107. Psychedelic Christianity: Mystic Medicine & Jesus

About this Episode

Craig is joined by Ivan Soto, as we venture into the compelling and controversial territory where Christianity, anarchy, and psychedelics intersect. Listen in as Ivan recounts his personal experiences with these powerful substances, discussing their sacred nature and how they've impacted his spiritual journey. We tackle the tough questions about the role of psychedelics in cognitive enhancement and spiritual awakening, all while examining the risks and misconceptions that come with their use.

Venture with us through the spiritual and emotional landscapes that psychedelics can unlock. We ponder the government's role in regulating these substances and the societal stigmas attached to them. From the debated connection to witchcraft to their legal status, we don't shy away from the tough discussions. Discover why an open dialogue about these substances is crucial within the Christian community and what it means to engage with psychedelics responsibly.

Finally, we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics for personal growth and healing. Reflect with us on how these experiences can offer profound insights into our own psyches, sometimes through challenging "bad trips" that ultimately lead to personal development. Ivan and I consider the potential for psychedelics to be a tool in coping with life's hardships and the intriguing idea of achieving enlightened Christianity. Tune in as we also examine the broader spectrum of spiritual knowledge, questioning whether the Bible is the sole source of divine inspiration or if other experiences, like those with psychedelics, can provide a path to understanding.

Connect with Ivan Soto:

• Facebook

• Instagram

Episode Timestamps:

Timestamps:

01:02 Introduction: Exploring Psychedelics and Christianity

• Ivan Soto opens the discussion with his personal journey with psychedelics.

• The sacred nature of psychedelics is recognized.

02:00 The Double-Edged Sword of Psychedelics

• Ivan underlines the fact that psychedelics aren't suitable for everyone.

• Importance of understanding individual mental health when considering psychedelic use.

06:00 Stigmas Surrounding Psychedelics

• Discusses the societal stigmas and misconceptions about substances like marijuana.

• The damaging effects of misinformation on the perception of these substances.

09:16 Exploring Psychedelics and Spirituality

• Discussion on the potential of psychedelics for inducing humbling experiences.

• A reminder that not everyone is suited for these experiences.

11:00 Government Regulations and Psychedelics

• A critique the government's role in regulating these substances.

• Historical association of psychedelics with witchcraft.

12:00 The Christian Perspective on Psychedelics

• Ivan calls for open Christian dialogue on the topic of psychedelics.

13:01 Debunking Misconceptions About Witchcraft

• Discusses misconceptions about witchcraft and its overlap with prayer and reality manipulation.

17:00 Psychedelics as Tools for Spiritual Insight

• The use of psychedelics for gaining spiritual insights.

• Drawing parallels between religious figures and psychedelic users.

20:00 The Cultural Significance of Psychedelics

• Exploring the cultural significance of substances like the Amanita muscaria mushroom.

22:54 The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics

• The healing potential of psychedelics for emotional and cognitive issues.

27:45 Importance of Set and Setting in Psychedelic Use

• The significance of environment and mindset when using psychedelics.

• Personal insights on the experiences with MDMA and LSD.

30:00 Using Psychedelics for Personal Growth

• The role of intention in using psychedelics for personal growth.

32:26 The Dark Side of Psychedelics: Bad Trips

• Discusses "bad trips" as opportunities for personal insight and psychological understanding.

34:00 Recreational vs Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics

• Highlights the differences between recreational and therapeutic use of psychedelics.

35:00 Psychedelics for Depression and Grief

• Psychedelics as potential aids for coping with depression and grief.

35:09 Spiritual Enlightenment: Scripture vs Psychedelics

• The debate on attaining spiritual enlightenment through scripture vs. psychedelic experiences.

40:00 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Guiding Truth

• The Spirit's role as a guide to truth.

• Early church writings enhancing understanding of the Bible.

43:00 Beyond the Bible: Other Sources of Divine Inspiration

• Questioning the Bible as the sole source of divine inspiration.

• Introduction to the concept of 'apocatastasis'.

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98. The Devil’s Lettuce: Cannabis and Jesus a Christian Roundtable

About this Episode

In this eye-opening episode of the Bad Roman Podcast, we venture into the intricate, complex, and often misunderstood realm of marijuana. Your host for this thought-provoking journey is Craig Harguess, accompanied by a diverse group of guests - Scott, Aaron, Jim, and William. 

Each brings to the table their personal encounters, knowledge, and unique viewpoints on the topic of marijuana use, which goes beyond the clichéd stereotypes and delves into societal, legal, and religious dimensions. Our intention with this episode is to challenge the prevailing misconceptions, stimulate intellectual discourse, and provide a fresh perspective on marijuana. 

We aim to demystify the subject and explore its multi-faceted dimensions – from the societal implications of marijuana use to the controversial war on drugs, and from the adverse effects of government propaganda to the potential medical benefits of marijuana. One of the significant areas of discussion is the comparison of marijuana with pharmaceutical drugs and alcohol. In a world where prescription drugs and alcohol consumption are largely normalized, we delve into the complex question of whether marijuana, a naturally occurring plant, is inherently any more harmful or beneficial. 

From a religious perspective, the episode ventures into uncharted territory as it discusses the place of marijuana in Christian teachings. Rooted in the belief that God is the ultimate creator, our host, and guests explore the concept that marijuana, as a part of God's creation, may have a significant role to play. They navigate through scripture and theology, bringing forth interpretations that aim to challenge conventional beliefs. 

Throughout this illuminating discussion, we are constantly reminded that this conversation is not about advocating for 'potheads', but rather about the legality and morality of a God-created plant. 

The goal is to encourage an understanding of cannabis that transcends the stigma and stereotypes, helping us to better comprehend the complexities of state power, control, and the choices we make as Christians. The conversation dives deep into the heart of the controversy surrounding marijuana - the legal implications, mass incarceration, and societal perception of marijuana use. It brings to light the interplay of political power and public opinion, questioning the narratives we've been fed and urging us to think critically about the societal structures that govern us.

 This enlightening episode of the Bad Roman Podcast invites you to partake in a thought-provoking conversation, unraveling the intricacies, complexities, and controversies surrounding marijuana. Whether you are a believer or not, this discussion seeks to broaden your understanding and encourage a more informed perspective on marijuana use. 

Join us on the Bad Roman Podcast as we embark on this exploratory journey, challenging preconceived notions, stimulating deeper conversations, and fostering an open-minded, nuanced understanding of marijuana use. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged, your curiosity piqued, and your understanding of this God-created plant transformed.

Learn More About this Topic:

Endocannabinoid System Facebook

Araon’s Instagram @heavyicerx

Episode Timestamps:

(00:02) Christian Perspectives on Marijuana Use

Marijuana, Christianity, and the state are discussed with guests sharing personal experiences and views on government regulation.

(11:02) Perspectives on Marijuana

Jim shares his experience growing up in a rural area where marijuana was stigmatized, but later discovered its widespread use among adults.

(19:19) From Pharmaceuticals to Cannabis

Aaron shares his personal experience with marijuana for chronic pain, limitations of pharmaceuticals, growing own medicine, and promoting natural remedies.

(27:17) Lack of Trust in Medical Industry

Erosion of trust in medical industry, influence of pharmaceutical companies, demonization of marijuana by church and government, importance of education on cannabis.

(31:31) Marijuana, Alcohol, and Control

Personal experiences, war on drugs, and power dynamics surrounding marijuana's legalization and impact on mass incarceration.

(43:13) Marijuana and the Stigma Debate

Nature's purpose for marijuana, stigma and stereotypes, fear-mongering tactics, modern-day perception, and charity donations.

(55:56) Effects of Marijuana on Individuals

Nature's marijuana: personal experiences, benefits and drawbacks, societal judgments, potential for managing anxiety and stress.

(01:02:31) Marijuana's Benefits and Conversation

Participants share experiences with marijuana for anxiety and pain, considering its benefits and religious perspective.

(01:14:07) Discussion on Marijuana and Religious Perspectives

Cannabis and faith are discussed, acknowledging its positive effects on anxiety and the natural goodness of the plant.

(01:24:41) Marijuana

Nature's healing properties of marijuana are explored, challenging stigma and promoting understanding through personal experiences and recommended resources.

(01:29:40) Personal Transformations and New Opportunities

Host's updates: new vehicle, wife's higher-paying job, leaving job, exploring opportunities, homeschooling, coding, coaching, starting podcast. Grateful for brothers' support. Assisting with weight loss and addiction. Emphasizes healthy diet. Love and appreciation for listeners.

(01:34:58) Beliefs, Apparel, and Social Media

The panel discuss cannabis benefits, wearing podcast apparel, and potential pushback for their beliefs.

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85. Journey to Freedom with Jared Wall

About this Episode

Jared Wall of the Best Practices podcast joins Craig for the series's latest installment, where Craig invites guests with their own podcasts to discuss their projects. Jared's podcast offers listeners interviews on expert ways to own and operate their industrial facilities and commercial properties. While they do discuss the Best Practices podcast, some of the most interesting parts of the conversation are when Jared shares his insights on starting a legal cannabis enterprise and what it is like to be an anarchist and then meeting Jesus in the gospels. Jesus' teachings were so exciting and inspirational that people dropped what they were doing and voluntarily followed him in the thousands; no wonder the Romans killed him.

The conversation begins with his journey from Republican to Libertarian Party activist, then to conceptualizing freedom as personal development, entrepreneurship, and earning wealth to become geographically free. It moves on to how he befriended anti-war activist Scott Horton and worked as a researcher on a few of his books. Jared tells about how hard it is to run a business that focuses on cannabis, as even when it is legal, it is difficult to find stable financial institutions that will work with you. Jared talks about looking for a mentor who could teach him to be a better father and unexpectedly arriving at Jesus. Then they finally discuss the Best Practices podcast content and what any would-be listeners can expect from it.

Connect with Jared:

wall.jared@gmail.com

Best Practices Podcast

Episode Timestamps:

1:35 – Who is Jared Wall?

• Works in energy efficiency

• Supported Ron Paul 2012

• Got into libertarian activism

• Tried to get a Republican candidate on the ticket

• The Republican Party took them to court

• Decided the Republican Party was a waste of time

• Listening to Tom Woods and Mises 

• Started thinking about entrepreneurship and personal development

• We are not going to get freedom from begging politicians for it

• Earn wealth and become geographically free

• Kenyan wife

• Want their kids to be able to spend some of their time growing up in Kenya

• Working on side hustles is the best way to bring freedom to one's family

15:20 – Scott Horton

• Jared is friends with Scott Horton

• Patient with the left while holding onto his ideals

• Reached out to him for a list of reading books and got to talk to him instead

• Helped him research for his book, Enough Already

• Built a business around legal weed

• Helped with Scott Horton's book Hotter than the Sun

• The church is not anti-war

• Never paid attention to what the presidents were doing in other countries

• Jesus is anti-war

• No one speaks to anti-war as well as Scott Horton

28:03 – The cannabis industry

• Jared launched Hemp Spot in 2021

• Banks are weary of doing business with anyone in the cannabis industry

• Perhaps they are scared of having to fight politicians and bureaucrats in courts that they own

• PayPal confiscated $600-$800 overnight because they don't work with people in the cannabis industry

• Now his E-Commerce website couldn't accept payment

• The bank did the same thing

• Eventually found someone who could work with 'high-risk' businesses

• But had lost their customers while down

• Bank changed their compliance requirements which became expensive

• Time to try something else

• The cannabis plant is stigmatized entirely because of the state

• In the 1800s, it was regularly used for medical purposes

• The social stigma is being eliminated these days though

• Cannabis grows well everywhere

• Every part of the plant is useful

• Can make textiles, rope, plastic, and cement out of it

• There are a lot of vested interests that would suffer if it were widely available

• Health benefits

• There may be legitimate concerns about it being a gateway drug

• But that doesn't mean the state should pass laws or lock people in jail

• The solution is to intervene at the family or church level

42:50 – Jared's religious journey

• Jared was forced into religious life as a child

• He left it once he had the choice

• He was looking for someone who could role model what being the best father looked like for him

• His wife told him to read just the gospels

• Found the mentor he was looking for in Jesus

• Next stop: learn to pray

• Jesus was so cool

• He just walked and preached and people followed Him

• That must have threatened the Roman government

• Coming at the gospels with anarchist roots was great

• Libertarians need something more; that something could be faith

• The teachings of Christ should be exciting

53:02 – Best Practices Podcast

• Expert ways to own and operate industrial facilities and commercial properties

• Episodes on industrial lighting and other parts of industrial facilities

• Episodes on asphalt and concrete repair services

• Episodes with Chris Polk

• Developing mutually beneficial economic relationships and opportunities is Jared's focus

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6. Michael Maharrey - The Constitution as a Starting Point

Craig talks with Michael Maharrey to discuss his article The Trump Administration Wants to Resume Prosecuting Medical Marijuana Users in States Where It’s Legal. Mike serves as the national communications director for the Tenth Amendment Center and founder/host of the GodArchy website and podcast. Mike has spent most of his adult life studying constitutional history, political philosophy, and economics, and this conversation touches on all of those elements!

Starting points for further exploration on topics discussed on the show:

01:00 Trump Medical Marijuan Prosecution & Here

1:39 Congress & Marijuana Prohibition Spending 

6:49 The Tenth amendment - State Power 

7:03 Rule of Construction

7:13 Article 1, Section 8

10:00 Anarchist 

10:16 Voluntaryist

17:01 U.S. President Trump’s evolution in messaging on the economy

25:33 Trump on the Epa

30:40 Thomas Jefferson letter to James Madison on the question of: can the constitution bind next generation?

31:03 Constitution Owners Manual

34:00 Godarchy 

Find all of Mike’s books here!