Smoke, Sin, and Spiritual Reckoning
From the perspective of some biblical views, smoking is seen not only as a harmful habit but also as a manifestation of spiritual disorder, although it is not regarded as a sin that results in being denied salvation. For example, one source states: "Smoking is a sin. However, it must be understood that there is a sin leading to death and a sin not leading to death. Smoking belongs to the latter category and usually does not impede salvation. There are known saints who smoked. In Greece, among priests and monks, smoking is not considered anything out of the ordinary. Smoking is viewed as a sin because both addiction and the detrimental impact on the body are harmful to the person, spiritually and physically." (source: link txt).Another text clearly emphasizes the moral condemnation of this habit: "Smoking is a foolish matter; its moral issue lies solely in empty addiction and the recognized harm it causes. These latter two aspects are difficult for smokers themselves to fully grasp and challenging to explain to non-smokers. It is profoundly improper, yet this issue should not be hastily judged or conflated with outright sin." (source: link txt, page: 12).It is also noted that the damage inflicted on the body carries not only a physical but also a spiritual dimension, as the body is regarded as a sacred temple: "Smoking may seem harmless, but it destroys the body. Narcotics and alcohol work similarly. The body is the temple of God, and disturbing its peace through smoking is a sin against both health and spirit. The toxins in tobacco and drugs lead to numerous illnesses." (source: link txt).Finally, another source associates smoking with idolatry, noting that addiction and devotion to this habit can hinder spiritual development: "The Church Fathers refer to smoking as a second form of idolatry because it causes addiction and harms health. An idolatrist cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Nazaret Vladimir Pak asserts that any passion is an obstacle on the path to salvation." (source: link txt).Thus, although some theologians view smoking as a sin because of its damaging impact on both the body and a person's spiritual state, this sin is classified as not severe enough to forfeit salvation. The issue remains a matter for personal and spiritual reflection, where the harm of the habit and moral observations are closely intertwined.