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[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I knew a fourth generation Apostolic Pentecostal. This young man's great-grandfather was an Apostolic Pentecostal back when the movement was just taking off. He was a farmer. He faithful attended church, read his Bible, raised his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and... smoked a pipe. My friend's grandfather (second generation Apostolic) smoked a pipe also, but taught his children against it because it was proven that smoking tobacco was bad for one's health. My friend's father (third generation Apostolic) never smoked. And of course, my friend doesn't smoke.

If you do a little research on the Apostolic movement predating 1930's, you'll discover that there was a wide range of opinions about smoking and it wasn't unheard of for Apostolics to smoke.

And their salvation was never questioned.

After it research and science began to prove the dangers of smoking (despite the propaganda and misinformation campaign headed by the tobacco companies) Christian churches began encouraging that people not smoke. As science began to prove the damage smoking causes, many churches chose to label smoking a "sin" ranked up with drinking, carousing, and other unhealthy lifestyles.

Now, does this mean that smoking is a "sin"? I do know that it is one of the most unhealthy habits to have. But just because something is "unhealthy" it doesn't mean it is a "sin". Else being overweight would be "sin". Most Americans eat meals that are too large, this too would be a "sin". Eating foods that are not considered good for you (such as a Big Mac) would be "sin". Drinking soda-pop would be "sin". Drinking various coffees would be "sin"... or having any of these things in excess would be "sin".

I would argue that smoking, being of an unhealthy weight, eating too much, eating unhealthy foods, drinking soda-pop, coffee, etc. can all be considered unhealthy practices. I'd encourage spiritual self-discipline concerning these things and emphasize the blessings of good health. But to just throw the word "sin" around is serious. Sin can land one in Hell. I'm not sure that any of these things will do that.

Special note, it was an almost universal practice throughout the Middle East in Christ's day to chew khat after large meals. It was chewed during after dinner fellowship and helped to clean teeth. The only problem is that khat contains a monoamine alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant. While it was very common throughout the Middle East for thousands of years... today it is considered a controlled substance.

Prove Jesus, the apostles, prophets, saints etc chewed khat after meals.