Smoking is intrinsically disorderd

[whatevergirl]

The difference between the twinkie scenario and the cigarette, is that if someone ELSE smokes a cigarette in my presence, close enough where I can smell it–I can be harmed. Stats prove this. Plus, I don’t want to smell it–is hurts my eyes, throat, bleck! If someone on the other hand, is sitting near me eating a twinkie, or another form of junkfood, it doesn’t affect me in the same way. I suppose we could say…eating junkfood causes the insurance premiums to go haywire, because indirectly, heavier people are unhealthier, and thus have more claims. But, that is indirect…

So, smoking has the propensity to harm those that don’t ever plan on taking up the habit. That’s at least one difference I see.

I’m very biased. My dad died when I was 9, due to lung cancer…he smoked around 3 to 4 packs of cigarettes per day. I will never ever ever see the value of smoking–never.

 

[whatevergirl]

Would you say the same thing about alcohol as you do about tobacco?

I think we need to though look at it in today’s terms. From what I’ve been reading lately, cigarette companies have been over the years, ‘trying’ to get people addicted to their product. Tobacco in and of itself is not addictive…but nicotine and other derivatives are addictive. So, it’s not the tobacco–it’s really the product of cigarettes, so comparing that to a glass of red wine say, is not comparing an apple to an orange. A glass or two of wine daily, can be beneficial doctors say–not one has EVER said…‘smoke a cigarette a day, for your health.’ If so, please show me that article!!

 

[goofyjim]

Would you say the same thing about alcohol as you do about tobacco?

I already stated earlier that tobacco has no medicinal value biblically speaking. Alcohol is permitted. This is just one of those instances where I answer to a higher authority than the Catechism. I hesitate to explain why I think the Church does not condemn smoking.

 

[whatevergirl]

Further, twinkies and the like can be addicting…food can be addicting, and sugar is not good for us, in a general sense. But, again, eating an isolated twinkie will not cause addiction, but smoking a cigarette, these days especially, can really be addictive. Doctors usually say…‘eat sweets in moderation.’ No one says that about smoking.

 

[Joe_5859]

Further, twinkies and the like can be addicting…food can be addicting, and sugar is not good for us, in a general sense. But, again, eating an isolated twinkie will not cause addiction, but smoking a cigarette, these days especially, can really be addictive. Doctors usually say…‘eat sweets in moderation.’ No one says that about smoking.

Okay, maybe twinkies are not the perfect analogy, I just like to use them whenever I can.

To be comprehensive, I believe the OP talked about smoking generically as being intrinsically sinful. That’s how I’ve been discussing things, anyway. This would encompass not only modern-day cigarettes, but also cigars and homegrown tobacco-only cigarettes. The latter at least, could be argued to not have the addicting/carcinogenic elements.

To be clear, I would certainly never argue that smoking is a good idea. I have never smoked, and I always ask to sit as far away as possible from the smoking section when I go to a restaurant! Being around smoke also makes me cough and feel ill. But there is a difference between thinking something is a filthy habit that can negatively effect your health and in thinking that smoking is intrinsically sinful on the same level as sexual sins (as the OP suggested).

We can talk about it all we want, but the Church has never stated that smoking is intrinsically sinful. Presumably, smoking is prevalent enough and has been around long enough to warrant a response if one were required (beyond what the Catechism warns about smoking immoderately). Even relatively recent phenomena (such as cloning or IVF) have been unequivocally condemned. Why not smoking?

I already stated earlier that tobacco has no medicinal value biblically speaking. Alcohol is permitted. This is just one of those instances where I answer to a higher authority than the Catechism. ** I hesitate to explain why I think the Church does not condemn smoking.**

Fair enough. You have certainly piqued my curiosity, but if you have your reasons for not sharing your explanation, I totally respect that.

 

[stringbeanduck]

I understand that smoking can be sinful in some ways, but I disagree with saying smoking with temperance is evil. I never encourage any1 to start a smoking habit seeing what it has done to folks around me. I also do know some guys who have a passion for growing and experimenting and sampling different forms of tobacco. I don’t think God would deny a good person heaven because he/she used tobacco in his/her life time. Now if said person put tobacco above God that would be a different story.

 

[byers]

Regardless of what the Church teaches there will be no smoking in my house or car and I will deliberately walk away in disgust from a group of smokers. I will vote to have smoking banned in public places because it has been proven to cause cancer in those who breathe it in, even second hand. The other things you mention are sports. Smoking does nothing but kill. How can that not be considered mortally sinful?

I guess you would have to take this up with the Church. Smoking may not be a healthy habit…but it is not immoral.

 

[whatevergirl]

Really, anything that we cling to – can be sinful. Some people seek out sex, others alcohol, others drugs, others food, others cigarettes…I don’t believe the objects to be ‘intrinsically’ evil, although I do feel cigarette companies are evil. But, that’s another story. lol I think what causes something not necessarily by itself immoral, to be evil, is the intent in which we persue it. Example–if I want to have a few oreos with milk, it’s ok…but if I’m seeking the oreos/junk food to help me overcome worry, or depression, etc…it can lead me to gluttony, and thus a sin. Anything that I hold in high esteem over my Lord, can be considered sinful. I have a worrying problem that I have tried to get a grip on for years–and I’m doing much better (through God’s grace) but, I sometimes cling to it, as odd as that might sound, so worrying can even be sinful, because it causes me to put something in God’s rightful place. Just my two cents.

 

[consumedconvert]

Has everyone forgotton about pipes? How could you!

Okay, I know smoking is unpopular, and I know it can be unhealthy. However…

As a convert from Evangelicalism, I revel in the fact that I have no better or higher guide to faith or morals than the Magisterium, ordinary and extraordinary. And if the Magisterium does not say smoking is a sin, than neither my doctor nor the near-smokeless state of Illinois (where they don’t even let people smoke in prison–taking nicotine away from violent criminals seemed like a good idea to the governor, apparently) will be able to convince me that smoking is a sin. Here I stand, I’m glad I can do no other

I enjoy pipe smoking. Some of the tobaccos I enjoy have very little nicotiine, others pack a wallop Phillip Morris would envy. I used to smoke cigs, but pipe tobacco–hand-mixed blends from world-wide top-leaf, from finely developed recipes–tastes so much better that I don’t think I could gag down another cigarette. Infinite variety–there’s Frog Morton, Prince Albert, Carter Hall, Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic, a taste to fit every mood…it’s like a smokey smorgasboard BTW, there have been studies on the health effects of pipe tobacco. One study found the relaxation factor could be quite a benefit.

May I mention, btw, that the argument that cigarrettes are as addictive as heroin rather rediculous. Not that I’m going to try heroin to find out. But I find it a suspicious statement, nonetheless…

Besides the fact that the Magisterium has nowhere, no time condemned smoking (moderation in all things, of course), you’ll never convince me that it is perfectly fine to enjoy a variety of alcohols but not okay to enjoy tobacco. Also, as far as the “beer can be healthy” bit, I don’t really buy it. Wine, maybe…besides, no doctor ever says “Enjoy a big mac every once in a while”–yet it is fine to do so.

In short–I’m going out to smoke now

 

[consumedconvert]

I am an ex-smoker. I smoked from 18 until I was about 36. I have quit about 14 years ago.

It is a terrible addictive drug and should be banned.

I will pray a Hail Mary for all the smokers on this thread so that they may be able to quit. God bless all of you.

To a previous poster}: What about the people who don’t want to quit? Mortal sinners, all? Crisis! A mortal sin uncondemned by the Magisterium! Someone call the CDF on the red telephone!

 

[stringbeanduck]

Pipe smoker ehh? Have you ever try growing your own and experimenting with blends.

 

[consumedconvert]

Pipe smoker ehh? Have you ever try growing your own and experimenting with blends.

No, not yet. Someday…a friend has mentioned starting a tobacco garden. Perhaps we can work in the garden while the home brew’s a brewing

 

[goofyjim]

Extinguish all lit objects before entering my home or car. If not, you are not welcome or will walk instead of getting a ride.

 

[stringbeanduck]

Extinguish all lit objects before entering my home or car. If not, you are not welcome or will walk instead of getting a ride.

That still means he can have chew, dip, and snuff.

 

[whatevergirl]

There is nothing funny about being addicted to anything–smoking, or anything. There is nothing good about smoking. My dad died from being addicted to it, and thus I see nothing good from it. I don’t know many people who smoke once a year or two…haha. Either you’re a smoker or not. If you try to apply for life insurance and had a cigarette (only one) a few weeks prior to your application, they will test your blood, at certain limits you’re applying for, to see if nicotine comes up in your blood. Why? Because even if you’re a social smoker, your health is still worse off than someone who doesn’t–all things equal otherwise, of course.

It’s a nasty habit that has claimed the deaths of so many people. It is not intrinsically disorder–I don’t believe that–it is a bad habit, though, and if it evolves into an addiction, not sure how God could be happy about that?

 

[whatevergirl]

That still means he can have chew, dip, and snuff.

My son came home one day from school–relaying the information he saw in a movie at school about ‘dipping.’ (this is popular with his friends as well) There were several people who had dipped for as little as five years, who needed complete rescontructive surgery to reshape their jaws, because their teeth rotted, the lining of their cheeks were infected, they had jaw and throat cancer, etc…etc…all from dipping. I just don’t understand how we can make jokes about this–it is gross, and unhealthy. (at the least) At the most–it can cause death. I think that as Catholics, just because the Church doesn’t pronounce something bad for a person, doesn’t mean it isn’t. I doubt the Church would encourage anyone to smoke…I don’t believe it to be sinful, because I’m not sure if we liken addictions to mortal sin? But it definitely is harmful to one’s body–aren’t we supposed to keep our temples clean, as they are creations of God? Or do we throw that out the window, for those habits that are hard to break.

 

[consumedconvert]

My son came home one day from school–relaying the information he saw in a movie at school about ‘dipping.’ (this is popular with his friends as well) There were several people who had dipped for as little as five years, who needed complete rescontructive surgery to reshape their jaws, because their teeth rotted, the lining of their cheeks were infected, they had jaw and throat cancer, etc…etc…all from dipping. I just don’t understand how we can make jokes about this–it is gross, and unhealthy. (at the least) At the most–it can cause death. I think that as Catholics, just because the Church doesn’t pronounce something bad for a person, doesn’t mean it isn’t. I doubt the Church would encourage anyone to smoke…I don’t believe it to be sinful, because I’m not sure if we liken addictions to mortal sin? But it definitely is harmful to one’s body–aren’t we supposed to keep our temples clean, as they are creations of God? Or do we throw that out the window, for those habits that are hard to break.

All things in moderation, dear friend. I smoke about four or five pipes a week, or during some weeks, two or three pipe bowls a day. We can joke about it because I enjoy it, and enjoy it moderately. One can drink without being an alcoholic, one can enjoy food without being morbidly obeise, and one can enjoy smoking without becoming a one or two-pack-a-day smoker.

 

[whatevergirl]

All things in moderation, dear friend. I smoke about four or five pipes a week, or during some weeks, two or three pipe bowls a day. We can joke about it because I enjoy it, and enjoy it moderately. One can drink without being an alcoholic, one can enjoy food without being morbidly obeise, and one can enjoy smoking without becoming a one or two-pack-a-day smoker.

True…but, smoking is one of those things that is toxic, no matter if done in moderation. A glass of wine, because it is natural, depending on the wine of course, is not toxic. Most alcohols are not toxic, as they are fermented and derived from natural means. Cigarettes are synthetic…they have tar, and carcinogens in them. Smoking something like this even if in moderation, is toxic. Having an occasional slice of cake, etc is not toxic. It’s food.
In excess or beyond moderation, it can cause obesity, diabetes, etc…but, smoking cigarettes, even in moderation, are toxic. The very first cigarette is toxic. I think we’ll have to just agree to disagree on this point. I wouldn’t tell my kids–it’s ok to smoke just do it in moderation. I just don’t liken cigarettes on the same playing field with drinking a glass of red wine, or having a beer or two, on occasion. Because of their toxicity, I feel this way.

Again–I guess everyone has different opinions on the subject.

 

[stringbeanduck]

I don’t doubt that whatever girl. Dip can really mess up your cheeks, jaw, throat real easily.

 

[goofyjim]

That still means he can have chew, dip, and snuff.

I’ll exclude them in my home and car as well.