MON (9:37; 10:38,41 am) Hello! Here's at least the start of the CTC article, WHAT ABOUT SMOKING? Update.

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

I may add to this, but at least so far:

ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD'S KINGDOM: WHAT ABOUT SMOKING?

SAME OLD STORY? Do you know an adult who smokes? In the not-too-distant past, most people understood that smoking brought considerable risk of health and was very addictive, and many products still are. But why? While it is wrong to pollute mind and body, some may have over-simplified the matter, claiming that all smoking is bad for all people. Has it always been that way? Could smoking some products occasionally in the past have been acceptable to God and much less dangerous than most realized? Have their been advancements in better products or understanding of the issues involved? So what about now?

CIGARETTE PRODUCTS. It is factual that for quite some time a large majority of cigarette products were damaging to most lungs and abnormally addictive. While seemingly lucrative, such means of profit hampers one's reputation and is not blessed by God. It is also factual, however, that the best tobacco products could be made without unnecessary additives, and agreeable to the health and godly life of most users! Ones already being made this way may include Camel, agreeable to most lighter smokers, Marlboro for more common smokers, and Indian, having a following as well. While I would encourage smokers to try these products, I believe in other cigarette manufacturers, that most if not all are considering or in the process of implementing changes that will also make a healthful option or product line, which could use a name like "ALLS" for their new cigs, which I secured with no royalty for this purpose, if any wish to use it. I believe both Camel and Marlboro have a fair supply, but I am recommending that where demand may increase strongly I am recommending that those newly wishing to try them just acquire for now 1-2 packs at a time, and regular users 2-4 packs, so that many who wish may be able to determine how these impact them. In addition, some other substances have also been found to provide benefit to many users, also without interference to one's health or godly outlook and conduct. But these do not include the polluting drugs that have been at times distributed illegally. What may be included, however, and for those looking for a supplement to, or replacement for, tobacco, is a product called "THIS," which most lighter smokers may prefer, and where legalized, certain valium and untainted Marijuana products, likewise probably preferred by more common smokers.

TO BE CLEAR. Many have been on dangerous cigarettes for a long time, even addicted to certain brands, and thus also not doing so in moderation. I here advance that for the much safer products mentioned, even moderation is a key, when smoking any of these is agreeable to one's lungs and overall health. For a healthy person, good judgement should be made as to whether a product is not just tolerable, but agreeable to one's health--both mind and body! Let's not overuse such products, but just as if you made coffee or a caffeinated soda pop your only drink all day long, your mind and body may suffer, losing vital hydration and nutrients. Therefore, maintain moderation, and why not mix up what helps you with other things through the day, like a good beverage, gum or mints.

GOD'S VIEW. Therefore it is quite appropriate for all to see things from God's viewpoint, the Maker of all things, including the few acceptable substances He made it possible for a variety of people to beneficially smoke. Again it is important for all to realize, both users and product makers, that we should not be unnecessarily polluting our minds and bodies. (2COri 6:14-7:1) A person should know his or her self and determine, with prayer, whether a particular one is agreeable to both mind and body, and without risk of unhealthy addiction. Some products just work best with certain people, and addictiveness to a particular product should not be what keeps one using. But a variety of healthy products, with varying taste, can truly be acceptable to God, for those adults wishing to smoke in moderation! May we come to appreciate the balanced view that God has regarding His own will for mankind, seeking our long-term peace, well-being, happiness and prosperity in the new world of His making!