drugs

5 Things the Church Can Do to Combat the Opioid Crisis

5 Things the Church Can Do to Combat the Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic claimed more than 40,000 lives in the U.S. in 2016 alone.

And the problem is growing particularly acute in Appalachia. In Tennessee, for example, 80 percent of crimes are drug related.

A conference was held in May of 2018 to address opioid addiction and brought clinicians, clergy and educators to the tip of southern Appalachia to begin a yearlong conversation on ways churches can help heal and support those caught in the epidemic’s grip.

Among its organizers was Dr. Raymond Barfield, a pediatric oncologist at Duke University who has a joint appointment at its divinity school. For five years he directed a program called “Theology, Medicine and Culture.” He now teaches courses on Christian philosophy and mentors students in the Medical Humanities Study Program.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Photo courtesy: ©GettyImages-Anastasiia-Guseva.jpg

Dana Carvey Opens Up about the Pain of Losing His Son to an Overdose

Dana Carvey Opens Up about the Pain of Losing His Son to an Overdose

Months after Dana Carvey tragically lost his son, Dex, to an accidental overdose, he returned to work on his podcast Fly On The Wall. And there, he opened up to his cohost, fellow comedian David Spade, about the grief he and his family are navigating after their devastating loss.

Secret Service Investigating Bag of Cocaine Found in the White House's West Wing

Secret Service Investigating Bag of Cocaine Found in the White House's West Wing

The Secret Service will likely close its investigation into a bag of cocaine recently found in the West Wing of the White House.

Losing Our Religion: Blue Laws Decline While Deaths of Despair Do Not

Losing Our Religion: Blue Laws Decline While Deaths of Despair Do Not

Known as “deaths of despair,” both the Rust Belt and Appalachia have seen incredible spikes in rates of addiction, overdoses, violence, and suicide. In addition to the thousands who die each year by various forms of self-harm, thousands more live Gollum-like, trapped by their chemical chains and in loneliness.

The Marijuana Emergency

The Marijuana Emergency

American Christians have a responsibility to advocate for policies that benefit our neighbors’ welfare and against policies that hurt them. Marijuana should be no different. It is essential to understand that today’s weed is far ahead of the times. We are far removed from the Cheech and Chong days. This stuff is dangerous, particularly for young people. Christians should be highly motivated to not let this cat out of the bag wherever it has not yet been loosed and to minister to people where it has, including in addiction recovery centers and other healthcare settings.  

Opioid Deaths Pass a Grim Milestone

Opioid Deaths Pass a Grim Milestone

The United States just passed a grim milestone: over 100,000 deaths from opioid overdoses in the past year. Most of these deaths were due to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is sometimes prescribed as a painkiller, and often combined with heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines.

Most Christian Colleges Have Not Changed Their Marijuana Prohibitions as More States Move to Legalize

Most Christian Colleges Have Not Changed Their Marijuana Prohibitions as More States Move to Legalize

According to a recent survey conducted by The Christian Standard, Christian colleges have largely maintained their prohibition of marijuana usage despite more and more states loosen restrictions on both the medical and recreational use of the drug.

Cashing in on Psychedelics: Escaping Reality Is Never a Solution

Cashing in on Psychedelics: Escaping Reality Is Never a Solution

On November 3, Oregon became the first U. S. state to legalize “magic mushrooms” for therapeutic use, following the lead of a few cities like Denver, Oakland, and Ann Arbor. Almost immediately afterward, articles appeared advising investors on how to “take full advantage of this $100 billion (USD) market potential.” Our increasingly materialist culture rejects any God Who is authoritative and transcendent (i.e. who exists outside of the material world). Thus, the divine must be found “within.” Many think psychedelics can assist their search by making it that much easier to escape the constraints of reality, authority, and limitations.

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