Pharmakia, Plant Medicines, Addiction, Escapism, Ayahuasca, Shamanism & The Problem With The "Noble" Use of DrugS

Nov 17, 2022

Robert Orem, a Christian author and former drug addict, delves into the biblical perspective on drug use in his thought-provoking dialogue. He shares his journey and insights on addiction, emphasizing the risks of seeking spiritual experiences through substances. Orem critiques the dual notions of 'pharmakia' as both medicine and sorcery while highlighting the importance of true spirituality rooted in faith. The conversation challenges the seductive allure of plant medicines, advocating for recovery through traditional practices like prayer and meditation.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Robert Orem's Drug Use History

Robert Orem, author of Pharmakia, started using drugs recreationally in the 1980s, favoring natural substances like marijuana, mushrooms, and hashish.
A spiritual experience while high during college led to panic attacks and a decline in his life, prompting unsuccessful attempts to quit drugs.

INSIGHT

Drug Use and False Spirituality

Drug use can create a false sense of spiritual enlightenment due to its effects on the brain, mimicking the effects of meditation and prayer.
This can lead to spiritual laziness and dependence on drugs for spiritual experiences, neglecting true spiritual practices.

ANECDOTE

Robert Orem's Freedom from Addiction

Despite being a Christian, Robert Orem believed drug use brought him closer to God until God spoke to him directly.
God revealed his disapproval of Orem's drug use, calling it idolatry and freeing him from his addiction.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

You probably already know that I've become increasingly disillusioned with the use of plant medicines.

A key book I read that significantly informed my decisions on this topic was titled Pharmakia: The Biblical View of Drug Use, by Robert Orem. This is a book that I often mention these days when I'm discussing plant medicines (and in my opinion, if you're using or thinking about using plant medicines this is a book you must read). Many people aren't even aware that the Bible refers to drug use (in fact, there are 37 distinct references to drugs in the Bible) but his book is more than just a thorough investigation into what the Bible says about drugs. It is also a powerful, hope-filled message of hope and love, and freedom from addiction for drug users and addicts, or folks who feel like they are heavily attached to or dependent on plant medicines.

Robert Orem, the author of Pharmakia and my guest on this podcast, is a Christian former drug addict who researched the Bible’s references to drug use for many years. A teacher in jails, treatment centers, schools, and churches, he recently launched In Step Fellowships, a biblical recovery group for all types of addiction.

Episode sponsors:

LMNT: Everyone needs electrolytes, especially those on low-carb diets, who practice intermittent or extended fasting, are physically active, or sweat a lot. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/BenGreenfield to get a free gift with your purchase!

Lucy Nicotine Gum: If you are looking for a cleaner and tastier alternative to other nicotine products, Lucy is for you. Visit https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/lucy to save 20% on any order, just use discount code BEN20.

Clearlight Sauna: If you want to sweat buckets in the privacy of your own home, go to HealwithHeat.com and use code: BEN for a discount and free shipping – the free shipping alone is a huge savings because these saunas are big, heavy, and well-made!

Elements of Vitality Event: Join Ben in Sarasota, Florida, with Dr. John Lieurance on Friday, Dec 2nd from 8:00 am-5:00 pm for a rare experience to explore the elements of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water with unique treatments, technologies, modalities, and biohacks to represent the healing powers of each element individually. Claim your spot today at bengreenfieldlife.com/elements-event.

Inside Tracker: InsideTracker provides you with a personalized plan to build endurance, boost energy, and optimize your health for the long haul. Get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store when you go to insidetracker.com/ben.

BiOptimizers (Magnesium Breakthrough): The 7 essential forms of magnesium included in this full spectrum serving help you relax, unwind, and turn off your active brain after a long and stressful day so you can rest peacefully and wake up feeling refreshed, vibrant. and alert. Go to bioptimizers.com/ben and use code ben10 for 10% off any order.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.