Response from a Christian:
Dear Smokey,
I think that your family is just expressing concern for your health and well being. Their love for you has fostered concern for you and a desire for you to be healthy. Your body is a temple of God and so should be cared for as such (Read 1 Corinthians 6:19). You would not scorch the inside of a church and so you should not scorch your lungs with smoking. To love God means to have love for yourself as well. However, God is loves us despite ourselves. He is gracious and merciful and we are human, prone to sin. It is our sinful nature that leaves us vulnerable to addiction and other carnal desires. Because of God’s grace, and the sacrifice of Christ, we can find comfort that our many sins will always be covered. It is important to remember that we live as examples of Christianity to others. If you treat you body as God’s temple others will see that and follow your example.
Your addiction and desire to smoke is your testimony. Should you conquer it (and you can with God’s help) then you will able to show others the way. Your strength and victory will help people around you find their strength. The New Testament is full of parables and examples of people who were overcome their past and lead their lives for the glory of God. There are many Christians that struggle with addiction, or have struggled for addiction, so if you are looking for a support group or a mentor you will find one in your local church. May God grant you strength through your struggle.
Sincerely,
Abbott
Response from a Humanist:
Dear Smokey,
You are right to be upset that others are trying to enforce their beliefs on you. Humanism embraces individuality and encourages people to live freely and with the understanding that we make our own choices and suffer the consequences of them. We alone are in control of our circumstances and should not relinquish that control to other people or spiritual leaders. Humanism has nine excellences that we use as guidelines and they range from self-reliance, self respect, and creativity to self-discipline and high motivation. Each one of these excellences has a purpose. If we respect our selves and expand our minds, then we live happier lives. One of these excellences is good health. It is our belief that a good life requires good health. By that we mean that each person needs a balanced diet and exercise to live a long and happy life. In that excellence we also find value in drinking in moderation, but not in smoking. I am sure that your family has bombarded you with statistics and reasons that you should quit smoking, so I will spare you that speech. However, know that your life is worth living a long time for and as a Humanist you want to do what it takes to enjoy that life to the fullest, smoking will cut that short. Like I mentioned before, each of us make our own choices and are solely responsible for the consequences. If you desire is to enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible, then yes you should quit smoking. But if your desire is to enjoy your life no matter how long it lasts, then please do what makes you happy.
Sincerrly,
Abbot
Response from a Buddhist:
Dear Smokey,
Let me begin by saying how pleased I am that you would write in search of guidance on your path.. Because tobacco was not an issue for ancient Buddhism (it did not become a global issue until the discovery of the Americas after 1400 A.D.) there is no reference to it in ancient texts. That being said, there are legends told by Tibet monks that the tobacco plant grew after a drop of demon blood fell to the ground. It is likely that this is meant to define tobacco as an evil substance and not meant to be part of the spiritual journey.
Life is a journey of constant discovery and purification. You begin where you are. It is true that fundamental Buddhism encourages its followers to abstain from alcohol, meat, and other substances (such as smoking) in order to reach a higher level of spirituality. Buddhism is about you, not what others think of you or want you to do. While you are on your journey to enlightenment and working through the mantras you will reach a point where tobacco will not be necessary for you anymore and then you will continue to grow and discover your own strength and purpose. Buddhism gives spiritual strength that enables you to give up attachments (addiction). It is impossible to say at what point in your passage you will be ready for that step. In the meantime, focus on your state of mind and find your inner peace. Focus your meditation on peace and well being, the rest will come.
Namaste
Abbot
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