Pubdate: Sat, 30 Mar 2007
Source: Daily Illini, The (U of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Edu)
Copyright: 2007 Illini Media Co
Contact:  http://www.dailyillini.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1292
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n395/a08.html?1053
Author: Samuel W. Carroll
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BIBLICAL SUPPORT OF CANNABIS QUESTIONED

While I appreciate Stan White looking to the Bible to support the 
legalization of cannabis (March 27, "Pass cannabis law"), I am afraid 
his argument does not hold water. To follow his line of reasoning: 
since the seed-bearing plant Deadly Nightshade was called good and 
given to humans for food (Gen. 1:29), we should partake thereof with 
thanksgiving. This could have dire consequences.

He is entirely correct that God blessed all seed-bearing plants and 
called them good. In an ideal world, it would naturally follow to use 
all such plants and give thanks. However, we do not live in an ideal 
world. What he overlooked occurs only two chapters later: Adam's 
fall. According to the Bible, the whole earth is fallen as a result. 
See Genesis 3:17 and following, "Cursed is the ground because of you ..."

Sadly, the goodness of the earth has been marred by our sin. No 
longer are all plants good to eat (or to smoke). We must make 
informed judgments about them. But since I know little about 
cannabis, I will leave that discussion to wiser heads than mine.

Samuel W. Carroll

graduate student
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman