Is Smoking Cigarettes Sinful?

[HollyWilliams]

Hey everyone. Is tobacco smoking a sin since it harms our bodies?

[CatherineM]

[quote name='HollyWilliams' timestamp='1307397297' post='2250576']
Hey everyone. Is tobacco smoking a sin since it harms our bodies?
[/quote]
There are a lot of things that harm our bodies, but not all are sinful. Many things in life are two-edged swords. As an example, sports were very good for me growing up. They taught me a lot about life, and competition and cooperation. They also left my body with a couple of nasty injuries. There was a time when even doctors told people that cigarettes were good for us, that they would help you relax. They were given out for free to soldiers. Nicotine is like caffeine in a way. Both are chemicals that can positively affect our cognitive functioning. In fact nicotine is being tested in Europe as a treatment for schizophrenia or bipolar. We also get conflicting messages about things in life. One day we are told that alcohol is bad for us, the next that it is good for us.

There are certain things that aren't a gray area. Smoking or drinking while pregnant is never okay. When it comes to lifestyle issues, I have a way of looking at which rise to the level of being a sin. When an activity interferes with your relationship with God, or those close to us, then it can be considered a sin. For example, gambling is an enjoyable pastime for many people. My mother has played bingo for as long as I can remember. However, she has never gambled with a rent payment, or a car payment. She never ended up in divorce court because her husband felt neglected by the time she spent playing. Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation by most of us, but for those who have addiction issues with it, it can ruin their lives. As to smoking, if you aren't exposing others to your second hand smoke, and wish to take a chance with your health, it doesn't automatically have to be a sin. My grandfather smoked his entire life, and it didn't affect his adversely. My mom got lung cancer years after she stopped smoking.

As to me, I don't smoke, although everyone in my family did. I also don't jump out of functioning airplanes with parachutes, or race motorcycles. Neither of which are sins, but I figure my body has been through enough already.