Can we talk about marijuana at church? That was the cover title of an article in the Christian Century magazine last December. At that time a significant number of US states were either decriminalizing or legalizing weed, so it was timely.
I'm not so sure about talking about marijuana in church because I'm sick about hearing it EVERYWHERE these days thanks to the decision of the Canadian government to legalize cannabis, as of today.
When I worked as a chaplain intern at Kingston Penitentiary nearly forty years ago I wondered why people were doing federal time for personal possession or minor dealing. Through the years I've thought that it was hypocritical for governments to sanction and regulate the consumption of alcohol which kills thousands every year yet criminalize pot. There are a lot of folk who benefit from medical marijuana and I don't begrudge them that relief one bit.
That said, we really don't have a "theology of weed" in the church and perhaps we never will. The United Church has been silent on the subject of legalization, which is not surprising. Our Methodist and Presbyterian roots have ensured that we have an ambivalent official outlook on booze and discouraged the serving of alcohol at church functions through the years. We don't even include it in communion, opting for grape juice rather than wine. The United Church Observer magazine did address the subject back in 2015 and again this year with a Michael Coren piece which is thoughtful and worth reading.
https://www.ucobserver.org/society/2015/12/cannabis/
https://www.ucobserver.org/columns/2018/10/christians_pot_legalization/
I am concerned that legalized marijuana will become a boon for "big pharma" and other corporations which will have the resources to become licensed sellers. I am dubious that provincial governments are prepared for sales, and that this is a "cash cow" rather than the stated step of regulation to protect children and young people. I've heard too many medical people express concerns about the effects on young brains and that marijuana not only impairs, it can be addictive.
And don't get me started on driving high. There are way to many people on the roads already who drive as though they are impaired. This is going to place a whole new pressure on an already overwhelmed court system.
I also wonder what the Promised Land enthusiasm for legalization says about our culture. Canadians are amongst the wealthiest people on Earth with general "peace, order and good government." So why do we search out so many avenues of escapism? Perhaps we should talk about marijuana in church within the broader context of what brings us peace and contentment.
I suppose this gives a whole new meaning to the expression "holy roller."
Are you ready to sign up for the study group? BYOJ.
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