Beards & Bible Podcast

The Bible never directly mentions tobacco or caffeine. There's no verse that says, "Thou shalt not smoke" or "Thou shalt not be addicted to caffeine." Instead, we're left to discern principles from Scripture that guide us in making wise choices about our health and habits. What does it means to honor God with our bodies and not be mastered by anything? What’s the difference between sinful actions and unwise decisions? And how does moderation and consideration for others play into our daily choices? Let’s unpack these biblical principles and consider how they apply to our modern lifestyles.

It’s fair to say we’re in the midst of what some might call a “cannabis craze.” With legalization spreading rapidly across the U.S. and other countries, cannabis (or marijuana) and other THC derivatives are becoming more mainstream—not just for medical use, but recreationally, and even in wellness products like oils, gummies, and skincare.   In the U.S., cannabis/marijuana use among adults has nearly doubled in the past 20 years. Over the same course of time, daily use of cannabis has grown more than fivefold and support for legalization rose from 34% to 70%. The legal cannabis industry has exploded in size, employment, and tax revenue. Although many view cannabis as a practical savior because it’s seen as a natural, multi-use remedy that addresses chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions without the addictive risks of opioids or the harsh side effects of some pharmaceuticals, the rise of regular cannabis use has raised significant concerns. Concerns that are often swept under the rug and not talked about.   Even though the mantra, “cannabis is non-addictive” has been repeated often, the DSM-5, a reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions and disorders, has something listed called, “cannabis use disorder”. This condition has been growing rapidly, especially among young adults. Even as cannabis use and the support for its legalization are on the rise, at the same time there are growing concerns surrounding potential cognitive, mental health, and motivational impairments. Additionally, some data even suggests links between heavy use and higher rates of traffic accidents, workplace impairment, and emergency room visits.   And that’s the dilemma for us as Christians—just because cannabis is becoming legal in more places, should we use it? Can it be used responsibly or in moderation, especially for medical reasons? Scripture calls us to stay sober, care for our bodies and minds, and avoid things that could harm us or others—even if the law says they’re allowed. So how does that work when it comes to marijuana and cannabis?   Should we puff…or pass?

In today’s culture, intoxication and the reliance on substances like alcohol, marijuana, and other substances have become increasingly normalized, often portrayed as means of self-medicating, escape, coping, or recreation. For Christians, this presents a real challenge—how do we navigate a world where these substances are so accessible and even celebrated? In the first installment of a three-part series, we’ll be exploring this topic and how it relates to alcohol and what the Bible has to say about it. The Bible mentions drinking alcohol almost 300 times. It repeatedly warns against drunkenness, lack of self-control, and the spiritual dangers of dependence on anything other than God (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1). Christians must ask: Am I using this to escape something God wants me to face? Is this substance mastering me in any way (1 Corinthians 6:12)? Does it hinder my witness, my clarity, or my ability to love others well? These aren’t just moral questions, but deeply spiritual ones that call us to reflect on what rules our hearts and minds. So…who’s up for a little candid discussion about a mildly controversial topic?

Why don’t churches sing the Psalms anymore? Are they too clunky? Too ancient? Or are churches being directly disobedient to the explicit commands of Scripture to do so? And while we’re asking bold questions... let’s talk about the brand-new Trump tariffs of 2025—what exactly does this mean for the economy, and how will it affect trade across the globe? And finally... Pope Francis has died. What legacy does he leave behind, and where does the Catholic Church go from here? And also, should you be so inclined as to place a bet on who the next pope will be, what are the betting odds?

Is there a direct, unbroken line from the apostles to today's church leaders? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the doctrine of Apostolic Succession—what it is, where it came from, and why it matters. We’ll explore how the Catholic and Orthodox traditions view this unbroken chain of spiritual authority, what role the pope and bishops play, and how this idea developed throughout church history. But we’ll also ask: Why don’t Protestants hold to this view? Is it biblical? Is it essential? Whether you're Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant—or just curious—hopefully this conversation will challenge you to think critically and historically about church leadership, unity, and authority.