Smoking a Pipe

[Pard]

When we say "smoking" we usually conjure images of cigarettes. Got Questions does a pretty good job at presenting "smoking" as a sin. (http://www.gotquestions.org/smoking-Christian-sin.html) They argue that "smoking" is not beneficial to our bodies, it does not glorify God, and that it hinders our bodies. I would whole-heartedly agree with them, smoking cigarettes and inhaling cigars is rather sinful.

In the entire anti-smoking campaign the US government has run against the tobacco industry, they have always neglected to speak about pipe smokers (and people who do not inhale cigars). For those who do not know, when you smoke a pipe you do not breathe the smoke into your lungs, you keep it in your mouth, as you are only in it for the taste, the same goes for some cigar smokers.

Cigarette smoking certainly is harmful to your health and you only have to think about all those chemicals in the cigarettes you smoke … and the paper wrappers … and the way a cigarette is smoked … to understand why cigarette smoking is harmful.

Pipe smoking though is different. Most pipe smokers do not inhale to the same extent that a cigarette smoker inhales and it’s that difference that’s the key here. When you don’t inhale deeply as cigarette smokers do then you’re not damaging the delicate structure of your lungs but you are still getting the positive effects of smoking.

http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-smok ... e-smoking/

The original Surgeon General's Report, released in 1964, showed no ill effects from pipe smoking, or moderate cigar smoking. Indeed, studies relied upon by the SG actually showed that pipe smokers lived longer than non-smokers.

http://www.lcolby.com/b-chap1.htm

Unlike cigarettes, pipe smoking is not degrading to your health. According to the Surgeon General, and many other studies, pipe smokers live LONGER than non-smokers. Why is this?

Pipe smoking lowers stress levels dramatically.

The psychological benefits of pipe smoking have been described by many who have enjoyed the hobby, including Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and others. Einstein felt that pipe smoking facilitated his mental clarity when working on a difficult project. Many pictures of him at work show that he favored billard-shaped pipes. Pipe smokers often like to recite one of his most relevant quotes: "I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs". Indeed, it is difficult to measure the calming qualities of pipe smoking and the possible beneficial effects on our work, productivity, relationships, and relaxation.

http://www.meerschaumstore.com/health.htm

But the health benefits do not stop there.

There’s a suggestion that smoking may be a form of pain relief. A friend of mine suffers from some serious knee damage but can’t avoid spending long hours every day on his feet. Of course that puts some incredible strains on his knee and the pain at the end of the day can be almost unbearable.

He’s tried painkillers and he’s tried injections but there’s nothing that takes the edge off the pain that he suffers from more than tobacco. Just a few puffs and the pain is beginning to dull for him. Now I’m not trying to suggest that smoking a pipe will cure chronic pain and it certainly doesn’t take away all the pain that my friend suffers from but it does dull the searing pain that afflicts him at the end of a busy day to the point where it’s more bearable.

And pain relief isn’t the only physical and mental thing that smoking can help alleviate. Medical research is beginning to show that tobacco helps to prevent colon and prostate cancer … now there’s a shock! Tobacco actually helps prevent some forms of cancer … I bet it’s going to be a while before that fact becomes a lot more public than it is today.

There’s even some suggestion that smoking helps thin the blood and reduces the chance of blood clotting.

There’s also evidence that tobacco smoke helps alleviate illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Tourette’s Syndrome. And some research suggests that schizophrenia and some addictions can be helped by smoking.

http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-smok ... e-smoking/

For a truly good study "In Defense of Smokers" (the pipe smoking kind) read this LENGTHY article (more like a book!) http://www.lcolby.com/

So, finally, the whole point of this topic... Is pipe smoking all that sinful, if it truly is beneficial to your health in so many ways?

 

[ORwarriOR]

I do think pipe smoking is sinful. Even if it's not beneficial to your body, when you contribute money to the tobacco industry you're feeding a fire that is destroying so many lives due to addiction and the negative effects it has on the body. Sure it may not be hurting you much, but you're still supporting an industry that's killing millions.

 

[Pard]

I do think pipe smoking is sinful. Even if it's not beneficial to your body, when you contribute money to the tobacco industry you're feeding a fire that is destroying so many lives due to addiction and the negative effects it has on the body. Sure it may not be hurting you much, but you're still supporting an industry that's killing millions.

Not going to dispute you, but I would suggest that you have only ever heard the argument from the side of the anti-smoking (aka the government) people.

Here is a data table that will show that smoking rates are NOT tied to cancer rates OR life expectancy.

http://www.kidon.com/smoke/percentages.htm

Also, the "evil" tobacco companies you refer to do not produce pipe tobacco, as pipe tobacco is not profitable enough for them. Pipe tobacco is usually made by small companies, and at least around me, they are all very local, as in there is a tobacco farm down the road.

 

[Caroline H]

I thought I posted a response in here, but it must not have gone through for some reason

I don't think that smoking is wrong anymore than drinking alcohol is wrong. It is when something like that takes control of a person, and they develop a need for it that it becomes wrong. Moderation is the key, and if a person feels that they would be compromising themselves if they smoke or drink then they should not do it. But for the person who is strong and is not tempted to go overboard, then it should be fine. I think that we Christians in the west make too much of an issue of things sometimes, and we forget that there is freedom in the Lord when it comes to some things.

 

[jasoncran]

pard, i train with two smokers in bjj, they cant hang, i have tapped them out by simply by mounting them or side control. they dont have any cardio.

please be sure that the studies arent biased as my uncle has c.o.p.d. from his smoking days.

 

[Drew]

I don't think that smoking is wrong anymore than drinking alcohol is wrong. It is when something like that takes control of a person, and they develop a need for it that it becomes wrong.

I can empathize with this, but I think this is not quite correct.

This is an oft-repeated argument - its not that smoking is sinful, its when it becomes an idol, or something that controls you, or something like that, that it becomes sin.

The problem with this argument is that one could use it to say something like this:

I don't think sleeping with my best friend's wife is sin unless and until it takes control of my life.

Clearly, we all know this is wrong thinking. So why do people agree that this is incorrect reasoning when applied to adultery, but entirely legitimate when applied to smoking? Clearly, its because there is a "rule" against adultery in the Bible, and no such "one-line" prohibition of smoking.

Well, I would hope that most people understand that the Bible was never written to be a list of "do's and don'ts". So the fact that there is no "thou shalt not smoke" is not really a strong basis for denying the sinfulness of smoking.

Here is an argument as to why smoking is sin:

1. The kingdom of God has already been initiated;

2. We, the church are to be agents working to implement that kingdom;

3. One goal of the Kingdom of God is that human beings experience physical healing - yes, we all die, that not's the point - we are to follow Jesus' healing model all the same. The kingdom is growing, but will only be perfected in the future so the argument "we all die so how can God be trying to heal the world be true" fails;

4. Smoking only harms the body (it does other bad things like cost $$, but we'll let that pass);

5. Therefore, smoking is in direct opposition to the kingdom imperative to heal.

6. Therefore, smoking is sin.

 

[pjt]

"Pipe smoking lowers stress levels dramatically."

I could see this. It seems like a form of aromatherapy. I love the smell of a pipe. It`s a very calming, dignified smell to me. I like it. I can`t stand the smell of other tobacco but a pipe is very pleasant.

As for health, it may be more than just not inhaling. It could also involve the way the tobacco is treated and processed. Pipe tobacco is much more carefully treated than cigarette tobacco and it is prepared in a different way. If it were just not inhaling, there is still the smoke in the air to be inhaled, but apparently from the studies you show that is not a problem. Perhaps it can be compared to whole wheat bread vs. white bread. The processing of the flour completely changes the healthiness of the bread even though they both come from wheat.

Anyway, I am a nonsmoker who has no intentions of ever taking up the habit, but I do enjoy the rare occasion of passing by someone who smokes a pipe.

 

[Hitch]

I can empathize with this, but I think this is not quite correct.

This is an oft-repeated argument - its not that smoking is sinful, its when it becomes an idol, or something that controls you, or something like that, that it becomes sin.

The problem with this argument is that one could use it to say something like this:

I don't think sleeping with my best friend's wife is sin unless and until it takes control of my life.

Clearly, we all know this is wrong thinking. So why do people agree that this is incorrect reasoning when applied to adultery, but entirely legitimate when applied to smoking? Clearly, its because there is a "rule" against adultery in the Bible, and no such "one-line" prohibition of smoking.

Well, I would hope that most people understand that the Bible was never written to be a list of "do's and don'ts". So the fact that there is no "thou shalt not smoke" is not really a strong basis for denying the sinfulness of smoking.

Here is an argument as to why smoking is sin:

1. The kingdom of God has already been initiated;

2. We, the church are to be agents working to implement that kingdom;

3. One goal of the Kingdom of God is that human beings experience physical healing - yes, we all die, that not's the point - we are to follow Jesus' healing model all the same. The kingdom is growing, but will only be perfected in the future so the argument "we all die so how can God be trying to heal the world be true" fails;

4. Smoking only harms the body (it does other bad things like cost $$, but we'll let that pass);

5. Therefore, smoking is in direct opposition to the kingdom imperative to heal.

6. Therefore, smoking is sin.

Edited

 

[Hitch]

Been a pipe smoker for a few years. One of the best things about smoking a pipe is how much it troubles the do-goodies that want to control everything OTHER folks do.
And if it wasnt smoking that caused so much whining, it would be sugar, red meat, incandescent lights

One of the things God is really good at is setting proper limits on behavior, but there are always some folks who think God just isnt quite holy enough and needs help. If you dont think that works well head off to a Shaker meeting and see for yourself.

 

[Pebbles]

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia - Noncigarette forms of tobacco use

There is no "healthy" way of smoking.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Go ahead! Have a good pipe smoke. C. S. Lewis did.

Just keep it in moderation, though, and show some strength and (by) restraint.

After all, we don't see Indians smoking a peace pipe every 5 minutes, but they did not run around with lung cancer just as sun does not cause skin cancer.

 

[tim-from-pa]

One other thing. If you look at my avatar carefully, you'll notice I'm smoking a cigar!

 

[Free]

Been a pipe smoker for a few years. One of the best things about smoking a pipe is how much it troubles the do-goodies that want to control everything OTHER folks do.
And if it wasnt smoking that caused so much whining, it would be sugar, red meat, incandescent lights

One of the things God is really good at is setting proper limits on behavior, but there are always some folks who think God just isnt quite holy enough and needs help. If you dont think that works well head off to a Shaker meeting and see for yourself.

If you have something beneficial to add to the discussion, then please do so.

 

[Hitch]

If you have something beneficial to add to the discussion, then please do so.

You first.

 

[Rinid]

I can empathize with this, but I think this is not quite correct.

This is an oft-repeated argument - its not that smoking is sinful, its when it becomes an idol, or something that controls you, or something like that, that it becomes sin.

The problem with this argument is that one could use it to say something like this:

I don't think sleeping with my best friend's wife is sin unless and until it takes control of my life.

Clearly, we all know this is wrong thinking. So why do people agree that this is incorrect reasoning when applied to adultery, but entirely legitimate when applied to smoking? Clearly, its because there is a "rule" against adultery in the Bible, and no such "one-line" prohibition of smoking.

Well, I would hope that most people understand that the Bible was never written to be a list of "do's and don'ts". So the fact that there is no "thou shalt not smoke" is not really a strong basis for denying the sinfulness of smoking.

Here is an argument as to why smoking is sin:

1. The kingdom of God has already been initiated;

2. We, the church are to be agents working to implement that kingdom;

3. One goal of the Kingdom of God is that human beings experience physical healing - yes, we all die, that not's the point - we are to follow Jesus' healing model all the same. The kingdom is growing, but will only be perfected in the future so the argument "we all die so how can God be trying to heal the world be true" fails;

4. Smoking only harms the body (it does other bad things like cost $$, but we'll let that pass);

5. Therefore, smoking is in direct opposition to the kingdom imperative to heal.

6. Therefore, smoking is sin.

Interesting when he says that smoking pipes does no harm and prolongs life. I think Caroline H had it right there. Assuming that the facts are from good scources. Interesting one lists the world. So then might say that pipe smoking heals the mind at least thus going along with the kingdom.

Things are a commantment for a reason, we can't just add anything say like thou shall not smoke a pipe, and say well bible says we can't do that.

Here's a thought.. Some say it's a sin to do drugs. Then take pills (drugs) everyday. So then we say oh well some help and some hurt you. We shouldn't do the ones that hurt you. Like morphine for instance. OK but then you get in a bad car accident and the paramedic gives ya a shot of Morphine, by the way they also carry volume. The idea isn't the drug. the idea is has it become an idol in our life. One shot of morphine to ease the pain so they can reduce the effect shock may have on you while in route to the hospital is not being a bad christain. If studies show the pipe prolongs life I would wonder how it's hurting you.

 

[Pard]

Talk about necro.'ing a thread... This thing was head half a year ago!

 

[Free]

Interesting when he says that smoking pipes does no harm and prolongs life. I think Caroline H had it right there. Assuming that the facts are from good scources. Interesting one lists the world. So then might say that pipe smoking heals the mind at least thus going along with the kingdom.

Things are a commantment for a reason, we can't just add anything say like thou shall not smoke a pipe, and say well bible says we can't do that.

Here's a thought.. Some say it's a sin to do drugs. Then take pills (drugs) everyday. So then we say oh well some help and some hurt you. We shouldn't do the ones that hurt you. Like morphine for instance. OK but then you get in a bad car accident and the paramedic gives ya a shot of Morphine, by the way they also carry volume. The idea isn't the drug. the idea is has it become an idol in our life. One shot of morphine to ease the pain so they can reduce the effect shock may have on you while in route to the hospital is not being a bad christain. If studies show the pipe prolongs life I would wonder how it's hurting you.

And other sources say otherwise:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/479680

To think that putting smoke from anything into one's mouth is next to harmless and even beneficial is rather absurd. Chewers don't inhale and neither do they ingest but one could not say that it is harmless. The appeal to lower stress is somewhat fallacious since there are numerous other activities which not only lower stress but provide other benefits as well.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the "benefits" being touted by pipe smoking comes from tobacco companies.

 

[Hitch]

And other sources say otherwise:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/479680

To think that putting smoke from anything into one's mouth is next to harmless and even beneficial is rather absurd. Chewers don't inhale and neither do they ingest but one could not say that it is harmless. The appeal to lower stress is somewhat fallacious since there are numerous other activities which not only lower stress but provide other benefits as well.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the "benefits" being touted by pipe smoking comes from tobacco companies.

No, Chesterton.

 

[Hitch]

Whene'er I take my pipe and stuff it
And smoke to pass the time away
My thoughts, as I sit there and puff it,
Dwell on a picture sad and grey:
It teaches me that very like
Am I myself unto my pipe.

Like me this pipe, so fragrant burning,
Is made of naught but earthen clay;
To earth I too shall be returning,
And cannot halt my slow decay.
My well used pipe, now cracked and broken,
Of mortal life is but a token.

No stain, the pipe's hue yet doth darken;
It remains white. Thus do I know
That when to death's call I must harken
My body, too, all pale will grow.
To black beneath the sod 'twill turn,
Likewise the pipe, if oft it burn.

Or when the pipe is fairly glowing,
Behold then instantaneously,
The smoke off into thin air going,
'Til naught but ash is left to see.
Man's fame likewise away will burn
And unto dust his body turn.

How oft it happens when one's smoking,
The tamper's missing from it's shelf,
And one goes with one's finger poking
Into the bowl and burns oneself.
If in the pipe such pain doth dwell
How hot must be the pains of Hell!

Thus o'er my pipe in contemplation
Of such things - I can constantly
Indulge in fruitful meditation,
And so, puffing contentedly,
On land, at sea, at home, abroad,
I smoke my pipe and worship God.

Johann Sebastian Bach - 1725 (1685-1750)

 

[Free]

No, Chesterton.

Let me rephrase that last sentence:

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the "benefits" being touted by pipe smoking comes from tobacco companies and those that smoke.