Does Getting High Bring Us Closer to God? One Pastor Thinks So

Jeanette Harlow

Sorry, I have to wonder is God interested in connecting with those who get high? I grew up in the 60's. I tried lots of substances to get closer to God. Yes, marijuana can be a gateway drug. Unfortunately, the need to keep using it to get high is not a true path to enlightenment. As one powerful teacher of mine said...once you get through the door, why would you need to keep going back for more? My opinion is that drugs in general are not a path toward a closer connection to God/Goddess, Great Spirit, All that Is. That which is our highest I AM doesn't need anything temporary or outside what is already within. Our own light and love. Wellness and love to all, rhea

Gerardo Salazar

Sorry but Pastor Cross ideas are anything but new; many cultures have used hallucinogens for religious or mystical experiences. Hindus consumed the juice of the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria while Aztecs in pre-Columbian Mexico described the ceremonial use of teotlaqualli, a paste made from the hallucinogenic flower, ololiuqui. Rubbed on the skin of Aztec priests and soldiers, it was thought to eliminate fear and place the user in a proper mental state to serve the Aztec gods. Also in Mexico there’s a long history of using peyote, a mescaline-containing hallucinogen, in religious ceremonies. Ibogaine is a psychoactive drug derived from the bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant in Africa and Ingesting the iboga plant can lead to euphoria, excitement, confusion, visual hallucinations, anxiety, and sensory synesthesia, or a blending of sensory experiences.The Babongo people of Africa worship the drug as a source of spiritual knowledge and use it as part of religious ceremonies.

Sarah Ake

I actually have noticed more spiritual revelation as a Christian minister with marijuana. I am a chronic pain patient as well.

Clayton Beardmore

100% of Christian ministers that say marijuana is "morally wrong", are wrong.

Douglas Robert Spindler

Does Getting High Bring Us Closer to God? Absolutely - That's why God created them for us. And remember, they are 100% natural.

Earl Leiby

Every time I read something like this I am reminded how the world is changing for the worse. It’s very disconcerting. To me the whole world is really nuts. Loyalty, moderation, abstinence, basic morality is all being Terrian out the window. Nothing is unacceptable anymore. And if one voices that opinion you pay the price for it. Good luck to all of you “liberals”. Knock yourself out. Have a great old time here on earth. Just be prepared to answer for all these things when it is time to meet your maker.

Mark Hannon

It seems much safer than handling vipers.

Nicholas J Page

No it doesn't fact my brother was on it for about 50 years and he's not A believer in god I have tried it myself over 20 years ago whilst in California and it didn't do anything for me apart from feeling rough and it was given to me in a vape as a joke and it was horrible never again.

Deacon Michael

With all the negative and sometimes destructive side effects pertaining to marijuana, I don't think it would draw anywhere closer to God. For our Creator is all out for Health, Mind, Body, and Soul and against elements that may harm the human as mentioned.

Carl Bernard Elfstrom

I honestly can't remember how long it's been since I smoked any almost leg as l weed. A couple of years, I suppose. However, I smoked it thousands of times, starting when I was eleven years old, and it never made me closer to any of the gods, although I bet Bacchus got quite a laugh out of watching me. And I have absolutely nothing against it. I think everyone ought to try it. But I wouldn't do it in seeking a spiritual experience, but so imply a good buzz. And for those about to smoke, "I salute you"!

Carl Bernard Elfstrom

I bet Jesus w as s high on Mandrake when he said all that, Pedro (if he really existed). They were getting high on m as ndrake (which is a hallucinogen) as far back as the book of Genesis, as is stated in numerous places, in that deranged comic book. And with or without the addition of Marijuana that stuff will make you see all kinds of mytholo

Timothy Newell

The Enemy would like us to think that we get closer to God when we get high. I thought that for a long time and had all kinds of conversations with the Lord while getting stoned out in the woods not far from where I live. Then one day while good and high, I said to God, "Lead me the right way." And ten minutes later, I was laying on the road after being hit by a car! Like Saul on the road to Damascus. Weed is only an idol, and my practice of idolatry almost got me killed. So, after that, God lead me the right way all right. No more weed.

Robert Edward Szekely

The Native American Church uses peyote as a sacrament, and ayahuasca is brewed in a tea and used in religious rituals among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. So often we assume that only one faith is the right one, and that it must not only be our faith, but our denomination, and our interpretation of it, as well. There is no spirituality to be found in narrow-mindedness.

Reverend Kurt

Shamans and religions the world over have used plants to get into the spiritual zone since time immemorial. So have all the indigenous cultures the world over. If they did not have any success, the practice would have withered on the vine or gone up in smoke. Like incense. Reading the biographies of today's celebrities, it is amazing to find how many actually smoked marijuana before they embarked on their endeavors. Did the marijuana open a metaphysical door? Or perhaps a window? Sure hallucinogenic compounds can be dangerous. so is fire but do we ban fire or use it ?

Cindy L Edgar

I am a pagan high priestess ordained minister I believe in marijuana I would rather do marijuana for pain then the prescription drugs so I have no problem with anybody that believes in marijuana if this Christian minister thinks that he's closer to the gods and the goddesses then that's great I don't see anything wrong with anybody smoking marijuana or even using marijuana as an edible or a pain relief or a mental medicine like I said I use it much better than using prescription drugs

arawngraalrd

Bhagavad Gita describes the use of Soma, as a religious practice, legitimate, but sadly temporary. Real Yoga does a lot better. Pot leads to Paranoia and Possible Psychosis.

Karl Buchanan

Kaneh bosm was in the oil and incense for the temple and it was a staple of ancient trade mentioned in the bible as "sweet cane". There is a passage where God is upset with the apathy of the people and it reads "For you have not bought me sweet cane with money, nor satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices; but you have burdened me with your sin and wearied me with your iniquities"

Kevin Peter James Clarke

if its wrong then why is it ok to use other herbs spices and burn them in church? jasmine and bay leaves are used as a calming agent in church when burned but most don't even know what is in ball that burns incenses and herbs. this could be classed as the same thing, burning herbs to alter your state funny its used at the alter.

Guy Sutherland McLaren

I don't toke because I prefer to be in control. I would never let Jesus take the wheel because I think I am a better driver.

But as I recall, God gave all the plants for the use of except that one that Eve fed Adam. Why is Marijuana an exception, FCS even Jesus turned water into wine, I think that suggests that the big honcho doesn't have a real problem with boozing which is no better or worse than having a toke.

What was Moses burning bush? It made him see visions and hear voices after all.

Brian Keith Kniceley

I have been on medical marijuana for 2.5 years now and have lost 82 pounds....So yea, I don't think He minds us investing in our better selves.

Julio Cruz

Very tough subject because of different beliefs. I personally experienced some truth to this topic but when I decided to stop using marijuana I felt a even deeper connection with God, my most inner self. I feel as though it all depends on the individual. Everyone's opinion and experiences won't be the same.

John P Maher

GRASS or HASH, IN ALL PROBOBILITY it DOES, GOD MADE IT ?

Keith Allen Steele Eash

Omg. Seriously. Apparently you haven't studied mysticism in the Christian faith in any of the four branches. Getting high on God is not necessary using drugs or mind altering substances. Meditation in its various forms can be done through the Benedictine, Franciscan, Eastern Orthodoxy. This using drugs is nothing more then an excuse to use drugs easily. Gotta be sick in the head. Grass leafs to.harder and more dangerous substances. You really need to stop smoking and believing in your s&%t.

Bishop William Dusenberry, DD

As nature, (via eternal recurrence, Nietzsche style) evolved to this point, on what we call the Earth — which spawned off human minds — which then created supernatural Gods, and the resultant mythologies;

Nature eventually stumbled in to what was first known as “weed” (when poor people used it) then became “grass” (when middle class white kids became the primary users) and then “medical marijuana” (for those who could afford the fees) then, then, legal marijuana for everyone of legal age (by State Legislatures seeking new sources of revenue).

If I were still able, to force myself to attend a superstition-based house of worship, I might be inclined to do so — but only if that was the only way I could get legal weed.

I attended a concert (which was as close to going to church as I cared to go) in Copenhagen, while I was stoned, and if could remember doing so, I would probably say that it was a remarkable experience,

CB Cuff

I'm not convinced drugs, alcohol, sex or religion brings one "closer to god". Blake accurately described them as Doors of Perception". A 'devoutly religious' person who has consumed LSD would be an interesting person to share a conversation.

Minister Carlos Ricardo Walls

No!

Pedro Pagan Jr

Never read that Jesus tell his disciples to get high on Wine, incense or repetitive prayer. Jesus told us to meditate on the Word, pray once and Fath on that prayer. To Peter, to have faith of a Mustard seed then fasting when difficult situations arise. Also that Righteous, OBEDIENCE on the word no mater how insignificant. To conclude God is Attentive to the RIGHTEOUS and to Their prayers he Hears.

Cordelia Lewis

The only high you need is reading your Bible pray everyday.this makes a closer relationship with our God ,we don't need drugs to get in a closer relationship with the Almighty focus on the living words, prayer time , meditation these are what brings us in a beautiful relationship with the father in heaven.Gid given us steps how to be close to home,weed does not do this .I can understand if you have medical problems and you need weed to help manage the pain .

Donald Ray Sisk

Scripture reads be of a sober mind ,So to me that mean not to use any thing that alters your thinking or your ability of makeing a good decision ,I think that anything we do R say should be pleaseing an acceptable to our all mighty God .So remember that wen the next time U decide to get high ,Cause some day we all R going to hav to face Our all Mighty God in the end ,Keep doing what U R doing if U think it's right ,But remember that one day U will face him .So it's Your choice what U do while here in the life,Hav a great an Blessed day ,In Christ ,Don

Minister Raydeen

are we reading our Bible? 2 Corinthians, cleanse ourselves.!!!! that means everything that is not Holy. come on now, SIMPLE

Greg Formoe

Cannabis was used in the old days, they have found residue in old incense burners from the days of the bible. They would burn a pile of it and stand in the smoke, then enjoy their holy feelings. Cannabis can be a very spiritual experience, especially if you only use it once in a while, that makes it more intense.

Marie Gilbert

Ever since I had Covid and Covid pneumonia followed by long term covid that damaged my lungs and heart, I began to use cannabis gummies to help me sleep...while I think that Marijuana is beneficial for pain and anxiety attacks and much safer than prescription drugs...I don't see how it helps you commune better with GOD, unless you are unable to concentrate clearly without help. A lot of us have ADHD and don't know it, or we have OCD and don't know it. So while not condemning your method of communing better with GOD...you need to be careful in suggesting others to use cannabis without knowing their medical history. My go to for a better connection to God is music...not church music...that does nothing for me, but Space Ambient Music...definitely does the job.

P. Keith Benefiel

"...there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. Mark 7:15

Marius Gabriel Burja

God blessed us with everything. Those who take a blessing and blast it are blasted by God. Humans are created by Gods systems like planets, plants and animals. All life belongs to God. Even the one you were given. Don't make yourself a God over someone else by telling them what to do or don't do. It is each ones individual responsibilitie to seek and find. Christians still live in Gods universe along with the rest of the Observers of the universe. That's all humans are. Observers of the universe. 🖖🏻🤓 live long and prosper. You were given everything for that purpose and to love life. All life forms. Cannabis is food for the soul, body and mind. Everything you consume should help you live a long prosperous life because we observed that being happy and healthy promotes long lifespans. God doesn't want humans extinct. Nor anything else. It's Gods choice for us to thrive under, in and with the glorious systems created to sustain life.

Pastor Charlene, Ph.D

No, drugs do not bring us closer to God. Drugs just make you think so. Pot is legal..Smoke...relax and be happy. I ran into someone years back who was talking to Jesus on the beach. Really? Or was it the mushrooms?

Thomas Earl Dunn

The Native American Church in northern Michigan, I am sure would not discourage ones right of choice. I believe that He put everything on this earth for a reason and we have soul he gave us to choose. Tom Dunn

Rev Dr N

Why doesn't all those that smoke this awful weed realise that they walk around stinking of burning rubber, that is what it smells like, totally disgusting. Also, all these excuses as to why they need it, stress etc, what about all those that served their country in the 2 wars, they did not go around all the time smoking weed and stinking of burning rubber. As for taking it to get closer to God, what rubbish! it is down to this awful substance in the first place that gives him those weird, off beat ideas. If one wants to truly get closer to God it is simple, lead a good clean life, help other and... pray! God gave us a gift of our lives, they are precious and God would expect us to return to Him having looked after our lives, not fill it with disgusting smelling drugs and all manner of excuses as to why we did.

Ashanti Akisha Marie Norris

Jesus is the only way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Heavenly Father other than through Jesus Christ of Nazareth. There is no other way to get to Heaven other than believing that Jesus Christ died for your sin and that we repent and ask YAHWEH for forgiveness .

Ashanti Akisha Marie Norris

No one comes unto the father other than through Jesus Christ of Nazareth you must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and ask God for forgiveness of those sins and when you believe in Jesus Christ and you will be saved. There is nothing in the holy Bible about marijuana causing you to be closer to God the only thing that causes you to be close to God is the belief in Jesus Christ of Nazareth the son of the living God. It says in John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son and that whomsoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life it did not say if you smoke weed you will become closer to God nor did it say if you smoke weed it will give you everlasting life that is not the true gospel of God that is a lie it says in the word of God to study and show yourself approved and also rebuke the devil and he shall flee some people are false prophets and they are not listening and nor are they reading

David Bartlett

I don't indulge myself. It does nothing for me and for medical reasons I can't be around smoke anyways. But I got no problem with other people using it. Alcohol has proven more dangerous and IT'S legal. As for it being a gateway drug, well my grandfather used to say alcohol is a gateway drug to aspirin. Legalizing it will empty a third of the population from prisons saving taxpayers billions. Then regulate the quality and tax it. This will also reduce that tax burden as will the reduced use of law enforcement resources. It's a win-win-win-win. Then give charities the right to open up snack shops next door to cannabis stores so they can take in huge amounts of revenue. There's another win.

Ok so, as to the religious angle, Some cultures use cannabis in certain religious practices. That's not a new thing. If a religion wants to do that, it's their choice.