Can I Smoke Pot?: Marijuana in Light of Scripture

by Tom Breeden, Mark L. Ward Jr.

"God made pot. It's natural." "And it's legal in more and more places." "And Christians are allowed to drink alcohol, right?" "So really...what's the issue?" Is it a sin to smoke marijuana? Is it permissible to use recreationally? How about medicinally? Questions like these are a hot topic today, and chances are that you or someone you know is asking them. Christians believe the Bible is our highest authority for faith and life, including on subjects like marijuana use. So how does the Bible help us answer questions about marijuana? By looking at the biblical teaching on creation, government, medicine, and alcohol, this book sets out to help people make wise and God-honoring decisions about marijuana use. Rather than just providing a list of proof texts, Can I Smoke Pot?: Marijuana in Light of Scripture looks at what the Bible teaches as a unified whole, from Genesis to Revelation, so we can more confidently answer the “What does the Bible say?”

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living

99 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2016

About the author

Tom Breeden received an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and is currently licensed by the Blue Ridge Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He currently serves as the Pastoral Intern at Grace Community Church in Charlottesville, VA.

Reviews

[Lynette Karg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because we recently started ministering in a church in Colorado so this is an issue we are sure to run into, especially among younger Christians. At the outset, I wondered where this was going, but the author did a thorough job of examining this topic in light of Scripture. The best part is that it is short and accessible enough to hand to someone who is wrestling through this. The appendix is worth a read too and examines how to use Scripture to think about issues not specifically addressed, a very common question.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In light of the election earlier this month (Nov. 2016) this question is one that is either on the horizon for all Christians or is already here. What is a Christian to do? Seems pretty obvious right? Don't smoke. But what is the rational for this? Do we base it on what the government says? Whether pot has medical value? What are we to do with this? What am I to say when one of my students admits to smoking pot? Is it really that bad? Is it really bad?

Well the answer to these questions comes through this short little book (another gym from Cruciform Press). Written by two men from two very different backgrounds that brings the best balance to this difficult question. One of the authors believes that drinking is a sin and the other does not believe it is, when done in moderation. What better guides through this difficult discussion (that many times gets lumped into the alcohol discussion)? This little book is a must read, it is it a complete examination of the topic? No. But it is by no means a weak book for it. I highly recommend it, this is a must read for all Christians.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, clear, and helpful. This brief book is a sober look at the issue of marijuana use. Churches have traditionally relied on the fact marijuana was illegal to condemn its use. With increasing decriminalization and availability in various forms, we need actual answers from the Bible.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, this book promotes the position I had before I read it. In fact, the very arguments made in this book are the arguments I have used against the recreational use of marijuana. I honestly do not even know of a line in it I disagreed with.

That said, this book is worth the time. The approach is spot-on. And it would be a great primer on this subject for anybody asking questions.

[Todd Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a brief introduction to some of the issues. Much more could have been said, but was not. To wit: More could have been said of the actual studies on marijuana use and the certain dangers for young people, particularly males; there is no medical use for marijuana per se, but there are medical uses for components of the marijuana plant; there was not enough discussion of the role that Christian discipleship should play in decision making; more needed to be said about the role of government as a moral compass for the Christian, etc.

[Kojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair and balanced

I like the over all tone of the book, it handled this controversial issue gently. It was a great idea to separate marijuana use into medical and recreational categories. From my experience that is where the debate is usual lost; everyone knows someone who has been helped by medical marijuana so proponents of marijuana bring that up often. The Christian, however, must point out that it's the recreational use that is sin.

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall very informative and helpful. However, their final conclusion seems to be weak based on their argumentation. The appendix on how to study Scripture is absolutely excellent.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here in Oklahoma, marijuana/cannabis was approved for medical use. It's been over six months since it was legalized for the therapeutic, with dispensaries sprouting up, sometimes two or three within half a mile from each other. In fact, the business side is becoming such a burgeoning industry it gives the impression that more than analeptic utilization is being tapped into. So I was delighted when the 112 page manuscript "Can I Smoke Pot?: Marijuana in Light of Scripture" arrived in the mail yesterday. This document is written by Tom Breeden, a pastor at Grace Community Church in Charlottesville, VA, and Mark Ward, Jr., an Academic Editor at Lexham Press, who have teamed up to give the reader an easy, enjoyable entrance into a difficult subject. The book's size, pace and lucidity will comfortably connect with teens and adults.

"Can I Smoke Pot?" has four comprehensible chapters, an afterword, and an appendix. It moves from the goodness of creation (Genesis 1-2), to the Fall (Genesis 3), through the role of governments, into the main subject of the book. There are surprises here and there, thoughtful explanations around many corners, and imperturbable illations at the end of each chapter. As to the authors' answer to the posed question, the inquisitive, investigative and interested reader will need to snatch up a copy and dive in on their own. Though I'm not sure that I agreed with the finishing observations of the book, I did appreciate the thoughtfulness with which the authors pursued their subject, and especially in the area of medical uses of marijuana. The only real downside was that the book's brevity restrained the authors from delving into the medical and scientific material, and left them to make broad generalities in crucial places.

"Can I Smoke Pot?" is highly accessible, taking me all of three hours of interrupted reading the make it through. This little booklet would be ideal for church book tables, and for handing out as homework in counseling situations. Even though I haven't come to a solid decision from Scripture on every aspect of the issue, nevertheless this is a useful, and helpful volume. I highly recommend it.

I was so excited when I stumbled across this book, and was even more elated when I asked the authors for a copy to review and they said "yes"! There were no requirements, stipulations or demands made of me. This review and these observations are all mine, freely made and freely given.

[John Brackbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very helpful careful but brief book that equips beyond the topic.

The question is placed within the storyline of scripture and is not a reactive book to the obvious cultural lust for partaking, but a biblically measured response that concludes recreational use is sinful but leaves the door open for the possibility of medical use within appropriate medical scientific research bounds.

If you read this book you will be equipped on how a believer should relate to the government, how to interpret scripture, how to place things within the overall story of scripture, and the biblical teaching on alcohol.

Even if your state has not legalized the recreational use of marijuana, you will be faced with this question sooner or later. Why not read a book that equips you on this question and also edifies you in these other various areas?

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, succinct, and easy to read, the book addresses an increasingly common question: how should Christians think about marijuana? The book considers the question by examining several key areas: the Christian doctrine of creation, a biblical understanding of government, common grace and medicine, and the comparison between alcohol and marijuana.

The book is clear and succinct. It does has its limitations. Given the rapidly changing status of marijuana legislation, the chapter on government felt slightly dated (though the book is only a few years old). The book also does not go into great depth on some of the physiological or scientific questions. While the conclusions the authors draw would still seem to stand, I felt their case would have been bolstered by more discussion (or fuller discussion in footnotes).

[Jim Savastio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marijuana is good! ??

As part of the created order, God has good purposes for marijuana. This book explores the biblical view of government, intoxicants, and the call to clear thinking in regard to the question of the recreational uses of pot. This is a question church’s will face increasingly and this is a helpful resource for pastors and parents.

[Jayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book that is practical to the issue, but more importantly modeling how to handle the scripture in a thoughtful and faithful way.

I would recommend this book to anyone serious about applying the Bible to this issue or similar ones.

[Andrew Manwarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with creation in Genesis 1, this book provides a biblical perspective on the use of marijuana in Scripture. The book concludes that the recreational use of marijuana is sinful while the medicinal use has possible benefits.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve long wondered what God thinks of marijuana and with this book, I feel I have a pretty robust theology around whether it’s OK or not.

For anyone who has wondered the same thing, this is a great, unbiased, biblical approach to weed. Check it out!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, great into Christian ethics applied on this subject.

[Marguerite Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first place, I wouldn't have bought this book, but I am a subscriber to Cruciform Press books. I get them in e-book format. Yes, this is a very interesting book to read! No, I don't smoke pot at all! In light of the election, Gary Johnson and other states who made it legal to have Marijuana I wanted to understand why people want to make this legal and what are the danger of this too. I would encourage you all to read it before you start thinking about smoking pot. They really explain everything in light of Scripture.

[Andy Huette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful little book from Cruciform Press that gives a concise, readable, Christian take on pot. I agreed with their views and think they are charitable to biblical theology and honest with Scripture (and its silence), but also forthright about their final conclusion, which is that Christians should not smoke pot recreationally, but that it is permissible medicinally.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

I live in Colorado where Marijuana is legal on a state level. Now, many began equating Marijuana to alcohol in regards to recreational use and it's permissiveness from Scripture. This tiny book helps clear up any misperceptions or parallels.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in Colorado where marijuana is legal on the state level. now some are looking to compare the recreational use of alcohol with the recreational use of marijuana. is there a parallel? This book help straighten up this argument Kama looking to the scriptures for answers. Very helpful.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a none smoker, none drinker, this book has helpful information on answering these questions from a biblical standpoint for those that come to you with questions! I liked the to the point answers, and verses to back up each claim.

[Chrys Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, biblical primer on the issue of marijuana and Christianity. This is a great book for counseling those Christians who are seeking or struggling with marijuana use. This book takes a decisive stance, but not without much biblical and practical consideration.

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is a useful examination of a question many Christians may be asking in light of the relaxing social mores regarding marijuana in the United States. But it is more than that: It is a model for how to apply the Bible to an issue about which the Bible does not speak directly.

[Nick Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Short. Helpful.