The issue of whether smoking is a sin or not is a complex one that requires looking at biblical principles, the health effects of smoking, and issues of Christian freedom and legalism. Ultimately, the Bible does not directly prohibit smoking. However, there are some important biblical considerations that should lead Christians to carefully think through this issue.
Biblical Principles Related to Smoking
While the Bible does not specifically mention smoking, there are some broader biblical principles that can provide guidance:
Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” This verse teaches that our bodies do not belong to us, but to God. We are commanded to glorify God with our bodies. Smoking damages the body and can be considered a form of slow suicide. As such, it could be seen as failing to properly steward the body God has given us.
Drunkenness Is Sinful
Ephesians 5:18 says “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” While smoking does not cause drunkenness, the principle of avoiding clouded judgment and loss of self-control can apply. Smoking impacts brain function and can become addictive, controlling a person’s faculties in a negative way.
Causing Others to Stumble
Romans 14:13 says “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” If a Christian’s smoking causes others to start smoking themselves or violates their conscience, it could be considered a stumbling block. Smoking habits should be carefully considered to avoid causing spiritual harm to others.
Living in Freedom
1 Corinthians 6:12 says “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” Christians are free in Christ, but should not become slaves to any kind of substance dependence or addiction. Smoking can easily become a controlling habit.
Following Government Authority
Romans 13:1-2 says “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Since smoking is regulated by governing laws, Christians should submit to whatever restrictions or age limitations are imposed in their locale.
Giving Account to God
1 Peter 4:5 says “But they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” All Christians will one day give an account to God for their lives and choices. The potential damage smoking can do to one’s body should cause Christians to carefully consider if they want to explain those choices to God.
Health Effects of Smoking
In addition to broad biblical principles, the extreme health risks associated with smoking can also be a factor in determining if it is sinful. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The CDC states that smoking causes over 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. The health effects include:
- Greatly increased risk of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases
- Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, aneurysm
- Leukoplakia, gum disease, tooth loss
- Diminished immune system function
- Decreased ability to engage in physical activities due to reduced lung capacity
Knowingly engaging in an activity that is so destructive to personal health and has the potential to cut years off one’s life could be viewed as a violation of the biblical principle of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Issues of Christian Freedom and Legalism
When evaluating if smoking is sinful for a Christian, it is also important to consider issues of Christian freedom and legalism. The Bible calls Christians to liberty in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 says “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” The Apostle Paul teaches that while believers should give up sin, they are free to make personal choices regarding habits that the Bible does not clearly prohibit.
However, while smoking may be permissible, it can still be unwise. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” Christians must be careful not to allow smoking to control them or harm their witness. Furthermore, while the Bible calls Christians to liberty, it also calls them to love. Romans 14:15 warns: “For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.”
The Bible calls Christians to walk in wisdom, exercising their freedom while loving others and caring for their own bodies. An absolute ban on smoking can become legalistic, but that does not make the decision to smoke wise or loving. This complex balancing act requires prayerful wisdom from each individual believer as they study the Bible and seek the Spirit’s guidance about how to apply its principles.
Differences Between Social Drinking and Smoking
Some Christians treat social drinking and smoking differently, even though neither are specifically prohibited in scripture. There are some potential factors that contribute to social drinking being viewed by many as more acceptable than smoking:
- The Bible contains examples of social drinking in moderation (John 2, 1 Timothy 5:23), but no mention of recreational smoking of any kind.
- Drinking in moderation has not been proven to have substantial health risks. Smoking in any amount is associated with numerous health problems.
- Second-hand drinking is not an issue, while second-hand smoke can harm others.
- Alcohol, in moderation, has culinary, medical, and celebratory uses. Tobacco does not have the same breadth of “redemptive” purposes.
- Smoking is highly addictive, while moderate, social drinking need not become a dependence.
- The culture stigmatizes smoking more than social drinking.
These factors tend to affect how Christians perceive smoking versus social drinking. However, both require wisdom and continuous examination of one’s motives and effects on others. Neither should be approached legalistically, but carefully, prayerfully, and lovingly.
Pastoral Perspectives on Smoking
Throughout church history, pastors and theologians have expressed various perspectives on smoking, ranging from calling it a sin to defending Christian liberty to partake. Here are a few examples:
Against Smoking
- Puritan theologian John Owen called smoking “a sinful practice.” He argued it is unwise, unhealthy, addictive, and unedifying.
- 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon condemned smoking, saying “surely smoking must be bad, and a waste of money.”
- 20th century pastor John Piper called smoking “suicidally stupid” and told church members “don’t smoke.”
Defending Liberty to Smoke
- 19th century Baptist pastor Charles Spurgeon smoked cigars and resisted calls to condemn smoking, citing freedom in Christ.
- 20th century apologist C.S. Lewis, while not promoting smoking, argued against a legalistic ban in the church.
- The 16th century Reformers Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli smoked tobacco and did not believe it was prohibited in scripture.
This range of perspectives continues today, with most pastors counseling strongly against smoking due to its health risks and addictive potential, but stopping short of proclaiming an outright biblical prohibition – instead emphasizing principles of wisdom, stewardship, and love.
Practical Considerations for Christians
When evaluating smoking, Christians should prayerfully weigh biblical principles and health realities. While a firm position of “smoking is sin” lacks clear biblical support, neither is smoking morally neutral. Below are some practical considerations:
- Pray and study scripture with an open heart, asking God for wisdom to apply biblical principles.
- Be fully informed about the health hazards, potential for addiction, and financial cost of smoking.
- Consider if smoking will limit your ability to glorify God with your body or serve others.
- Be mindful of how your habit could impact others, especially newer or younger believers.
- Submit to any legal restrictions placed on smoking by governing authorities.
- If you choose to smoke, do so in moderation, not as an addiction. And be willing to cease if it starts controlling you.
- Do not condemn other Christians who see this issue differently, but be prepared to explain your personal convictions.
The Bible does not provide a simple answer to the question “is smoking a sin?” Much wisdom, grace, thoughtfulness, and reliance on the Holy Spirit is required for Christians to faithfully navigate this complex issue. The highest goal is not strict adherence to regulations, but living a life pleasing to Christ in light of biblical values and health realities.