Editorial September 26, 1970 Issue

Is Smoking Dangerous?

Naomi Price

It is commonly believed that smoking tobacco is a physical health hazard, and that inhaling the fumes of marijuana may lead to mental dependence. Christian Science agrees that smoking in both these forms is to be deplored, but its reasons differ from those put forward by medical theory. It maintains that smoking is dangerous because it entices mankind away from reliance upon God for security and satisfaction by encouraging the notion that organic plants have more power than spiritual understanding to promote peace and joy and to expand one's vision of reality.

Adherents of Christian Science—those who aim to practice and rely upon the teachings of this religion to solve the problems of human existence—do not drink alcoholic beverages, use tobacco, or take drugs. This fact is quite widely known. But it should be equally understood that they do not use human will to force adoption of their opinions, nor do they use profanity or invective to express their convictions, nor are they dishonest. Real Christian Scientists turn to spiritual instead of material means in dealing with the challenges of daily life because, like the disciples of Christ Jesus, they know that spiritual means are more effective—in fact, they are the only really decisive means by which to overcome evil in any form. Paul wrote, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."^{II Cor. 10:4;} They understand this to be equally true today.

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Mary Baker Eddy writes: "A Christian Scientist's medicine is Mind, the divine Truth that makes man free. A Christian Scientist never recommends material hygiene, never manipulates. He does not trespass on the rights of mind nor can he practise animal magnetism or hypnotism. It need not be added that the use of tobacco or intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science."^{Science and Health, pp. 453, 454;}