It seems from the hookah and ethics discussion that some people feel that the social benefits of hookah smoking outweigh any health, spiritual or ethical concerns. Most of the argumentation seems to have taken the route that hookah smoking is a 'matter of indifference' to God and is, therefore, not a moral issue per se. Proponents of hookah smoking seem to me quite vociferous, but are in no way the vocal minority. It would seem rather that they represent the liberated majority.
Their arguments are unconvincing...
Arguing from the perceived relational benefits of hookah smoking proponents seem to minimise other (valuable) data. (The notion that 'relationship' is the trump card when making ethical decisions warrants further discussion). I hold too a cynical view of human nature... Hookah smokers do so because they like it, community is one part of liking it, agreed. Community, however, by definition, does not require hookah smoking. I suspect that there are other more persuasive reasons that hookah smokers like to do so.
There are absolutely no health merits to hookah smoking; rather there are only health demerits. Damaging ones health in order to facilitate community, arguably, speaks of a lack of wisdom. Far better ways to facilitate relationship exist. By way of illustration: ask any cancer suffer whether there is a sense camaradery, loyalty and friendship in a chemo ward, they'll answer 'absolutely!' Then ask them whether they think there are better contexts in which to relate...
There is a tradtional saying among black Africans: 'indlela ibuzwa kwaphambili', loosly interpreted this means that 'the way is inquired of those who have gone ahead'. When thinking of one who has gone ahead St Paul comes to mind... You say: 'everything is permissable' I say: 'not everything is beneficial'. (1 Cor 6:12)
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Should we then not judge everything else with the exact same standard we judge Hookah? Should christians then indulge in watching TV? Eating KFC or McDonalds? Should Christians page through magazines like you? See the thing is all theings are permissable by normal christian standards but are they permissable? By what standard is Hookah unacceptable and all these other things acceptable?
Is the standard not the holy spirit? How often has the holypirit been the reason that we go out to McDonalds? Also since many people abuse fast food should we as christians not sacrifice junk food completely in order to set an example for those who don't know how to moderater themselves?
Wantu, you say that many people abuse tv, fast food (KFC Mcd's) and indulge in magazines like YOU. Granted there are people that abuse. They might do so forever.
But what about the Christians out there who aren't? I do not think that Michael means for us to completely pull out of society. That would be pointless. I do think that we need to seek relationship as you say. But at what price? To say that we abuse the things out there (above mentioned) is a bit presumptuous. You are speaking for allot of people with that claim.
But this leads me to think what Jesus did? Scripture clearly tells us that He visited with sinners and met with them at parties. I am curious though how He interacted with them? What was His hook? I wonder how long He waited to tell them truth?
Also, to your last question, we should not completely throw out junk food because "some" do not know how to moderate themselves. That will solve nothing. The only result will be our lack of voice and loss of right to speak into it. I believe that we are to set an example by showing hoe to "eat" in moderation. But we cannot apply this way of thinking with all things though. If something has a clear negative affect on a person, then we are to show that. If hookah is bad for a person, then it does not matter what kind of relationship you can build around it. There is only grace for what is true.
Wantu, I suspect that you miss the general gist of my summary post. In it I argue that given that there are only health demerits associated with hookah smoking. It is unwise (one could read: stupid) to do something that is damaging your health in order to facilitate relationship, especially so, given that there are other and healthier means to the same end.
Your examples of TV,fast food and popular media fail to draw the important distinction between 'absolutely no health merits' and demerits of excessive consumption.
Matty, Thank you for your comment on the hookah post. I have removed it as I feel it makes no positive contribution to this dialogue. Furthermore, I feel that the use of foul language (in your case excessive) is unacceptable.
I welcome any future comments you would like to make, however, would ask that you be so kind (or charitable) as to refrain from the use of expletives.
Much appreciated.
Michael
forgive my earlier responses, I simply find this post most irrelevant.
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