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DRUGS1.TXT
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1991-09-14
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EXP:What is PHARMAKEIA? by David Canfil
In response to the question, *pharmakeia* is the Gk. word that's
translated 'witchcraft' or 'sorcery' in Gal. 5.20, i.e. one of the
'works of the flesh'. This Gk. word is the source of our Eng. words
like 'pharmacy', 'pharmaceutical', etc. Drugs are inferred.
The study of the origin and development of words (called
'Etymology') can sometimes mislead as much as clarify. But narcotics
and hallucinogenic drugs were not uncommon in NT times. For instance,
the Oracles of Delphi apparently used *Datura* during their quests for
visions. This is the scientific, Latin classification of Jimson weed.
It contains powerful alkaloids (biochemical bases of vegetable origin
which include many other drugs, quite a number of which have narcotic
or hallucinogenic effects: e.g. mescaline, cocaine, morphine, etc.,
etc.).
In Carlos Casteneda's books about his anthropological research with
a Yaqui Indian 'brujo' (Spanish for 'witch', or 'sorcerer'), we
encounter Datura being employed for vision quests. The sorcerer also
uses mescaline, and various other substances.
Now, the majority of people abusing drugs today aren't using the
drugs as parts of deliberate supernatural rituals, but for 'recreation'.
The supernatural, however, is inescapable whether a person believes
in it or not.
One form of worship today which doesn't seem like religion at first,
but which is very common and which does in fact have supernatural
significance, is Self. People love pleasures rather than God. When we
are selfish it does no harm to God, it hurts us.
Much drug use today begins as a quest for self-absorbed pleasure, or
escape. The drugs are not inherently evil in themselves. The evil
emerges from unredeemed hearts and minds as they commit spiritual
adultery.
The enemy tries to fuel these processes along, trying to bring
people under physical, psychological and spiritual bondage. Satanists
are often involved in chains of supply, and they are involved in two
ways.
First of all, people covenanted with the evil one are often the
actual suppliers of drugs. Noticed how it often happens that
authorities arrest users, dealers and smugglers, but very seldom the
actual, original suppliers? They seem 'protected', and are, by dark
forces.
Secondly, just as Christians seek God's will and blessings on their
enterprises, satanists often dose drug operations and the drugs
themselves with 'energy', i.e. spells, seeking their master's purposes.
People who are not believers in anything then obtain and use the drugs,
and they are extremely vulnerable.
I'm not communicating speculations here, and share things not
ordinarily suspected or understood. As we seek to serve our Lord Jesus
Christ in the world, satanists seek to serve their master. We seek
souls. They do too. We seek to free captives. They seek to captivate
and bring souls under bondage.
Drugs can be 'useful' operations. Also grab lots of money. The mafia
and others who help supply the drugs think they are getting power, but
actually a power is using them.
Finally, it has to be said that kids are RIGHT to seek meanings
beyond the 'normal' values of middle-class American life, beyond the
values of personal affluence plus personal 'happiness' plus nothing.
But drugs aren't the answer. They aren't a satisfactory alternative.
See also, by the way, Rev. 9.21 and 18.23.
by David Canfil