From the Editors March 10, 2014 Issue

Smoke signals

From the Editors

Recently, a birthday came, went, and garnered surprisingly little notice in the process. It was, according to a top tobacco company, birthday number 100 for the modern-day cigarette. Some studies suggest that cigarettes reached their peak popularity in the 1950s. Those who grew up during this time period, or even enjoy classic cinema now, have seen the influence this habit had over society as a whole. Despite cigarettes’ decline in sales in the years since (at least in the United States) they still grip the thoughts and shape the cravings of many.

It’s important to know that humanity has a right to freedom from this habit, and indeed addiction to material substances of any kind. What about negative mental currents arguing that some people need to smoke in order to relax? Or, that there is, for some, an element of glamour to smoking? (For instance, E-cigarettes are currently being marketed as a fashionable and popular alternative, and yet, while they don’t contain tobacco, experts say the nicotine within them still poses dangers.)

The Christ-message comes directly from God to human consciousness. It does not idly wait by, but is active, vibrantly so.