I have decided to show this Winston Cigarettes advertisement from 1961, and just to be clear I have never smoked and absolutely do not recommend that any person smoke. It appears from what is being stated by the medical community presently that humanity has learned in the last few decades that smoking is bad for health, but still many human moral values are based on what is thought at the time to be right within segments of society. In our present Western society, it is highly unlikely that a television station would run an advertisement for cigarettes during a program viewed by many children. There has been a change in the moral values of society concerning smoking.
For the purposes of this article, may I point out that human beings have at least two great weaknesses in contrast to the Biblical God. One, is that human beings are finite, and have limited knowledge, in comparison to God that is infinite and has unlimited knowledge. Two, is that human beings are sinful (Romans 3:23, 6:23) in contrast to a holy God (Isaiah 6:3). This in my view is a disastrous combination for humanity, which somewhat explains why there exists a human problem of evil. The finite nature of humanity cannot change, but God through Christ will purify in the resurrection his followers (1 Corinthians 15:42-43).
My satirical side would love to see this commercial run during some reruns of the Flintstones, just to see the public reaction! I am not a fan of the Flintstones, but do not mind the show. My satirical side would also like to show some of the World War Two, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons, but I do not want to offend anyone.
Archival media can be quite revealing in how our society has changed.
ReplyDeleteDifferent parts of the world can also be very different in values. In Japan there appears to be still no social stigma against smoking, yet even in Europe attitudes have changed. Here in B.C. there is discussion about banning public smoking outdoors as well as indoors.
Good point, Chucky. Smoking is very likely from what the medical community states, bad for human health, and yet in some places it may be considered more wrong to smoke than in others.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
WOW, who would have thought the Flintstones endorsed smoking???
ReplyDeleteMy how the times have changed. I'm very glad that smoking is becoming a taboo in our present society and culture. It is a proven fact that cigarettes are unhealthy for us. I can only hope that our children and future generations will ommit this addictive habit from their lives.
-Smoky Doky-
Thanks, and remember, only you can prevent forest fires.
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I have been wanting to ask this question but it only popped on my mind today while reading your entry, Is smoking a sin? i mean regradless of being a vice, is smoking "per se" a sin. Though I know it is, but a scene from Agnes of God (wherein the superior said that if saints ae alive today, maybe they have smoked) made me think otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment.:)
ReplyDeleteI have personally found that certain Baptists and Mennonites in leadership believe smoking is sin. Some within Presbyterian leadership seem to think it is okay to smoke in moderation.
A way of looking at smoking is that it is an evil for the body that should be avoided completely, and therefore to smoke is to sin. Another way of looking at smoking is that all people shall die anyway and that it is okay to participate in certain things in moderation such as smoking, and drinking alcoholic beverages and soda pop such as Coca Cola. These things can be pleasurable but are not the best things for human consumption.
Russ
I guess the big question with any of the above is: is it possible for me to participate in (vice of choice) in moderation? Also, how does one define "moderation"? It's a slippery issue for sure.
ReplyDeleteVery good comments, Chuck. Moderation is not an exact concept, but perhaps when it comes to food, drink, and tobacco consumption the medical profession could assist in explaining the concept of moderation. It would seem to me that moderation is some type of occasional use.
ReplyDeleteA problem comes to mind concerning a very strong view on abstinence from all things for the body viewed as somewhat unhealthy. For example, should human beings only digest fruits and vegetables that are grown naturally and not genetically modified, or grown with the use of pesticides?
I have personally found that certain Baptists and Mennonites in leadership believe smoking is sin. Some within Presbyterian leadership seem to think it is okay to smoke in moderation.
I should point out that this is my personal experience from attending a Baptist seminary, Mennonite Bible school and church and Presbyterian church. My comment is based on personal observations and not doctrinal statements.
I dont believe smoking is a sin. Some people were smoking before they became believers and after they followed Jesus were still struggling with that.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible does not speak to that issue, I feel that for each person we simply should leave it to the holy spirit to tell us.
Everyone has their own struggles. Some are known to everyone, as in the case of smoking, others are known only to God, because they are matters of the heart, such as lewd thoughts of things of that nature.
I love the comic of the lion about to have his tail pinched. Rick b
Thanks for the thoughts, Rick. All Christians have struggles and I do not want to be quick to form opinions concerning what are sinful struggles in the case of persons.
ReplyDelete