: Minnesota Teen Challenge.