Thursday, April 26, 2007

Response: War on Drugs...
As I posted earlier on the drug issue and asked that people give a response, I received some good responses which I am finally getting to responding to. This first post is specifically intended to respond to Terry's comment(s) which he left. I personally thank Terry for the work, research, patience, and kindness he has exhibited throughout his comments on the Catholic Warrior. Below is the comment that summed up Terry's thoughts and under that comment is my response:
"Terry said...
Dear Catholic Warrior,
Thank you for your kind words and I did have a Happy Easter. Since you stated that you were going to look into my arguments I thought I would give you my research here so we don’t have to go around and around on it.
Calamus vs Cannabis In the Holy Oil ????
I previously stated that if you actually buy the Calamus translation for the Holy Oil, then you assume that God specified in Exodus 30:23 a drug commonly known as Ecstasy. Calamus contains an ingredient called aserone. This is a hallucinogen which is metabolized in the liver as trimethoxyamphetamine or ecstasy. The Middle Eastern version of this plant is far more toxic than it`s North American Cousin. This is deadly to flies and other insects.The Exodus 30:23 reference refers to sweet Calamus. If you look at this in the Strong’s concordance where they spell this as qaneh rather than kaneh, they pronounce this as Kaw-Naw, a reed, calamus, and cane are listed as possible translations. The term sweet used in Exodus 30:23 in Hebrew is Bosem. According to the Webster's New World Hebrew Dictionary, Bosem is perfume; scent. The Concordance: the Hebrew is Bosem #1314, fragrance, by impl. spicery; also the balsam plant:----smell, spice, sweet (odour). In some Bibles sweet calamus is translated as aromatic or fragrant Cane. It is where the bosem is fused to the word kaneh or qaneh that the cannabis translation becomes apparent. So then to pronounce this we have kaw-naw-bosem, and is spelled in English qaneh-bosem or kaneh-bosem. In 1936, Sara Benetowa, later Known as Sula Benet, an etymologist from the Institute of Anthropological Sciences, in Warsaw wrote a treatise, "Tracing One Word Through Different Languages." This was a study on the word Cannabis, based on a study of the oldest Hebrew texts. Although the word cannabis was thought to be of Scythian origin, Benet's research showed it had an earlier root in the Semitic Languages such as Hebrew. Benet demonstrated that the ancient Hebrew word for Cannabis is Kaneh -Bosem. She also did another study called Early Diffusion and Folk Uses of Hemp. There is a reprint of this in Cannabis and Culture ISBN:90-279-7669-4. On page 44, she states, "The sacred character of hemp in biblical times is evident from Exodus 30:23, where Moses was instructed by God to anoint the meeting tent and all of its furnishings with specially prepared oil, containing hemp." On page 41 Sula Benet writes, : In the course of time, the two words kaneh and bosem were fused into one , kanabos or kannabus know to us from the Mishna. According to the Webster's New World Hebrew Dictionary, page 607 the Hebrew for hemp is kanabos. You argued previously that the Anointing with the cannabis based oil has no redeeming value. I would like to quoted a couple early Christians, that it was by this anointing that we became Christians: For the Father anointed the Son, and the Son anointed the Apostles, and the Apostles anointed us. The Chrism or (anointing) is superior to baptism, for it is from the word chrism that we are called Christians. Gospel of Phillip. Are you unwilling to be anointed with the Oil of God? Wherefore we are called Christians on this account, because we are anointed with the Oil of God. Theophilus of Antioch (181AD)
I would also like to point out that all Orthodox Churches practice the Chrism anointing. What started me into The Fire Baptism and the Lost Sacraments is that not one Church uses the Holy Anointing Oil as described in Exodus 30:23 even with the Calamus translation. Regarding your pharmakeia argument and the association with cannabis in witchcraft. There are Greek references to Pharmakeia in the Book of Revelation and translated into sorcery in most modern Bibles. Also cannabis became associated with witchcraft during the inquisition where millions were burnt at the stake. Many modern theologians argue this against cannabis users and perpetuate the war against cannabis and its use. I honestly do not think that this refers to drug use or healing with drugs. Sorcery does have associations with making potions as a part of worshiping other Gods and even Satan. Should we try to shut down all pharmacies and all doctors. Should we build more prisons, burn millions more at the stake, continue to declare others heretics. Jesus taught us differently than this. But this is really not what I am after. I am trying to return the Seal of God, Revelation 7.
May God Bless
Cheers
Terry Winger"
Terry,
Fist of all, drugs, drunkenness, and intoxication were considered wrong before the Spanish Inquisition. In fact, they have been condemned since the very beginning of the Church. The use of drugs for strictly medical reasons is allowed because this is attempting to preserve life and not seek after inordinate pleasure. Also, I don't see why you so easily brush off the translation of the word "pharmakeia" in the Bible. This site gives a good description of the meaning of "pharmakeia" as found in the Bible.: "The root meaning of this group of Greek words is 'druggist' 'poisoner' or, 'giver of potions'. These particular 'sorcerers' were persons able to prepare and dispense potions. But why did they dispense these potions? Was it in order to give relief from illness?
Absolutely not! It was in order to stimulate hallucinations or visions! We must understand that it was long part of pagan religious practice to administer potions, or drugs, which would encourage hallucinations!"
So, you see, that word can be translated as to drug use and I think it is quite clear that drugs were very much condemned in the Bible. The Bible has many references as I have given earlier about staying sober and how "drunkards" will not enter Heaven without repentance. Drunkenness refers to intoxication and intoxication is found in drugs and therefore drugs are wrong. Again, I ask how and why would God ordain that an unhealthy drug that leads to intoxication be used by Christians, and not only encouraged but pretty much mandatory when God has spoken so clearly to us through His word that intoxication is evil? It doesn't add up.
Then again, if this "Holy Oil" (which I do not doubt that God did indeed give Moses the Holy Oil recipe) is so important in the New Covenant and necessary for salvation (as seemed to be implied by you if I am not mistaken) then why is there not more talk about it? Why do we hear Jesus tell the Apostles right before He ascended into Heaven: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:18)
Yet if "by this anointing that we became Christians:" is true, then why does Jesus talk about baptism instead? Baptism seems to be a very important doctrine and a means as entry into God's Grace, but this anointing is kept much quieter and we hear almost nothing mentioned of this anointing rite in the Bible. I do not deny that there are some references to the word "anointed" etc. yet if this was a sacrament (as I believe you have said or implied from the material you have given me) then why wasn't this sacrament talked about in Scripture like baptism and the Eucharist. Jesus talks a lot about giving us His Body and Blood (John 6 and Matthew 26:26) through changing the elements of bread and wine. This was obviously an important doctrine as many people left Jesus when they heard it (John 6:66) yet Jesus didn't revoke what He said. Also, this doctrine is later brought up by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23 and other parts of the Sacred Scripture. So why don't we hear more than these vague references to the use of Holy Oil in a sacrament? The two references you gave me (aside from the fact that they are not in the Holy Bible and therefore are not proven infallible) don't give much description on the Holy Oil or its use. Yes, it is an important symbol but perhaps the original oil was never used by Christians but they sure didn't write much or continue the practice for us to find out.
Another question of mine would be, assuming that cannabis was the plant the Holy Oil partially contained, why would the oil lead to intoxication? Marijuana is something that is smoked and inhaled into the lungs for its main effects and I don't think that people would become intoxicated off an oil that was 25% cannabis oil that wasn't consumed. The incense prescribed right after the Holy Oil contained different ingredients. Though again, translations from this ancient writing are debated and it is not certain by any means that the Holy Oil contained Cannabis in the first place.
Anointed is certainly still retained in the Catholic Church in conjunction with baptism, for Confirmation, and for healing of the sick. However, the oil used is not made from the original recipe given by God to Moses. Wouldn't it be more clear that we were to continue the use of the Holy Oil originally prescribed by God in the New Covenant? And if the Jews were continuing to make this Oil then why are we so unclear as to what the ingredients were?
I again emphasize (because I think this is the fundamental key) and that is that:
1. God said intoxication is wrong
2. God said it and that's good enough... We obey Him. (Period)
I don't understand why this Holy Oil has become such a major issue of debate for you. Remember also, that this Oil that God prescribed in the Old Testament was for "Aaron and for his sons" (Exodus 30:30) and "It shall not be poured upon the bodies of ordinary men," (Exodus 30:32)
So, it was not originally intended for all men anyways. We are anointed priest, prophet, and king, at baptism but that doesn't mean we are to use the same Holy Oil God prescribed for use for Aaron and his sons in the Old Covenant.
Finally, as a side point, you said: "during the inquisition where millions were burnt at the stake." This is a very common fantasy that has been grown, (though I'm not addressing the issue of the Inquisition right now) as in reality, about 3,000-5,000 people may have been killed and not the "millions" that you said.
Again, drugs used for solely medical purposes are acceptable, but God clearly condemns intoxication.
Let me end with this beautiful quote from our Saviour: "and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 11:38-39)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've tagged you for a meme, hope that's ok with you.

Anonymous said...

Greetings Catholic Warrior

I will try to give a brief response here. Regarding the pharmakeia argument you quote from an article where the person thinks that potions were strictly used to induce hallucinations. Well that is just not a fact. I have read dozens of various ancient potions and their uses were across the board. This word being attached to drug use is just as ridiculous as condemning Doctors and pharmacies as sorcerers.

Zoroaster used a drink called Haoma or Soma to receive his visions of Heaven, which also contained cannabis. Jesus states "is not written of in the Books of Zoroaster" in one of the Gnostic texts. So these texts were in use at the time of Jesus and considered scripture. There is another Gnostic Text where the use of Haoma was mentioned. Why was this practice not condemned? Zoroaster is key to the many modern themes within Christianity including Heaven and Hell.

Regarding Drunkards and use of intoxicants. Jesus drank wine. He changed water into wine. Wine was in the Eucharist. Use of intoxicants was not condemned. Jesus states "Drink this (wine) in remembrance of me." There is a big difference between Drunkards and use of an intoxicant or even being drunk on occasion. Further some references to drunkenness more correctly refers to being Spiritually drunk.

Regarding the Holy oil. You are correct there are only vague references to the anointing in the Bible. The chrism was a secret right and was kept in the priesthood. This was only given after someone was indoctrinated into the Church, generally Confirmation. This was not put upon a stranger except for Extreme Unction. When you receive the Chrism you became a Christian.

Through time The Roman Catholic Church considered practicing Christianity in a Jewish way a heresy. Yet the original Church in Jerusalem, under James the Just, practiced it in a Jewish way.
In Canon 29, of the Council of Laodicea in 364 AD, the Roman Church declared that resting on the Sabbath was Judaizing and that any Christian practicing resting on the Sabbath would be anathema (offered unto God), which later became excommunicated. This was done to make Christianity fit into the State Religion of Mithraism. Mithra was the Roman Sun God whose sacred Day of Rest was Sunday not Saturday. Mithra was born on December 25th.

The Churches all began making the Holy Oil differently than what was described in Exodus. Not one Church on the planet makes the Oil as was commanded by God. Catholics use pure Olive Oil sprinkled with powdered balsam. Others use wine and salt as part of the formulary. Most Protestants offer no anointing at all. False anointed and Anti-Christ are well known themes today. Anti in Greek meant opposed to or instead of . Christ was one who is anointed with Gods Holy Oil. Christian meant the same thing. All Churches today are opposed to or instead of the anointing with Gods Holy Oil.

What is worse is that it is illegal today to make the Holy Oil. These false anointed Churches are largely responsible for the demonizing of Cannabis. To make the Holy Oil one risks up to 30 years in prison in many States. Most cases are denied to even make a religious use case. The American Indians are permitted to use Peyote in their Religion, but religious use of Cannabis is denied.

I want to give you some quotes from several early Christians regarding the anointing:

As soon as ye entered, ye put off your tunic; and this was an image of putting off the old man with his deeds. Having stripped yourselves, ye were naked; in this also imitating Christ, who was stripped naked on the cross. Then when ye were stripped, ye were anointed with exorcized oil, from the hairs of your head unto your feet. Cyril of Jerusalem

Consider now why this is done, for the eyes of a wise man are in his head; therefore the ointment flows down to the beard, that is to say, to the beauty of youth; and therefore, Aaron's beard, that we too may become a chosen race, priestly and precious, for we are all anointed with spiritual grace for a share in the kingdom of God and in the priesthood. "Saint Ambrose, "On the Mysteries"

After the water Baptism, we are thoroughly anointed with a blessed Unction or (anointing), a practice derived from the old discipline, wherein on entering the priesthood, then we were wont to be anointed with oil from a horn, ever since Aaron was anointed by Moses, whence Aaron was called Christ. Tertullian "On Baptism"

The Chrism or (anointing) is superior to baptism, for it is from the word chrism that we are called Christians. It is from the olive tree that we got the chrism, and from the chrism, the resurrection. The Lord did every thing in a mystery, a baptism, and a chrism, and a Eucharist, and a redemption and a bridal chamber. There is water in water, but there is Fire in the Chrism. The Fire is the Chrism. For the Father anointed the Son, and the Son anointed the Apostles, and the Apostles anointed us. He who has been anointed possesses everything. He possesses the Resurrection, the Light, the Cross, and the Holy Spirit. Gnostic Gospel of Philip

For as the breathing of the saints, and the invocation of the name of God, like fiercest flame, scorch and drive out evil spirits, so also this exorcized oil receives such virtue by the invocation of God and by prayer, as not only to burn and cleanse away the traces of sins, but also to chase away all the invisible powers of the evil one. Cyril of Jerusalem Lecture 20

Tertullian of Carthage (160 - 225 AD) writes that after water baptism, " we are thoroughly anointed with a blessed unction, (a practice derived), from the old discipline, wherein on entering the priesthood, then were wont to be anointed with oil from a horn, ever since Aaron was anointed by Moses. Whence Aaron is called "Christ". Tertullian of Carthage "On Baptism".

The Chrism or (anointing) is superior to baptism, for it is from the word chrism that we are called Christians. Gospel of Phillip.

"Are you unwilling to be anointed with the Oil of God? Wherefore we are called Christians on this account, because we are anointed with the oil of God." Theophilus of Antioch (181AD)

I think you can see the importance of this anointing. It is clearly set in Revelation 7 that the Seal of God is to be returned. Why does it need to be returned? Because Anti-Christ has deceived the entire Christian world with a false anointing or no anointing at all. I have demonstrated that Cannabis was used in the Holy Oil. This was poured upon the incense and burned inside the Temple. This would have been mildly intoxicating. It was believed that the incense would sent the prayers of the Church directly before the Mercy Seat of God. The return of the incense is also prophesied in Revelation. All Orthodox Churches use incense. The quote from Tertullian above directly ties the anointing to the Old Testament Holy Oil.

I am going to pass on the inquisition. There are multitudes of books on that subject with estimates of up to 200 million Religious Murders. Your argument is simply the other end of the spectrum.

It is a shame that Christians are denied the true seal of God. I know that this Oil is being made and the Chrism is being given secretly. But then the true Christianity has always been practiced secretly, and the false anointed and false teachers was foretold.

May God Bless

Terry Winger

www.freeanointing.org

Anonymous said...

I am a devout Catholic, but have always had a problem with alcohol, due to various reasons, ie heredity, grief, stress, another illness etc..

Yet I've always had an unwavering faith in God, and a strong devotion to Our Lady. In spite of my weaknesses, in the past, I have had spiritual experiences, particularly from Mary. I love her so much. In recent times, she is still with me (in spite of my problem with alcohol). So I think it's a bit unfair to judge people with drug problems. I work for God and my Catholic faith all the time, but I still drink. I know I shouldn't, and I pray for God to help me with this, but I'm sure he realises that my anxiety condition predisposes me more to this. But by the same token, I work for Him. Meanwhile, in spite of my affliction, I believe I can still help Him by fighting against other evils, ie pornography etc!!

PBXVI said...

Anonymous,
I am glad that you have Faith and are working for the Lord despite your weakness. However, please inform me as to how I was judging anyone. I am simply presenting the Christian belief that intoxication is wrong. This is Catholic teaching and therefore to consider yourself Catholic, it is a necessary item of belief. I sympathize with you and will pray that God will help you overcome your temptations to abuse alcohol. The abuse is still evil though, and the Evil One will do his best to use this weakness to his advantage. So I encourage you to FIGHT! Pray to Our Lord and to His Blessed Mother and use the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist to strengthen you. Through God's help, no temptation is too strong to resist. Again, I will pray for you. God Bless!

PBXVI said...

Oh, and BTW, I don't mean to sound self-rightous. I am a sinner and struggle with sin too, yet I know I must fight against this sin and repent if I wish to be saved.

Anonymous said...

Greetings PBXVI and all.

I just wanted to say that I was very happy that the Catholic Warrior allowed an open discussion of all this. I don't consider him to be judging anyone. This began with a simple disagreement with scripture and the Catholic Warrior opened this for discussion. None of my comments were deleted and it was an honor to reply.

The Catholics and all Christian Churches are great institutions. All service God and no Christian should be blamed for past crimes of any Church. For we are all Christians. Jesus said that he that believes in me though he were dead yet shall he live. This is the mystery of the first resurrection and what restrictions to this mystery are given here?

Yet in many ways institutionalized Religions become intolerant of any belief other than their own in various points in time. One or two verses from the Book called the Holy Bible are used to victimize others with differing beliefs even though they are also Christians. This is the fallacy of the Schools of Thought.

Yet Jesus taught us to reach out unto others, love your enemy, and love your neighbor as your self.

I suggested in a previous post that perhaps with a discussion of the topic we would all come closer to Jesus Christ. The Catholic Warrior welcomed such a discussion.

We still disagree I am sure. But Jesus taught us you shall know them by their works. The Catholic Warrior web site is an example of this, and I am sure there will be many great works to come.

May God Bless the works that this web site has within it. Tremendous efforts were put forth here and there is a ton of information to bless anyone who looks at it all.

I pray that you will always preach Love and not Hate, Mercy and not Condemnation, Forgiveness and not Punishment, Tolerance and not Judgement, and an open mind rather than a closed one. These were the teachings of the Master.

In Yahshua's Holy name, may God bless you, may God bless us all.

Cheers

Terry Winger
www.freeanointing.org

"And your yoke shall be removed because of the Anointing Oil"

PBXVI said...

Terry, thanks for commenting and for your kind words! I have a few questions and comments of mine own of your last comments however.

You said: "Zoroaster is key to the many modern themes within Christianity including Heaven and Hell."
Heaven and Hell have been beliefs since the fall of man. The Jews believed in this doctrine as long as they have been around. (e.g. Genesis 21:17 & Matt. 5:29)

You said: "Regarding Drunkards and use of intoxicants. Jesus drank wine. He changed water into wine."
This is true that Jesus drank wine, but He didn't participate in drunkeness. Alcohol use in moderation is OK--meaning that intoxication is not brought on. Also, it is believed that wine didn't have near the amount of alcohol in Bible times as it does today.

You said: "Roman Church declared that resting on the Sabbath was Judaizing and that any Christian practicing resting on the Sabbath would be anathema (offered unto God), which later became excommunicated. This was done to make Christianity fit into the State Religion of Mithraism. Mithra was the Roman Sun God whose sacred Day of Rest was Sunday not Saturday."
The reason the Sabbath is on Sunday for Christians is not because of some pagan traditions, but because this is the day that Christ rose from the dead and therefore we know that He is indeed the Truth. That was the day He fulfilled His conquering of death.

You said: "What is worse is that it is illegal today to make the Holy Oil"
How can you make the original Holy Oil when you are not even sure of what the translation is for the ingridiens?


I also ask as to why you believe it neccesary that the original Holy Oil be used when God said "It shall not be poured upon the bodies of ordinary men,"

Thanks again and in Charity! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Greetings Catholic Warrior.

I hope you are well. I will try to answer your questions one by one.

RE: Zoroaster and the concepts of Heaven and hell. You said: The Jews believed in this doctrine as long as they have been around. (e.g. Genesis 21:17 & Matt. 5:29).

The Jews had the concept of hell or Sheol which was a dark place of forgetfulness after death. All went there after death, good and bad, save for those taken up directly by an angel. In Nicodemus I think, it talks about Jesus after his crucifiction going into Sheol and breaking open the Gates of Hell or Sheol. The concept of Heaven after death was only being developed after 2nd Temple, and largely because of Zoroaster.

Zoroaster was at the same time as as Daniel. In fact he was under the same King. My point here was that Jesus mentions the books of Zoroaster in one of the Gnostic Texts "is it not written in the Books of Zoroaster". Zoroaster used a drink called haoma which is now documented to contain cannabis. There is little doubt that Early Christians also practiced the use of Haoma as it is also mentioned in the books of the Nag Hammadi. A full discussion of this would require a book and far too involved for this blog. I am not saying that Zoroaster was the only reason for our concepts of heaven and hell but he was an important influence.

RE Intoxicants: You said: Alcohol use in moderation is OK--meaning that intoxication is not brought on. Also, it is believed that wine didn't have near the amount of alcohol in Bible times as it does today.

My point was that use of intoxicants were not condemned. Here we agree based on your comment. I have no clue on the amount of alcohol in early wine but clearly they got drunk.

RE Mitra and the change of the Sabbath to Saturday to Sunday you state: The reason the Sabbath is on Sunday for Christians is not because of some pagan traditions, but because this is the day that Christ rose from the dead and therefore we know that He is indeed the Truth. That was the day He fulfilled His conquering of death.

Well if you believe that then why was December 25th made the Lords Birthday when December 25th was the Birthday of Mithra in Rome. You should at least study the subject, because it is written in the Gnostic texts that Jesus stated "he who does not practice the Sabbath as the Sabath will not see God."

Regarding the Holy Oil you state: How can you make the original Holy Oil when you are not even sure of what the translation is for the ingridiens?

I have no doubts here. I am very sure of this translation and I have made the Holy Oil in the past. I have anointed over 50 people and I have given a number of them the full Fire Baptism. I know others are doing this as well.

Your last comment refers to not putting this Oil upon a stranger. Well when you are anointed as a Christian with the Holy Oil you literally become a priest and you are no stranger. The anointing is the fire in the Fire Baptism. If you deny the use of the Old Testament Holy oil, then you also deny the title Christ for Jesus, because the anointing with Gods Holy Oil is how you received the title Christ and Christian.

Remember the writings of Tertullian of Carthage (160 - 225 AD) he states that after water baptism, " we are thoroughly anointed with a blessed unction, (a practice derived), from the old discipline, wherein on entering the priesthood, then were wont to be anointed with oil from a horn, ever since Aaron was anointed by Moses. Whence Aaron is called "Christ".

Cheers and God Bless
Brother Terry