Pharmakeia

[westtexas]

In the few instances in scripture where this word (pharmakeia) is used it is translated as sorcery or witchcraft. However, with the primary use of this word being "the use or administering of drugs" I don't think it's too far fetched to argue that scripture is against the use of drugs. Especially when used with drunkenness etc. in Gal. 5:19-21

http://www.searchgodsword.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=5331

Any thoughts?
Westtexas

 

[Hitch]

In the few instances in scripture where this word (pharmakeia) is used it is translated as sorcery or witchcraft. However, with the primary use of this word being "the use or administering of drugs" I don't think it's too far fetched to argue that scripture is against the use of drugs. Especially when used with drunkenness etc. in Gal. 5:19-21

http://www.searchgodsword.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=5331

Any thoughts?
Westtexas

Yeah,I think you nailed it.

 

[Tina]

Scripture is not against the use of drugs but drug abuse.

 

[Fedusenko]

One of the first miracles of Jesus is turning water into wine for people already intoxicated.

John 2:10

0And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

I am not saying that alcohol is something to not self-regulate. It is abused and abused often.

Revelations 18:23

23And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

What merchants sell sorceries or pharmakeia? They are great men... Pharmakeia is translated as drugs as you mentioned and also as poison. I would be curious as to how pharmaceuticals derived their name, but they too state that they will cause nausea, vomiting, soreness, liver disease, heart disease, neural disorders, kidney failure, all sorts of horrible slow deaths.

Did you know that there is flame retardant in your favorite citris soda? Brominated vegitable oil is a patented chemical. Look it up.

Did you know that God has provided all our body needs in the plants around us?

Apple seeds have a type of arsenic that reverses cancer. Grass fed cows do not cause heart disease. Cancer causing sun builds strong bones.

 

[westtexas]

Scripture is not against the use of drugs but drug abuse.

I agree Tina. I should have worded my post a little differently. Thanks

Westtexas

 

[Free]

We must, of course, consider the context. Indeed, in one instance, which I can't recall at the moment, although it is translated as 'sorcery' or something like that, it could likely be referring to the administering of potions for the purpose of abortion, which was somewhat rampant back then. In other words, it could be an explicit statement condemning abortion.

This meshes well with the early church and their emphasis on the sanctity of human life seen in, among other things, their caring for abandoned babies and essentially creating the first orphanages.

 

[Fedusenko]

@ Free
I never considered that. Thanks!

Edit: Oh and ginger tea helps fight colds. It is an acquired taste, but I love it now!

 

[Free]

@ Free
I never considered that. Thanks!

I should be careful as those are not the results of my own study. That is from "Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization," by Alvin J. Schmidt. A very worthwhile read for Christians and non-Christians.

http://www.amazon.com/Under-Influence-Alvin-J-Schmidt/dp/0310236371/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

 

[smaller]

In the few instances in scripture where this word (pharmakeia) is used it is translated as sorcery or witchcraft. However, with the primary use of this word being "the use or administering of drugs" I don't think it's too far fetched to argue that scripture is against the use of drugs. Especially when used with drunkenness etc. in Gal. 5:19-21

http://www.searchgodsword.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=5331

Any thoughts?
Westtexas

The most important lesson with any mind altering substance of any drug or alcohol kind is the letdown of the mental guard, which makes us easier subjects of predators of the evil kind within. The same can be said for seeking mediums. It opens us up to more internal predation. Same for 'bad' associations, etc.

There is a reason to be wary of predation of any kind. We usually have enough to deal with already in the package without adding to it.

s

 

[meddlehaze]

:yes I agree completely. The problem with psychoactive substances is idolatry (another word for addiction). I used to be addicted to marijuana, but through God's grace He freed me from that bondage. I worshiped that drug with my actions.

We still practice pharmakeia in the West with anesthesia and opiates, to relieve pain and heal us. It's just a matter of where your heart is when using them. It's not that which goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out is from the abundance of the heart.

 

[JNathanK]

Yah, its probably more nuanced than just being against any kind of drug use whatsoever. After all Jesus, turned water into wine. The Bible is against heavy intoxication though. That's for sure. Its been speculated that the wine was for sterilization purposes only, but its just speculation.

 

[JNathanK]

:yes I agree completely. The problem with psychoactive substances is idolatry (another word for addiction). I used to be addicted to marijuana, but through God's grace He freed me from that bondage. I worshiped that drug with my actions.

We still practice pharmakeia in the West with anesthesia and opiates, to relieve pain and heal us. It's just a matter of where your heart is when using them. It's not that which goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out is from the abundance of the heart.

Quiting pot isn't the hardest thing in the world. Its actually fairly easy. My friend, on the other hand, had to quit heroin, which involves vomiting, convulsions, relapse, and shame. I'd rather be around a pothead than a drunk too. They're usually pretty laid back and don't get into any fights. If it was something that was interfering with your life, though, I'm glad you got over it.

 

[meddlehaze]

Quiting pot isn't the hardest thing in the world. Its actually fairly easy. My friend, on the other hand, had to quit heroin, which involves vomiting, convulsions, relapse, and shame. I'd rather be around a pothead than a drunk too. They're usually pretty laid back and don't get into any fights. If it was something that was interfering with your life, though, I'm glad you got over it.

I hope I didn't imply to you in my post that I believe it's the hardest thing to quit in the world. Quitting opiates can literally kill you if you attempt it without seeking medical aid.

I think the whole laid back thing is more a stereotype than an actual truth. Most of my friends and pot heads that I used to argue with on forums were very crude, verbally abusive and proud of it. Needless to say, I was the same way and certainly will fall into those again in my lifetime. By God's grace am I redeemed though

 

[jasoncran]

2 my wife when she was on pot wasnt all that laid back, just not as hyper or edgy.

 

[meddlehaze]

2 my wife when she was on pot wasnt all that laid back, just not as hyper or edgy.

Yeah, I was not as hyper or edgy, but that was only when I was on the drug. If I got sober I'd have extreme anxiety attacks and verbally abuse my mom.