Truth Magazine

By Earl E. Robertson

Every Christian should be deeply interested in the constant struggle between holiness and unholiness, godliness and ungodliness, sacredness and profanity. Perhaps, it is in this very sphere that many of us take for granted that we stand acceptable with God, but actually, are profane in person and action. Let us be concerned with what the word of God says about this grave issue.

Definition

Perhaps there has been a very limited idea or use made in our understanding of what profanity means. To hear the use made of this word one would think its only use is in our language. Certainly, sacred and holy things can be profaned in our speech; so also can the God who made us. Our word “profane” translates the Greek bebalos which “denotes a. the place which may be entered by anyone . . . . accessible” (Kittel, Vol. 1, p. 604). He shows it corresponds to the Latin profanus, and further acquires the sense of what may ” e said publicly in contrast to what must not be uttered on religious grounds.” This term occurs five times in the New Testament: three times to things (1 Tim. 4:7; 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16), and two times to persons (1 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 12:16). Of the instances where it is used of material things Kittel says the word “refers to Gnostic teachings which are scornfully described as profane and unholy.” He further declares, “In opposition to their claim to offer an inward truth of religion inaccessible to others, the Gnostic statements concerning God are actually seen to be outside the sphere of the holy God and His Gospel.” Bauer says, “accessible to everyone, profane, unhallowed, in NT not in a ritualistic sense . . . but as an ethical and religious term” (p. 138). McClintock and Strong say, “To profane is to put holy things to vile or common uses; as the money changers did the Temple, by converting a part of it into a place of business (Matt. 21:12)” (Vol. 8, p. 626). Vine says, “Primarily, permitted to be trodden, accessible (from baino, to go, whence belos, a threshold), hence, unhallowed, profane . . . .” Harrison says, “In the OT ‘profane’ is a ceremonial word, an antonym of `holy’ (cf. 1 Sam. 21:4; Ezek. 22:26). To profane is to take something out of the sacred sphere into normal life. The Hebrew hll, whose original force was apparently to untie, means the removal of a prohibition, either illegitimately as in Lev. 21:4, 9, 15 etc., where prohibitions are imposed upon priests, or legitimately, e,g in Deut. 20:6 and Jer. 31:5, where hll signifies permission to use or enjoy the vineyard is no longer holy but profane or common, i.e., usable by man.

“The Lord’s name (i.e., person) is the most common object of profanity (Lev. 18:21; 20:3; 21:6; Ezek. 36:21-23; Amos 2:7, etc..); but what God has sanctified by His presence or His word may also be profaned, e.g., the sanctuary with its vessels (Lev. 21:12; 22:15; Ezek. 22:26; 24:21), the Sabbath (Ezek. 22:8, and the covenant (Mal. 2:10).”

Conditions Of The Profaned

So both persons and things can be profaned. It seems that one renders his state or condition profane when he forgets his separateness and exclusiveness for the Lord by being of common use. The world has common access to that one’s life and interests. While the Lord commands “love not the world,” the world is able to do with him what it wishes. This takes on every shade of love, interest, and influence of a worldly nature manifested by the one upon whom the world so easily can touch. One has to lower his standard, the standard God has given, to accept and use the common in morals and spirituality while God demands exclusive use. In fact, Paul emphasizes the fact that any “things that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:9,10) fits into the condition of a profaned person. When one becomes such a sinner he does so willingly; he permits himself to be trodden down through the abandonment of the sacred panoply furnished by the Lord.

Christians need to remember that we are not our own, that we have been bought with the blood of Christ and, therefore, have the sacred duty to glorify God in our body and spirit (1 Cor. 6:19,20; 2 Cor. 7:1). We need to keep our hearts with diligence (Prov. 4:23), and keep them pure (Matt. 5:8; 1 Pet. 1:22). Having pure hearts and a watchful desire that they remain that way keeps the world at its distance. But once the world has easy access to our heart we become profane, and this leads to actions of profanity. There is no way to escape this conclusion. There must always be an awareness in our heart that we belong to God and are sanctified, and that this condition must be reflected in our actions. We owe the world no kindnesses, but we owe God our very selves. When the world calls, we must be sufficiently alert to oppose that beckon (James 4:7), and when God calls our disposition and alertness should be like that of Samuel: “Here am I” (1 Sam. 3:4). It is so much easier to retain the right separateness from the world when one wants to do the right thing . . . to be ready unto every good work (Tit. 3:1). The world is always watching for the Christian to develop the attitude which will compromise. It makes no difference to the world what the area of profanity is just so it can have common access to our hearts and lives – that is its objective. The world has succeeded when its path to our hearts is open and unopposed! There is a coarseness essentially attendant with profanity that the alert Christian observes and detests; he shuns it knowing its power is despotic.

Fruits Of Profanity

The state of profanity is always producing the fruits of profanity. This is a law which can not be changed. Few, however, appear to be very aware of it. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things” (Matt. 12:35). A profane person, a person who has allowed himself to be trodden by evil . . . has become accessible by evil, produces the fruit of this kind of living. The sacred things of God with which this one’s life has to do will be misused and prostituted. It causes troubles and divisions within churches. He either profanes the sacred services by the introduction of unauthorized actions or he condones and aids others who do in his compromises. The sacred worship to God has been made profane by many through the introduction of mechanical instruments into that worship; the sacred work of evangelism likewise has been prostituted and profaned in the efforts of missionary societies and centralization of congregations acting to convert the world. Satan has been successful in making a path to our heart and has, therefore, been able to cause an abuse of holy and sacred things. The pure and holy are no longer such; they have been profaned through common use.

Think of our speech! The word of God demands, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). God forbids the Christian to use words that are corrupt, but to use words that are good. Rotten, putrid, worthless, are words for corrupt. While the Christian can speak words that are useful and helpful, often he speaks rotten words which spoil those about him or his words vex them like Lot of old. The Christian should be interested in “sound speech,” in speech that helps others and makes himself influential and useful in the cause of righteousness. People should be upset when they hear a so-called Christian speaking words of jest and filth! Peter says that Lot was sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked; this included their speech! Lot not only saw their ungodly behavior, he heard (2 Pet. 2:8)! The growing Christian today will also be vexed by the filth he hears. Yes, the filth one hears on TV, at work and play, and every place. We can control most of this. If we allow such access it will not be long until we too will be talking the same way.

Impure and vain speech is definitely a fruit of a profaned person. Any person using speech that does not befit the truth of the gospel is a disgrace to the Lord. Such an one seeking to be called a Christian, while allowing Satan the control of his brains and mouth, should be so ashamed that he will repent and pray for forgiveness. Influences we often allow ourselves to be subjected to and surrounded with lead us to “speak things (we) ought not” (1 Tim. 5:13). “Ought” carries a moral responsibility here. One should, therefore, be interested in speaking the “things which become sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1) that he might be influential for the good rather than aiding and extending the cause of putrid behavior. The word of God demands that the Christian put away “all evil speakings” (Eph.4:31; 1 Pet. 2:1). Paul tells us that “bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Many in the church want to deny this, but look at their lives! Evil speech is a matter of morals. The company one keeps helps determine one’s morality. In the presence of jest and filth it is so easy to talk the same way. I have preached long enough and heard so many “confess their faults” (James 5:16), that I know the company they had was an overwhelming influence and determining factor upon the quality and character of their speech. The tongue is a very unruly member of the body to start with (James 3), and needs all the good encouragement and influence it can get. The immoral and ungodly atmosphere generated in so many TV programs is exactly what many Christians demand for satisfaction. People, we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7)! Such an one has allowed Satan free access to his heart and lips, and the devil now uses him for the cause of ungodliness and immorality.

The pure in heart (Matt. 5:8) have everything; nothing good can come from a change. The Christian cannot ignore gutter language. Some pay to see movies that are as base and -gross as Satan can make them and declare that the “bad language” did not bother them because they just ignored it. The pure in heart can not give it such a “brush off.” One who “ignores” it is desensitized to evil! Shortly he will reveal no repugnancy to such, but will, actually, defend it. Profanity’s fruits are bad and every soul allowing Satan access to his heart will eventually bear fruit to identify him as profane. When Peter cursed and denied Jesus it was an effort for identity (Matt. 26:69-75). Who can believe that one loves the Lord while his lips tells lies and utters filth, while he specifically violates God’s will in taking the name of Almighty God in vane (Ex. 20:7). The name of God is holy and must be revered by man (Psa. 111:9); it must be “hallowed” by faithful disciples (Lk. 11:2; Matt. 6:9). One who uses the name of God in a common way is identified; his speech associates and identifies him as profane. By the words of the profane one is condemned (Matt. 12:37).

QUESTIONS

1. Do you consider profanity a grave issue?
2. What is profanity?
3. Show how a person or a thing might become profane.
4. Give discussion to the condition of one who is pro fane.
5. Give illustrations as to how one becomes profane.
6. What are some of the fruits of profanity?
7. Is a misuse of sacred service profanity?
8. Discuss the probability of a Christian remaining faithful to God who ignores the profanity he can control.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 21, pp. 344-346
May 24, 1979

By Keith Clayton

In traveling around the country and meeting with people, I find a marked increase in the reported use of marijuana. Indeed, perusing the various periodicals and journals would seem to verify this very observation. In the August 7, 1978 issue of U.S. News and World Report, we find the following statistics offered by Dr. R. Dupont, Jr.:

43,000,000 Americans have tried marijuana

16,000,000 Americans are current users

9% of high school seniors are daily users (because it is available to adults, it is available to adolescents kec)

11 of 20 college people have tried it

2 of 20 college people use it daily

15% of all auto accidents are attributed to it

I have met people I know personally and they seem to feel that marijuana use is not so harmful as some other people feel. Rather it is really quite harmless and morally right. Their reasoning goes, “After all, I use it and I am not such a bad person”! “I am O.K.!” But I pose this question: Since when has God ever determined rightness and morality upon the basis of human actions and rationalizations? The answer is never; moreover, the Scriptures specifically state that “It is not within man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). God has provided the only guide to “life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3) in the instrument of the Bible. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is the Creator and not the creature that determines right and wrong, just and unjust, morality and immorality, Heaven or Hell as a final abode of the spirit of man. Let us consider some Bible facts and principles that are pertinent to the subject.

The relationship of the righteous and the Christ has to be one of respect for the name of Christ. An attitude of not wanting to do anything that would bring shame to the great and glorious name of the Son of God, the King of kings. A good way to remember this is to understand the spiritual relationship between the Christian and Jesus. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (Col. 3:2-4). The Christian and Christ are to be inseparable, and the Christian should not set his mind upon anything that Jesus would have no part of. This is further elaborated on in Matt. 5:16 where application is made, to the effect, that people of the world should find in Christians a light to lead them to truth and Jesus, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may -see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Therefore, in order for marijuana smoking to be acceptable in God’s eyes, it must do these two things: help keep Christians faithful and lead people to Christ. It does neither!

Marijuana use, according to Dr. R. DuPont, Jr., is a terribly deceptive practice. He further states (U.S. .News and World Report, August 7, 1978), “Only the tip of the iceberg has been seen regarding the ill effects in health, social activities, family living and work performance . . . . The first illegal drug that young people adopt is marijuana. Then there is a hierarchy leading to heroin . . . the thing is that when people stop using drugs, they usually go back down these steps in reverse sequence . . . . We already know enough to say marijuana poses a substantial risk. Anyone who takes the drug and thinks nothing has happened to his body has lost his mind.” As we can see, an expert, a member of the President’s Drug Abuse Commission explains that the possible effects of marijuana are nearly all negative in nature. Certainly, we cannot see Jesus engaging in these things nor can we see Jesus through the person who practices the consumption of marijuana.

Marijuana stands condemned (without considering the evil companions that travel with it) because of the significant health hazards it presents. Marijuana, according to a special report in Time Magazine (January 29, 1979, p. 26) outlined the adverse medical and health effects that are produced by using this drug.

“Immunity – Some studies have shown a marked reduction, in white blood cell response, the body’s prime defense against infection, in marijuana smokers.

Chromosomes – Human cell cultures from pot users have shown breaks in chromosomes carrying genetic information, or reduced numbers of chromosomes.

Many doctors believe, however, that some people can easily become psychologically dependent on the two drugs (marijuana and cocain-kec) and the effects they produce.”

Also we find more negative evidence from the April 1978 issue of the Science Digest. I. R. Rosengard, M.D. researched the after effects of a total of 37,000 occasions of marijuana use by many individuals. The physiological effects found are as follows:

1. Increase in heart rate.

2. Reddening of the eyes.

3. Extremely hard on bronchial system . . . like rubbing sand paper on lung tissue.

4. Mental and motor performance impaired, many cases severely.

One conclusion reached by this doctor was this. “Marijuana is highly dangerous if used before or during the use of an automobile (to others who do not use it alsokec). If it were legal and use of it became wide spread, accident rates would triple. It should never be legalized.” Moreover, in a CBS documentary titled, “Reading, Writing and Reefer,” research showed that one (1) marijuana “joint” is equivalent, in terms of respiratory system damage, to twenty-one (21) tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, there was a great deal of concern for the development of the adolescent who participated in the use of marijuana (aside from the terrible health effects). We can clearly see that marijuana is absolutely not productive, rather that it is absolutely a destructive element to add to an already morally decaying society.

Obviously, the Bible does not mention marijuana by name; however, there are God given principles which we call use to determine the acceptability of the use of this dru*. Those principles are in addition to the ones previously mentioned regarding the Christian-Christ-God’s words that have a very direct bearing on the subject at hand. Marijuana is damaging to the body, physically, mentally and spiritually – this can be readily established. Then we consider God’s will for our bodies and we discover, “Do you know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” There is no way a Christian, a lover of God, can use marijuana as a pleasure (reality modifier) and not endanger the attainment of a home in Heaven – because he or she deliberately damages their bodies. The Bible gives us a strong statement of damnation and destruction against the sinner who condones such behavior. “Be ye not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to this own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:7-8). If man gives in to unhealthy, sinful, sensual and fleshly desires (unscripturally), then he or she cannot be controlled by God’s word. Such a one cannot inherit the kingdom of God, according to the word of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

Let us listen to the words of Jesus in closing. Think of all the ill moral, mental and bodily effects of the use of marijuana (the fruits brought by its use) as we read the Savior’s words in Matthew 7:16-19. “Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” What kind of tree is the consumption of marijuana? Can the child of God, the Christian do anything except totally abstain and be pleasing to his or her Creator? “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from the appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22).

QUESTIONS

1. Why can we not justify the use of marijuana on the basis that “I use it and I am not such a bad person”?
2. What two things must marijuana do in order to be acceptable in God’s eyes. Does it do either?
3. Discuss some of the physiological effects of marijuana on the human body. What scriptures does this violate?
4. Discuss Gal. 6:7-8 with reference to the use of marijuana.
5. What kind of fruit-bearer would those who use marijuana be?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 21, pp. 343-344
May 24, 1979

By Curtis J. Torno, M.D.

The recent release of the Surgeon General’s second report on smoking re-emphasized the health hazard of smoking. Those of us in the medical profession have recognized these hazards for a long time. Despite a few denials from those who desire to use tobacco and willfully refuse to face facts, the truth has long been evident to even a casual observer. A trained observer knows the hazards of smoking all too well.

Smoking one package or more (20 cigarettes) a day will shorten one’s life on the average by twelve years. A select committee of the American Heart Association chaired by Dr. William B. Kannel, the director of the Framingham Study, said “325,000 premature deaths from heart disease can be directly attributed to cigarette smoking.”

A study from the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) reported in 1977 that the lung cancer rate among female smokers was 101.4 per 100,000 population and 392.8 per 100,000 among male smokers. Among nonsmoking females the rate was 9.4 per 100,000 and 12.5 per 100,000 among males. This is very significant! The USPHS estimate is that nearly 75,000 of the 84,000 who die of lung cancer every year would not die if they did not smoke. The cancer rate among female smokers is twelve times greater than it is among non-smokers and among male smokers it is thirty-five times higher that male non-smokers. That means that among smokers the lung cancer rate is 1 in 25 and among non-smokers it is nearly 1 in 10,000. Significant isn’t it?

The Framingham Study of over five thousand subjects for sixteen years has demonstrated conclusively that cigarette smoking is extremely hazardous to health. The over-all death rate from all causes for smokers is twice that of non-smokers in the same areas, in the same jobs and from the same backgrounds. The USPHS call smoking “the foremost cause or preventable disease and death in this country.” The British Royal College of Physicians compares the effect of cigarette smoking to the “lethal power of great epidemic diseases such as typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis.”

Among adult men, the smoking rate is down 25% but among women the rate is up about an equal amount. The greatest increase is among pre-adult girls and boys. Most of the increase in consumption has been among women and the very young. This is tragic, especially when as much as 15% of those 12 years and under smoke. The smoking rate is highest of any age group among those between 15 and 21, both girls and boys. It is a paradox that the older and wiser and best informed segment of our population is decreasing smoking while the uninformed and least wise are the ones that are consuming the most and taking up the habit at an increasingly younger age.

The Christian should understand that his smoking can affect not only his health and cause early death, but it affects his children and those with whom he associates. Children whose parents do not smoke only have a 15% smoking rate but among children whose parents do smoke, 85% also smoke. So not only do smoking Christians endanger their own bodies and souls, but affect and influence others also.

The only bright side to this ugly picture is that it is possible to stop smoking! More than that, to stop causes a marked diminution in the health hazard and death risk. According to the American Cancer Society’s study of more than a million subjects – the largest of the prospective investigations – male smokers had up to twice the, overall mortality of non-smokers; the risk being greater according to the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of the smoking habit. Women smokers also had a higher mortality rate but less then men. Those who had given up smoking before joining the study had death rates that decreased according to ,the length of time since they last smoked cigarettes.

Those who used to smoke 1 to 19 cigarettes a day showed a steady decline in risk, so that after 10 years, they had the same mortality rate as those who had never smoked. Heavier smokers (more that 20 cigarettes a day) began to reduce their risk five years after stopping, but even afer 10 years their mortality rate was higher than those who has never smoked. In the ACS and other studies, mortality rates in the first year after stopping tend to be higher than those of smokers, because it is often illness that makes the person quit.

The study of British doctors is frequently quoted to illustrate a beneficial effect of stopping smoking on total mortality. Male doctors aged 35 to 64 years showed a fall in mortality of 12.4% in the years 1962-65 compared with 1953-57, whereas in the total male population the fall was only 2.9%. Half of the doctors who smoked had given up smoking during these years while those in the general population were said to have altered their smoking.

A recent report from the Framingham study provides support in that “men who gave up smoking after entry to the study had half the attack rate for coronary heart disease, excluding angina, compared with those who continued to smoke.”

All of this should be encouraging to those who may have smoked and desire to stop. Basically, if one stops now, in 10 years he has largely ovecome the hazardous effect on his body. Of course, if one continues to smoke they continue to run the increased risk of premature death.

Over 55 % of all physicians have quit smoking and now less than 20% of all physicians smoke at all. In a recent survey of over 10,000 physicians, 98% answered yes to the question “Do you consider cigarette smoking as hazardous to health?” and 2% answered that they weren’t sure yet. None answered the questionaire that it was their opinion that there was no hazard to health in smoking. As the American Cancer Society poster says, “Maybe they know something you don’t know.” You could know and should know what a health hazard smoking is.

Anyone who thinks cigarette smoking is not harmful and hazardous to one’s health cannot read the label on the package and cannot read the volumes of published material that is available. How many rational normal people would continue to eat cranberry sauce or tuna fish or candy if the package label said: “Warning consuming this material can be dangerous to your health!” Yet, millions go on inhaling cigarette smoke despite the warning. What would happen to the sale of tuna fish if it could be proven that 1 in 25 of all people who eat tuna fish would develop lung cancer? While there are other people who live in the same area and work at the same jobs, but who do not eat tuna fish and the lung cancer rate among these persons is 1 in 10,000. How many would continue to eat tuna fish?

This is the advice of a physician and almost unanimously the advice of any physician – stop smoking while you still can. Smoking cigarettes is a lethal habit that shortens your life, harms your influence, puts you in disregard to common sense and sound advice and puts you in direct opposition to many New Testament principles. If you do not stop for conscience sake – please stop for your body’s sake and the sake of those of our younger generation who will be encouraged to smoke or not smoke from your example.

QUESTIONS

1. In light of 1 Cor. 6:18-19, would you consider smoking a matter of defiling the temple of God? If so, what will happen if we destroy this temple?
2. What effect does smoking have on our children or those with whom we associate?
3. What should be the message to the general public, when over half of the doctors who smoked have given up the habit?
4. Why is it difficult to quit smoking? What does this say about our growth in relation to self-control, temperance, etc.?
5. If you do not agree that smoking is sinful and wrong, how would you justify this habit scripturally?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 21, pp. 341-342
May 24, 1979

By James R. McCain, M.D.

Dolly and Harry give a schoolboy some white stuff that looked like stardust. He ran with great speed to the yard where he lay in the grass and looking up into the blue heavens dreamed of taking trips where he could have. juice, fags, and a businessman’s high. Doesn’t make much sense, does it? These sentences were constructed using slang names for drugs that are being used today! Methadone, Heroin. Codeine, Morphine, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Marijuana, Barbituates, LSD, Alcohol, Tobacco and DMT.

Drug abuse is not just a problem for the underprivileged families and for the ghettos, but it is a problem for all society, the Christian family included. Drug abuse to the Christian should immediately bring to mind the “works of the flesh” in Ga. 5:19. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like . . . .” Any and all of these works could conceivably be a resultant factor in drug abuse. But a Christian need practice only one “work of the flesh” to miss inheriting the Kingdom of God. Among all the “works” mentioned in the above scripture, sorcery stands out as the one that would embrace drug abuse. The Greek word for sorcery is pharmakia from which we get our English word pharmacy. Its meaning primarily signifies the use of medicine, drugs, spells. Others “works” such as uncleanness, lasciviousness, drunkenness and revellings very often are associated with drug abuse.

If we wanted to use one phrase to describe why people abuse the use of drugs, it would probably have to be because of its “mind-altering” effect. Here again Christians are taught to be sober – sober-minded. The word “sober” as used in 1 Thess. 5:6-8 (not drunken), 1 Pet. 1:13 (gird up mind by being sober), and 1 Pet. 5:8 (be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour) is translated from the Greek word nepho. This word nepho signifies in the New Testament to be free from the influence of intoxicants. We must therefore be keen of mind, lucid, ever watchful whereas the drug abuser is easy prey for the devil and will be devoured by the “roaring lion.”

This paper is being written in the hope that those who read it may be better informed about the dangers of the drugs that are being used today by our young people and even older people. These drugs, that alter the mind, and have the potential for causing organic damage, should be relagated to the devil and not be a part of the sober Christian’s armor.

The most prevalent drug used today is alcohol. By definition alcohol falls in the category of being a food as it does contain calories. However, it has no nutritional value. It also can be categorized as a drug because it affects the Central Nervous System. Unfortunately the term alcoholic does not apply to only the older generation. The average age for becoming an alcoholic is becoming increasingly younger and younger. There are even cases recorded of 7-year old children becoming alcoholics. The average age a young person begins to drink alcoholic beverages is 12-14 years. The addictive years for alcohol are between 18-24 years. It takes a teenager 15 months to become addictive; it takes an adult, 15 years to become addictive.

Twenty percent of the alcohol consumed by an individual goes into the blood stream immediately; the remaining 8©% goes in only slightly slower but once in the blood stream begins its tranquilizing effect, although at first it may seem to be stimulating. Depending upon the amount taken in, size of the individual, whether consumed with food, and how rapidly it is taken in determines how quickly the brain becomes depressed. If steady, heavy drinking persists, the brain can become anesthetized to such a degree that coma and death may result. The more chronic long-term effect of alcohol is seen to contribute to cirrhosis of the liver, gastric ulcers, heart disease, serious nervous and mental disorders and even permanent brain damage.

Many homes are destroyed because of alcohol; many accidents are the direct result of alcoholic consumption. There are several million so-called alcoholics in the world today and a recent survey revealed that 68% of American adults drink at least occasionally. Twenty percent of those who drink become alcoholic. Forty-one billion dollars a year are spent on alcohol. Many young people are turning from other drugs to alcohol. The lowering of the legal age to 18 years has not helped the situation.

Some states are considering going back to age 21 as the legal age to buy intoxicating beverages. (Why not age 100?)

Marijuana is, at the present time, the second most popular and widely used drug. Marijuana is derived from the flowering tops and leaves of the Indian Hemp plant, cannabis sativa. It has been known by man for nearly 5,000 years but was not introduced into the USA as an intoxicating drug until 1920. Eighty percent of the Marijuana used in the USA comes from Mexico, the rest from Africa, India, the Middle East and the USA. It has been estimated that $100 million a year is spent on Marijuana use.

It can be smoked or a concentrate of it called Hashish oil can be dropped on a regular cigarette or in food. It enters the blood stream and acts on the brain and nervous system. It works by affecting the mood and thinking process. Among other things it affects decision-making processes. It makes a person highly vulnerable to other people’s suggestions, therefore often results in highly irresponsible activity. Marijuana use does not result in a physiological dependence (body has to have it to function) but does result in psychological dependence – therefore habituating. Although medical science does not know all the effects of Marijuana, since it is classified as a mindaltering chemical. society in general, and Christians in particular should refrain from its use.

There are a group of drugs known as Hallucinogens. The most popular one of these has been LSD (D-Lysergic acid diethylamide) developed in 1938 from a fungus, Ergot, that grows as a rust on rye and other cereals. It is so powerful that a single ounce provides 300,000 average doses.

Another hallucinogenic drug is derived from the peyote cactus and is called mescaline. The Indians of northern Mexico have used it for years as a part of their traditional religious rites. Psilocybin, DMT, and STP are other hallucinogenic drugs.

The hallucinogens produce sensory illusions, making it difficult to distinquish between the fact and fantasy. In large doses they may produce unreal sights and sounds and users may describe “hearing” colors and “seeing” sounds. Sense of direction, distance and time become disoriented. Restlessness and sleeplessness are common symptoms. Tolerance to the drugs develop after prolonged use; therefore, larger and larger doses are required for the user to get the desired effect. And the effect is unpredictable and may result in “good” trips or “bad” trips.

Chronic use does not apparently cause physiological dependence, but can alter the user’s values and impair his power of concentration and ability to think. It is not known how LSD works but it is thought to affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and to produce changes in the brain’s electrical activity.

There have been reported many cases of panic and fear of losing one’s mind; paranoia (feeling someone is trying to cause harm or control one’s thinking); a recurrence of “the trip” days, weeks or even months after having used the drug with the resultant fear of losing one’s mind; accidental death because the user thinks he can fly or float in the air therefore leaps from great heights, etc. Although research has not proved it, the use of LSD becomes a high risk to pregnant women because of the possibility of chromosomal changes in an unborn child, causing defects.

Many volatile substances produce an intoxicated state when inhaled. Young children and adolescent are more prone to try these methods of distorting consciousness. These fall into 3 groups:

(1) Commercial solvents such as Toluene, benzene, acetone, carbon tetracholride, and other volatile substances found in airplane glue, plastic cements, paint thinner, gasoline, cleaning fluid, nail polish remover, and cigarette lighter fluid.

(2) Propellants in aerosols.

(3) Anesthetics – chloroform, ether, etc.

The psychic effects of these may produce a high dreamlike state, drunkenness, sleepines, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and stupor. Most sniffers do not recall the events that occurred while “under the effect.” The young people who engage in this practice often have a history of delinquent activity. Because of the intoxicating effect that impairs judgement and motor function, many accidents occur, often fatal. Habitual use, depending upon the material, may cause lead poisoning (gasoline), kidney and liver disease (carbon tetrachloride) and tissue damage to the brain.

Another group of drugs on the drug abuse list are the depressants. These are Chloral Hydrate, Barbiturates, Clutethimide (Doriden), Methaqualone (Quaalude), Meprobamate (Miltown, Equanil), Benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium). These drugs are widely prescribed by physicians for the treatment of insomnia, relief of anxiety, irritability and tension. In excessive amounts they produce symptoms similar to that of alcohol. These drugs can cause physiological dependence. Taken with alcohol they can become lethal. Depressants are often used particularly by women as a means of suicide.

Stimulants are chemical drugs that excite the central nervous system. The most common are nicotine (Tobacco) and caffeine (coffee and tea). In moderation they relieve fatigue and increase alertness. The stronger stimulants are cocaine, the amphetamines, and the anorectic drugs (appetite suppressants). All the stimulants produce mood elevation and a heightened sense of well-being. Chronic users feel stronger, more confident, decisive and selfpossessed. If given directly in the vein they may produce a sudden sensation known as a “flash” or “rush.” The protracted user, after getting a stimulating effect, may later lapse into a state of depression known as “crashing.” As a result another injection is given and the condition may progress to delirium, psychosis or physical exhaustion. Those in professions that require alertness for long hours often take stimulants (uppers) to stay awake. In some, a pattern of “uppers” in the morning and “downers” (alcohol or depressants) at night develop. It is not certain whether these drugs cause physical dependence but very definitely cause psychological dependence. There have been. some fatalities among athletes who have undergone extreme exertion who were taking moderate amounts of stimulant drugs.

Cocaine is extracted from the South American coca plant and is currently used infrequently in the medical profession. When sniffed or snorted or given in the vein, it causes extreme euphoria. Because of its intense pleasurable effect, a strong psychic dependency may develop. The Amphetamines are used medically for unusual states of sleepiness, appetite control and hyperactive behavioral disorders in children.

The anorectic drugs such as Tennate, Presate, Ionamin are used for appetite control and are less potent than the amphetamines.

When we say narcotic drugs, we think of Heroin, Morphine, Paregoric and Codeine. Certain synthetic drugs such as Demeral and Dolophine are also considered narcotic drugs – pain killers. These are definitely among the most dangerous drugs and cause addiction – physiological dependence as well as psychological dependence. These drugs are being used by young people in the ghetto as well as some middle-aged and older people who take then regularly to relieve pain. Heroin at first reduces tension, eases fears and anxiety. Following the exhilaration period, the user may sink into a stupor. Heroin decreases appetite, thirst and the sex drive. Many habitual users therefore suffer from malnutrition. Heroin addiction is particularly lethal because it is such an expensive habit. A user may need to spend from $75-$100 a day to satisfy his needs. Therefore, oftentimes he has to resort to stealing and other crimes. Women often resort to prostitution. Those addicted to heroin and other narcotic drugs are by far the most difficult to cure because of withdrawal sickness. Once the drug has been withdrawn, the difficult task lies in keeping the user from picking up the habit again.

Abusive drugs are everywhere – in the grammar schools, high schools, entertainment and professional world and on the street. As responsible citizens and concerned Christians, we should be aware of the danger of these drugs. They are truly, intimately and unequivocally related to the. “works of the flesh.”

QUESTIONS

1. Define the Greek word pharmakia which is translated “sorcery” in Gal. 5:19.
2. Define the word nepho which is translated “sober” in 1 Thess. 5:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:13; 5:8. How does the word relate to the subject of drug abuse.
3. What is the most prevalent drug abused today?
4. What age is alcohol addiction most likely to occur?
5. How does prolonged alcoholism effect the body?
6. What is the second most popular drug abused?
7. What effects come from using marijuana? .
8. How do hallucinogenic drugs affect an individual?
9. What kinds of “drugs” do young people sometimes sniff and what effects do they have?
10. Define physiological dependence and psychological dependence.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 21, pp. 338-341
May 24, 1979