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When I was an atheist, I often struggled with this question:

Why doesn’t God simply reveal Himself, or tell us the true doctrine or beliefs, so that we can all know what is right and what is true? After all, some people in the middle east are fighting wars over religion. Why doesn’t God just come down and tell them whose land is whose, and clear it all up? Why not tell all the Christians which denomination or doctrine is right, and stop all the conflict and segregation?  That is a good question we Christians should consider isn’t it?

That, along with the “why innocent people suffer,” question used to be one of the hardest questions for me to believe in religion. But after having been a Christian for a few years now, I like these deep questions because they force me to think. So let’s consider why God may choose to behave the way He does. Here is a list of reasons that logically and reasonably show us why God may do this.

Why God Doesn’t Just Tell Us the Correct Doctrines and Teachings

1. God Doesn’t Care Because He Controls All Things. From our human perspective, it looks so tragic and terrible when people die due to religious wars or conflicts. That is because we have a sense that they are gone forever (even if we believe in an afterlife). But from an Almighty God’s perspective, there is nothing lost. He can bring them right back in an instant. Just like if you play a video game. If your character dies, just hit the reset button. No need to worry!  God is not bound by time as we are.  So it is certainly reasonable why God may choose to not intercede in every disagreement or event. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter when people die, or how old people are when they die. It will all play out in the end anyway. All earthly deaths are a wash, because God resurrects us all for the final judgment. They are terribly sad and traumatic for us, but not to an eternal God with the power to bring us right back. God feels our pain and is saddened, but He knows the truth: they aren’t gone forever.
2. God Isn’t Concerned with Doctrine, Just Righteousness. Ever read in Revelation how Jesus issues instructions and corrections for the major churches. None of them had it just right. Also, Jesus biggest conflict came with the Pharisees who put heavy weight on doctrine and religious practices, and not on individual righteousness. So people today have different ideas about certain scriptures. So what? Why should God care if some people believe this, or some people believe that? All God really cares about is whether you are a righteous person as defined by him. Why should God care at this point in time if you believe there is a literal hell or not, or if you sprinkle water or do full immersion. Doesn’t he plan on letting you know in due time? God will surely set us all straight on any doctrine we may be wrong on. In fact, we will get to dwell with God, so we will never have disagreements again at some point in time. Ahh, I can’t wait. But seriously, if you were a leader of a great company, would you care if your millions of employees sometimes had a different idea or thought? No, I doubt it.
3. Do You Set Everyone Straight That Has the Wrong Idea About You? So some people have differing ideas about God, so what? Why should God care? I’ll bet people have different beliefs about you, and me. Do you think I care when people read an article, and form some opinion about me that maybe isn’t true? Do you think I waste my time going around correcting everyone who may have a wrong idea about me or my personality? No. I don’t. Imagine if the president spent all of his time trying to clear up incorrect beliefs about him. It is just nonsense to waste time doing that. Why should God waste time doing that, when He will judge us all in the end based on His standards anyway? Why should the creator of life feel as if he must defend himself to his weak and sinful creation? He doesn’t. I know I wouldn’t. I can’t blame God at all for behaving the way He does. It makes perfect sense.
4. God Has Revealed the True Doctrine, It is Man Messing It Up.  Another point I would like to make is that God has reasonably answered the most important questions we have. He has revealed doctrine in a clear enough way.It is man that wants to make a big deal about it and form legalistic doctrine on issues that probably aren’t a big deal at all. It is mankind’s quest for power and greed that they often try to establish new religions and new doctrines bases on scrupulous scriptures. Again, the pharisees did this all the time. It isn’t God’s fault that man behave this way.  The problem is not God’s scriptures, but rather, man’s interpretations and desire to manipulate it for his or her own agenda. Look at the constitution or IRS tax code, and you will realize people do the same thing with those documents. People view things in a very subjective way. That leads to lots of different views and opinions. People also try to twist things to suit their own idealistic goals.From God’s perspective, He has revealed all He wants to reveal in a way that is satisfying and complete to Him. We should follow what God has clearly commanded us, and we shouldn’t be dogmatic about doctrines or scriptures that are somewhat ambiguous.
5. Religion Isn’t the Only Reason for Wars. I think people often mistakenly equate religion with war. That isn’t the case at all. Religion accounts for actually very few wars throughout history. Most wars are based on power, land, and greed. If religion didn’t exist, people would still try to gain power, money, land, and control. That is a fact. So why should God try to clear up doctrine, when man will likely behave in the same way anyway?
6. God Has Cleared Everything Up, Be Patient.  Being outside of time, God can see past, present, and future in the human perspective. He has already revealed in His word that he will end all chaos at a future time, and dwell with mankind. So to God, it has already been taken care of. During this time, all things will be made new, and there will be no more fighting, no more war, and no more tears. God has promised this to us in His Holy Word. And you can take that to the bank folks…

Conclusion: God Is Righteous, and We Should Trust in Him

Sometimes we have difficult and deep questions that we wish God could answer. Some people even allow these tough questions to affect their faith, and sadly, some even lose their faith because of these unanswered questions.

But when we really dig deep and try to reason with these questions, we can see that God operates in a very reasonable manner. We can then see it from God’s perspective, not our human perspective. God has His own way of doing things, and we must be content with that. We may not always understand why God does (or doesn’t) do certain things, but we should always hold tight to His word.

Just like a good old friend that you can trust–God is always there for us. We may not understand His ways. We may complain about His methods. But in the end, we should trust God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. Amen.

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People sometimes wonder if smoking marijuana (aka, Mary Jane, Pot, Wacky Weed, etc.) is a sin. Here is a question I have received related to this issue:

Hi,

I want to thank you for the great site and articles. I have a question regarding smoking marijuana. I have smoked pot a lot with friends in the past, but I have recently decided to follow God. I was wondering what the bible says about smoking pot. Is it a sin? Does God allow people to smoke pot?

Regards,

Dexter

What the Bible Says About Smoking Marijuana or Pot

Thanks so much for the question Dexter. The bible does not specifically name marijuana as a drug in the bible. Of course, it doesn’t name cocaine, heroine, cigarettes or any of those other drugs either specifically by name (although to be fair, the bible doesn’t mention many modern sins specifically by name, such as pornography).  There are also no recorded events that describe a person smoking pot directly. There are priests who lit incense, but that is a different thing altogether, and they weren’t smoking them.

Even though the bible does not specifically name marijuana, there are other scriptures that indirectly show us that smoking pot is absolutely a sin, and wrong. If you are genuinely interested in doing God’s will perfectly, the pot has got to go! Not only that, but you will learn some startling information and true-life experiences in this article that may make you think twice before you strike up another joint.

Bible Verses That Show us Smoking Pot or Doing Other Drugs is a Sin

The bible gives us several guidelines that can help us identify when a behavior is sinful or wrong. First, we have to obey what is known as “the laws of the land.”

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. (Romans 13:1-2)

This is a very powerful scripture which shows us that obeying the governmental laws are, in fact, following God’s will. Most countries, including the US, treat smoking marijuana, selling marijuana, and so forth as a serious offense. You could face jail time, fines, and worse. So since smoking marijuana for recreational uses is illegal, and the bible instructs us to follow the laws of the land, that goes for pot too. Therefore, smoking pot is definitely a sin based on this alone. However, that isn’t the ONLY reason. Keep reading.

Another way we can know that smoking pot is a sin is because the bible gives us several verses dealing with what God considers appropriate behavior. A short list of these scriptures is below:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 5:11)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, (Titus 3:1)

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18)

These verses above show us quite clearly that smoking pot for recreational use would absolutely not be appealing to God. It would be a sin, and something that is just wrong. The bible also has this interesting verse:

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

The word sorcery above was highlighted and underlined in this verse because “sorcerers” in the olden times used to use herbal and odd concoctions to induce drug highs. In fact, the word used in the bible for “sorcery” is is pharmakeia, which is where we get our word “pharmacy.”

Just based on those verses alone (and there are other similar verses to be found), it becomes quite clear that smoking pot, being a drunk, or doing any behavior which causes a person to become “high” for recreational purposes is wrong, probably illegal, and definitely a sin.

Other Reasons Why You Should NEVER Smoke Pot (or do drugs)

If the fear of God isn’t enough to motivate you to stopping smoking (or continue avoiding) pot, then I hope the truth of the matter will convince you. Here are some great reasons to NEVER smoke pot in your life:

• It is illegal. If you get caught smoking pot, you could face jail time, ruin your career, have a criminal record, and so much more. Police are great at catching people smoking pot during routine traffic stops, and so forth. Is that little joint worth ruining your whole life, career, and more?
• It is unhealthy. Smoking pot is much more dangerous and cancerous than smoking cigarettes. Pot generally has no filter like cigarettes do, and are far more carcinogenic. That’s great news if you really want lung cancer, but if you don’t, avoid it.
• It stinks. I can’t stand the smell of pot. It stinks link something funky. Do you want that on your clothes, fingers, hair, etc.?
• Its addictive. Any drug that is addictive should be avoided. Many people struggle with addictions, and I know people who are addicted to marijuana. If they don’t smoke a “joint,” they get very cranky until they do.
• It can ruin your life. Pot can ruin your life in so many ways. Because you have to obtain it illegally, you must deal with drug dealers, gang members, etc. to even obtain it. These people are generally dangerous, and not the kind of people you should hang around. You can also ruin your career, form an addiction, ruin a marriage, embarrass your family, and so many things. Why do it?
• It expensive. Good luck getting rich if you are a drug addict. Drugs certainly are NOT cheap, and pot is included. You will soon be surprised that most of your income will go to finance your drug habit.
• Drug Tests. Most companies make you take drug tests for employment, and also sometimes randomly tests employees. Companies are getting more and more strict about this. Some people may say, “there are ways around drug tests.” My reply to that would be, “if you have to lie and scheme to pass a drug test, you already have some serious issues.”
• It’s a Gateway Drug. I have witness many friends and even family go from smoking pot, to drinking, and then cocaine, and other serious and hard drugs. Pot is a known gateway drug which opens the doors and forces you to  mingle with bad influences. Just avoid it.
• It Could Kill You. I had a friend who was seriously brain damaged by smoking pot. Some people have died from it. Why? I will explain below.

And those things above are just a tiny list of reasons you DON’T want to ever smoke pot. In fact, I had a friend in high school named David. He started smoking pot with his older brothers. He began doing it more and more frequently. I thought it was wrong, and hoped he would quit. One day I noticed he wasn’t in school for a few days. So I called him up on the phone.

As it turned out, he had been in the hospital, and was in serious medical trouble. It turns out that someone had “laced” the marijuana (pot) with some chemical, that caused him to pass out. He suffered several mental problems after this, losing most of his memory, and was never the same person. He never returned to my school, and had to have special care.

That is an HONEST true story that I witnessed first hand. Because pot is an illegal drug, it is grown and produced illegally. You never know what someone may have put in it, or what chemicals, pesticides, or whatever you may be smoking. You could inhale a dangerous chemical that could cause lasting brain damage.

I have also seen distant family members lose their jobs, go to jail, and so many other things. All because they were so “addicted” or just had to smoke grass.

Commonly Used Excuses On Why Some Say Smoking Pot Isn’t a Sin

Some people claim smoking pot is okay. They say it isn’t a sin, or that it is normal to do. Even worse, some lunatics actually try to convince people it is healthy (yeah right).  I would like to show you why these arguments are absolutely ridiculous and absurd.

1. The bible says God gave us all herbs for us to use. Some people point to a verse in Genesis in which God says he gave us all the “herbs” to use. This is absurd and based on faulty logic. First, he says we can “eat” them, not smoke them. Second, if you really think smoking pot is okay because of that verse, then I guess you also eat sticker/thorn bushes, poison ivy, cocaine, cyanide, poison berries, and any other ridiculous example you can imagine. Bottom line, there is no scriptural basis for smoking pot at all. Anyone who says otherwise is seriously diluting and twisting scriptures, and their faulty logic is painfully obvious.
2. The bible says we whatever we do, we should glorify God–That is also an absurd excuse. So can we now kill people to glorify God? Can I cheat on my wife to glorify God? Can I lie, steal, and cheat to glorify God? Absurd.
3. We are Under a New Covenant in Christ–This lame excuse is used by many liberal Christians for anything they now want to get away with. Christ came to fulfill the law, and actually made it HARDER for us. The old testament says don’t commit adultery. Jesus says don’t look at another woman with lust. Do you think that is easier? So if you think Jesus hung on a cross bleeding so you can get high with your friends, think again. You are seriously mistaken. If you use that excuse, then I guess we can say that for anything. I can say, I am not under “law” , therefore, I can go kill someone now. Get real people.
4. Smoking Pot Relaxes Me–Getting a massage relaxes me. So does watching a good movie, reading  a book, taking a hot shower, eating a good meal, and a whole slew of activities that are LEGAL, and HEALTHY. So why smoke pot? Are you that uncreative that you can’t find a way to relax without breaking the law and risking your health?
5. Smoking Pot Makes Me Laugh–Reading atheist’s arguments make me laugh. Watching a funny movie makes me laugh. Hearing a joke makes me laugh. I certainly don’t have to puff on some dead grass to do it, do you?
6. Smoking Pot Makes Me Fit In–So will jumping off a bridge if that’s what your “crowd” is doing. But I don’t think you would do that. Smoking pot makes you “fit in” with a type of person or crowd that you should be avoiding in the first place. Simple as that.
7. Smoking Pot is Healthy—Yeah right. That not only contradicts loads of medical evidence, but I have witnessed countless times how destructive this drug is. It may seem harmless compared to meth or other hard drugs, but it is just as dangerous. If you think it will make you healthy, then keep puffing. You will find out the hard way, just like those who claim cigarettes aren’t unhealthy or dangerous. Skin cancer, memory loss/problems, and so many other things await you in due time. You can’t change the laws of physics, no matter how much you love drugs.
8. Smoking Pot Will Make Me Famous–Yes, it is true many famous celebrities, musicians, and so forth smoke pot. How do I know? Because we all usually hear about them going into rehab, or being busted by the cops for it. Is that your dream for your life? Being mocked on TMZ for being a druggie that got caught? Or struggling, getting a divorce, or any other problems that celebrities and others show us daily?
9. Your a Closed Minded Bigot Idiot–Some may get upset about this article (probably if they are addicted to pot), and think I am being closed minded. Well by all means folks, let us all be open minded. But  not so open minded that our brains fall out. There is zero good reason to smoke pot. If it makes me a bigot because I am not a “hippie” or a “liberal” then so be it. According to these people, God Himself is a bigot. So if God is a bigot, then I want to be a bigot too (according to your definition).
10. Smoking Pot is Legal in Some Countries–So is pornography, slavery, child slavery, sex slavery, and a whole slew of other terrible things. Do I need to say more?
11. Smoking Pot is Legal for Medicine Purposes–Medicinal marijuana isn’t a very popular idea for good reason: Very little evidence suggests it helps do ANYTHING. For any claimed benefits, there are tons of other prescription medications that could help terminally ill patients take away the pain. So why smoke pot? No reason!

How to Stop Smoking Pot, or Get Help for an Addiction

Through the power of God you can do all things, and that includes kicking a bad habit. If you find that you are addicted to pot, you owe it to yourself, your family, and God to stop. Some people are able to stop “cold-turkey.” This is great, and if you only experimented or occasionally used pot, then you may be able to stop immediately.

If you find you are addicted, you should seek support from friends, family, and even a church. If that isn’t good enough, then don’t neglect seeing a drug addiction rehab facility. There are so many ways to get help, and you can stop smoking pot.

Another big important thing to stop smoking pot is to avoid people who try to get you to smoke pot. If a friend tries to get you to smoke pot, they are NOT your friend. Any person that tried to get me to do something dangerous to my health, and ILLEGAL is certainly no friend of mine.

Conclusion: The Bible Clearly Shows us Smoking Pot is a Sin. Common Sense and Evidence Confirm Why

Smoking pot is clearly against the will of God. God wants us to be healthy and happy. Pot does not fit into that equation in any way. God warns us to avoid the dangers of drugs and inappropriate behavior. Pot is an illegal, unhealthy, and dangerous drug. You should avoid marijuana at all costs, and treat it as if it is cyanide, meth, or any other dangerous drug.

Some people try to throw out excuses to say smoking marijuana isn’t a sin, or that it is healthy, or that it is okay. That is a flat out lie. Any person with common sense can look around and see how marijuana is ruining people’s lives daily. They get arrested, lose jobs, die, and so forth.

Be smart, and don’t be a fool. Follow God’s will. Trust in Him. Good luck, and God bless.

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