of hookah's and ethics... follow up

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)