For theists–how do you decide what herbal substances are "okay" to consume?
April 30th, 2010 | by admin |How do you decide between shitaake mushrooms and psilocybin mushrooms?
Between salivia divinorum and Salvia officinalis?
Between chamomile tea and blue lotus tea?
Between hempseed oil and marijuana?
Thanks in advance.
We listen to:
+ Doctors
+ Scientists
+ The Law
+ Scripture
+ The Church
+ Our common sense
For example, about marijuana:
First, the Bible instructs us not to become intoxicated.
But even without considering whether marijuana is unhealthy or not, using illegal drugs is immoral because they are illegal.
Christians reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws.
The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel.
We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
Using illegal drugs for recreational purposes is breaking a law that is not contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons nor the teachings of the Gospel, and is therefore immoral.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2240-2242: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2.shtml#2240
• Medical Marijuana •
To the best of my knowledge the Church has not made a position known on the use of medical marijuana.
The scientific, legal, and philosophical debate is still out on medical marijuana as is shown in the attached documents.
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/civilization/cc0092.html
http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=2261
With love in Christ.