"When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and a calm refreshing sleep obtained by a Cigar, I have felt grateful to God and blessed His name."~ Charles Spurgeon (source)
“I believe that many who find that "nothing happens" when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand.”
"Smoking is much harder to justify. I'd like to give it up but I'd find this
v(ery) hard, i.e. I can abstain, but I can't concentrate on anything else
while abstaining - not smoking is a whole time job."
~ C.S. Lewis (source)
"There are many things that a man feels legitimate even though they cause a fuss. Let him not lie about them to his life or lover! Cut them out--or if worth a fight: just insist. Such matters may arise frequently--the glass of beer, the pipe, the non writing of letters, the other friend, etc., etc. If the other side's claims really are unreasonable (as they are at times between the dearest lovers and most loving married folk) they are much better met by above board refusal and 'fuss' than subterfuge."
~ J.R.R. Tolkien (source)
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To be certain, CS Lewis and Charles Spurgeon did not commend all forms of smoking, just pipe (Lewis) and cigars (Spurgeon) specially - which have far less risk if smoked properly - and were firm on preventing such a habit from becoming addictive.
And in his own defense, Spurgeon did acknowledge that the phrase "Smoking for the glory of God" (which he coined) on its own had an ill sound to it, yet fits appropriately within it's original context in reponse to a sermon he heard one evening.
A few helpful passages to guide a discussion on cigar smoking, pipe smoking or any other matter that the Bible does not directly address:
Romans 14:1-23 (how church communities should work through 'disputable matters')
1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20 (God's Spirit dwells within us - live accordingly)
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (permissibility and the good of others)
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (test everything - hold the good, avoid the evil)
My quick take: the use of tobacco is a open-handed / loosely held conviction. Study the Word, invite the wisdom of your Christian community, and be aware of what the Spirit stirs in your soul. Be convinced of what you believe, be clear on the why's, be humble in your practices, and be gracious with others who hold a differing opinion ... to the point of being willing to abstain from enjoying your freedom for the sake of someone else's weakness.
To read all that Spurgeon has said or written about cigar smoking, check out the letters and news articles collected here.
G&P
- Andrew
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