What does the Bible say about drugs?
Introduction. Our question does not pertain to the legitimate use of prescription drugs, but to what some call the recreational use of drugs.
Drugs and clarity of mind. Anyone who has used drugs or researched the effects of drugs knows that all drugs, including marijuana, have varying effects on the mind and judgment of the user. Drugs in general produce an euphoric and pseudo accelerated state of mind (this is why they are used). A common effect is a perceived state of well being. The Bible teaches we are to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes with our mental judgment (1 Thes. 5:6-8; Tit. 2: 2-6; 1 Pet. 1:13). As Peter warns "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pet. 5:8).
Drugs often result in dependency. I realize that some drugs are more likely to result in severe dependency than others. However, there is an attendant danger of dependency with all drugs people want to use recreationally. There are three basic types of dependency drugs. There are drugs that depress the central nervous system (narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and alcohol); those that stimulate the central nervous system (such as cocaine and amphetamines); and those that produce hallucinations (such as LSD and Psilocybin). The Bible requires self-control and teaches against dependency (1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 2 Pet. 1: 6). Peter taught, "...for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Pet. 2: 19).
There are a number of factors that encourage drug abuse. A person's environment, anxiety, pleasure seeking, and a lack of courage to face problems can all contribute (cp. 1 Cor. 15: 33; Phili. 4: 6; 2 Tim. 3: 4; 1 Cor. 16: 13). Beloved, one of the fruits of the flesh ("witchcraft") has a history of drug use (from the Greek word pharmakie from which we derive pharmacy, Gal 5: 20). Resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4: 7).
Drugs and clarity of mind. Anyone who has used drugs or researched the effects of drugs knows that all drugs, including marijuana, have varying effects on the mind and judgment of the user. Drugs in general produce an euphoric and pseudo accelerated state of mind (this is why they are used). A common effect is a perceived state of well being. The Bible teaches we are to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes with our mental judgment (1 Thes. 5:6-8; Tit. 2: 2-6; 1 Pet. 1:13). As Peter warns "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pet. 5:8).
Drugs often result in dependency. I realize that some drugs are more likely to result in severe dependency than others. However, there is an attendant danger of dependency with all drugs people want to use recreationally. There are three basic types of dependency drugs. There are drugs that depress the central nervous system (narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and alcohol); those that stimulate the central nervous system (such as cocaine and amphetamines); and those that produce hallucinations (such as LSD and Psilocybin). The Bible requires self-control and teaches against dependency (1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 2 Pet. 1: 6). Peter taught, "...for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Pet. 2: 19).
There are a number of factors that encourage drug abuse. A person's environment, anxiety, pleasure seeking, and a lack of courage to face problems can all contribute (cp. 1 Cor. 15: 33; Phili. 4: 6; 2 Tim. 3: 4; 1 Cor. 16: 13). Beloved, one of the fruits of the flesh ("witchcraft") has a history of drug use (from the Greek word pharmakie from which we derive pharmacy, Gal 5: 20). Resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4: 7).