Addiction: The ‘carnal beast’ among us

Response to D.S.N. headline 4-20-17 “Marijuana advocates push for legalization." “Carnal” is relating to sensual instincts and desires, earthly, secular, devoid of spiritual guidance. These are the traits of the beast. The insidious nature of this beast and its power should not be underestimated or dismissed by the belief our own intellectual superiority or willpower can control, defeat or minimize its effect. As a matter of fact, that mentality is its most powerful and successful ploy that keeps its victims enslaved, This ploy is commonly called “rationalism.” To a victim (which I was), the power of the beast may seem insurmountable, but it’s not. With faith and knowledge, it can be dispelled, faith being the most powerful resource. Many times over the past 35 years, I have found myself saying, “There but for the grace of God go I,” words that are not in any way shallow. When people in support of legalizing marijuana use the rationalization of comparing alcohol use to recreational use of marijuana, I say, they know not the beast — a rose by any other name is still a rose. I ask how can any sensible person use such an asinine and dangerous concept to dismiss the old adage “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” or have we become so hubristic, that’s passé? It has been said we cannot legislate morals, but legislation can diminish, or possibly even eradicate, spiritual principles. I would like to take the liberty to paraphrase the message delivered by the pastor John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg to his two churches on Jan. 21, 1776. He said, by default because of your inaction and silence, you are about to lose your hard-earned God-given liberties. I pray the Holy Spirit will intercede during this time of tenuity and strengthen our spiritual guidance so we may reaffirm our conviction in these words: “In God We Trust.”

Russ “Grizzly” Murphy Patriarch of A.C.E.S. Felton

P.S. Addiction comes in many forms, but the beast remains the same and steadfast in its goal: Serving it s master, Satan, to claim your soul.