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Critical Thinking and a Confused Society

Critical Thinking and a Confused Society

Every day, I am amazed at how often contradictory and conflated ideas are presented that go unchallenged in our society. For instance, how a clear truth can be twisted into a lie —

Truth: As eloquently affirmed in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, all humans are created equal. As such, each person has equal value, equal moral worth, and equal human rights. But this truth gets distorted…

Lie: All humans are equal in ability. This lie is manifested in hostility toward decision-making based on objective differences.

Here’s another one:

Truth: Affirmed in the U.S. Bill of Rights, we have freedom of conscience. We are free to believe anything we want to believe and should not be coerced by others to believe as they do. However, this truth also gets twisted …

Lie: All beliefs are equally valid or healthy. They are not! In fact, some beliefs are downright harmful. Yes — people are still free to believe them, but that does not make the beliefs valid.

These two lies have recently begun to be expressed with the sentiment “my truth” and “your truth” — the idea that everyone has their own version of truth and that all versions are equally valid. Moreover, we’re told that we don’t have the right to question anyone else’s version of “their truth.”

This is nothing more than a great fraud designed to get thinking people to be silent even when injurious and destructive ideas and practices are promoted.

Truth is how reality works. It is not based on opinion or a perception or a mere belief; truth is simply the way things are. Perhaps some get confused because they fail to see the difference between the “true” experience or perception of a person and the truth itself. For instance, it might be true that a person believes cigarette smoke helps their lungs work better, but it is not true that cigarette smoke actually helps their lungs work better. Many people fail to make this distinction and will say, “Who are you to judge? That is their truth.”

This deeply confused thinking is occurring more often, because people have lost the reality-based (truth) understanding of God’s law as design law. These are the laws upon which reality is built to operate — the laws of physics, health, love, freedom, etc. When we reject the reality (truth) that God’s laws are design laws and accept the lie that they are mere rules no different functionally than the ones that humans make up, rules that require enforcement by a ruling authority, then we are vulnerable to the idea that all perspectives and beliefs are equally valid. Why? Because there is no objective reality; it is all arbitrary opinion.

A Case Study

One would expect that physicians would be insulated from falling into this trap, given that their profession requires they understand the laws of health and seek to harmonize people with these design protocols. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case. And when thought leaders begin practicing this distorted thinking process themselves, the corruption in our society only snowballs.

Last week, I attended a lecture by a leading world expert on medical marijuana research. I attended because I wanted to learn about the latest scientific research in this field. It was a three-hour symposium, but, sadly, the event had only a few minutes of actual science presented. And much of what was presented was contradictory and shallow.

For instance, not once during the lecture were the laws of health brought up — the idea that, while states can pass laws to make such substances legal, passing such laws doesn’t make them healthy. These substances are either healthy for the human body or they are not; our job as scientists is to examine the evidence and see what reality actually reveals.

For instance, there is no evidence that smoking or consuming marijuana is beneficial for mental health problems. While there is some evidence that CBD oil may have some benefit, CBD oil is not marijuana any more than nicotine is tobacco. CBD oil is one of 146 psychoactive compounds found in marijuana, but it is also found in hemp. It provides no mood altering high.

On the contrary, multiple studies show that marijuana use actually increases the risk of psychosis; increases anxiety; damages the brain’s memory circuits; worsens depression and bipolar disorder; increases inattention; decreases motivation and coordination; and even lowers IQ. Yet despite the unequivocal evidence that marijuana plays no role in treating psychiatric disorders, data reveals that the vast majority of medical certificates provided by doctors to patients for using medicinal marijuana are not for the few conditions for which it may have some benefit, but rather for mental health problems that it worsens!

In Massachusetts, where medical marijuana is legal, 90 percent of those receiving certificates from doctors for medical use do not have one of the eight allowable medical conditions. So who is getting the certificates?

Number of Certificates

  • ALS 11
  • Parkinson’s Disease 41
  • Glaucomas 227
  • HIV/AIDS 265
  • Crohn’s 276
  • Multiple Sclerosis 347
  • Hepatitis C 403
  • Cancer 756
  • Other conditions (mostly psychiatric) 22,130

Why do doctors write these certificates for mental health disorders when the evidence demonstrates it will only worsen the condition? The patient reports it helps them — it is their “truth” and who is the physician to disagree.

During the symposium, it was noted that in Colorado, deaths by opiate overdose have decreased ever since medical marijuana was legalized. It was suggested this was due to people with chronic pain conditions needing less prescription pain meds, as marijuana reduces pain perception. However, no evidence was presented to support this conjecture. Moreover, the vast majority of people who overdose on opiates are not patients with chronic pain receiving prescription pain medication from their physician, but those with opiate addiction who are using illegal drugs. However, this was also never discussed.

It was also pointed out that in states in which medical marijuana has been legalized, Medicaid costs for opiate medications have gone down. It was suggested that legalizing marijuana, therefore, could lower healthcare costs. But it was not pointed out that the reduction in Medicaid costs for pain management was due to the fact that states don’t pay for medical marijuana; thus, the cost was simply shifted to the individual patient to purchase his or her own marijuana. So, the reality is that there is no evidence that healthcare costs would actually be reduced.

But worse, no evidence was presented on the potential health problems from the chronic smoking of the marijuana plant, such as whether cancers and lung disease could increase.

The presentation went back and forth between social and medical issues, such as legalization and health benefits, but these are two separate issues. For instance, everyone today knows that there are no health benefits from tobacco smoke, yet society has decided to keep tobacco as a legal substance available to adults. Two separate issues that are clearly understood when it comes to tobacco, but with marijuana, such clarity is lacking.

Many people are smoking marijuana, falsely believing it is not harmful and has no health risks. No matter how much they believe they are being helped, it doesn’t mean they are.

Yes, every person is free to believe what they want, but please don’t confuse that truth with the lie that all beliefs are equally healthy; they are not! The challenge for each of us is to develop, by practice, the ability to discern the true from the false (Hebrews 5:14).


REFERENCES:

Lucatch, A. et al. Cannabis and Mood Disorders, Current Addiction Reports, September 2018, Volume 5, Issue 3, pp 336–345.

Lev-Ran, S. et al., The association between cannabis use and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies, Psychological Medicine Volume 44, Issue 4 March 2014 , pp. 797-810

Pacek, R. et al., The bidirectional relationships between alcohol, cannabis, co-occurring alcohol and cannabis use disorders with major depressive disorder: Results from a national sample Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 148, Issues 2–3, June 2013, Pages 188-195

Feingold, D., et al., Cannabis use and the course and outcome of major depressive disorder: A population based longitudinal study, Psychiatry Research, Volume 251, May 2017, Pages 225-234.

Bally, N., et al., Cannabis use and first manic episode, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 165, 20 August 2014, Pages 103-108.

Lev-Ran, S. et al., Bipolar disorder and co-occurring cannabis use disorders: Characteristics, co-morbidities and clinical correlates Psychiatry Research Volume 209, Issue 3, 30 October 2013, Pages 459-465.

Crippa, J. et al., Cannabis and anxiety: a critical review of the evidence, Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, Volume24, Issue7, October 2009, Pages 515-523.

Hser, Y., et al., Reductions in cannabis use are associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, and sleep quality, but not quality of life, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 81, October 2017, Pages 53-58.

Wilkinson, S.  et al., Marijuana Use is Associated with Worse Outcomes in Symptom Severity and Violent Behavior in Patients with PTSD, J Clin Psychiatry. 2015 Sep; 76(9): 1174–1180.

Steenkamp, M. et al., Marijuana and other cannabinoids as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A literature review, Depression and Anxiety, Volume34, Issue3, March 2017, Pages 207-216.

Scott, C. et al., Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, JAMA Psychiatry. 2018;75(6):585-595.

Meier, M. et al., Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife, PNAS October 2, 2012 109 (40) E2657-E2664.

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Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

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K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

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Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA