Scriptural basis for believing marijuana is evil

it's an interesting discussion. but you're innacurate in saying it has little or no long term effects. it can have a devastating effect on mental health, and it's use is connected with a higher risk of psychotic illnesses and depression. as well as the usual negative impacts of smoking.

Hmmm I don't think it's in the bible persay HOWEVER, anything that hinders your normal behavior is wrong. Actually I think there is something in the bible about smoking...Although I no longer study with JWs that's why they drink but don't smoke...smoking pollutes the temple (your body) and your temple belongs to Christ.... something like that.

The one Bible passage that I can immediately come up with is 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, which admonishes "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." Just as in several other issues, most Biblical commandments and/or admonitions are for our well-being - such as, avoiding pork (very fatty and unhealthy meat), avoiding seafoods without fins or scales (laden with toxins), wives to be silent in the church (to preserve the peace of the home), etc. Now, we know that addictive substances, such as mentioned in tis discussion, do not only impair judgment, but they do produce hallucinations that have led to harm towards others, can result in fatality and/or lead to serious health problems. However, maybe if these natural vegetations known to have addictive components and bizarre side effects were taken in appropriate quantities for justified health reasons, and not abused or used as escape from reality, then they would not be an issue for debate. On the other hand, if such substances have been ruled unlawful in a nation, then the law ought to be upheld; unless, of course, an amendment is in place or the said law has been ruled unlawful.

If it does not pose health hazard or something like that I don't see how it can be bad. Even drinking itself is not given a categorically negative picture, there is a qualification attached.

I don't have an answer to this question, but I did want to post to bump up the thread in the hopes that someone will have an answer to it. I would love to read the responses and discussions that could come from this topic. Fantastic discussion idea Myrrdin!

Interesting question Myrrdin, and as yet I cannot see that anyone has come up with a reasonable answer. I'm just posting down here to keep track of the discussion. I wonder what people say to the use of incense in Catholic, High Anglican, Lutheran and Orthodox churches... as burning incense puts carcinogens and mutagens into the air, according to a 2002 study in Taiwan... which pollute the body. Of course, they are used in a ritual setting and not for personal gain... so I guess that's okay then, even if church incense makes some of us sick and feel faint/dizzy, changes the way we think (combined with with ritual chanting... I mean prayer and hymn singing), alters out perception of the world around us... okay, who put weed in the incense?! Heh...

I thought the Bible says God gave man all the seed bearing plants to use? Except for that forbidden fruit of course(the poppy seed)