cannabisnews.com: Holy Schism Emerges Over Marijuana Legalization

cannabisnews.com: Holy Schism Emerges Over Marijuana Legalization
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Holy Schism Emerges Over Marijuana Legalization
Posted by CN Staff on October 17, 2012 at 15:56:53 PT
By Kristen Wyatt, The Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Denver -- The stakes in Colorado’s marijuana debate are getting much higher — as in, all the way to heaven. A vigorous back-and-forth between pot legalization supporters and foes entered the religious arena Wednesday. A slate of pastors called on Coloradans to reject making pot legal without a doctor’s recommendation.“It’s heading to a path of total destruction,” warned Bishop Acen Phillips, who leads New Birth Temple of Praise Community Baptist Church in Denver. About 10 pastors spoke at the event organized by the campaign to defeat the Colorado ballot proposal. If approved, the measure would allow adults over 21 to possess small amounts of marijuana for recreational use. Oregon and Washington have similar proposals before voters next month.
Colorado’s legalization supporters responded quickly to the holy war on pot, releasing a list of clergy members who support legalizing the drug and ending criminal penalties for its use. Those ministers argued that religious leaders and parents should guide decisions about marijuana, not the law. “I do not support smoking pot. I do not like the stuff,” said the Rev. Bill Kirton, a retired Methodist minister in Denver. “But the harm it does is much less than sending more and more people to prison. And I think it’s time to legalize marijuana.”Asked about supporting an illegal drug as a man of the cloth, Kirton chuckled that many of his former parishioners had probably tried marijuana. But he conceded that it can be difficult for active ministers to take a stand about the drug. “A lot of pastors are, because of the toxic nature of current politics, they’re hesitant to speak out on issues,” Kirton said. Now retired, he said he feels more free to talk about pot. “I think there’s some hesitancy to speak out, but I think most of my peers would agree with me.”Certainly not all of them, though. At the rival press conference, pastors warned that marijuana legalization could encourage youths to try the drug, leading to more serious problems later. They also repeated an argument made by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, that legalizing marijuana could attract drug dealers and others who prey on the needy. “Is this really what we want for children? I don’t think it is,” said the Rev. Gail Bailey of Deliverance Tabernacle in Denver.The anti-pot ministers also cited Colorado’s 12 years of experience as a medical marijuana state. They said that ministers currently deal with negative effects of the drug. “We help folks with a medical marijuana card and have seen it being abused. We’ve seen it end up in the hands of children,” said Pastor Robert Woolfolk of Agape Christian Church.The religious divide over marijuana is the latest arena in which folks are taking sides on Colorado’s pot measure. The pro-marijuana and anti-marijuana groups have in recent weeks gone back and forth over who sides with them.After some business leaders opposed it, other business owners and a worker’s union favored it. Last week, marijuana opponents announced the support of the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In response, legalization supporters put out a list of 300 doctors who favor the measure.Source: Associated Press (Wire)Author: Kristen Wyatt, The Associated PressPublished: October 17, 2012Copyright: 2012 The Associated PressCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #27 posted by runruff on October 22, 2012 at 05:26:15 PT
Mmmmm...You betcha!
I happen to know for a fact that apples were a favorite food of the Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs were the favorite transportation of Adam and his main squeeze!Cruzin' baby!
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Comment #26 posted by Hope on October 22, 2012 at 03:07:48 PT
Hey, boballen131313 . Good to see you!
Actually, boballen131313, it was the "fruit" of that "tree of the knowledge of good and evil".I guess that's why these fearful "shepherds" of the souls of creation act like they don't know good from evil. They want to appear innocent of any such knowledge, obviously. Like they don't know that it's evil to punish and hurt people for seeking and enjoying the good of creation found in the cannabis plant. Genesis 2:9The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
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Comment #25 posted by boballen131313 on October 22, 2012 at 00:12:17 PT:
Prohibition in the Bible
I would think that apples would have a better case of prohibition with the theologists and very wise clergy, because this so called benign fruit was used to bring SIN into the world and allow Satan to reign on earth. But, apples found forgiveness somewhere, maybe a pope decreed them clean again for human consumption. I would be very suspicious of such ridiculous pontification from the PULPIT that could make a claim that cannabis is worthy of prohibition. Makes you wonder if these folks are doing a Jimmy Swaggert and are really closet tokers.
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on October 20, 2012 at 00:06:53 PT
This article made the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/holy-schism-emerges-over-marijuana-legalization-in-colorado-with-clergy-taking-both-sides/2012/10/17/167d0abc-1890-11e2-a346-f24efc680b8d_story.html
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Comment #23 posted by Hope on October 20, 2012 at 00:02:48 PT
All this talk of dinosaurs...
I've been preparing more dinosaurs for lunch lately. Usually I bake the little varmints... but the other day I deep fried a batch.They're actually better baked.Sometimes I serve them standing in little tar pits of melted cheese, surrounded by broccoli and cauliflower "trees" and a little tower in the midst of the "jungle" made of stacked zucchini and crookneck squash, topped by slices of carrot. Dinosaurs are good white meat. They taste like chicken.:0)Really.
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on October 19, 2012 at 23:42:46 PT
“Is this really what we want for children?"
Gail Baily doesn't think so. She said so.I think she's wrong. Does she really want the children, or their parents, or other family members, or friends, arrested for experimenting with marijuana/cannabis? She's a twisted individual with very poor thinking skills if she really does.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on October 19, 2012 at 23:36:42 PT
The Lord giveth...
And the prohibitionist taketh away.
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Comment #20 posted by runruff on October 19, 2012 at 18:22:12 PT
I am a silly man!
Or so says my Mother but what would she know about that?I have read the Gnostic Gospels, the original compilation of books for the bible decided upon and compiled by Esupheus the Theologian to Constantine. I have tried to learn more about the books rejected by him that did not make the new testament. The Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas did not make it. There has since been found manuscripts written during the life of Yeshua. Jesus. [a side not. Paul made up his guys name by adding the Je before Zeus Je-Zeus in Greek means higher than Zeus. Jesus comic book Jesus was created]I studied the Nag Hammadi for about five years. It is a thick tome compilation of raw sometimes perfect pages of lately found gospels written during the lifetime of Yeshua.These are most extraordinary. Even a two thousand year old Gospel of Mary among others.Anyway you begin to see a real man who did exist and holy. How holy is up to each of us to figure out.I say these things here so you know I do believe in Yeshua but not in a traditional Jesus.Thanks for listening folks and goodnight Mrs Calabash wherever you are!
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Comment #19 posted by MikeEEEEE on October 19, 2012 at 18:02:33 PT
FoM
Thanks!Runruff, that was funny.
And Jesus said, time for a bronto burger.
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Comment #18 posted by Swazi-X on October 19, 2012 at 15:13:03 PT:
Blasphemers!
God clearly states that the Creator has given us "every herb bearing seed" for our health and use. This is in every version of the Bible - the literal word of God according to our religious leaders.How can anyone who claims to believe the Bible is the very word of God simply ignore such a clearly stated phrase from God? Anyone who chooses a path in direct opposition to the word of God is choosing to follow the temptations of Satan.These religious leaders speaking out against cannabis are speaking directly against the word of God. These impostors are clearly spawn of Satan and are subverting the word of God in support of their own enrichment and will be cast into eternal damnation.
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Comment #17 posted by runruff on October 19, 2012 at 08:09:36 PT
Little known history.
Known to exist are two thousand year old polaroids of Jesus and the Disciples, all thirteen at once riding on a brontosaurus. Thirteen special made saddles. Whenever they crossed a lake on the dinosaurs back people thought they were walking on water. JC and the boys had many good laughs over that one!
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on October 19, 2012 at 05:58:15 PT
MikeEEEEE
I agree with you. It's really good to see you too!
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Comment #15 posted by Had Enough on October 18, 2012 at 23:04:20 PT
Religious Freedom...!!!...???...not...
In Florida there is a constitutional amendment no. 8 on the ballot...titled Religious Freedom...Sounds good doesn’t it...When you look a little closer and read the text of that stuff...It opens up the door for religious organizations to solicit and receive taxpayer money for their agendas by deleting the prohibition against using public funds/taxpayer money for their “”Conditioning of America””...Pat Robertson, Donald Rumsfeld & Co., etc... has gotta love it...The proposed ballot question reads as follows:Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution providing that no individual or entity may be denied, on the basis of religious identity or belief, governmental benefits, funding, or other support, except as required by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and deleting the prohibition against using revenues from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.Click to see more...http://collinscenter.org/2012flamendments/amendment-8-religious-freedom/Go figure...
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Comment #14 posted by MikeEEEEE on October 18, 2012 at 20:11:01 PT
the history
The church has a history of corruption and abuses, all documented for thousands of years.
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Comment #13 posted by ekim on October 18, 2012 at 19:23:57 PT
this is going to get the party started
http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/10/montel_calls_for_racist_anti-medical_marijuana_ad.php#more
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 18, 2012 at 16:23:06 PT
One More Thought
Ministers should counsel those who seek spiritual help but they should not try to clean up society by making laws against what they believe is a sin. Pat Robertson was the reason I stopped watching Christian TV when he said they were going to get involved in the Republican Party and help form laws so the USA could get to be a safer place for them by locking up those who they felt were a threat to society as they wanted society to be.
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 18, 2012 at 14:44:08 PT
kaptinemo
I also wonder why they don't practice judge not lest ye be judged with whatever measure you judge you will be judged.I judge no one!
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Comment #10 posted by kaptinemo on October 18, 2012 at 14:02:21 PT:
History repeats itself, again
It was American Protestant Christian missionaries in China that did all they could to pressure the US Congress via their 'bully pulpits' to pass the first drug treaties and Federal laws...and look at the mess we're in because of it.http://tinyurl.com/96ezawsDon't they ever effin' learn? Don't they see they are the ones leading their flock to destruction, by supporting the laws that cause more harm than the drugs ever could?What was that line again about complaining about there's a dust speck in your neighbor's eye, when there's a whacking big 2x4 sticking out of yours? Lots of big wooden planks sticking out of those preacher's eye sockets...
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Comment #9 posted by Hope on October 18, 2012 at 12:24:39 PT
"...heading to a path of total destruction"?
A plant? A plant is leading to a path of total destruction?Wow. What sort of religion is that? My Book says plants are good and were actually created by my God so that God's other creations could use and enjoy them.I think these plant haters and fearers with religious fervor about their hatred and fear must be some sort of dangerous cult.Watch out for your kids!No. I'm not kidding. Really. Watch out for your kids. These guys would harm them in the name of their freaked out religion.Some plants have bad effects and are poisonous and upsetting, and probably we just haven't figured out how to make the best of them yet... but cannabis isn't one of them. Odd how they single out the plants for prohibition that just happen to have the effect of making someone, usually, feel better.
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on October 18, 2012 at 12:14:53 PT
I tend to agree Shmeff...
As so called religious leaders and teachers... they need to get to tending to spirits and souls and not judging the use of God's creation for medicine and enjoyment worthy of punishment and imprisonment meted out by the state.Also, people of God aren't supposed to be cowards. They sound a bit like some sort of fearful cowards as well as busybody's and worshipers of the state.Dang it. Not a lick of sense among 'em. Looks like.
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Comment #7 posted by schmeff on October 18, 2012 at 09:00:47 PT
The Pulpit's Not for Politics
Call me old fashioned. I don't think it's ethical to claim a religious tax exemption and then tell people how to vote.You want to become a political pundit? Lose the collar and quit calling yourself Padre. Just use your given name: Barnaby Busybody
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Comment #6 posted by The GCW on October 18, 2012 at 04:48:51 PT
jetblackchemist,
the words jetblackchemist posted come from the very 1st page of the Bible.I don't believe it's an accident, that the very 1st page is where those words are written. And posted them on the 1st page long before this issue becomes relevant.Nearly every problem earth faces today can be alleviated by ending the policy of prohibiting and exterminating the God-given superplant.Ending cannabis prohibition is one of the most important issues of Our time.-0-And exactly what kind of clergy harps that what God indicates He created and says is good on the 1st page, is not good?What would Jesus do?& What would Satan do?&Who is doing what?
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Comment #5 posted by Paul Pot on October 17, 2012 at 22:41:46 PT:
Men of God putting Kids in Jail!
What pea brained priest or pastor prescribes prison for his parishioner's as a path to piety.
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Comment #4 posted by The GCW on October 17, 2012 at 20:26:03 PT
Another article.
Colorado marijuana-legalization measure raises question of pot tourismhttp://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21795935/colorado-marijuana-legalization-measure-raises-question-pot-tourism
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Comment #3 posted by jetblackchemist on October 17, 2012 at 18:07:28 PT
The pastors against it need to read their bibles.
Genesis 1:29...New International Version
Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.New Living Translation
Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.English Standard VersionAnd God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.New American Standard BibleThen God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you;King James BibleAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.GOD'S WORD TranslationGod said, "I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food.King James 2000 BibleAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every plant bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, which has seed in its fruit; to you it shall be for food.American King James VersionAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.American Standard VersionAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food:Douay-Rheims BibleAnd God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat:Darby Bible TranslationAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb producing seed that is on the whole earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree producing seed: it shall be food for you;English Revised VersionAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat:Webster's Bible TranslationAnd God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.World English BibleGod said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.Young's Literal TranslationAnd God saith, 'Lo, I have given to you every herb sowing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree sowing seed, to you it is for food;Pastor and government translationAnd God said, I have given to you every herb sowing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree sowing seed, to you it is for food; Pastors to God: NO!; World government's to God; NO!
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on October 17, 2012 at 17:52:07 PT
Oh dang.... Hot dang!
And I can't even say anything about Oregonians because I was born there.
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on October 17, 2012 at 17:33:02 PT
And even more astounding.
Now select polling has revealed that eight out of ten religious leaders believe the world IS round. This number is up by two points in the last decade except in Texas were Texans say they see very little evidence that the world is anything other than flat. The same folks that believe that Jesus drank Dinosaur milk.
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