Smoking Cigarettes

[Freshman88]

Moderation, not teetotaling, is the Catholic tradition.

If you don’t think you can be moderate in your drinking/smoking, then why object to those who can?

It’s quite a serious claim to be labeling these activities as mortal sins. I will not receive the Eucharist with any stain of mortal sin, this is the greatest sin as far as I’m concerned. Can you honestly tell me that by enjoying a smooth refreshing smoke on my way to mass, that I have somehow become unworthy of receiving Christ and entering into communion?

Also, I think it would be interesting to note where everyone is located. My perception is that it seems to be an influence from a certain brand of American Christianity.

 

[Sinner1]

Something I think most people fail to recognize is that Marijuana, LSD, and even Ecstasy are less harmful and less addictive than both Tobacco and Alcohol.

It’s hard to know what classifies as excessive use. Even though most people see it as morally offensive, I personally do not see anything wrong with smoking a Joint every now and then. Obviously, there are some drugs that are really impossible to use in moderation, such as Heroin.

…And for the record, I have never used any drug except for caffeine and a very little amount of alcohol.

 

[Freshman88]

I know that I am not going to be a fan favorite on this thread, but I have real issues with smoking and drinking. Under certain circumstances I can see that drinking can be Ok at best, but I don’t see the purpose of it. There are too many other choices that we have to drink something healthy than to grab a beer or any other related beverage. Don’t tell me that you drink beer because you are watching your figure or that it’s good for you, that’s a crock! Drink some juice or get you some soy milk if you are truly interested in being healthy.

Who’s drinking beer for their health? I’ve heard a glass of wine can be good for the heart - but I only drink beer because it’s both delicious and enjoyable/relaxing. That’s the purpose; to relax and perhaps even socialize.

Drinking has made Catholics look like a bunch of drunk hipocrites, and I am sick of that stereotype.

A silly stereotype is no reason to stop enjoying a few pints, or a tasty cigar or two.

 

[Freshman88]

Something I think most people fail to recognize is that Marijuana, LSD, and even Ecstasy are less harmful and less addictive than both Tobacco and Alcohol.

Harm alone doesn’t dictate how sinful it is. One is not under control when under the influence of those harder drugs (with a possible exception to marijuana), but one can easily maintain control while having a smoke, or after having a drink or two.

I play contact sports; they’re much more harmful. Cigarettes or beer have yet to give me a concussion or a broken limb (well, I have been bottled before-but that’s a different story), yet no one is going to argue that rugby or football is sinful.

 

[RosaryFan]

Tobacco has an upside; it’s enjoyable. And despite what you say, it can be enjoyed in moderation.

I agree! All things in moderation. Too many candy bars is just as sinful as too many cigarettes. By the same token, one cigarette isn’t sending me to hell any more than one candy bar.

I once confessed to my priest that I was a social smoker, and he laughed and told me that he, too, enjoyed cigarettes while he was out with his friends. He’s 76 years old!

 

[cheeto1]

I know that I am not going to be a fan favorite on this thread, but I have real issues with smoking and drinking.

You’re a favorite of mine! I’m just not brave enough to talk like you. Thanks!

 

[Freshman88]

I once confessed to my priest that I was a social smoker, and he laughed and told me that he, too, enjoyed cigarettes while he was out with his friends. He’s 76 years old!

Ha, 76 and he still knows how to have a good time!

 

[cheeto1]

Can you honestly tell me that by enjoying a smooth refreshing smoke on my way to mass…

What you find smooth and refreshing may be found disgusting and distracting to those of us who have to sit next to you at mass, and drink from the cup after you. I’m sure you are a good
Christian, but it would be nice if you would think of others in this matter. And if only I could meet you in person, I would never have the guts to say this to you.

 

[COPLAND_3]

Who’s drinking beer for their health? I’ve heard a glass of wine can be good for the heart - but I only drink beer because it’s both delicious and enjoyable/relaxing. That’s the purpose; to relax and perhaps even socialize.
A silly stereotype is no reason to stop enjoying a few pints, or a tasty cigar or two.

It’s a stereotype that hurts our witness for Christ. There are too many non-Catholics who have an image of the Catholic Church as a place where you get your drinking, smoking, and cussing done, and it turns many potential Catholics somewhere else. When they see Catholics acting no different than atheists except a little bit of religion then we have a big problem.

 

[Allen537]

And if only I could meet you in person, I would never have the guts to say this to you.

Isn’t this how it always goes!!!

 

[Genesian]

What you find smooth and refreshing may be found disgusting and distracting to those of us who have to sit next to you at mass, and drink from the cup after you. I’m sure you are a good
Christian, but it would be nice if you would think of others in this matter.

The same could be said about people who haven’t brushed their teeth before going to mass, or are wearing a particularly pungent perfume. For that matter, people who sing off-key in church are very distracting to me. Should they be told that singing in church is sinful because it’s a distraction?

If it bothers you, sit somewhere else. Churches are often large.

 

[MartyMcFly]

Funny how these topics keep coming up on these forums.
You guys need to live in a Catholic country like Italy or Spain for a year and lighten up a little.

Catholicism in American is sometimes heavily influenced by Protestant Puritan ideas.

 

[Freshman88]

What you find smooth and refreshing may be found disgusting and distracting to those of us who have to sit next to you at mass

I’m sorry but my smelling like cigarrettes is hardly a serious issue.

and drink from the cup after you.

I attend the EF; there is no cup offered. You’re lucky on this one.

I’m sure you are a good
Christian, but it would be nice if you would think of others in this matter.

I always have gum inside my pack of smokes so that takes care of breath. I also live in Montreal most of the year, a coat is needed so that takes care of the smell.

And if only I could meet you in person, I would never have the guts to say this to you.

That’s what so great about the anonymity of the internet .

 

[Freshman88]

Funny how these topics keep coming up on these forums.
You guys need to live in a Catholic country like Italy or Spain for a year and lighten up a little.

Catholicism in American is sometimes heavily influenced by Protestant Puritan ideas.

My thoughts exactly. I grew up with very European-Catholic family, in Canada. I guess that’s why I’m so baffled by this kind of thinking.

 

[Freshman88]

It’s a stereotype that hurts our witness for Christ. There are too many non-Catholics who have an image of the Catholic Church as a place where you get your drinking, smoking, and cussing done, and it turns many potential Catholics somewhere else. When they see Catholics acting no different than atheists except a little bit of religion then we have a big problem.

Simply because they have an improper understanding of moderation, is no reason to change a perfectly valid lifestyle. Instead, they should be taught the proper understanding of alcohol and tobacco that is, use with moderation or not at all. Indeed, or use of moderation should be a form of witness in of itself.

And how do you relate the Catholic ideal of moderation to atheistic morality? That’s quite a jump. I assure, the concept of moderation is a very Catholic concept, as the great Catholic cultures of Europe will attest to.

 

[COPLAND_3]

Funny how these topics keep coming up on these forums.
You guys need to live in a Catholic country like Italy or Spain for a year and lighten up a little.

Catholicism in American is sometimes heavily influenced by Protestant Puritan ideas.

I think one of the problems we face in the Church is that too many have lightened up too much and compromised our effectiveness to convince people that Catholicism was established by Jesus Christ and not by man. This idea that Catholicism is about being able to drink, smoke, and cuss like a sailor is not true, I don’t care about Italy and Spain. We are supposed to be the light of Jesus Christ to shine to the world, but I hear the world pointing out to us that we Catholics can stagger out of the bars with the best of them. What a sad commentary!

 

[COPLAND_3]

Simply because they have an improper understanding of moderation, is no reason to change a perfectly valid lifestyle. Instead, they should be taught the proper understanding of alcohol and tobacco that is, use with moderation or not at all. Indeed, or use of moderation should be a form of witness in of itself.

And how do you relate the Catholic ideal of moderation to atheistic morality? That’s quite a jump. I assure, the concept of moderation is a very Catholic concept, as the great Catholic cultures of Europe will attest to.

If moderation was being practiced by most Catholics and we had a good reputation for showing the world how it’s done, then I would be sold on it. But Catholics have a terrible reputation on this issue because they have been given the impression all their lives that it’s just a Catholic thing when in fact it has been given too long of a leash.

 

[Freshman88]

I think one of the problems we face in the Church is that too many have lightened up too much and compromised our effectiveness to convince people that Catholicism was established by Jesus Christ and not by man.

Christ’s very first miracle was the wedding at Cana, let’s not forget what He did. Living in moderation is following the example of Christ. Our Lord seems to have enjoyed the occasional glass of wine Himself.

This idea that Catholicism is about being able to drink, smoke, and cuss like a sailor is not true

Of course it isn’t true. Enjoying the occasional drink in moderation does not verify this stereotype.

I don’t care about Italy and Spain.

Or France, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Ireland, Portugaul, Poland, Czech republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Ukraine - all of which have developed a truly Catholic culture, and a culture which knows how to enjoy alcohol properly.

I mean, I can’t even imagine Easter or Christmas without vodka - what a travesty!

We are supposed to be the light of Jesus Christ to shine to the world, but I hear the world pointing out to us that we Catholics can stagger out of the bars with the best of them. What a sad commentary!

It’s a sterotype with no basis in reality. IMHO that none sense comes from the same vein of Protestant propaganda that give birth to such ridiculous notions as; Church is the whore of Babylon, Marian worship etc, etc.

They’re meaningless stereotypes, but just because they think we worship Mary, doesn’t mean we stop venerating her. No, we instead educate them on the issue so that they may benefit from it. It is the exact same thing with the concept of moderation, we don’t shy away from it, but instead educate them about it so that they may benefit from it as well (if they would like to).

 

[COPLAND_3]

Christ’s very first miracle was the wedding at Cana, let’s not forget what He did. Living in moderation is following the example of Christ. Our Lord seems to have enjoyed the occasional glass of wine Himself.

Or France, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Ireland, Portugaul, Poland, Czech republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Ukraine - all of which have developed a truly Catholic culture, and a culture which knows how to enjoy alcohol properly.

I mean, I can’t even imagine Easter or Christmas without vodka - what a travesty!

It’s a sterotype with no basis in reality. IMHO that none sense comes from the same vein of Protestant propaganda that give birth to such ridiculous notions as; Church is the whore of Babylon, Marian worship etc, etc.

They’re meaningless stereotypes, but just because they think we worship Mary, doesn’t mean we stop venerating her. No, we instead educate them on the issue so that they may benefit from it. It is the exact same thing with the concept of moderation, we don’t shy away from it, but instead educate them about it so that they may benefit from it as well (if they would like to).

No the stereotype exist because there is lots of abuse, I see it. I don’t see Catholics worshipping Mary, but I see Catholics thinking it’s Ok to be a drunk.

 

[Freshman88]

If moderation was being practiced by most Catholics and we had a good reputation for showing the world how it’s done, then I would be sold on it.

What makes you say that we don’t? - Jack chick tracts?

But Catholics have a terrible reputation on this issue because they have been given the impression all their lives that it’s just a Catholic thing when in fact it has been given too long of a leash.

It’s an impression that has no basis in reality.