<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter Snyder Q: I am a youth leader in my church with a 16-year-old of my own. I told them all when we read the Bible we have to be careful to not take statements out of context. The Bible also says that the body is a temple and should be cared for. Please equip me with some Scripture that will clearly show marijuana, although from God, isn't meant to be used to abuse our bodies. We do have some interesting discussions. These older teens want to know what the Bible says. A: The Lord says in Genesis 2, "I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food." A few things need to be noted: First, these are given as food, not brain-benders; second, this is done prior to the Fall, after which the nature of the creation and our relationship to it were changed. Drunkenness is categorically decried and forbidden, and most recreational drug use involves a related condition. Alcoholic beverages may be drunk for the flavor, to mildly change the mood, and to celebrate (all positive effects listed in Scripture). People consistently turn to other drugs to greatly alter perceptions, to blot out reality, or to avoid unpleasant situations. These uses are the equivalent of alcohol abuse. Government, instituted by God, has the responsibility to shield its subjects from those things which undermine society or bring more bad than good. Many illicit drugs are in these categories. A summary of living under the law of the land is in Romans 13:1-7. Government and its authority are also extensions of parental authority, and we know that "honor" (Exodus 20:12) includes submission and obedience. Drugs may blur or destroy our focus on God. A drug may even become our god. Addicts serve the urge; they worship the high. Galatians 5 is a place to compare psychoactive drug use with the life God chose for us to live. Start with verse 16: "Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants." The fruits of this corrupt nature are partially listed. Along with the expected illicit sex, perversion, and drunkenness comes explicit mention (verse 20) of drug use. Marijuana is often seen as different from other drugs (and science backs this claim). In some ways, it appears safer than alcohol or even aspirin. Chemically unable to bond to certain parts of the brain, pot cannot produce death by overdose. Proponents argue that this should make marijuana the only drug to use recreationally. They claim it cannot cause addiction, and that its use should thus be left up to the individual. Yet recent studies show that it may be quite addictive. The body stores pot's active ingredient (THC) in fat cells, so suddenly quitting doesn't deprive the brain of what it has learned to crave. When other drugs block this stored THC from reaching the brain, research shows instantaneous symptoms of drug withdrawal. Marijuana smoke is also just as rough on the lungs, and seemingly just as carcinogenic, as tobacco smoke. Pot's effects on mind, body, and spirit truly give pause. The very things that make marijuana so wonderful, which so cheer its users, are also those which have the biggest downside. The next paragraph shows that pot's biggest "blessings" are also the Christian's biggest arguments against its use. Pot is relaxing. Yet THC not only relaxes, but impairs, our muscle skills, making us unsafe operators of machines, including cars. Pot curbs anxiety. It also represses initiative borne as a response to a problem. It can reduce doubts and worries. It also reduces inhibitions, making us more likely to fall into other sins. Pot changes our sense of time, so we don't sweat deadlines or rush about so madly. Thus, we also may not do the work we've promised when we promise it. It generates contentment, but this is a false feeling. It's based not on satisfaction with what God gives, but on ignoring personal problems, vices, and conscience. Pot changes perceptions. In fact, it falsely filters incoming information, so that our senses lie to us. Is marijuana use the best treatment of the temple of the Holy Spirit? Is it loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Will it enable you to better love your neighbor as yourself, or will it impair exercise of this love? Is it good, bad, or neutral in our response to the love of God in Christ Jesus? Until next week, when, Lord willing, we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults."