There was an era in American history, an era also known for greater love of God and resulting virtue in other ways, where marijuana was NOT such a big deal.
What we are seeing today in our raft of addictions to various “narcotics” is the filling of a vacuum in lives where God used to be. Remember how Marx talked about “religion” being the “opiate” of the masses? He was actually perceptive there. But he foresaw a future of human pride which would supersede this “opiate.” And little by little, this poison idea infiltrated our society, our faith being unequal to the task of shutting it out.
Well guess what. We still need the “opiate.” Some people get it on the street. Some people find it in being overly fixated on entertainment. Some people get it from doctors. Some people find it in overeating.
Let’s not be too cruel to the messenger here. If we overuse marijuana or use it for frivolous things, it’s a smoke signal. Not trying so hard to hide it might teach us many, many things. As well as letting it be there for the cases where it’s actually a valid medicine, in accordance with God’s will — where it is not a replacement for the mercy of God but rather a testament thereto.
Potheads are empty potholes. :)
Well said.
CC