Weed

Main Topic: Eschatology and Theological Debate

Live from Planet Earth, this is HOTM RADICALIZED, and I’m your host, Shawn McCraney. Let’s pray if willing – YAHAVAH, Delaney, Maggs, Viewing audience. In YESHUA’S HOLY NAME, AMEN.

Upcoming Events

HOTM RADICALIZED March 2025 WEED and the CHRISTIAN. We’ve planned an outstanding eschatology conference on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3 of this year. If you have any doubt about what some call preterism but what we call, Victorious Eschatology (because Preterism has ten thousand expressions till Sunday) join us live or in person, or through our YouTube feed or in the archives. We also want to invite you to check out the CULT.LOVE site and in harmony with that take a look at this short! (SHOW DELANEYS SHORT HERE!)

Just as an FYI, we are living up to the show’s names this year and bringing forth some views for seekers to really chomp upon. This first quarter of the year we are calling CULTURE with January being New Culture, February being Sex and tonight to be announced. The second Quarter April, May, and June we are calling, NEW COSMOLOGY. The Third Quarter July, August, and September we are calling, NEW CURATION and the last Quarter, Oct, Nov, and Dec we are calling, NEW REALIZATIONS. All of it for your careful consideration. None of it determined as right or correct, and all of it subject to the Spirit of Christ in YOU!

Theological Challenges

I had a couple of people tell me that my old friend in the faith, Matt Slick on his radio program mentioned that someone emailed him and asked if he knew me. His reply, from third-hand parties, was something to the effect of, Shawn is a friend of mine but he has gone off the deep end – bad bad bad. When I heard this I immediately reached out to Matt, who I do see as my friend, and said, Brother Carmy-man, Mattus Slickus, People who listen to you have told me that you identified me as your friend (thank you brother) and that I had gone off the theological deep end (“bad, bad, bad). I would openly freely extend an open invitation for you to sit with me for a peaceful conversation where YOU challenge me on how, and I respond, and you reject it freely if led?

What is required or have you joined the cabal to silence me like the rest of the evangelical leadership around? I find this approach unacceptable to a man like you and hope this is not the case. I love and have always loved you as you are, and in your own misguided ways (:)) Let’s record some conversations and agree to let each other speak, and not jump around on any topic until we both are able to respond to our respective satisfaction. Shawn.

Challenges in Discussion

I haven’t heard back and here’s the thing, I doubt I will. Why? Those who do not agree with me from the world of attacking and apologetics know that there is nothing they can say, in the face of our findings, that we cannot reasonably refute which would only serve to put cracks in their foundation, reputations, and followers. James White. Jeff Durbin. Matt Slick. Rob Bowman. LDS defenders. You name them – they know that they will lose ground now by talking with me in conversation.

I am not boasting that I can out-debate them. I’ve no interest in debate but the fact of the matter remains is not one of them will stand up and bat against our findings because in the least, they will strike out on every doctrinal platform. They know it. We know it. And I plainly and openly want you all to know it if you are listening to me now.

If I am wrong, they could prove it by meeting with me to record our conversations. But again, they will not. So, if you hold them up as being correct and you are genuinely a seeker of God in spirit and truth- reach out to them. I guarantee, from where I sit, they will all say one of the following – “We don’t want to give him attention.” Ask yourselves, why do you suppose that is? See they will give attention to those they know they can out reason with through the scripture but because they can’t they fear giving our views attention.

Or they might say, “We HAVE talked to him! And we won! So why give him another chance? First of all, I’m not so sure you won in the past – you only validated your prejudices to your audiences and besides, I was in…

Understanding and Addressing Religious Perspectives

The process of understanding things and wasn’t there to try and win – you were. I was just explaining what I was thinking at the time. Today we are saying that we arrived and are fully prepared to demolish your reasoning and exegesis – and we do it ALL in the name and cause of our love and adoration for Christ the King. Shouldn’t you want to serve our King with the same openness? We claim Him. We promote Him. We all serve Him. In that vain I am ready and willing to help bring people to a better light of Him – but you . . . aren’t????? Finally, they might say something like, He doesn’t agree with the Trinity – which is proven, and so since that is the case, we don’t need to address any more of his Tomfoolery. That logic is so controlling, so fearful, and so absolutely cowardly from a people who ought to be working for unity and peace in the faith instead of control and domination of thought.

Challenging Traditional Beliefs

I accept you and your beliefs as viable to our God. It is you, shrouded in the traditions of Men who refuse. I am you brother calling you out on your cowardice – lets sit down and talk. I mean your reasoning over the Trinity is like suggesting that just because someone has a criminal record they are not qualified to sing in church. So, right now, folks, if you find yourselves siding with the teachings and views of any of these people, test their courage, their wear-withal, their willingness to be confronted with their teachings – we are here. We are open and inviting – the rest of the religious leaders you follow are not. What does that tell you? In your heart? In your mind? Okay! Our Five Fives for the month of March!

Recommendations and Inspirations

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MUSIC to consider from my list (GRAPHIC)
5. Consider Tame Impala out of Australia
4. Pennywise, another punk band from my hometown.
3. X an original LA Punk band before punk needed to conform to a set standard and look. Harmonies that speak to my soul.
2. The Dickies when you are jonesing for energy, harmony and hilarity.

1. Known by more for sure but just as underappreciated, Fiona Apple, musical genius in my estimation.

FIVE BOOKS (GRAPHIC)
5. Waiting for Godot – Samuel Becket
4. The Stranger – Albert Camus
3. No Exit – Jean Paul Sartre
2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Victor Hugo

1. The Man of La Mancha – perhaps the funniest book ever written – I haven’t read part II yet but part I is incomprehensibly good and utterly hilarious.

FIVE STIRRING FILMS (GRAPHIC)
5. The Greatest Sinner in the World – a must see for all people in my estimation.
4. 8 and ½ – to understand the mind of some arrogant men – just beautiful, and shows how derivative directors like Quenten Tarantino are.
3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – utter beauty in film – do not miss
2. Ghost Writer – a Roman Polanski marvel

1. The Banshees of Intersherin – just amazing in its depth of pathos and humanity.

FIVE ARTISTS (of any kind) (Graphic)
5. Insights from economist Howard Zinn
4. Brian Eno – musician, artist, author.
3. Actress Gena Rowlands especially in her role in A woman under the Influence.
2. Steve Zallian – extremely skilled Filmmaker/writer, and numero uno?

1. Leonardo Da Vinci – forgetaboutit

FIVE MODERN HEROES (Graphic)
5. Good caring teachers – IMHO, teaching is the single most important profession on earth and it should be paid as much or more as any public servant as a means to retain the best. Better teachers means a better future.
4. Temple Grandin – An autistic genius and beautiful human being still alive today.
3. Every good father and mother on earth who loves their children more than themselves.
2. Edwin Von Mises – another economist of great depth

1. And finally, an anomaly and who I think is a hidden hero, a woman of profound depth who to me serves as a model of modern Christianity, Simone Weil, perhaps the most emblematic picture of Christ of all people I’ve ever read about.

CHECK THEM ALL OUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING.

Okay, this is our last show on the topic of Christian culture and what I see as a need for some changes to what currently exists and has existed for nearly

The Intersection of Faith and THC

that the faith is ultimately and totally subjective and has been from the mid to late first Century. What is our topic? Weed which has many names but for me the preferred is THC.

GRAPHIC of pamphlet

Now, we have created a short pamphlet on the subject titled, WEED, FAITH AND LOVE which contains some initial observations – some of which I will share with you all tonight. It’s available at the Great News Network along with a number of other short books new to our platform.

Personal Insights and Perspectives

I want to wholly avoid what many people do when they allow themselves to use THC and that is to make a joke of it. THC is no joke. Nor is it something I want to honor or recognize through psychedelic art or making an idol of seven serrated green leaves. I hate that idolatrous crap. Instead, I want to approach the whole subject reasonably, truthfully and from various perspectives I have about it first as a disciple of the King, second as a husband and father of kids that have struggled with it, and third as a teacher and citizen of this world.

Before we get into it deeper, the number one point to make about our topic is found when Yeshua said in Matthew 6:33,

GRAPHIC Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. In my own life experience (and I repeatedly admit that yours may be very different) but in my own life this principle has meant all the difference in everything important in my life and I am so grateful to be able to confirm His wisdom and this truth to you today.

When I was about 13 years old my Dad was working in the garage when I walked up from school and for some reason he decided to give me direct permission to smoke pot with the added warning, “Just don’t tell your mother.” That was often their relationship. Now most kids would have been like, “Yes!” and while I was by no means against anything at that age, but was wild as a kid could be, to be given the permission from a man whose views on life didn’t necessarily impress me I somehow knew that taking his advice was not for me (all things considered).

Experimentation and Reflection

That said, I have tried THC (and I say tried because I never had it and used it but it was always offered to me to take a hit somewhere and I smoked it no more than 10 to 12 times up until my sixty third year of life. About a year ago, with my understanding of scripture in place, and having first sought the Kingdom with all I had, I decided, for a number of reasons including health, to explore the realms of THC and see for myself what it offered me, what it took from me, and how or if THC use is advisable first for myself then for seekers like you. I have little to say to non-believers because we stand on different foundations.

I started with one day a week where I would use THC delivered through edibles as I cannot smoke anything due to chronic lung issues. For whatever it is worth I do not drink anymore and comparing the two was another intention in my trial. During this year-long experiment and for about a week early on I tried to see what daily THC use would do for my health, well-being and my desires on how to live life and I personally found daily use far too powerful as I lost some of my natural drive to work and create which are essential to my serving Him with all of my heart and mind.

Delaney helped me by telling me when she saw changes to my otherwise productive reasoned clear personality. I was super intent on calculating losses incurred and positives gained because where alcohol has one effect on me (slurry, wobbly inebriation) weed, frankly put, makes most people stupid to some degree or another and I was no exception. After seeing the detriment of daily use, I was ultimately able to arrive, in time, to a reasonable schedule that works for me. So for the past year, Tuesday through Sunday morning I am here at work beginning somewhere around 4AM where I put in 10 hours before going home. No THC use Mon-Friday. On Saturday, after seven hours of work I head home between 10 and 11am and once.

Reflections on THC Use

Settled, I ingest 30 mg. of high grade edible THC donated to me (so the financial burden is not an issue – thank God and my supplier who is a believer and dear soul) and then I watch shows or films, listen to music, write notes, overeat and sleep. Admittedly, I do become more gluttonous when high which is something I am trying to work on. But because of medications, eating has become a non-event and so the THC helps me enjoy it without any side effects. I wake up between 4-6AM on Sunday morning, come here, work until it’s time to teach what I had prepared during the week, and then after teaching on Sunday, I go to lunch with Delaney and Larry, talk, and then around 1 or 2 I take another 30 to 50 mgs (which typically has very similar results). Mondays, I get up later, take half the day to address personal matters and to sort of reflect on the coming week and then on Tuesday morning 3:30 AM I start in again.

Personal Reflections on Medicinal Use

In my mind, all THC use is medicinal as it serves to quell the immediate stressors we all face in life. My conclusions? The twice-a-week use of THC has a slight but temporary effect on my work on Mondays but in a limited and controlled manner which fades away. In my case, it can cause some depression but if understood, it can be overcome without escaping back into its arms. I must have a good deal of time between uses to avoid it having a compounding effect so Sat and Sunday make Mondays a little slower. I have no desire or need to use it to create and so I do no work while under its influence and am careful not to impose on others or create risks through my use of it.

Before I ingest any THC on Saturday or Sunday, I talk to YAHAVAH and literally invite Him into the experience with me and ask Him to use the time I am under its influence to assess things as He would want them assessed, to protect me from harm or evil influences (including addiction) and I ask that I will remain fully devoted in mind and heart to Him and Him alone before, during and after its effects fade. I pray that any and all influences, ideas, concepts and notions will later be vetted by the Spirit of Christ and the scripture and while I am high I converse with YAHAVAH constantly and without intention. It just happens.

Finally, and in my experience, THC use (in the way that I have described) allows me to do a number of things that are not possible for me to do emotionally as it opens my own brain to feelings and observations about my own life which for whatever reason are not accessible to me without it – especially in areas of emotional vulnerability, gratitude and an abundance of mercy and compassion. This certainly may not be the case for everyone and it certainly does not cause me to recommend using THC to anyone other than myself as the use of it is very personal and we must admit comes with admitted dangers and risks.

Considerations and Warnings

So, again, the first and primary qualifier in my estimation on the subject of THC, FAITH AND LOVE is, GRAPHIC “Has the individual believer truly first sought Him and truly seeks Him (and therefore His Kingdom) honestly and authentically and outside the influence of THC?” If they have, there is nothing more I can add to the subject of THC use tonight as everything is between the individual believer and their Maker. So, test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Use wisdom and listen to nobody but God.

That said, we must admit that being human, even with a heart for God, some souls are weak in the body that they inhabit – and so that is why I am going to talk more broadly on now. Ready? My insights alone, okay? Fade in GRAPHIC WARNINGS GRAPHIC In love, if you are under the age of adulthood, if you have an addictive personality, if you are on medication, subject to escapism, are pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, if you participate in irresponsible behaviors if you have any other factor in your personal life where the use of THC might in any way hinder your overall mental, physical, emotional, familial, spiritual or financial health, my advice, as someone that does know the Bible, is, DO NOT USE IT!

The Dangers of THC and Personal Responsibility

And please do not use this show or the fact that at 63 years of age I have discovered a way to use it as a justification for yourself. AGAIN – and as emphasis –

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If you discover that THC overcomes your freewill ability to act responsibly in any way outside the direct hours of use, or if it interferes or jeopardizes the good things your job provides for you and/or your loved ones; or if you have trouble keeping steady employment, being on time, or making reasonable decisions,

BOLD GRAPHIC

“please throw this teaching away and walk entirely away from using THC.” Because, hear me clearly, THC is powerful and for some people, it has the absolute power to destroy them if they are unable or unwilling to manage it. This teaching is in NO WAY an endorsement for marijuana use any more than talking about sex outside of marriage is an endorsement. And I say this with all my heart because I have personally seen THC ruin far too many good people who, for one reason or another, are controlled by the drug rather than them controlling it. And I am talking about family members and friends.

Personal Experiences with THC

Bringing it closest to home, this includes my oldest daughter who has had a hard (at times) devastating battle with the power of THC and honorably, and with great nobility, removed it from her life completely coming up on two full years. I want you to know how much I hate the drug in her life – hate it – and for most parents or people such personal experiences are enough to preach against THC entirely. I personally get it. But I do not believe anecdotal experiences of others should EVER be used as laws for others and my absolute devotion to the principle of liberty in Christ will not allow me to make a “for or against stance” even when I have personally seen THC harm people I love more than life itself and I staunchly stand on the right for every adult to freely choose how they will live and leave it in their respective hands to see, choose and personally know when something is ruining them and their lives or not.

This is how strident I am about liberty in Christ which speaks to the disdain I have for religious collective cultures. Here’s the reality – my beautiful THC using daughter is NOT a precious, loving disciple of Christ daughter when THC is in her life. This may be the litmus test each individual might use when trying to determine if using THC or any other thing, is personally permissible in their lives – are they less loving, more selfish, and inclined to destructive thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Self-Discovery and Personal Freedom

In my estimation, hard self-discoveries are central to the direct relationship we all have with our Creator and in my estimation should be something every believer exposes themselves to relative to EVERYTHING they do and allow; meaning, to ask oneself,

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Does it (whatever it is) encourage and support my Christian efforts to being selfless, sacrificial, and insufferable toward the needs of others in all aspects in life or does it hinder me? Where Mallory is the best, most conscientious mom, daughter, neighbor, and human being without THC, and where she thrives in her God-given creativity, talents, and love for God and others without it, she is not any of these things when the power of THC is in her life. It’s as simple as that. And sometimes it takes courage to discover what we are free to do in life and what we are not as His disciples.

I have too much love for Mallory to ever suggest she use THC for the simple reason I know the truth will set us free and the truth of the matter is for some, maybe even most, THC is too much for people to manage.

Fade in Graphic

CHRISTIANITY AND THC VERSES THE WORLD

Because a Christian’s use of THC is first founded on faith and love, I think we ought to be the ones setting the standard for when and if it can be used. I say this because the world of THC users seems to promote its use without any care for the general risks incurred. I mean we have people in the media like Woody Harrelson, Snoop Dog, and worst yet, Joe Rogan who without any care for the general realities most people face in life. Like we have to remain gainfully employed.

Understanding THC and Responsibility

I taxing jobs, THC cost money which does not grow on trees and most of us do not have the luxury to be high as we have responsibilities of family, driving, shopping that daily THC use make really difficult. I mean Rogan, successful in everything he touches, is utterly irresponsible in his smiling general promotion of it to his audience. He and his life are an exception to the rule of most and I suggest we need better ideas and opinions on it than from someone who doesn’t care. In my estimations Christian’s should be the people addressing THC and showing the world how to use it rightly rather than some self-interested and irresponsible exception to the rules.

All of that said, THC is not wrong or evil in and of itself. The reality is, God made it and man decides how to use it – not religion. Like everything on this earth, it is incumbent on each individual to discover how they will dominate and subdue their use of everything, THC included, just like we all have to learn how to control, subdue and dominate our use (or non-use) of most foods, alcohol, money, material belongings, technology, time, energies and drivers. Contrary to standard Christian rhetoric, which insists that THC is a spiritual form of sorcery that has the capacity to introduce demons and devils and a whole host of otherworldly powers into the soul of the user, THC is not one bit different than other dangerous items we also use in life, including our use of our devices, Vitamin B6 and 12, Vitamin A and D, caffeine and deep fried highly processed foods.

The Role of Individual Responsibility

So, let’s try and consider all of the information orbiting around THC in our assessment of it while admitting that, in the light of what God allows and wants from His creations, each individual should test all things, hold fast to what is good, with good not being defined by the world, or by the fears of groups but by God alone along with the individual person involved. In the face of all of this I can already hear the fearful saying, “So, why even use it? Isn’t it wise to just avoid it all together?”

The Influence of Religion and Society

This is where the subjective relationship with God comes face to face with the way organized religious people think. STOP. See, standard practices established for large groups of people are how GROUPS and COMMUNITIES govern. This is why religion and government reign over us with general rules of safety because complicity means a well-oiled system that serves all. I get this when it comes to laws against driving drunk or high because drunk and high drivers do not serve the common good of public safety. No problem. Infractions should be enforced heavily.

But when church systems unite and culturally enforce life-choices in the name of God, suggesting that He hates the controlled use of something we have overstepped our boundaries and are frankly just taking His name in vein. The stances in religion are founded on archaic traditions forged on the anvil of folklore and mysticism, perpetuated by fears and suspicion, and serve to create an us verses them environment where there isn’t one as God gave each individual the right and the responsibility to be free to decide for themselves. And from this perspective we can begin to readily see how everything is religion – from Joe Rogan, to Politics, to Academia, to Entertainment – everything is religion because everything comes with established “do’s and musts” and “don’t” and nevers.

The more an organized religion wants its followers to serve them the more regiments, laws, and restrictions are at play. Mormonism, and most other Christ affirming groups, have taken a super convenient attitude against THC (and coffee, tea, tobacco, tattoos, and alcohol in their case) because in the end, there are admittedly dangers and risks inherent to it and so their overarching prohibitions make them seem inspired. We won’t talk about all the risky and dangerous practices these religions endorse, will we?

So, I understand the universal advice to not jump out of an airplane without a chute. I understand advise and rule like not playing with matches in a closet or hayloft and I likewise understand using extreme caution when it comes to THC – which is why we prefaced this presentation with all these warnings. But the logic behind “universal laws” for all people is an enormous slippery slope which in the end winds up limiting life through prohibitions founded in fear to gain control. Think about it! Why would

Exploring Personal Freedom and Religious Influence

God be angry at someone who walks by faith and love who freely allows anything in their respective life that does not cause harm to others, whether it be coffee, tea, beer, wine, hard alcohol, THC, fast food, certain cinema, music, fashion, technology or lifestyle? It’s religion that does this. It’s Man. I think it’s good that religions support faith, love, peace, unity, kindness, the fruit of the Spirit, but why do any of them seem to think that it is their job to govern any personal choice on what to eat, use, or do?

I would suggest that the only external rules any individual who seeks God allows in their life are those that in every case absolutely cause harm to others. Harm to self is nobodies business in the adult world. Period. From a Christian perspective everything else is open to personal interpretation because to approach things in any other way leads to loss of liberty, loss of freedom, loss of choice and loss of the rightful chance to enjoy things in life even if others cannot – things like alcoholic beverages, fast food, tobacco, THC, swimming in the ocean, rock climbing, sky diving, riding motorcycles or ANY OTHER THING that could bring injury, could bring disaster and could cause death to the participant . . . BUT NOT ALWAYS.

I strongly believe that religions should stop invoking the name of God or Satan in these things and that we begin to realize and freaking repeat the following biblical facts. Ready?

Biblical Insights on Personal Choices

That Daniel describing the age we live in today, said, Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

That Christ Himself plainly said, Matthew 15:17-18 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

That Paul plainly said, 1st Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

If you are a biblical literalist, perhaps you are screaming at me right now, telling me that if THC is known to do anything, is it has power over the user. Is that what Paul literally means? Because if that is the meaning, being brought under the power of ANYTHING would have to then include the power hydration brings to our bodies, or the power food gives us through food. Doesn’t music brings us to different levels of emotion and don’t most people find themselves under its power?

The Principle of Personal Mastery

Caffeine – in energy drinks but also in orange juice, or chocolate. And what about wine? Didn’t Yeshua drink it? Doesn’t it even slightly put us under its power? All of this is just scratching the surface because what Paul was really saying, and this is important, is “I will not become a slave to anything,” Why? Because His children have only one master to whom they are slaves and only one God whom we worship in spirit and truth.

Religion wants to strip you of the painful process of personal individuation, of making choices, and it robs all of us of facing things that may OR MAY NOT – ruin you, harm you or negatively effect your life. But the ultimate nail in the whole debate is here – please try and hear me.

Before Christ ascended into the clouds He said to His apostles, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” All power. His ability to use that power entirely would only happen once He crushed Satans head at His return but once He did, all power was not only given Him, but was operational. This means that ever since there is nothing evil unto itself – the former power of things whether it be through demons or devils or fallen gods and spirits that entered people are all in HIS HANDS – if you trust what He said.

And so, in this age of absolute fulfillment,

Accountability in Personal Beliefs

Every believer (and that is who I am talking to tonight) are the ones who are responsible for what they allow and what they do not. This makes each of us accountable for the lives we live before our Creator and Master. If anyone uses THC and it controls them in a negative way, they, if bearing the Spirit, will come around. If they can’t, the solution is clear – total abstinence for that individual and total support from others able to manage it.

When Christianity takes these kinds of leads in culture, and steps from their insipid anachronistic traditions usurped from a text that describes a former world from a former age, more souls will see the light the love and the liberty found in Christ, and step toward Him alone. I see it as part of the Subjective Christian world operating on faith and love for other believers to point out when they see something personally embraced that is consuming another, marni. If they don’t, and the signs of their selfishness are evident to parents, spouse, children, neighbors, the law, their labor, their finances, normal sociability, attitudes and former devotions evidence this it is incumbent on those who love them (verb) to voice their concerns with love.

If those voices are ignored, peaceful loving interventions might be the loving thing to do, and if those don’t work, the person has chosen to worship another God and unconditional but truthful love is all that is left. This is so frightening to most people, this liberty, we form rules, restrictions and in the name of God call them sin. But what I am suggesting allows each of us, without religion, to test all things (and where you draw that line is entirely subjective) and to then personally choose to both hold fast to what is good and hopefully discard the rest.

Freedom and Responsibility

In the face of Victorious Eschatology and Fulfilled Soteriology, each of us is spiritually back in the garden of Eden and free to eat from a strict diet from the tree of life, and or to include fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil which this world feeds solely upon. Christ has had the victory. He has overcome it all. We are free in Him and His power and His might to act in whatever way He allows, reiterating what Paul said, Ro 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

As a means to reign in these things religiously minded people use the name of God, form rules, and govern the world around them. Ultimately those who embrace restrictions given them by others think that living abstemious, cautious, ascetic lives is more pleasing to God. Yeshua broke this natural view religious people have of other in His day by eating with sinners, attending parties and living to the point that the religious leaders around Him called Him a glutton and a wine-abuser.

Living in Liberty

I suggest that when a person made in the image of God who lives responsibly, freely and without fear but trusts in Him in all that they allow is far more God honoring than those who impose rules on others in His name. I mean, isn’t there far more strength in looking to Him for strength and guidance in all we allow than shutting the door on everything to prove our purity? We are living in an age where THC has been able to overcome what the alcohol lobbyists of old did back in the day to make sure that THC was made illegal.

Some people today are starting to see it as potentially beneficial in their lives for a number of different reasons that have long been obscured by collective voices of power – but that is for another time. Like everything under our domain, wisdom, logic, self-control and restraint is in the hands of the individual alone and for those incapable of managing what is around them, abstinence – even rigid self-imposed abstinence – is the obvious call. But that is a personal call, not a religious nor governmental.

Even more importantly to this arena, because Christ has had the victory over all things in heaven, earth and under the earth, as He made plain after His resurrection, we can look to Him directly, His power and fearlessly live within the realm of His Spirit, reality and reason. Sure, it is safer to avoid everything that is dangerous. Like the old saying goes, “Ships are safe in the harbor. But that is…

The Age of Fulfillment and Liberty

Religions know this and by promoting totally austere living they are always in a position to seem like they know the right way to live – especially when a ship sinks into the abyss. What we are not realizing is these results have nothing to do with God or truth. Yes, they may serve as cautionary tales but sad tales do not justify the creation of making universal laws for everyone in God’s name. In the age of fulfillment especially, the liberty for all people to choose how they live is based on love for God and love for others while pursuing these choices through absolute liberty in Christ. Remember, reading the Bible, which was written to a people under a completely different economy, where Satan and devils and demons, members of a Divine Counsel, spirits, lords and gods many appeared to have access and capacities over Man and believing that Christ did not have the victory over them all nor was given power over everything is anachronistic. We are all under a new economy in heaven, earth and in our selves. Christ is the victor. He reigns and He alone will guide and govern every person willing to hear Him how they should live their lives. He and He alone by His Spirit. STOP

THC and Spirituality

Additionally, because there are numerous references in the Bible about self-control, evil influences and spiritual portals that have the potential to introduce demons and evil spirits into the minds and souls of those who dabble in them, THC (and for many, the use of ANY substance that tends to influence the mind and body) has been openly and privately decried for centuries. More and more, however, non-believers and believers alike are discovering some of the healthy results of responsible THC use especially when it is approached more as a medicinal remedy over simple recreational use or abuse. I am not going to differentiate between medicinal value and recreational because in my estimation they are in the same boat – providing relief and/or escape from the reality of this physical world and all that it demands of our body, mind and soul. For the physically ill, the escape is from physiological discomfort; for the recreational, the escape can be from social, psychological, and emotional stressors, so to me, a right use of THC is aimed more at escaping from some temporarily torment – no matter what it might be.

Questions on THC Use

The questions that are really being asked and debated in the faith include some of the following:

Does the use of THC invite spiritual darkness into a believer’s mind? Is the mind of a believer a place reserved only for influences of the Holy Spirit? Does the peace/high THC brings replace the peace the Christ brings which is “not of this world” therefore proving it to be an unsuitable counterfeit in the lives of believers? Are there side effects that can be contrary to the biblical narrative of what God wants for His human creations? Should a believer’s use of THC be private or public, and does the latter serve to stumble others? Is THC unwise as it is said to serve as a gateway to using more harmful drugs? Is THC any different from other substances that can alter our attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, health and well-being including drinking alcohol, coffee, fast food, energy drinks, vaping, tobacco, sugar, processed foods and for that matter, music, films and the adrenaline created from risky activities?

THC as a Natural Herb

Finally, is there any value in THC as a natural herb over big pharma and its products many people will readily ingest so long as it has been prescribed by a medical professional? How much is too much? How often is too often? And what about addiction? So, let’s get frank right out the gate – are there side effects to THC that can be contrary to the biblical narrative of what God wants for His human creations? Abso-freaking-lutely. These side-effects are one of the reasons I am presenting this to you tonight because I have spent a little over a year testing them against scripture so as to speak from first-hand experience (which is admittedly very limited but it is something because of my understanding of the scripture – especially in light of Fulfillment). So let’s talk about some of the biblically based principles THC can rub against. And the first and primary in my book is does the use of THC anger God? The answer? Only if it becomes an idol. Only if you

Use of THC from a Biblical Perspective

serve it instead of it serving you. Only if it causes the user to become irresponsible, indifferent to their loved on and responsibilities and only if it causes them to act incongruently to His will. Which brings us to another biblical principle – should a believer’s use of THC be private or public, serve to stumble others? In my experience and from a biblical perspective, every person ought to be happy in the things that they allow (Romans 14:22) but considerate of others so as not to stumble them (1st Corinthians 8). The bottom line is can a user of THC be personally and consciously comfortable before God with the use AND will they always put others and their weaknesses and struggles ahead of their use of it.

I am personally offended by Joe Rogan who gets on his massive platform and promotes THC use from an utterly irresponsible and selfish position. Why? Joe Rogan is an exception and has been able to maintain a very lucrative lifestyle as a frequent user but he is an exception as very few human beings can remain successful, responsible, and productive who use THC like he does NOR can they afford the product while caring for family. Mr. Rogan implies that everyone should use THC when the reality is most should not and I see his approach as selfish and irresponsible.

THC as a Gateway Drug

Another factor is THC use unwise because it is a “gateway” drug? Without question THC use is a gateway drug for some. In my own experience and due to my personal make-up, the use of THC admittedly calls me to want to do more, try more, go deeper into other forms of altered experience. And this desire was present from the moment I started to use the drug on weekends alone. THC use, either in quantity and frequency or as a gateway to other drugs is sort of like sexual experiences. Once you hug a person you are attracted to, you naturally want to hold their hand, then you want to kiss them, then feel them, then be in them – in as many imaginative ways as the mind can conjure. For many, THC use functions in a very similar way. First you try it, and if it was pleasurable, you want more – even from the first taste. Then more often, then more and more often, until you might say, “Hmmm. I wonder what Psilocybin is like? Which I put in the same boat as THC. But before you know it, you’ve got a garden of magic mushrooms in your room and you and grandma are laughing your heads off.

Comparison to Other Substances

The fact of the matter is, without people exercising personal constraint, almost everything can become a gateway drug. Which leads us to the next question, Is THC any different from other substances that can alter our attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, health and well-being including drinking alcohol, caffeinated drinks, fast food, energy drinks, vaping, tobacco use, sugar, processed foods and for that matter, music styles, films and adrenaline from risky activities? Bottom line, we are flesh. And our flesh feeds on substances of innumerable types and kinds. Additionally, most substances that we put into our bodies affect our minds to some degree or another. This question is really more about the power of the foreign substance’s effect upon us and because the power of THC is so profound, it is feared and even described as evil or in control of the Devil.

The biblical narrative is clear on our choices as believers – to feed the flesh or to feed the spirit (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:15-16). This admitted, we must also admit that as humans we must feed our flesh, we must care for ourselves materially, emotionally, and psychologically. THC can do great damage but for some, it can be used with the same restraint and control as much as our consumption of refined sugar. In my estimation there is no difference. The real consideration is, “will a person allow any substance the ability to control, consume or govern them to the point that they serve it instead of the substance serving them? And this is a personal decision between an adult and God – nobody else.

Finally, is there value, even Godly value, in THC because its a natural herb over big pharma (and its manufactured products)? I personally suggest that this is a red-herring argument. In reality,

The Nature of THC and Its Implications

Everything is natural and everything natural is altered as a means to make it compatible with the human body. Plastics are natural as they cannot be produced without oil. Nightshade, arsenic, ricin, anthrax are all natural ingredients that can kill a person. Yes, THC is a natural product but even it is typically altered by man for consumption (smoked, eaten, vaped). Bottom line, I hate arguments for THC that stand on it being natural. There are better arguments than this for its use. How much is too much? How often is too often? And what about addiction?

For some people, THC is addictive and it just depends on in what way it is addictive and to what extent. Tacos are addictive (at least to me). Sex is addictive (again, to me) so there are a couple of general ways people address these addictions – the first is to refrain or abstain from anything addictive at all times. The second way is to learn to govern oneself (and for believers this comes by the power of God within) and to carefully look for indicators of too much, too often.

There is a lot to consider when discussing the use of THC as a believer. And for me, personally, as one who loves YAHAVAH more than anything in the world, we must look to the scripture first to justify or prohibit any actions we individually choose to take.

Faith and THC Use

No, it has nothing to do with demons, devils, Satan or serving the flesh. The prohibition or allowance of THC use in the faith today has nothing to do with whether its effects are damaging, risky, or lead to a lifestyle (attitudes, opinions, world-views or passions) that are contrary to the will of God. The biblical justification or rejection of THC use lies not in a single passage but lies squarely on what age we think we are living in today versus what age we are living in today. Let me try and succinctly explain what I mean by this.

Most organized or institutionalized religion operates from a very similar platform irrespective of the denominational approach. Almost all Christ-affirming organizations (Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, Calvinists, Methodists, Mormons, Orthodoxies, SDA, JW’s) all unitedly stand on the following with only some slight derivations: “The Bible was written to believers today and tells us how to do church, how to live life, how to be a disciple of Christ, how to believe and what to do until Yeshua (Jesus) returns to take His faithful Bride up from the earth before destroying this world once and for all.”

From this perspective, most or all of these denominations also suggest that, “Yeshua has paid for the sins of those who believe on Him, that Satan is drawing as many away from believing on Him as possible (meaning, before He returns) and that hell is accepting everyone who fails to believe and do as the Bible suggests.” This perspective readily admits, even if those who embrace it don’t realize it, that, “Christ has not had the complete victory over sin, death, Satan, or hell, that demons and devils and spirits are still tempting and seducing souls away from God and that a believer must rigidly adhere to certain standards objectively described in the Bible today as a means to avoid being taken into hell’s eternal flames. These standards include belonging to a church, adhering to its teachings and practices, submitting oneself to its divinely appointed leadership and authority, paying tithes (in some cases), repenting of sin as often as humanly possible, living honest, chaste lives and being rapture ready (again in some cases) because Jesus is coming home to take His Bride up into the New Jerusalem.”

Biblical Perspective on THC Use

Let me be clear – if these assumptions are correct, and if there are demons and dark forces that Christ has NOT overcome (yet), and if the gaping mouth of an eternal hell is the only alternative to a welcoming heaven obtained by faith and rewarded by obedience, then (ready?) Believers ought to avoid ever using THC. On what grounds? Because the biblical narrative plainly describes how believers in the Apostolic age were to be and there was little room for recreational drug use, simple as that. Just consider three almost random passages from the Apostolic Record (wrongly called the New Testament): Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife,

Understanding Faith and the Bible

Jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

The Story of the Unclean Spirit

There is an interesting story told by Yeshua in Matthew 12:43-45. It is relative to the point that I am trying to make and goes like this:

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Matthew 12:43

Why share this? Because of context as the last line of verse 43 actually adds, “Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” And here is the point (relative to the general description of how organized religion views the faith today versus the reality:

Perspectives on Faith and Scripture

Standard View of Organized Religion Today
“The Bible was written to believers today and tells us how to do church, how to live life, how to be a disciple of Christ, how to believe and what to do until Yeshua (Jesus) returns to take His faithful Bride up from the earth before destroying this world once and for all.”

The Biblical Reality
Nowhere in the Bible do any writers suggest that what they were writing was to us in the future. The audience was then and there and not out into the future. The faith is entirely SUBJECTIVE because Christ has had the total victory and believers walk by the Spirit and not the false authorities of Man.

“Yeshua has paid for the sins of those who believe on Him, Satan is drawing as many away from believing on Him as possible (meaning, before He returns) and that hell is accepting everyone who fails to believe and do as the Bible suggests.”

The Biblical Reality
Yeshua paid for the sins of the world, while we were yet sinners and whether we believe and receive Him or not. He has had the victory over Satan, hell, death, and sin (as Revelation 20:10-15) and He returned and took His Bride in 70AD as promised.

“Christ has not had the complete victory over sin, death, Satan, or hell, that demons and devils and spirits are still tempting and seducing souls away from God and that a believer must rigidly adhere to certain standards objectively described in the Bible today as a means to avoid being taken into hells eternal flames. These standards include, belonging to a church, adhering to its teachings and practices, submitting oneself to its divinely appointed leadership and authority, paying tithes (in some cases), repenting of sin as often as humanly possible, living honest, chaste lives and being rapture ready (again in some cases) because Jesus is a coming home to take His Bride up into the New Jerusalem.”

The Biblical Reality
The faith is entirely in the hands of the Holy Spirit as God now writes His laws upon the hearts of all.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Behold, the days come, saith YAHAVAH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith YAHAVAH. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith YAHAVAH, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will

The Victory of Christ and Its Implications

The fact of the matter is this – if Christ has had the victory over all things, and has reconciled the world to the Father, and put all things in subjection under His feet, including spirits, gods, demons, devils, Satan, death and sin, and if brick and mortar religion is over, and God is dealing directly with individuals by writing His laws on their hearts and minds, then the use of THC is a very different matter then it would be if spirits and demons were still in power and able to steal souls away from God and take them eternally captive in the throes of (a fictitious) eternal fiery hell.

From a well-researched and sound contextual exegesis of scripture (www.thegreatnewsnetwork.com) we readily discover, that Christ has had the victory over all things in heaven, on earth and under the earth; that He has reconciled the world to His Father; that all people have a direct unencumbered relationship with God as a result; that material (shakable things) have been removed; that all things – all things – are lawful (but not all things are beneficial); that where “the spirit of Christ is there is liberty;” that out of agape love every believer will use his or her liberty rightly and with wisdom; that no man can say, “know the Lord,” to another because we all know Him (meaning, we all have Him in us); that there is no thing evil in and of itself; and that the world for nearly 2000 years is in the hands of the Holy Spirit of Christ, who has forevermore put all things under His feet.

The Role of the Bible and Personal Choice

Should believers still consult and study the Bible? Of course! But only to discover principles which are given by the Spirit subjectively and not as a manual of musts, prohibitions or laws. I’ve written a short book on THC available to you at thegreatnewsnetwork.com. I am not an expert on THC but I am earnest in all I do to be pleasing first to God, then to others, and last to my own wants. There is a balance and if THC upsets that balance in your life best to leave it be. But in this day and age, we need to move forward as our kids and grandkids will someday wonder about this product and the faith and I think we need better answers than to flat out label it evil.

Perspectives on THC and Faith

I submit to you tonight, that in this age of fulfillment, where God through Christ has taken the world population back to the first garden and gives every person the choice on how they wish to think, believe, live and be, that the responsible use of THC can be a great blessing to those who labor to use it (rather than it using them) and that there is no condemnation in such a choice so long as believers keep Him as the priority, on the throne of their heart, and act according to long established biblical principles.

See you next month where we introduce what I see as a new Christian cosmology. And no, I do not come up with this stuff while high. Out!