More and more states are moving to legalize the consumption of marijuana. Though federal law officially classifies marijuana as an addictive drug, and therefore forbids any form of usage or consumption, each state has its own different regulations regarding the drug. As America becomes more and more liberal concerning marijuana, the Church and its leaders are expressing deep concerns and stated clearly that besides medicinal purposes, no one should e consuming marijuana for pleasure.
The renowned pastor and theologian John Piper pointed to 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20: “Or do you 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.” Dr. Piper emphasized that believers must refuse worldly pleasures such as laziness, gluttony, as well as marijuana.
Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Church (SBC) and other ministers compared the present situation with America in the past before the administration had legalized alcohol. Most ministers declared that the Bible forbids both alcohol and other worldly pleasures including marijuana. However, the people who are most concerned about this issue are leaders of youth or next generation ministries.
Greg Stier, the leader of Dare 2 Share Ministries, a renowned young adult ministry, expressed great concerns about the influence the legalization of marijuana would have on teenagers and their families. He also stated that he would like to help anyone to take in the situation biblically.
Washington and Colorado are the first states to legalize the consumption of marijuana for pleasure. In the year 2013, the percentage of people for legalization reached 58%. The greatest concern is that the legalization of marijuana would open the floodgates for other harmful and currently illegal drugs into the public.
