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The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

According to God, cannabis is here for us to use

Whitney Beyer
The Broadside

W.W.J.D.?

He’d smoke a bowl, of course.

Or not. I don’t really know the guy, but I do know a Christian or two who’s told me that they smoke weed, and that if J.C. were here, he’d be smoking it too.

On the flip side of the coin, I received a nice lecture from a Christian classmate the other day after she found out that I will be arguing for the legalization of marijuana in my research essay.

I told her she was tempting eternal damnation by rejecting the Lord’s earthly plant life, but she didn’t know my sense of humor or her own book well enough to know what I was talking about.

I wanted to argue further, but then I reminded myself that Jesus once said something in John 8:7 about passing judgment and casting the first stone only if you yourself are without sin.

Needless to say, I am much less than deserving of casting that first stone.

But alas! There is proof of such a claim in many a verse throughout the Bible – depending on how you interpret it, as per usual.

In Genesis 1:29, “… 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.’”

Then in 1 Timothy 4:1-4, we read that “the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude.”

Cannabis is a seed-bearing plant that God put on this earth for our use, and, according to Timothy, God’s not a big fan of those who advocate abstinence from his botanical garden.

This is coming directly from the Bible, so you know it has to be true. God really doesn’t have a problem with you getting high.

You may contact Whitney Beyer at [email protected]

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  • C

    ColbyJun 10, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I only have one problem with this argument, and that is some of the references that you use. In the quote from the bible, it states that god created all plants and animals for us to use as food. If I’m not mistaken, not many people use it for that, they tend to smoke it. Which by that right would not make it an acceptable use of the plant in his eyes. I’m personally not a believer of any faith, but I do have my respect for them. So in the future if you are going to use something for a resource, make sure that it applies to the subject, and not contradicts what you are saying.

    Reply
  • C

    ColbyJun 10, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I only have one problem with this argument, and that is some of the references that you use. In the quote from the bible, it states that god created all plants and animals for us to use as food. If I’m not mistaken, not many people use it for that, they tend to smoke it. Which by that right would not make it an acceptable use of the plant in his eyes. I’m personally not a believer of any faith, but I do have my respect for them. So in the future if you are going to use something for a resource, make sure that it applies to the subject, and not contradicts what you are saying.

    Reply
  • W

    WhitneyMay 19, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    Jacob,

    Clarifying in an editorial that this is an opinion would be a tad redundant seeing as it is on the “Views” page, would it not? For your benefit, you should probably educate yourself on journalism before you formulate an argument to avoid sounding naive. As for as your comment on my article being weak and holding little ground as a tangible argument, all I can say is that’s exactly why it’s not a news article.

    Cheers.

    Reply
  • W

    WhitneyMay 19, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    Jacob,

    Clarifying in an editorial that this is an opinion would be a tad redundant seeing as it is on the “Views” page, would it not? For your benefit, you should probably educate yourself on journalism before you formulate an argument to avoid sounding naive. As for as your comment on my article being weak and holding little ground as a tangible argument, all I can say is that’s exactly why it’s not a news article.

    Cheers.

    Reply
  • J

    JacobMay 18, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    So that’s how you respond to someone who disagrees with your opinion? What happened to debate? Or rather, what happened to the right to stand up and speak out for what you believe? To speak up when you don’t agree.

    Your response is “If you don’t like opinions that disagree with your own, don’t read the opinion page?” Is your opinion that of the school body? I doubt it. Infact, nowhere in your article do you clearly state, “this is my opinon.” Rather, you state “God really doesn’t have a problem with you getting high.” In a way that comes across as fact rather than opinion.

    I have read a few of your articles regarding the Christian faith. I wonder where the diversity is. Why focus soley on Christianity? I wonder if someone were to write an article about how they disagree with gay marriage – if that would ever be published in The Broadside.

    All in all, your article is weak and holds little ground as a tangible arguement. You are the managing editor? I wonder who made that call…

    Reply
  • J

    JacobMay 18, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    So that’s how you respond to someone who disagrees with your opinion? What happened to debate? Or rather, what happened to the right to stand up and speak out for what you believe? To speak up when you don’t agree.

    Your response is “If you don’t like opinions that disagree with your own, don’t read the opinion page?” Is your opinion that of the school body? I doubt it. Infact, nowhere in your article do you clearly state, “this is my opinon.” Rather, you state “God really doesn’t have a problem with you getting high.” In a way that comes across as fact rather than opinion.

    I have read a few of your articles regarding the Christian faith. I wonder where the diversity is. Why focus soley on Christianity? I wonder if someone were to write an article about how they disagree with gay marriage – if that would ever be published in The Broadside.

    All in all, your article is weak and holds little ground as a tangible arguement. You are the managing editor? I wonder who made that call…

    Reply
  • W

    WhitneyMay 17, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Tyler,

    As the Broadside’s Managing Editor, I must say that I do indeed earn both my pay and my title. In fact, I should probably get a raise. If you don’t like opinions that disagree with your own, don’t read the opinion page – it’s that simple.

    Brett,

    Many thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it. Moreso, I’m glad to know there are readers who know how to read folios.

    Reply
  • W

    WhitneyMay 17, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Tyler,

    As the Broadside’s Managing Editor, I must say that I do indeed earn both my pay and my title. In fact, I should probably get a raise. If you don’t like opinions that disagree with your own, don’t read the opinion page – it’s that simple.

    Brett,

    Many thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it. Moreso, I’m glad to know there are readers who know how to read folios.

    Reply
  • B

    BrettMay 15, 2010 at 11:04 am

    I love this editorial, and let’s not forget it is an editorial. I am almost sure a raging Christian following will take this as an “attack” on their faith. Every faith deserves heavy scrutiny, if the religious used more scrutiny with their religion the world would be a much better place. You’re not being attacked Christ lovers, stop exaggerate. If I were to use your interpretation of a religious “attack” I would be offended every time someone says, “God Bless you.” Or maybe I should be offended every time I pledge of allegiance, or look at a dollar bill. The fact is this is a country that assumes you are a particular religion. We have to defend our beliefs every day from the onslaught of zombified, bible wielding, loose interpreting, guilt ridden religious people. Let’s be honest, this country really doesn’t leave room for religious equality. So, I love one person can write an editorial for a paper in a predominantly, republican, Christian, homophobic school. Good Job Whitney.

    Reply
  • B

    BrettMay 15, 2010 at 11:04 am

    I love this editorial, and let’s not forget it is an editorial. I am almost sure a raging Christian following will take this as an “attack” on their faith. Every faith deserves heavy scrutiny, if the religious used more scrutiny with their religion the world would be a much better place. You’re not being attacked Christ lovers, stop exaggerate. If I were to use your interpretation of a religious “attack” I would be offended every time someone says, “God Bless you.” Or maybe I should be offended every time I pledge of allegiance, or look at a dollar bill. The fact is this is a country that assumes you are a particular religion. We have to defend our beliefs every day from the onslaught of zombified, bible wielding, loose interpreting, guilt ridden religious people. Let’s be honest, this country really doesn’t leave room for religious equality. So, I love one person can write an editorial for a paper in a predominantly, republican, Christian, homophobic school. Good Job Whitney.

    Reply
  • T

    Tyler BuckwaldMay 15, 2010 at 2:24 am

    I’m reading this article and I’m wondering if the editor(s) of The Broadside earn their pay/title. Why would they not want their newspaper taken seriously? Where is the bar set? Oh, yeah…there it is…on the ground.

    Whitney Beyer is a self-proclaimed atheist. Why then, has she focused her time and energy into ostracizing the Christian faith? She claims to be accepting and respectful to those of different color, race, and creed, however, she seems adamant on making Christians seem foolish.

    Is it because her experience with Christians has been far from pleasant? Does that give her the right to publicly defecate on the Christian faith?

    I served two years in the Middle East and a year in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I came across some of the most sharp tongued Muslims you could imagine. Everyday being told that my head and the heads of my family were going to be cut off. Being told that September 11, 2001 was a good day! Does this give me a right to harass or publicly mock their faith? Some could argue either way. I say no, it absolutely does not because those individuals were not the collective representatives of the Muslim faith.

    Its about being respectful of others; both of their beliefs and values, even if they are hard to find. This includes those from ALL walks of life.

    Whitney talks in her last article how Christians go to Mexico and build houses only for bragging rights. While I find this ridiculous, I also find it sad and depressing that she managed to gripe about people doing good and sincere deeds to help in a humanitarian way with assisting an area in need. What have you done to help humanity, Whitney?

    Also for Whitney – The article would have been much better had you focused more on the paticular reasons you think cannabis should be legal. It would be much more thought provoking than the uneducated, speculative piece above.

    FOR THE EDITORS:
    I challenge you to hold a higher standard of writing and journalism from your students. I pay to go to this school out of my own pocket, like many do. Do I not have the right to come to school and read the newspaper without my faith and belief coming under attack or being mocked in a condescending article?

    Reply
  • T

    Tyler BuckwaldMay 15, 2010 at 2:24 am

    I’m reading this article and I’m wondering if the editor(s) of The Broadside earn their pay/title. Why would they not want their newspaper taken seriously? Where is the bar set? Oh, yeah…there it is…on the ground.

    Whitney Beyer is a self-proclaimed atheist. Why then, has she focused her time and energy into ostracizing the Christian faith? She claims to be accepting and respectful to those of different color, race, and creed, however, she seems adamant on making Christians seem foolish.

    Is it because her experience with Christians has been far from pleasant? Does that give her the right to publicly defecate on the Christian faith?

    I served two years in the Middle East and a year in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I came across some of the most sharp tongued Muslims you could imagine. Everyday being told that my head and the heads of my family were going to be cut off. Being told that September 11, 2001 was a good day! Does this give me a right to harass or publicly mock their faith? Some could argue either way. I say no, it absolutely does not because those individuals were not the collective representatives of the Muslim faith.

    Its about being respectful of others; both of their beliefs and values, even if they are hard to find. This includes those from ALL walks of life.

    Whitney talks in her last article how Christians go to Mexico and build houses only for bragging rights. While I find this ridiculous, I also find it sad and depressing that she managed to gripe about people doing good and sincere deeds to help in a humanitarian way with assisting an area in need. What have you done to help humanity, Whitney?

    Also for Whitney – The article would have been much better had you focused more on the paticular reasons you think cannabis should be legal. It would be much more thought provoking than the uneducated, speculative piece above.

    FOR THE EDITORS:
    I challenge you to hold a higher standard of writing and journalism from your students. I pay to go to this school out of my own pocket, like many do. Do I not have the right to come to school and read the newspaper without my faith and belief coming under attack or being mocked in a condescending article?

    Reply
  • A

    AmazedMay 13, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Good luck with the hemlock and oleander ingestion.

    Reply
  • A

    AmazedMay 13, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Good luck with the hemlock and oleander ingestion.

    Reply