Should Christians Use Drugs?

The Biblical Perspective

Should Christians use drugs? There's the question of whether they can and whether they should. In First Corinthians 10:23, Paul says, "All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." Do we take that literally?

Context Matters

We're back, and today we're covering a topic from our magical jar of subjects: drug use among Christians. There's often a misinterpretation when discussing drug abuse, whether regarding illegal drugs or the misuse of legal substances. So, can Christians use or abuse these drugs? Can they smoke pot, use heroin, or snort coke? It’s a long list, and we have plenty to say about it.

We'll start by thanking everyone who has commented on our past shows. Even though we won't be reading those tonight, keep them coming. We appreciate the feedback, provided it's not wildly profane, and will address your concerns in future discussions.

Steve’s Point of View

Turning the discussion over to Steve, he draws from First Corinthians 10:23 again. Paul poses that all things may be lawful, but not everything is beneficial or builds us up. The context of Paul's words related to eating meat sacrificed to idols, where he basically says, if someone serves you such meat, don’t worry for your own sake, just eat it.

Legal and Personal Considerations

Steve suggests that deciding whether Christians can use drugs starts with whether it's legal. If it is, the question of justification becomes a bit clearer. However, the subsequent question is whether it is expedient or builds up one's life. This heavily depends on the personal situation and the company one is keeping.

In his letter, Paul provides some wiggle room for Christians when it comes to matters like drugs and alcohol. But the essential question remains: Should they partake? For everyone, the decision might vary based on circumstances.

The Individual’s Responsibility

Steve emphasizes that freedom in Christ allows for these decisions, so yes, Christians can. But should they? That's up to the individual. A valuable test could be assessing whether the action harms oneself, others, or one’s ability to love others. If the answer is yes, then abstaining is wise.

For instance, if getting drunk turns someone into a mean person who harms family or starts fights, they absolutely should not partake. But who makes that decision for such a person? It’s ultimately an individual choice, hinging on their circumstances and how those choices affect themselves and those around them.

Substance Use and Spirituality: A Discussion

Individual Choice and Responsibility

The conversation begins with the question of who makes decisions for individuals struggling with issues like being a violent drunk. Is it the pastor, the church, or the individual? It becomes clear that this responsibility lies with the individual. While a pastor may suggest options, ultimately, the decision must come from the person involved.

Some people behave differently when under the influence. Some become more enthusiastic about discussing religion when drunk. This behavior is not uniformly negative, but it varies depending on the situation. Similar perspectives are discussed regarding substances like caffeine.

Substance Use for Functionality

The conversation shifts to the practical use of substances like caffeine. For instance, if someone needs to provide advice or support, and they feel tired or not in the best mood, a cup of coffee might help them prepare for such a meeting. Nicotine is mentioned in a similar context, pointing out how people justify its use for functional purposes.

Reliance on Substances vs. Spiritual Reliance

A key point arises in the discussion: What or who is a person relying on? Using alcohol as an example, if a person turns to drinking whenever faced with problems, they’re avoiding addressing issues with spiritual tools like prayer or scripture. This reliance on alcohol for temporary satisfaction can hinder their relationship with God.

Being Christian and Using Mood-Altering Substances

Can someone be Christian and still use mood-altering drugs? The consensus seems to be yes, it's possible. However, whether or not one should is less clear. Each person must consider how substances like caffeine or more addictive drugs affect their relationship with God and others.

The Role of Substances in Everyday Life

The conversation continues with a focus on how substances like caffeine function in daily routines. For example, waking up early for school and relying on coffee is relatable for many. However, this reliance raises a larger question: Should substances fill roles that God should ideally occupy, such as providing motivation or comfort?

Contradictions arise, inviting deeper exploration. On one hand, people argue that reliance on substances for mood or functionality is undesirable, whereas ideally, God should be the source of joy and strength.

Conclusion: Substance Use and Faith

The discussion ends with an example from scripture about attending a dinner party where alcohol is present, suggesting that sometimes situations dictate choices. It's clear that while substance use isn't inherently negative, its implications for one's spiritual journey and reliance on God should be carefully examined.

Navigating Social Situations with Religious Beliefs

In social gatherings, such as a dinner party where wine is served, it might be wise not to make a big deal of the situation. Instead, simply enjoy the wine and focus on having a good time. This approach could prevent unnecessary trouble or conflict related to your relationship with God.

Liberty in Consumption

There's a certain liberty granted in these situations. The concern shouldn't be about offending God, as what enters through the mouth doesn't defile a person; it's what comes out that matters. Politely accepting a drink is often more about social graces unless you have specific restrictions, such as being a recovering alcoholic or needing to drive.

Religious Perspectives on Alcohol

Many religious groups like Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and strong Baptists advocate for complete abstinence from alcohol. They might argue that one should represent Jesus by turning down the wine, despite Jesus' first miracle involving wine. However, the focus should be on individual circumstances and convictions.

Personal Relationship with Substances

Take caffeine as an example; some enjoy coffee for its taste rather than dependence. Substances only become an issue when they interfere with one's relationship with God, with family dynamics, or personal health. There’s room for a balanced perspective, acknowledging the difference between moderation and addiction.

The Role of Addiction in Faith

For believers who struggle with addiction, the key point is to foster support and non-judgment. Everyone has personal struggles, and it's essential to help each other without judgment. Being addicted to alcohol, for instance, doesn’t define one's faith but can make the Christian journey more challenging.

Supporting Each Other

A believer's struggle with addiction should be met with support and understanding. It’s crucial not to judge but to offer help and advice if welcomed. Addiction can complicate one’s spiritual life, but it also presents an opportunity for deepening faith by relying on divine support. The emphasis should remain on one's personal walk with God and how substances affect it.

Understanding Christianity Beyond Rules

The Impact of Youthful Decisions

It's fascinating how life shapes us, particularly in our youth. It's important to acknowledge that our brains aren't fully matured until our 20s—around 25 years old, to be precise. This fact brings good advice: it's wise not to get involved with substances that might alter our course during these formative years.

Misconceptions of Christianity

We often see misconceptions brought into religion. Some believe that being a good Christian means adhering to a strict set of rules, such as abstaining from smoking cigarettes. I used to think this way—if you smoked, you couldn't be a good Christian. Over time, I've realized that some of the most devout Christians I've encountered are smokers. It's not about the habit but what's in the heart.

Soft Laws and Personal Judgment

The slippery slope begins when we make rules or even strong suggestions about behaviors like smoking or drinking. This creates 'soft laws.' As humans, we make suggestions for our loved ones out of care. However, imposing these rules within Christianity can be problematic. For instance, as a Christian, telling someone not to smoke because you find it disgusting oversteps personal boundaries. I used to impose my beliefs on my best friend who smoked, and it was genuinely foolish.

Maturity and Compassionate Understanding

The key is recognizing how we were raised to perceive individuals who don't conform to these 'rules.' There’s a tendency to look down on those who don't follow religious guidelines as strictly. But ultimately, the transformation in someone's behavior is something we must trust God to handle. Advising against smoking is undeniably wise given the health risks, but presenting it vehemently from the pulpit might not always be necessary.

The Role of Pastors and Personal Experience

As pastors, one might argue there's a responsibility to address habits affecting congregation members, like smoking. But then again, why single out some habits and not others, like eating fried tacos? Personal experience plays into this as well—I once owned a vape shop, and it was amusing to witness some Christian friends visit the shop despite their judgmental attitudes toward vaping.

This reflection highlights the need for open-mindedness and understanding within our communities. Whether it's about vaping, energy drinks, or any habit perceived negatively, let's strive for a more compassionate approach.

Understanding Personal Choices and Faith

The Paradox of Judgment

In today's world, there seems to be a paradox surrounding the choices we make about what we consume. On one hand, people easily indulge in unhealthy foods and energy drinks without much thought. Yet, other choices, such as vaping, are harshly judged as if they are the embodiment of evil. This points to a broader issue: many of us regularly engage in activities that can harm our bodies, but ultimately, it should be up to each individual to decide what they put into their bodies. Consulting a health expert, rather than a pastor, might be more beneficial in these matters.

Influences from Upbringing

It's crucial to recognize that one's upbringing significantly affects perceptions of good and bad choices. For instance, if your family or religious community instilled certain beliefs about what's acceptable, you might carry those beliefs into adulthood. I have a friend who thinks coffee causes cancer, yet he frequently eats at McDonald's. This belief stems from how he was raised, where specific doctrines labeled certain things as harmful.

Understanding and respecting those influences is essential, yet differentiating them from the core tenets of one's faith is equally important. In the Christian faith, as we interpret it, there shouldn't be a stringent directive governing what someone consumes, regardless of whether it's something as severe as heroin. A supportive conversation with a pastor, focusing on the individual's well-being, could be more effective than judgment.

The Role of the Church and Personal Change

The real change in behavior, whether it's related to smoking, drinking, or drug use, must come from within the individual. External pressure from religious figures, combined with imposed guilt, is unlikely to yield lasting results. Instead, a personal decision made from within holds the key to successful change. Imagine a church scenario where many youth members smoke pot. If it's legal in their location, like California, what should the pastor do?

Response of the Church Community

The typical response might be one of judgment and condemnation. However, the pastor should continue delivering the intended message, regardless of the congregation's habits. The church's role isn't to enforce a rigid code of conduct. Spreading the teachings of Jesus should remain the focus. This discrepancy between expected and ideal reactions highlights why Christianity is often misinterpreted. It's not just about restrictions; it’s fundamentally about faith in Christ. This understanding needs to be communicated clearly, dispelling misconceptions about the faith. It's a crucial reminder for everyone in the faith community and beyond.

Understanding Faith and Perceptions in Christianity

In many discussions about faith, the focus often shifts to the complexities of rules rather than the essence of belief. This approach seems misguided because the true message of Christianity revolves around understanding the concepts of faith and love, rather than getting bogged down in regulations.

The Misunderstood Message of Christ

Many Christians profess faith in Christ, but do they genuinely believe it? It’s interesting how people like us, who might not fit the stereotypical mold, seem to grasp this concept more clearly. As I sit here, wearing a shirt that simply says "beer," it raises the question: how do we understand this message better?

The Balance Between Freedom and Expedience

When discussing actions and their impacts, it’s vital to consider the mantra, "All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient." This means while we might have the freedom to do something, it doesn’t necessarily mean we should. Trusting in God and making decisions based on the wellbeing of others is crucial.

From a scientific perspective, certain actions, like doing drugs, aren’t beneficial. Everyone knows that indulging excessively in fast food or substances isn't good. However, understanding this within the Christian context involves more than recognizing the factual evidence; it’s about representing Christ’s teachings about love and responsibility.

Living by Example

It's important to recognize how our actions might affect those around us. If our behavior could potentially cause someone else to stumble in their faith, we should refrain from it. For instance, even though I may have a casual drink, I choose not to do it publicly to avoid leading others astray. As Christians, we should embody the principles of love and care, ensuring our actions promote the gospel rather than hinder it.

Responsibility to Self and Others

Anything detrimental to others should be reconsidered. This principle extends to the impact our actions have on ourselves, as we are valuable to God. Our ability to assist others is paramount; therefore, our actions should reflect this philosophy. It’s not just about following rules for the sake of it, but understanding that our freedom is guided by love and responsibility.

Upcoming Discussions

In our next discussion, we’ll delve into whether God respects individuals differently. This topic promises to offer fascinating insights into the way divine favoritism is perceived and understood within the Christian context. Stay tuned for an enlightening exploration of this subject.

Understanding God's Preferences

Exploring Complex Questions

The most complicated thing I was trying to figure out is whether God likes or respects some people more than others. This intriguing topic raises questions about divine preferences and individual worth.

Upcoming Discussion

Does God like or respect some people more than others? That will be our conversation next week. Stay tuned for an engaging discussion.