Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_drugs

Within ancient religions the use of drugs were to tap into the spiritual realm. Psychotropics hallucinogenic plants were only used in religious ceremonies. Some ancient civilizations guarded these herbs, fungi, and potions with strict laws. Prohibiting the use or handling by anyone other than the priest or priestess of the group. While some may come to give reasons for the benefits of these drugs, the truth is this, they open gateways to places where almighty God didn't intend us to go. Even the ancient Shaman would be agast, to see a people using these substances without their religious guidance. Yet, Christianity isn't a religion which uses the vehicle of the psychotropic hallucinogen. We pray, we reach out to God without the "shortcut" of the psychotropic hallucinogen. Which the shortcut doesn't take us to the God, but to a god, or gods which don't help us get better, but worse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeO2...nnel=donlattin

Broward County Florida has not just FLAKKA, but every drug under the sun. When you are out in the streets you meet everything. Will a joint help these people already tangled in their own private hell? The smoking of cannabis was the vehicle that brought them to the land of FLAKKA.

Brothers and Sisters, this country is the baby of the late 1950s, and 60s drug culture. The only thing now, is that they are attempting to remove prohibition. Only Jesus Christ and His Kingdom can save us and bring us to a brighter day.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Tc...channel=FUSION

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

While various substances might have medicinal benefits in relation to the body no earthly substance or medication can aid one spiritually. The idea that a substance can access spiritual realms is nothing but pagan superstition.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

There are no medicinal benefits to psychotropic hallucinogenic plants and fungi. Anyone suffering from any form of emotional issues. The same way Jesus can heal sickness, and disease. Deliver an drug addict or alcoholic. Jesus can heal what someone would resort to psychotropic hallucinogenic plants and fungi to heal. Medical marijuana is a bad aid on a bullet wound. Medical Marijuana stores is something everyone was looking forward to back in 1978. This isn't any Johnny come lately, this was already in the works. Drugs open doors to places that God never intended us to go.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I was prescribed an anti anxiety drug for nausea while going through chemo, The hellacious withdrawal I went through to get off that drug was worse than surgery, chemo, and radiation combined.

I now look at the medical profession with extreme suspicion.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Was it lorazepam (ativan)? The thing about these drugs is that back in the day they went through class action law suits. Only to be revamped under another name. Ativan is a problem. The ancients used herbs and fungus to produce not only the euphoric, but to lead their neophytes through journeys. As in Revelation the nations are deceived by Φαρμακειο. While some want to take that word and use its modern meaning, to broad brush aspirin, penicillin, vitamins, ginkgo biloba, and steroids. The ancients viewed it as the use of their ritual ceremonies. The Bible isn't dealing with BC powder, or Alka Seltzer, it is dealing with the religious pagan who mixed the religion with psychotropic hallucinogens. The psychiatric community wants to be the new shaman and those who have problems which only Jesus can cure, end up with their heads shrunk chemically.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Any drug that use that is made by Alchemy like Meth, PCP, pretty much any pharmaceutical drug is sorcery. The Word sorcery in the Greek is "pharmakeus" where do you think we get the word pharmacy from? And Revelations 21:8 tells you "the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and SORCERERS, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

They are a gate you are taking in sorcery in your body simple and plain. Nothing superstitious about it.

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it was, and when I asked with help from the medical profession they told me to either go through withdrawal or stay on it. I went through months and months with no sleep, shaking, and anxiety.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

The Alchemist wasn't the sorcerer. Exodus 9:11 Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:10, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Isaiah 47:9, Isaiah 47:12, Jeremiah 27:9, Daniel 2:2, Malachi 3:5 aren't speaking of alchemy, but the religious pratinors of other gods.

It didn't take an alchemist to produce mushrooms, or cannabis.
Yet, those two items were used by the shaman, and priestess.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Benzodiazepines (probably spelled that wrong.) and Alcohol are the 2 worse drugs known to man. The only 2 drugs that can kill you from going cold turkey. If your heart wouldve been weak they could've killed you.

I was addicted to xanex and valium for years Dr. Got me hooked. Let me prescribe myself wrote out a script and let me go. Biggest drug dealers ever!

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I have a brother in our church who was on ativan for 8 years. Talk about withdrawals. Ativan's major side effect is suicidal tendencies.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

:highfive

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Eh, that's your opinion. There are studies that disagree. As far as hallucinogenics, studies are showing that those with terminal conditions who suffer from excessive anxiety benefit from "shrooms". Apparently after taking "shrooms" subjects had a sense of resolution and peace about their impending death and return to their spiritual roots. Scientists are still researching the biochemical nature of this shift in their mental state.

While the source of emotion is still beyond the scope of science, we do know that emotions are effected by various biochemical processes in the brain.

Jesus is a healer. But Jesus doesn't heal everyone all the time. Else, we'd never see believers in the hospital, taking chemo, or needing any form of treatments for things such as diabetes, etc. If Jesus healed 100% of the time, we'd put hospitals out of business.

Amen. But let's not deny that both natural and synthetic substances have been used to heal what Jesus chooses not to miraculously heal.

Superstition.

If God never intended cannabis to be used medicinally, why did God design the endocannabinoid system to specifically respond to cannabinoids found in cannabis?

Balms, salves, herbs, teas, and even incense, were used medicinally and therapeutically in biblical times. Those who understood how to make such things were known as apothecaries. No where does the Bible condemn their use unless associated with pagan deities and pagan worship.

In Genesis we read,

Genesis 1:11-12
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Every grass, herb, and tree was created by God, and God saw that it was good. Not a single plant was deemed as being sinful.

We also read,

Genesis 1:29
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

Here, God gives every plant upon all the face of the earth for man's consumption. No exceptions.

Now, this doesn't mean that various plants, or plant based substances, shouldn't be handled cautiously or judiciously. In addition, a plant shouldn't be considered sinful just because we don't currently know the beneficial purpose of the given plant or substance. Nor should it be considered sinful merely because we don't fully understand its effects. What is necessary is inquiry, examination, study, and research. There is a good possibility that as we speak, tomorrow's cure for cancer is currently residing in a prohibited plant or substance. Think of the untold numbers who have suffered and died because research on the medicinal qualities of a given substance was halted due to superstition. So, in my opinion, an open mind is necessary if we are to take God seriously about His creating plant life and finding it, good.

This also doesn't mean that self-control isn't necessary. We know that wine comes from fermented grapes. We know that wine was used to cleanse wounds, to ease the fears and pain of the dying, as a drink offering, and as an intoxicant to bring joy to the hearts of men in celebrations such as feast days and weddings. However, allowing one's life to slip into a state of drunkenness is indeed a sin.

The Bible calls for moderation concerning wine and strong drink. And so this principle would apply to any other intoxicant. Like wine, cannabis has been shown to have medicinal use. For example, it relieves symptoms relating to AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, PTSD, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, ulcerative colitis, or many others. And again, like wine, it has been used as an intoxicant.

Interestingly, one cannot overdose on cannabis. And so, it's safer than wine or strong drink. Also, aside from the "high" one gets upon initially taking cannabis in some forms, there have not yet been any significant negative side effects found (which is common in many powerful prescription medications).

So, I see room for disagreement, and room to allow individual conviction to govern the use of cannabis as it relates to medicine and health.

The superstitious paranoia about cannabis is actually more prevalent than the "paranoia" cannabis is often accused of producing. Also, when dealing with cannabis, there are many different strains of Sativa and Indica. If one strain produces an undesirable effect, another might be more fitting. In states where it is legal medical doctors and specialists in cannabis can assist any individual looking for the strain of cannabis that is right for themselves and their condition. No, cannabis isn't for everyone. But it has appeared to help thousands of not millions of people world wide (considering other nations wherein medical cannabis is legal).

Superstition is a terrible thing. It is fed by fear and ignorance. Many don't know it but there was a period of about 300 years wherein coffee was deemed an illegal substance. In Islamic countries the stimulating effect was seen as intoxicating and it was condemned. Eventually, this prohibition was lifted as coffee use spread in underground coffee shops. In Europe, Popes and kings condemned it as the "devil's drink" and it faced additional prohibition. Fake science was also employed to slander the bean. Eventually, however, coffee began being consumed in secret coffee shops and penny shops throughout Europe. Periodicals on the social dangers of coffee were common place. Women in England even wrote a periodical condemning coffee, blaming it for the destruction of families. People were arrested, killed, and even exiled over the sale and proliferation of coffee. However, as it became more prevalent throughout European society, royalty, and even clergy began drinking it. Soon, the prohibitions were lifted and the free sale and consumption of coffee flourished.

Does this brief history of coffee sound familiar? Of course it does. Due to men's ignorance and superstition we're doomed to repeat history over and over again in new contexts. I predict that in 30 to 40 years cannabis will have been legalized long enough that most Americans will look back at all the misinformation, incarceration, bloodshed, and billions of dollars spent to combat it... and think... "All of that over this plant?"

So, let's move beyond our fears and superstitions and allow open research and inquiry on cannabis. It's use in cancer research is actually astounding some scientists. Who knows... if we can get beyond the fear and ignorance regarding this, we might discover the cure for cancer.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Oh, and then there is the possible connection between cannabis and the biblical "kaneh" and "kaneh-bosem" as it relates to the holy anointing oil, the incense used in the tent of meeting, and that was a rather valued commodity throughout Palestine and the surrounding region throughout ancient times.

http://www.herbmuseum.ca/files/image...ivingtorah.jpg

There is a man who has reproduced the holy anointing oil described in the OT using all the various ingredients that have been believed to have been in it. Only the oil in which he included cannabis in place of "sweet calamus" (Exodus 30:23) produced any marked medicinal effect on patients suffering from skin conditions, lesions, and problems relating to diabetes.

Some scholars believe that "calamus" is a mistranslation of the Greek "κάνναβις", or was perhaps purposely used in the text to keep the main ingredient of the anointing oil a secret.

I just thought these were interesting additions to the topic, seeing that some say that there is no medicinal use of cannabis. And...it's directly connected to the Bible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxNlP23OBCM

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I don't blame you.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I think the "sorcery" is more attributed to the pagan ritual aspect. In ancient Israel balms and salves were common, along with other medicinal remedies without condemnation.

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Dear God, sister. That sounds like a hell on earth. My heart goes out to you.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Many of the things being said here are revealing the greed and disregard for human well being perpetrated by the pharmaceutical industry.

I think we can all agree here that Big Pharma can't be trusted.

Is it any wonder that Big Pharma lobbies the government to keep cannabis illegal??? They know cannabis can relieve the symptoms of so many of these conditions, and without as many terrible side effects or serious addiction. And they know that a person can grow it themselves. If Big Pharma can't keep it illegal, they'll seek to legally gain control over its production and sale in some manner. This is why so many in the alternative and organic health & wellness community want to see full legalization.

It's about taking control of your own health and medication.

House church, home school, home grown. Organic living. Independence. Liberty.

That's what all of this is truly about.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Big Pharma is a racket...nuff said.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

:thumbsup

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I just recently had double surgeries at the same time, a "lung wedge" and two nodules removed from my stomach wall at M.D. Anderson in Houston and they sent me home with a bag of drugs, three were narcotic pain pills. I didn't take any of them because i'm scared to death of addictions. When I saw both surgeons a month later, when asked about pain management, I told them that I hadn't taken any of the narcotics, but had taken some Tylenol, the lung surgeon said "you're a tough guy" and i told him no sir I'm just scared of narcotic drugs.

The doctors most of the time mean well, but abuse in others that I know has caused me to be extra cautious.

If and when I pass from this world, I want to be in my right mind and calling on the Lord Jesus.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I don't judge you one bit. :yourock

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

So much bad information and psuedo-science in the above that it is laughable.
Or sad, as A represents a large portion of the thinking of society, today.
Now, go smoke some poison ivy and tell me about the trip you took.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Medical marijuana is becoming just as bad a racket...

It's not covered by insurance, so the cost is coming directly out of pocket. It's not cheap. Per an article I read, studies showed the "optimal" dosage is 21 grams. I checked prices (MM is legal in Arizona) for just one dose, it would be between $300-$425 just for the weed. That's not including the required "medical marijuana recommendation" which costs up to $200. Then you're having to pay for paper or pipes.

I agree Big Pharma is a racket, but Big Weed is not much better.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Well, thank you. :D

I have personally witnessed way too many folks sitting on pews that were off in "Lala Land" and could not be moved by Holy Ghost singing or preaching.

To me, that's DANGEROUS!

SOME TIMES...FEAR/ANXIETY can be a tool of the Holy Ghost in moving a person from a cold, lukewarm or backsliden condition.

Psalms 2:11.. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Philippians 2:12.. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Hebrews 11:7.. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Jude 1:23.. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Hmmm...

60 Peer-Reviewed Studies on Medical Marijuana
Medical Studies Involving Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts (1990 - 2014)

https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/...ourceID=000884

As I said in my post:

Of course, this caused me to wonder... is there a medicinal use for poison ivy? I found a bit of information. The following as a good read...

Using Poison Ivy as a Medicine
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry...b_6149354.html

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Gonna be kinda hard for the preacher to preach against smoking dope, when he's taking "medical Mary Jane" himself.


Hee heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

When compared to the cost of prescription meds (if coming out of pocket), and their side effects, it's a small price to pay. As a lot of vets will tell you, just compared to the side effects of prescription meds, it's a small price to pay. But a lot of vets look at it like start up costs... and grow their own.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

That would bother me. I don't believe anyone should go to church drugged up on any medication or substance. Sure, take it before bed, or when you get home from church. I didn't like sitting in church after taking Delsym cough syrup (leaves me "fuzzy", kinda numb, and groggy).

But that's just me.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

:highfive

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Very good point.

Therefore if the "preacher" is taking legal medical marijuana, what message is that sending to the young people? Sooner or later marijuana will be legalized for recreational use.

Baby can't sleep through the night? No problem, couple of tokes of the dube puts infant in a mellow mood? Good God from Zion! Help us.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4-E3cTVlj8Q/hqdefault.jpg

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Aquila do Vietnam vets ever experience PTSD?

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No, that is fact. You see this is what is insane about holding a discussion with you. Is that you aren't honest. So, Opium is still used in medication today? The answer is yes. Opium is so addictive that the user will consume the substance until death. Oxycontin is an Opiate. I have dealt with people who have had addictions with everything from refer to crack. Have brothers and sisters who have been delivered in prayer meetings, in baptismals, in Bible studies from full blown highs. What I state about natural psychotropics, and synthesised psychotropic drugs isn't my opinion.



Well, well, Chris didn't take you long to advocate shrooms. Right on. María Sabina would be proud. Mexican Indian Shamans used the magic mushrooms to bring their neophytes and devotees on mind altering spiritual journeys. Chris, you would partake in these treatments for your PTSD?

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

I wouldn't freak out or distort the truth. Preachers who practice moderation with wine preach against drunkenness. A preacher can preach that unless one has a medical condition, cannabis has no purpose other than to get stoned, therefore such would be sin. As with other medication.

Duh.

This statement reminded me of something my grandmother used to do that she picked up from her mother, probably she got it from her mother... But anyway, on her side of the family they'd rub a baby's gums with whisky to sooth teething pain and to settle the child. I never did that with my kids, but those were the old ways.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Sorry, but you know as much about the way the human brain works, as you do about rebuilding a transmission on a 1961 XLCH. While one is simple, the other is infinitely complex. Yet, in your hands both would be just as hard to comprehend.



NPR recently had a show discussing how chemo was akin to leeches. We are finding out that chemo is old antiquated method of treatment. As we do the research we find that treatments which we thought were good science are really dangerous. But were kept around because they make huge money.
Legalizing medical marijuana and LSD is basically the stepping stone for making those substances legal in other areas. We have people in our church who have refused chemo, went on it through prayer and are still alive. My own sister was killed by chemotherapy, as was said by her doctor, not me.
She was diagnosed with a super rare form of cancer which has like a 1% success rate. So, why even treat her? The chemotherapy made her weaker, sicker, 90 lbs of flesh and bones. They administered the chemo because of money availability. Brother in our church has an aneurysm, bleeding on the brain, the hospital gave him contrast dye that shut down his kidneys. The doctor walked into the hospital room while our church brother was on dialysis. The doctor turned to me and said that his kidneys will NEVER come back. Because they took such a bad hit, his words, not mine. I turned to the doctor, and told him that's a lie, Jesus will heal those kidneys. The doctor said that's no lie, that's a fact. I told the doctor we shall see. Church family prayed, and the church brother is 100% healed. Should I have smoked a dube with him? Should we split a tab of four way window pane? Should I have helped him snort some China White? In case Jesus didn't heal?

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Reminds me of my Mom.

I had the flu many years ago and my Mom made a "toddy" from lemons, peppermint and Jack Daniels (she sent my unsaved brother for the whiskey :D) It worked! Cut the phlegm, coughing and when I was better, to the dismay of my unsaved brother, she poured the rest of the whiskey down the drain.

Sorta like taking a shot of NyQuil today.

:happydance

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

No, it's only your opinion.

There is research on this. Look it up.

Where did I lie? Pointing out that you're only selling your opinion?

I agree with you on the dangers of oxycontin and opiates. And yes, they are addictive. I'd never touch it. However, oxycontin is used to treat intense pain, and when used correctly, under a physician's guidance, things can and do go well for some.

See, this is where you're lying and slandering again. I never advocated the use of shrooms. I only pointed out that there was indeed research on it.

When will you tell the truth, avoid slander, stay on topic, and just have a normal discussion? You're looking ridiculous.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

There isn't moderation with THC, it isn't 90 proof, which wine which is communion wine is low alcohol content. No way near 90 proof. THC alters the brain, it slows it down to be able to do its job.

Stick that in your DUH.


Very good.

I remember this story from when you last posted it.

Hence my point.

Baby can't sleep, marijuana is legal, baby takes a hit, baby sleeps.

Wrong behavior of adults comes from societies allow stupid to be the song of the day.

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Amen

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I'm in full agreement with you on chemo. However, I do know some who it seems to have helped... but they might have been able to weather the sickness and overcome through diet and more natural means without it.

I also praise God with you for the healings you mentioned. God is awesome.

I'd never tell you that you should have smoked anything with anyone.

What I'm saying is that taking any medication is a matter of personal conviction. There is no reason to cram your convictions down everyone's throat, with that hearty dose of that EB style mockery and condemnation that you serve up so well.

Re: Psychotropic Drugs in Religious Rituals
 

Look up what? Someone who agrees with you? Some research that backs up your thoughts? No opinion my Chris, I have real life research. Also, for everything you might find to back you up, there is opposite to come against what you find. No one but no one is helped through Marijuana or LSD.


The only reason you would ever agree is because of its bad press. But years ago we have pain clinics by the bunch full. Supplying addicts who were having doctors write them prescriptions. News flash, doctors guidance has caused more drug addiction than any street dealer. Good grief.


Stop, you brought up that there was benefits, not me. You might get away with this garbage when you are dealing with the simpletons of your world. But I am not advocating this stuff, I am saying that there is zero benefit to these drugs. You my boy, are saying the opposite. So man up buddy, and cool your jets.

Only one is looks ridiculous is you.