Is it a sin to smoke, and drink?

[GreenMunchkin]

Am sorry about yet another poll, but am really curious as to how people feel about these two things? I know opinions vary greatly, but have never seen the question asked to solely conservative Christians so am wondering how it's seen here.

[HBCountry]

I could not vote on the poll without first explaining my position. I do not and have never drank alcohol or smoked.
But I do feel that anything in moderation is not a sin. Such as an alcoholic beverage every now and then.
Smoking on the other hand is bad for your health and is there fore a sin unto your body. But not one (in my opinion) that would make one lose his salvation.

[WarriorAngel]

Jesus says...'Its not what is put into the mouth that corrupts a man, but what comes out.'

Jesus also drank wine, and turned water into wine. So I dont think He would do that if it was a sin. Which would be condoning sins.

Smoking isnt a sin, I wouldnt consider it as such.
It is the nature of how we use our bodies for corrupt [sexual] things that offends the Holy Spirit, to which we are temples.

IMHO.
God Bless.

[NewGuy101]

Drinking isn't, except we must take into consideration how we guard God's temple. We must also be aware that people observe our witness and public drinking can have a bad effect on it.

As far as smoking goes, I don't see any potential benefit in smoking. All that comes out of it is cancer, so I would consider it a sin against our bodies.

[LilLamb219]

I voted neither as a sin. Anything in excess though would be detrimental to your health though...and THAT might be considered sinful, but just to ask if smoking or drinking were sins...no, they aren't.

[Lisa0315]

I agree with the last poster. Smoking and drinking are only sins if they are abused and become detrimental to your health, family, lifestyle, or relationship with God.

Lisa

[Gregged]

I didn't vote, but here's my opinion :

Drinking isn't, though I don't believe we should become drunk.

Smoking neither, but as others have said it's not good for your health, especially in excess. But then neither is eating too much, or a number of other things.

Smoking and drinking together are not healthy...



The main thing is : What is God saying to that person?

What God is saying to "you", may not be what he is dealing with in someone else with exactly the same issue!

If that person believes they should stop smoking, then James 4:17 says "...to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

A friend of mine a number of years ago had a bit of a disposition to drinking. God told him clearly to stop. He did. For him to start drinking again would be sin because He knows he should not. But he cannot tell everyone they should not drink, because even Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach problems.

So, if that person knows they should not smoke/drink, then they should not - with God's help, support of others. Possibly taking it slower so the intake is reduced over time.

God doesn't want us dependant on drink, smoking... or food - something I have to work on a bit! ;)

[CyberPaladin]

Guys the reason why I voted for smoking and not drinking pretty much every study I have ever heard of on smoking is doing long term it's very harmful to your health, on the other hand if you show proper restraint in drinking not only is it not harmful it's actualy healthy. Also it shoud be noted at the levels where drinking is healthy you also wouldn't be actualy drunk. Also I'm speaking in generalities anytime you feel the Holy Spirit urging you should go with that even if involves ignoring reason, logic, and what would be considered common sense.

[JimfromOhio]

I selected "smoking" is sin even though it is not specifically listed in the Bible. However, smoking damages your lungs and second hand smoke is more dangerous. It is a health issue. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, therefore glorify God in your body. That means look after it; don't fill it with substances that will harm you. In 1 Corinthians 10:23 that even though something may be lawful (like smoking), that does not mean it is good for you.

There are two general principles which help Christians decide whether they should use or agree regarding smoking: Caring for ourselves and caring for others. As I said earlier "smoking damages your lungs and second hand smoke is more dangerous."

Drinking is allowable however getting drunk is NOT.

[LutheranChick]

I could not vote in this poll. I do not believe that the consumption of alcohol is a sin, however, OVERconsumption is - overindulgence of anything is a sin, as the Bible says. Smoking - I really don't know if it is a sin or not. God didn't command anyone not to smoke - and no, I am not an advocate of smoking - I am very much against it (even tho I have smoked in the past). I know that it has been determined that smoking is bad for your health, and others' health, and I would not recommend it. But a sin? The plain and simple fact is, I do not really know if smoking would be a sin. But what I do know is, (am I sounding like Glenn Beck?) that we should not get too caught up in 'what is a sin and what isn't' - for we daily sin every day, in thoughts, words and deeds - we sin when we don't know it - that is our sinful nature. The inmportant thing is that we pray daily for forgiveness - for all of our sins, conscious and unconsious, intended and accidental, to our Lord Jesus Christ. Sorry if I got off track...

[nyj]

In cases like this, I look to Romans 14:21. Who are we around when we do the things we do? I think such things can oftentimes be situational. I rarely drink, and I never smoke ... but I do realize that these are two vices which carry heavy addictions and are not easily beaten. I think that should be taken into account, and I believe God will do just that. Each of us has our crosses to bear.

Though I will say this ... having known people close to me who are alcoholic ... I much rather them smoke, than ever pick up another drink. Obviously I'd prefer they kick both habits, but the drinking addiction has a much deeper pathology and has much wider ramifications. So I'll take any improvement I can.

[tel0004]

Although I don't drink, I think an drinking is fine, although you should not be drunk. I'm think it is wrong to smoke. I didn't vote, since I didn't like any of the options.

[CyberPaladin]

Personaly when I do drink I tend to favor cheap whiskey and wine in a box.

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

Neither drinking nor smoking is a sin. Christ drank.

Minimal drinking (a glass of wine at dinner) has been shown to improve cardiovascular health; and moderate drinking is sometimes just relaxing. Only drunkenness is a sin, and alcoholism a terrible prison for both victim, friends, and family. I drink, but being half Irish and half German, I have a high tolerance. It would take me a pretty penny to get drunk.

Smoking, again, I don't think is a sin in-itself. However, even regular smoking can destroy the body, as it is far less healthy than drinking. Therefore I think habitual smoking could be a sin for the very simple reason that in destroying the body, we destroy the gift of embodiedness.

[Tangeloper]

I had written a long 6 paragraph response, but the boards are being worked on right now and it was lost, so I'll make this a short, "Quick Reply" instead.

I voted that neither are sins, but I think it must be done in moderation. I agree with the poster(s) who acknowledged that alcoholics are prone to comitting other sins due to their drunkenness.

[Izdaari]

Neither is inherently sinful, but both are sinful if it's an addiction or if it's harmful to you. Moderation is the watchword.

"Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we prohibit and abolish women? The sun, moon and the stars have been worshipped; shall we pluck them from the sky? See how much He has done thru me even though I just prayed and preach, the Word did it all. If I wanted to, I could have started a conflagration at Worms. But while I sat still and drank beer with Philip in Hahnsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow." -- Martin Luther

:priest:

[Gregged]

I remember a few years ago watching a program on Chrstian TV about this guy who was a homosexual and a smoker when he became saved.

As part of his testimony he went on to say that God started to talk to him about his... and to be honest at this point I thought "well, it has to be his homosexual lifestyle"... but he said "smoking" came first. After that, and over more time, God dealt with his lifestyle.

I don't believe that is an indication that God is more concerned about smoking than homosexuality! Sometimes these things can take longer to "uproot" and be healed from (although God can do it instantly if He wanted). But it shows me at least that this guy's smoking is something that was on God's heart, and something which was better he didn't do.


3 John 1:2 says : "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

[Jim47]

Am sorry about yet another poll, but am really curious as to how people feel about these two things? I know opinions vary greatly, but have never seen the question asked to solely conservative Christians so am wondering how it's seen here.



It could be strongly argued that smoking is a sin from what we know about today, but still millions of folks never have any health problems from it. Myself I think it is a sin as we gamble on our health when we smoke.

Drinking is a sin only when its done to an excess, no where in the bible is drinking in moderation labled as wrong. Even Jesus drank of win, and St Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his health.

[Albion]

It could be strongly argued that smoking is a sin from what we know about today, but still millions of folks never have any health problems from it. Myself I think it is a sin as we gamble on our health when we smoke.

Drinking is a sin only when its done to an excess,

I think that it is hard to argue that "smoking" per se is a sin, not any more than drinking is (which you said is not a sin).

The "rub" is that we think of social drinkers who may have no more than a half dozen or dozen drinks of anything alcoholic in an entire year, or who occasionally have a glass of wine at a family dinner AS OPPOSED TO the vision we have of smokers who are addicted and smoke more or less continuously. There aren't many smokers who have one or two cigarettes a week.

There's where the "excess" (that I fully agree with) comes in. But if we were to ask, for example, if a non-smoker who takes a drag on a cigar in order to see what it is like commits a sin, I figure that few of us would say "yes."

[Albion]

Personaly when I do drink I tend to favor cheap whiskey and whine in a box.

Well, that's what happens. Some get drunk and howl at the moon, others just pick fights, but I suppose whining in a box could be a consequence, too, although I've never known anyone else who does that.
;)

[Sothron]

Smoking is directly detrimental to your health and in today's world we all know this. Its almost a self-inflicted suicide sentence to become addicted to it. I therefore consider it a sin.

Drinking OTOH does have medical benefits as long as its done in moderation. I have no problem with it as long as it does not become drunkeness or an addiction.

[IamRedeemed]

I think a better question is, is either beneficial to our bodies and how much is too much? One? Two? glasses/bottles/cigs/packs a day, a week?

Both are known to shave years off one's life depending on how much of it they use..... so I think wisdom should be used. The Bible does say however that strong drink is for the sick and dying. Therefore, I believe unless we are sick or dying, we should probably avoid strong drink altogether (whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, tokillya, etc.)
Yes, I know it is "Tequilla" hahaha

I have seen strong drink change people's complete personalities when they are under the influence of it, which may be why it is specifically mentioned in the Bible as something to avoid unless we are sick or dying.

Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and when our bodies die that is one less temple for the Holy Ghost to dwell in, we should do the best we can to take care of our bodies, since the Bible does also tell us that we should make our bodies a living sacrifice unto the Lord.

http://images.meez.com/user11/02/09/05/020905_10019994397.gif

[CyberPaladin]

Well, that's what happens. Some get drunk and howl at the moon, others just pick fights, but I suppose whining in a box could be a consequence, too, although I've never known anyone else who does that.
;)

That's what happens when you post at around a quarter after midnight even if you are sobber.

[IamRedeemed]

Both actually have the potential of addiction. And no one knows how much for each person it would take or how often before they find themselves addicted either, as it is different for each person.

http://images.meez.com/user11/02/09/05/020905_10019994397.gif

Smoking is directly detrimental to your health and in today's world we all know this. Its almost a self-inflicted suicide sentence to become addicted to it. I therefore consider it a sin.

Drinking OTOH does have medical benefits as long as its done in moderation. I have no problem with it as long as it does not become drunkeness or an addiction.

[GreenMunchkin]

Drinking OTOH does have medical benefits as long as its done in moderation. I have no problem with it as long as it does not become drunkeness or an addiction.This is interesting. So, say two people both have 2 glasses of wine at dinner, and while one remains sober, the other's tolerance is much lower and they get completely drunk, are they then in sin?

[Albion]

That's what happens when you post at around a quarter after midnight even if you are sobber.

You're a good sport. We appreciate that.

[Miss Shelby]

I really can't vote on that poll, as there isn't an answer that accurately reflects my opinion.

Getting falling down drunk, swaggering and puking and heaving is a sin. Drinking in moderation is not a sin. But if one has a problem with it, and they would know if they do, it could be sinful to indulge at all.

I think the Lord would convict the average Christian as to when it's sinful to engage in these activities. And I think with everything, the rule of moderation applies.

[CyberPaladin]

You're a good sport. We appreciate that.
Hey you got be able to laugh at your self.

[Albion]

This is interesting. So, say two people both have 2 glasses of wine at dinner, and while one remains sober, the other's tolerance is much lower and they get completely drunk, are they then in sin?

Since you ask, my answer is "no." I agree to the idea that habitual and intentional overindulgence is wrong because of what it does to the body, but not to the one-time event of getting drunk.

[Sothron]

This is interesting. So, say two people both have 2 glasses of wine at dinner, and while one remains sober, the other's tolerance is much lower and they get completely drunk, are they then in sin?

I do not think its medically possible to get drunk over one glass ;) but to answer your question: if that person knew one glass would get them smashed then yes it would be a sin. If they did not know it then no, it was not a willful disobedience.

[Albion]

I do not think its medically possible to get drunk over one glass ;) but to answer your question: if that person knew one glass would get them smashed then yes it would be a sin. If they did not know it then no, it was not a willful disobedience.

GM actually used the example of 2 glasses, which probably could make some people tipsy, if not smashed. Anyway, I'm interested in the 'smashed is a sin' idea. Why would that be a sin? I can agree with the wrong in destroying one's body by constant overindulgence, but I can't find a reason to say that if a kid or anyone else gets smashed and doesn't do it any time soon again, that this is a sin.

[GreenMunchkin]

Since you ask, my answer is "no." I agree to the idea that habitual and intentional overindulgence is wrong because of what it does to the body, but not to the one-time event of getting drunk.What if it happens every now and then? If that first time isn't a sin, will any repeat performance then be a sin?

I do not think its medically possible to get drunk over one glass ;) but to answer your question: if that person knew one glass would get them smashed then yes it would be a sin. If they did not know it then no, it was not a willful disobedience.Maybe not on one, but I'm sure a non-drinker would get veddy tipsy after two :P

So, someone who has a high tolerance drinks 10 units, for example, (an amount that would definitely be classed as over-indulgence) without getting drunk, what about them? They've certainly over-indulged, but not become drunk. So is it the state of being drunk or the over-indulgence that makes it a sin?

[Lisa0315]

Well, I think this has to do with the liberty in Christ and we need to not judge what is sin from person to person, but allow the Holy Spirit to convict. There are some things that are obviously sin such as murder, but the way we dress, what we eat and drink, are personal liberties and are not subject to input from brothers and sisters, or shouldn't be.

Lisa

[Albion]

What if it happens every now and then? If that first time isn't a sin, will any repeat performance then be a sin?

My answer to the question, posed just like that with no more implications about other actions taken while drunk, etc., would have to be 'no.'



So, someone who has a high tolerance and can drink 10 units, for example, (an amount that would definitely be classed as over-indulgence) without getting drunk, what about them?

Depends on how often he does this, in my book. I understand that you were following up on someone else's reply, but unless one is harming his body (which can be a combination of how many and how often) or is almost certain to commit crimes or sinful actions while drunk, my position is that it't not a sin.

[Sothron]

What if it happens every now and then? If that first time isn't a sin, will any repeat performance then be a sin?

Maybe not on one, but I'm sure a non-drinker would get veddy tipsy after two :P

So, someone who has a high tolerance drinks 10 units, for example, (an amount that would definitely be classed as over-indulgence) without getting drunk, what about them? They've certainly over-indulged, but not become drunk. So is it the state of being drunk or the over-indulgence that makes it a sin?

Drunkenness is listed as a sin so "every now and then" would to me for most people be as often as lying: no one lies constantly (or drinks constantly again as a normal person) but it still is a sin when they do. I'm not saying beat them over the head with it but I do think it is a sin. Being drunk deprives you of your sense, enables your inhibitions to be lowered and for some people makes them extremely violent. None of these are Christian values.

For your second example someone who drinks that much is addicted and that in itself is a sin for relying on something outside of God not to mention defiling the temple that is your body by destroying it with so much liqour. He may not be "drunk" but the damage is still done as is the sin.

[CyberPaladin]

This is interesting. So, say two people both have 2 glasses of wine at dinner, and while one remains sober, the other's tolerance is much lower and they get completely drunk, are they then in sin?

If your getting drunk off of one glass of wine my advice stop using a 40oz Big Gulp cup.;)

[Lisa0315]

If your getting drunk off of one glass of wine my advice stop using a 40oz Big Gulp cup.;)

You are too much!!! ROFL!!!!^_^

Lisa

[LivingLifeHisWay]

I voted that neither are sins. I don't bieleve smoking is a sin at all.

I don't bieleve drinking with biblical discretion is a sin BUT the bible is very clear concerning drunkeness.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

I always think of the scripture that's been mentioned in this thread already..."everything in moderation". That includes eating...so if I were to say one or the other of these is sin then I'd have to say eating is sin and of course that's just not true.

In the case of smoking...having been a smoker before I made Jesus my Lord and Savior...I'd say it would be pretty tough to stop at one. Though I think there are some who can do it. It's a very addictive habit...and very hard to abstain from once you start. I suppose the same could be said of alcohol. But in the case of alcoholic beverages it's not quite as addictive IMHO.

However...having said that...I also have to add that we need to be careful of our testimonies. The Bible says it's a sin when we cause someone else to stumble in some way. If someone I'm witnessing to see's me in the bar drinking, how would that show him my testimony is true? He doesn't know I've only had one drink. This is one reason I don't step foot in a bar if I can help it. I've shared my testimony with enough people in this town that they would probably call me a hypocrite if they saw me with a bottle of beer. On the other hand, if my husband (if I had one ;)) and I want to have a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary...I don't see that as sinful.

[IamRedeemed]

ps. I didn't vote either as the possible answers weren't as cut and dried as the poll choices were... several variables........ :-)

I also liked the answer that Lady Trekki gave about our liberty causing another to stumble and how that should be something we consider as well. :thumbsup:

[zspeedyrabit]

Typically be intoxicated is a sin. The Holy Spirit would like to inform us of what is and is not of God, though we must be baptized (Chruch of Christ) before we can have a relationship with God through Christ.

[CFfosterangel32]

I don't think either are a sin. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should consider what we will house Him in.

[Tangeloper]

I do not think its medically possible to get drunk over one glass ;) but to answer your question: if that person knew one glass would get them smashed then yes it would be a sin. If they did not know it then no, it was not a willful disobedience.

Ahhh... I think you brought up an interesting point in regards to what is sin. As you said willful disobedience is different than making a mistake or being ignorant, and in fact, I would personally consider it different than being under the curse of addiction (and yes, I do believe it's a curse in some ways -- not occult-like, but definitely a trial).

I must admit to you all that I am a smoker. I started smoking about 19 years ago when I was 16. I did not ever think of it as a sin (and many of my Catholic friends at the time were smokers as well (I was raised & confirmed Catholic) many did other things that would be considered sins, but smoking? Nah... none of us thought of it that way).

My husband recently quit smoking as it was recommended to him by his spine surgeon (he had 2 badly ruptured discs that had to be dealt with surgically). The doctor explained that chemicals within cigarettes interfered with the ability of people to heal from traumatic injuries involving their discs, bones, ligaments, etc... (A nurse practitioner informed us that people who come in with Femoral Fractures, and another type of injury (a part of the hand but I can't remember what it was specifically) anyway... she told us that there are some doctors who refuse to operate on smokers due to the horrible success rate. She also said that smoking with these injuries is what often leads to losing the leg or hand due to inability of the body to deal with the injury.)

I unfortunately (despite my intellect, and understanding that it is harmful to me, and despite my fear of cancer) have a very hard time giving up this vice. It's make me feel ashamed because I am a very strong person in every other part of my life. My Aunt who is a pretty well=known & respected doctor told me not to feel too bad for struggling with this as quitting smoking is sometimes harder for people than quitting HEROIN -- and I think we've all heard how hard it is for heroin addicts to recover!

I also have a friend who experiences severe mental illness whose doctor told her NOT to quit smoking -- at least not cold turkey, or until she gets in a "better place" with her mental illness -- because of the stress involved (she tried quitting once a few years ago and ended up in the hospital for 2 months due to a psychotic episode they directly related to her quitting smoking). With my history of depression, and due to the fact that I am currently on a mild anti-depressant I worry about this as well, even though I do not experience what my friend does.

I pray about this everyday, and I am slowly cutting down on the amount I smoke (I'm a believer in weaning one's self off the nicotine, much like doctors wean patients off addictive medicines).

Seeing my husband quit (I no longer smoke around him), and feeling how proud I am of him makes me realize that I should (and CAN) quit as well... I don't think I'm necessarily in sin as the illness of addiction is definitely a factor in my behavior. And, if it is a sin, it is one I ask for help with overcoming. So, I guess one could say it's something I repent for even if God wouldn't consider it a sin! LOL

I hope I've explained myself well... This issue is one I struggle with personally so it's sometimes hard for me to express how I feel rationally! (o: Speaking of which, thinking about having a cigarette is bringing up those familiar urges.

(A funny side note: Since I now go outdoors to smoke God's creatures have helped in making me do so less often -- Mosquito bites are not fun, especially on one's ankles! God works in mysterious ways, for sure! ;))

~~ Tangeloper