About this episode
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss the biblical interpretation of pharmakeia and its implications for modern medicine and mental health.
Has someone told you that the Bible condemns medicine because of the Greek word pharmakeia? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson dig into this popular claim making the rounds on social media and YouTube — and carefully examine what pharmakeia actually means in its original context. They explain why a word’s etymology doesn’t determine its modern meaning, what sorcery truly looked like in the ancient world, and why this passage has nothing to do with your local pharmacy. Along the way, they tackle how to read the book of Revelation responsibly, why psychedelic drug use is a legitimate modern application of the warning, and how Christians can wisely navigate questions about medicine, mental health treatment, and reliance on God. If you’ve seen these videos online and wondered whether to take them seriously, this episode will help you think clearly, biblically, and without unnecessary fear or guilt. Links and Resources: * Sponsor: Freed-Hardeman University ( https://fhu.edu/gradtheology ) * Loyal to the Lamb ( Revelation Sermon Series ) Note: This podcast description may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, Radically Christian may earn a small commission at…
People in this episode
Host: Wes McAdams
Guest: Marcus Stenson
Topics covered
- medicine
- pharmakeia
- mental health
- Christianity
- Revelation
Keywords
- sorcery
- psychedelic drug use
- local pharmacy
- Christian navigation
Sponsors
Freed-Hardeman University
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Bible, Revelation
More episodes of Radically Christian
- Who is the Holy Spirit? · May 27, 2026 · 41 min
- What Does the Bible Say About Entertainment? · May 20, 2026 · 57 min
- How Can You Count it All Joy? · May 13, 2026 · 54 min
- The Death of Death · May 6, 2026 · 45 min
- Is Anxiety A Sin · April 29, 2026 · 47 min
- The Gospel of Being Human · April 22, 2026 · 46 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Radically Christian podcast page.