I am trying to prove taking psychotropic meds is against the Bible. Do you have any verses to back me up?
The Bible talks about drugs in an unusual way. It doesn’t distinguish between medical or illegal drugs. It just talks about drugs in general. It links drugs, both medical and illegal, with sorcery and witchcraft. The word pharmakeia, from which we get “pharmacy” is behind the word “sorcery” (Galatians 5:20).
The Greeks used this word for positive and negative drugs. The New Testament only speaks negatively of drugs because of the mind-altering effects. These substances poison, destroy, and harm the body. They were the darker side of drugs.
In Revelation, people don’t come to Christ because of their sorceries (Revelation 9:21). Isaiah says sorcery is Israel’s failing that brings the Lord’s judgment. The kings of Israel banned sorcery, necromancy, and drugs may have played a part in bringing Samuel up from the dead for King Saul (1 Samuel 28:8-12).
America has its drug problems, but consider that narcotics are only part of the issue. Many Americans take pills for medical reasons. I don’t consider this sin. The Bible presents a positive view toward medicine. Drugs can benefit our health.
Many painkillers contain opioids, addictive drugs. Many Americans are hooked on opioids and it is one of the top health risks in America today. If I must take drugs, I ask for nonaddictive ones.
Even prescribed drugs, and illegal ones, open the possibility of addiction. This is another issue we must consider aside from their connection in the Bible to sorcery. The biblical principles of humans bearing God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) cause us to carefully choose how we will deal with the drug issue in our culture.
The Holy Spirit dwells in us and he cares very much about what we put in our bodies. Because of the connection of drugs to sorcery in the Bible, every Christian must be concerned about how he or she uses drugs. Becoming addicted to painkillers and opioids can lead to altered states of consciousness. Jesus wants to be our only Master.
Drugs are dangerous addiction because they chemically attach us to them. It’s an addiction that usually needs professional help and rehab to get under control. The chemical attraction makes our bodies more susceptible to this addiction.
Some drugs are helpful for medical conditions and can relieve pain. But many drugs are harmful to our bodies and we must consider the Bible connecting drugs to sorcery and principles for Christian living.
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