Religious views on smoking

Religious views on smoking vary widely. Indigenous peoples of the Americas have traditionally used tobacco for religious purposes, while Abrahamic and other religions have only been introduced to the practice in recent times due to the European colonization of the Americas in the 16th century.

Native Americans

Communal smoking of a sacred tobacco pipe is a common ritual of many Native American tribes, and was considered a sacred part of their religion. Sema, the Anishinaabe word for tobacco, was grown for ceremonial use and considered the ultimate sacred plant since its smoke was believed to carry prayers to the heavens. Smoking was chiefly done after the evening meal, in the sweathouse, and before going to sleep. [ [http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/native02.htm Early Uses of Indian Tobacco in California] ] The tobacco used during these rituals varies widely in potency — the "Nicotiana rustica" species used in South America, for instance, has up to twice the nicotine content of the common North American "N. tabacum". Many Native American tribes operate tobacco stores, including on the Internet, where they are usually exempt from taxes and therefore can sell products cheaper than non-Native American dealers.

Abrahamic religions

With the exception of Mormonism, the Abrahamic religions originated before tobacco smoking was introduced to Europe from the New World. Therefore, these religions do not address it in their foundational teachings; however, modern practitioners have offered interpretations of their faith with regard to smoking.

Christianity

Johann Sebastian Bach was known to enjoy smoking a pipe, and wrote poetry on how doing so enhanced his relationship with God. [Johann Sebastian Bach (1725). [http://waeshael.home.att.net/edifying.htm Edifying Thoughts of a Tobacco Smoker] .] By the turn of the 19th century, smoking was considered an immoral habit by certain Christian preachers and social reformers.]

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