Vaping

Is vaping a sin? Also considering the example you're setting for others as well as the addiction par


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SoliDeoGloriaa

Puritan Board Freshman
I have been vaping since I was about 16, and when I was converted by the law of God used in one of Macarthurs sermons "saved or self deceived" I eventually felt the guilt of vaping and the example I set for others. I quit for a while then seen one of my close baptist youth pastors, and his dad who is a pastor dipping. So my discipline went out the window and I got me some skull and eventually moved back to vaping. There's your backstory.
 
Dipping is problematic and it can cause cancer, but dipping won't collapse a lung like vaping can. Whether it is a sin or not, it certainly isn't wise.
 
I often wonder about this too, as recently, I have been seeing more and more Reformed folks either trying to sell cigars, or posting pictures with themselves smoking pipes or cigars. Vaping, hands down is much safer for your body then either of them 2, as it has no tar. And, the only real problem that has stemmed from Vaping has been in its infancy with certain flavors, and the spat of people selling underground "cut" THC liquid with Vitamin E in vape cartridges. Of course, it has nicotine, but it isn't really the nicotine that causes cancer, it is the tobacco itself, either ingested or burned. So in a way, since the nicotine is isolated, and not inhaled by burning plant matter, vaping would not be a sin as far as being detrimental to the temple/body. Now if we are overly addicted to it, that is another story. I guess Spurgeon said he could stop smoking cigars anytime he wanted, but he still smoked them everyday, and so the story goes with most of us. One of the main risks of vaping, is picking up any ol' cartridge or liquid from the gas station, smoke shop, etc. If you are going to vape, it is best to learn how to mix your own juices, as it is only 4 ingredients (Nic, VG, PG, Flavor.)

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Dipping is problematic and it can cause cancer, but dipping won't collapse a lung like vaping can. Whether it is a sin or not, it certainly isn't wise.
Would you say Romans 14 would be a good place to read for this? I suppose if I was to ask my church if they liked to see me vaping they'd probably all say no..
 
Would you say Romans 14 would be a good place to read for this? I suppose if I was to ask my church if they liked to see me vaping they'd probably all say no..
They may not like seeing you do numerous things that you are free to do as a Christian. As well as you may not agree with what they do in their scope of freedom. The question isn't what they like, the question is what is biblical. Traditionalism runs thick in some circles. And though you should not be a rebel; if pastors at your church are already dipping, smoking, or snuffing; then they have no premise to condemn your vaping.
 
They may not like seeing you do numerous things that you are free to do as a Christian. As well as you may not agree with what they do in their scope of freedom. The question isn't what they like, the question is what is biblical. Traditionalism runs thick in some circles. And though you should not be a rebel; if pastors at your church are already dipping, smoking, or snuffing; then they have no premise to condemn your vaping.
Well the churches they shepherd are non denominational and baptist. I'm at an OPC now and I'm positive no one vapes or smokes or dips unless it's just one of those Spurgeon nights. But I understand what you're saying
 
I don't feel there is anywhere in Scripture one can go to say cut and dry it is a sin. I think there are situations where it is unwise, and there are situations where for an individual it clearly is sinful, but that is true of many things. We don't want to be more restrictive against Christian liberty than Scripture is.
 
I think your poll is asking a good question, but imperfectly. For me, a third choice, "Neither; it is a thing indifferent," is needed. Vaping and many similar things we do because we are animals cannot be inherently good or bad. There may be a conscience issue that can turn something neutral into a sin, but whose conscience has the right to make a law that may violate someone else's? If it is a sin, it is universally sinful. I use nicotine often, every day, and have for years. I am not sticking up for smoking; there are many other ways to get nicotine. First of all, I think nicotine is good for you, stimulating to the mind, but mostly to ward off Alzheimer's. If you doubt what I say, do a Google search and type just two words: "nicotine and Alzheimer's." You don't have to go to fringe sites; go to the most prestigious hospitals you know and search there, and you will see
 
I don't know much about the logistics of actually using a vape, but if one is considering strictly the immediate effects of nicotine, one must also consider the immediate effects of caffeine, alcohol, morphine, etc.

Of course each of these has long term effects with prolonged use, also.

A good principle I think is that we as Christians should not be mastered by any substance. We are not to be ruled by craving what these things provide.
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collapse a lung like vaping can.
Really? That's terrifying.
 
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but dipping won't collapse a lung like vaping can.
Then the WLC would seem to cover it as a sin.

" The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; "
 
Then the WLC would seem to cover it as a sin.

" The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; "
"Smoking is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. Typically linked to tobacco smoking and cannabis use, to date there have been no reports of spontaneous pneumothorax associated with electronic cigarette use or “vaping.” Rates of vaping are rapidly rising amongst adolescents. We present two male patients age 15 and 16 who had a spontaneous pneumothorax after vaping and were initially treated with tube thoracostomy placement. Both patients had recurrences requiring surgical intervention and have been recurrence-free since. This is the first known report of vaping and its association with spontaneous pneumothorax." (Pneumothorax secondary to vaping, Nicholas J. Skertich, Gwyneth A. Sullivan, Mary Beth Madonna, Ami N. Shah)

This was almost 10 years after vaping became popular. You have a higher risk of injury by eating a sandwich.

From the UK's NHS website:

Vaping myths and the facts

There can be some confusion about vapes (sometimes called e-cigarettes or e-cigs). This is not surprising, because there is lots of misleading information out there.
Here are some of the most common myths about vaping, and the facts based on scientific evidence and data.
Important
It is important to remember that vaping is not completely harmless. Children and non-smokers should never vape.

Myth 1: Vaping is just as harmful as smoking

Fact

Nicotine vaping is not risk-free, but it is less harmful than smoking.
In 2022, UK experts reviewed the international evidence and found that "in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking".
Cigarettes release thousands of different chemicals when they burn – many are poisonous and up to 70 cause cancer. Most of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide, are not contained in vape aerosol.
People who switch completely from smoking to vaping have reduced exposure to toxins associated with risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.

Myth 2: Nicotine is very harmful to health

Fact

While nicotine is a highly addictive drug, it does not contain toxic chemicals found in cigarettes, including tar and tobacco.
It is the many other toxic chemicals contained in tobacco smoke that cause almost all the harm from smoking.
Nicotine itself does not cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease or stroke and has been used safely for many years in medicines to help people stop smoking.

Myth 3: Vaping does not help people quit smoking

Fact

Nicotine vapes are one of the most effective stop smoking aids.
Evidence shows that nicotine vapes are actually more effective than nicotine replacement therapies, like patches or gum.
Some people find vaping helps them because the hand-to-mouth action is like smoking, plus you get similar sensations, like "throat hit".
It's important to choose an e-liquid with enough nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke. A specialist vape shop or your local Stop Smoking Service can advise you.
Find out more about using vapes to quit smoking.
Information:
Almost two-thirds of people who use a vape along with support from their local Stop Smoking Service successfully quit smoking.

Myth 4: Switching to a vape is just swapping one harmful addiction for another

Fact

While vapes contain the same addictive substance as cigarettes, vaping nicotine is less harmful.
Smoking gives you nicotine by burning tobacco, which creates many harmful toxins that can cause serious illnesses including cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.
Vaping gives you nicotine by heating an e-liquid, which is less harmful. Vaping exposes users to fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking cigarettes.
When you are ready and feel sure you won't go back to smoking, you can gradually reduce the nicotine strength in your e-liquid and your vaping frequency until you have stopped fully and are nicotine-free.

Myth 5: People use vapes more frequently than cigarettes – that must be worse

Fact

It is normal to vape more frequently than you used to smoke, and this is not more harmful.
Each puff on a vape carries a small fraction of the risks of a puff on a cigarette.
Vaping is different from smoking in the way it delivers nicotine to the brain. With smoking, you get a very quick hit in the short time it takes to smoke a cigarette.
With vaping, generally it takes longer for nicotine to reach the brain and you need to "sip" on your vape more frequently.
Information:
It's important to use your vape as much as you need to help you stop smoking and stay quit.

Myth 6: Vapes are not regulated and we do not know what's in them

Fact

In the UK, nicotine vaping products are tightly regulated for safety and quality.
All products for sale must be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) with detailed information including listing of all ingredients.
Information:
Always buy your vaping products from a reputable supplier like a specialist vape shop, pharmacy, supermarket or a UK-based online retailer so they are covered by UK safety and quality regulations.

Myth 7: Vaping causes 'popcorn lung'

Fact

Vaping does not cause "popcorn lung", the common name for a rare disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.
The disease was found in a group of factory workers exposed to a chemical (diacetyl) used to flavour popcorn.
Diacetyl is contained in cigarette smoke, but it is banned as an ingredient in UK-regulated nicotine vapes and e-liquids.

Myth 8: Exposure to vape aerosol is harmful to people around you

Fact

There is no evidence so far that vaping is harmful to people around you.
While secondhand smoke from cigarettes causes serious harm to others, there is no evidence so far that vaping is harmful to people around you, and any risks are likely to be very low.
But as a precaution, it is best not to vape around babies and children if you can avoid it. Young children often copy what adults do.
Always be considerate when vaping around anyone else, especially people with health conditions like asthma who might be more sensitive to vape aerosol.

Myth 9: A disposable vape can deliver as much nicotine as 40 or 50 cigarettes

Fact

A UK standard disposable vape delivers a similar amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes.
A UK-regulated disposable vape with the highest legal nicotine level (20mg/ml) contains 2ml of liquid and 40mg of nicotine. This delivers, on average, about 20mg of nicotine to the user.
A pack of 20 cigarettes contains 200 to 300mg of nicotine. This delivers, on average, 20 to 30mg of nicotine to the smoker.
 
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Are you saying dipping is problematic because it can cause cancer? If so, just about everything in our environment can do that so I don't see how that characteristic of a thing in and of itself makes it problematic.
Considering the number #1 killer in the US after Abortion is Heart Disease and not Cancer you would think more people would decry fried chicken and french fries as opposed to Skoal and Camels?
 
I said yes…

But I guess I have in mind a financially irresponsible and ‘addictive’ use, not vaping once a week with some responsible friends. Two very different things.

But I personally don’t know anyone that vapes like that, so that’s why that image is in my head…

Also, nicotine use (unless you use it all the time and are numb to the effects) alter your brain function acutely for a short period of time (30 seconds or so) and minimally for much longer.

I think this needs to be considered as well.
 
Are you saying dipping is problematic because it can cause cancer? If so, just about everything in our environment can do that so I don't see how that characteristic of a thing in and of itself makes it problematic.

I think continued use of anything, even fried chicken, that causes cancer is problematic.
 
James 4:17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

This is a good example where the resolve to resist an action requires a strong moral judgment on the action. It is important to be resolved in your own mind that it is a sin for the various reasons already stated in this thread. It is not of the order of murder or theft, and yet it partakes of the nature of those actions in the long run. Knowing this, being convinced of this, will make it a sin to you, and thereby help you to be clear in your mind to seek the grace of God to quit while you can.
 
I think continued use of anything, even fried chicken, that causes cancer is problematic.
So where do you draw the distinction? If everything potentially causes cancer, how does one navigate such a world? Exposure to the sun's radiation causes cancer, but your body cannot process certain essential vitamins without such exposure.

I think the answer to this OP lies in focusing on the addictive properties of nicotine, not the weighing of which delivery system is more or less cancer-causing.
 
So where do you draw the distinction? If everything potentially causes cancer, how does one navigate such a world? Exposure to the sun's radiation causes cancer, but your body cannot process certain essential vitamins without such exposure.
That requires wisdom, and I can't give a fixed answer to it.
 
The thing is, we are at a juxtapose. No evidence is linked between Vaping and Cancer. But, Vaping has only been out for a decade. Is it safer than smoking? Yes. But long-term, i.e. lifetime use consequences are not able to be investigated because it is a recent phenom. The best course of action, of course, is not to do it. Is it sin? I cant answer that. Time may prove it to be. Many people died from the times tobacco was promoted as healthy, or, harmless; and it could very well be the same with Vapes.
 
The thing is, we are at a juxtapose. No evidence is linked between Vaping and Cancer. But, Vaping has only been out for a decade. Is it safer than smoking? Yes. But long-term, i.e. lifetime use consequences are not able to be investigated because it is a recent phenom. The best course of action, of course, is not to do it. Is it sin? I cant answer that. Time may prove it to be. Many people died from the times tobacco was promoted as healthy, or, harmless; and it could very well be the same with Vapes.
What I want to know is why Europeans smoke like it's a 1950's sitcom and yet don't seem to have the same health problems we do. Of course, their lifestyles are healthier than ours in many other ways. Maybe it's the combination of smoking and fried chicken.
 
What I want to know is why Europeans smoke like it's a 1950's sitcom and yet don't seem to have the same health problems we do. Of course, their lifestyles are healthier than ours in many other ways. Maybe it's the combination of smoking and fried chicken.

Ed_MxUSUYAAFg3W.jpg
 
I think anything practiced that does harm to the body is unwise if abused; however, the much more pressing matter is whether or not you are struggling with addiction. If you are a slave to your Vape stick or whatever it's called, then you might want to wage war against your flesh and get that habit under control. If you're an occasional vaper then give yourself a break and some grace. As far as concerns about what your church family would think I would only worry about the weaker brother that struggles in that area who might experience a flesh flare-up and stumble when he might not otherwise have had he not seen you exhaling monster clouds of cotton candy scented vape mist.

As for my own story...I'm like Ed. I enjoy nicotine daily. I've never smoked a cigarette or a vape, but I've got a nice pipe collection and two humidors full of cigars. However, my delivery system of choice is the nicotine pouch. I rarely smoke a pipe or cigar anymore, but when I do it's at home in the early hours with coffee on my back deck.
 
What I want to know is why Europeans smoke like it's a 1950's sitcom and yet don't seem to have the same health problems we do. Of course, their lifestyles are healthier than ours in many other ways. Maybe it's the combination of smoking and fried chicken.
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Still a lower rate than the US. Maybe it is something gene wise? Its like Asians can eat fried food everyday, but most live to be really old.
 
Not really understanding the 3rd option. It's either a sin or it isn't. For those brainiacs who have said it's "neither, it's a thing indifferent." Um, how is that different than simply manning up and saying it's not a sin?

Is this supposed to be an allusion to passages like Rom 14:23, to imply that it very well might be a sin (for him) or perhaps not? Sort of a "maybe, possibly, but it depends upon you and your conscience?" (And that, friends, is really the correct answer.)
 
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From the UK's NHS website:
I suppose the takeaway from your post is that vaping is fine if the substances are purchased in the UK.

One should not ignore the health benefits of cigarettes, however. One of the biggest health problems in the US these days is obesity. and one can track the increase in obesity in the US against the decrease in cigarette smoking.
 
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Still a lower rate than the US. Maybe it is something gene wise? Its like Asians can eat fried food everyday, but most live to be really old.
What I want to know is why Europeans smoke like it's a 1950's sitcom and yet don't seem to have the same health problems we do.
Per 100,000 people, the US is #31 and pretty much everyone "above" that is in Europe:
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It is odd, though, that France has one of the highest smoking rates (#19) but does not crack the top 50 in deaths (see info in link above).
 
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