A Call for Reflection and Transformation: The Christian Church's Response to Unethical Leadership on Cannabis
The Christian Church faces a critical moment of reflection and transformation in response to historical acceptance of unethical leadership against cannabis. Recognizing the need for repentance and aligning with principles of mercy, peacemaking, neighborly love, as well as honoring God's creation will position the Church as a positive force in the changing societal landscape regarding Cannabis. Christian leaders have an opportunity to lead by example, fostering understanding and compassion in the pursuit of a more just and ethical society. The Christian Church has historically played a significant role in shaping moral and ethical values within society. However, it is essential to examine instances where they may have become prey to warnings such as Proverbs 22:24-25, particularly in relation to the coerced acceptance of unethical leadership, such as during the era of President Nixon and the immoral war against cannabis.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
When government seemed like big business, and the public could be capitalized upon, post-civil war, the Reefer Madness smear campaigns orchestrated by figures like Hearst (big paper and media), Anslinger (big government), and other vested interests were rooted in yellow journalism, myth, xenophobia, and corruption, unethically suppressing our cannabis and hemp liberties at the very least. These campaigns unfairly demonized cannabis, leading to the implementation of sin-tax stamps and other discouraging public policies. It is imperative for a developing and united public to overcome the perpetuation of misinformation that seeks to divide communities from the vast benefits of our God-given Cannabis herb. Rather than succumbing to historical biases, society should embrace the truth about cannabis as a versatile resource for fuel, fiber, food, medicine, paper, and more. Rejecting unfounded fears and promoting informed discourse will enable the public to reclaim their rights to a plant that has been unjustly stigmatized, fostering a more inclusive and enlightened perspective on the manifold uses of cannabis in service to humanity and the environment.
During the Nixon era, as with the Reefer Madness era, our public and the Christian Church was coerced into supporting the war against Cannabis. This coercion led to the erosion of values such as mercy, peacemaking, neighborly love, and the honor of God-given herbs, as ethical considerations were replaced by condemnation, demonization, marginalization, and other disenfranchisement practices. The Church, historically a firm proponent of mercy and peacemaking, may have found itself endorsing policies that went against these principles. The demonization of cannabis, once considered a part of God's creation, contradicts the concept of neighborly love and the Christian duty to care for one another. The ethical use of herbs, including cannabis, has deep roots in Christian history, and their condemnation marks a departure from honoring God and our creation. As society learns about the historic truths and benefits of cannabis, it becomes crucial for Christian leaders to reflect on their positions and bring forth fruits meet for repentance.
Embracing the new social change surrounding cannabis requires a reevaluation of previous stances and an acknowledgment of the evolving understanding of the plant's positive contributions to health, economy, and social well-being. Christian leaders can play a pivotal role in leading the Church and public towards a more informed and compassionate stance on cannabis. This includes actively engaging in dialogue, dispelling myths, and promoting a perspective that aligns with mercy, peacemaking, neighborly love, and the responsible use of God-given herbs. By embracing the evolving attitudes towards cannabis, Christian leaders can be at the forefront of positive social change.
We offer facilitation for discussion and deliberation, non-biased education, and normalizing immersion into the blessings we have from our God-given herb. Contact us today! We would love to fellowship and mission together, and offer to share our new beginnings presentation with your congregation and community.
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