A Christian’s Perspective On Cigars
As I sit here at 6:30am on a Saturday morning, I am contemplating a text message I received last night. I’ve been invited to an event this morning at a local cigar shop where 15-25 men will gather for an event they call, ‘Scriptures & Cigars,’ where someone will come present a devotional thought based on God’s Word, and they’ll discuss it together. All of this will happen as pillows of smoke fill the air and stogies are enjoyed. This is enticing to me for a couple of reasons.
First, I love the aroma of a hand-rolled cigar! It’s one of my favorite smalls in the world, right up there with fresh baked pie, fresh coffee, and a nice bottle of cologne. The aroma of a fine cigar is like stepping into a old library filled with leather-bound books and rich mahogany shelves. It carries an earthy warmth, reminiscent of freshly turned soil after a gentle rain, mingled with the sweetness of aged cedar and a whisper of toasted nuts. As the smoke unfurls, notes of dark chocolate and a hint of spiced vanilla weave through the air, creating a comforting tapestry of scents. It’s a fragrance that evokes relaxation and reflection, wrapping you in its embrace like an old friend sharing quiet wisdom over a flickering fire. The smoke from a cigar is worlds different than that of a cigarette, and for me brings a sense of stillness and peace.
Secondly, deep conversations on Scripture among men is so rare and isolated that it feels elite and uncommon. But, these discussions based on Scripture is a symphony of hearts and minds tuned to the truth of God’s Word. It’s the resonant sound of iron sharpening iron—each man’s perspective refining another, sparks of insight flying as timeless truths are explored and applied. The conversation hums with a sacred energy, as the Spirit guides and illuminates, drawing connections that bring Scripture to life. Voices rise and fall in earnest, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with reverent pause, as the weight of God’s glory and grace settles into their souls. It’s a place where egos are left at the door, replaced by humility and a shared hunger for wisdom, leaving every participant both challenged and edified. In these moments, bonds are forged that feel eternal, anchored by the Word and carried by the shared mission of becoming more like Christ.
But! How can smoking and scripture go together? Isn’t smoking wrong!? And, I’m a pastor. What would people think if they saw me walking out of a cigar shop?
Starting the Conversation
Cigars have long been a topic of debate within Christian circles, sparking discussions that touch on personal convictions, cultural influences, and biblical principles. For some, smoking a cigar is seen as a harmless enjoyment—a way to relax, celebrate, or connect with others in fellowship. They argue that it can be appreciated much like a fine meal or a good cup of coffee, a simple pleasure that enriches life when approached with moderation and gratitude. For others, however, cigars are a point of caution, either due to concerns about health, the potential for addiction, or the desire to avoid anything that might harm their witness as followers of Christ.
To navigate this conversation thoughtfully, it’s important to weigh the various perspectives and factors involved. First, there are the health implications. While cigar smoking is often less frequent and intense than cigarette smoking, it is not without risks. Christians are called to steward their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), so understanding and addressing the physical impact of any habit is an essential part of the discussion.
Next, there are spiritual considerations. The Bible does not explicitly address smoking or tobacco use, leaving room for personal discernment guided by biblical principles. Passages like 1 Corinthians 10:31, which instructs believers to do all things for the glory of God, invite us to reflect on whether a particular action aligns with our ultimate purpose of honoring Him. Additionally, the concept of Christian liberty, as outlined in Romans 14, reminds us that while we have freedom in Christ, this freedom should be exercised with sensitivity to others and an awareness of its impact on their faith journey.
This is not about creating rigid rules or falling into legalism but about embracing the richness of biblical wisdom in making thoughtful, Spirit-led decisions. The conversation about cigars ultimately opens a broader discussion about freedom, stewardship, and what it means to glorify God in every area of life. It invites us to consider questions like: How do we balance enjoying God’s good gifts with the call to self-discipline? In what ways does our behavior reflect our love for God and others? And how can we engage in practices that build up both ourselves and those around us?
By exploring these questions, we can move beyond surface-level debates and dive deeper into the heart of Christian living. Whether you approach cigars as an enjoyable pastime or view them with caution, this discussion encourages a posture of humility, grace, and intentionality—qualities that strengthen our walk with Christ and our connection to one another.
Health Implications: What Science Tells Us
Let’s Start with the Physical Side
Cigars, like all tobacco products, carry health risks. Regular smoking, especially in significant quantities, is linked to serious issues such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. However, the context of use dramatically changes the level of risk involved. Scientific studies indicate a significant difference between smoking 1–2 cigars per day and enjoying 1–2 cigars per week or even more sporadically. Smoking multiple cigars daily, especially if inhaled, can lead to cumulative damage to the lungs, mouth, throat, and cardiovascular system. The kicker is, most cigar smoke is never inhaled. To enjoy a cigar is to take it into the mouth, allow it to linger for a second, and then blow it out. Cigar smoke is less likely to be dangerous to the lungs than to the mouth or throat.
On the other hand, occasional cigar smoking—perhaps a few times a year or even weekly—is associated with much lower health risks. While not entirely risk-free, such infrequent use is unlikely to result in long-term health consequences for most people. You are more likely to develop major health issues by drinking 1 can of soda per day than by smoking a weekly cigar.
Even with occasional use, it’s important to recognize that cigar smoke still exposes the body to toxins and carcinogens. The truth is that no level of exposure to smoke is entirely without impact, particularly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. However, the severity of these risks depends on frequency, intensity, and individual health factors. Moderation and informed decisions are key.
A Wider Perspective on Health Risks
Here’s where the conversation often becomes lopsided: While cigars are heavily criticized in some Christian circles, the same groups may overlook the widespread consumption of highly processed and sugary foods. Science clearly shows that diets high in sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives are directly tied to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other chronic conditions. Statistically, these issues affect far more people than occasional cigar use and contribute significantly to preventable deaths worldwide. These sugary, processed foods will be ushered in, celebrated, and enjoyed in churches all over the country this weekend. We’ll pass them out to adults and children alike. An athletic young man in his 20’s will eat a donut alongside of an obese diabetic with heart disease, and everyone will smile and be okay with it.
Consider this: Consuming sugary sodas, fast food, and ultra-processed snacks on a regular basis causes measurable harm to the body—spiking blood sugar, increasing inflammation, and placing strain on the heart. Yet, these dietary choices rarely spark the same level of moral debate as the occasional cigar. Why? This inconsistency raises questions about how we prioritize and address health concerns. Why do we so easily defend daily habits of unhealthy eating while condemning occasional habits like cigar smoking, which for some may be a celebratory or reflective act? Is it more a matter of cultural acceptance that a true concern over taking care of our bodies?
Moderation Is Key
The truth is, most things can be harmful when not approached with moderation or thoughtfulness. Overeating—even with seemingly "healthy" foods—can harm the body. Drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Even work and exercise, when taken to extremes, can result in burnout or injury. The key is not simply avoiding all risk but engaging with life in a way that reflects wisdom, self-control, and stewardship of our bodies.
For Christians, the goal should not be to single out specific habits for condemnation while ignoring others that may be equally or more damaging. Instead, we should aim for consistency and humility, evaluating all our choices through the lens of glorifying God, loving others, and wisely managing the health and resources He has entrusted to us. Moderation, intentionality, and gratitude can transform even something as debated as cigar smoking into an opportunity for reflection, connection, and enjoyment without compromising our testimony or stewardship.
Why Some Enjoy Cigars
Cigar smoking, for many, goes far beyond the physical act—it’s about the experience and the meaning woven into it. Unlike cigarettes, which are often consumed out of habit or dependency, cigars are typically savored slowly, turning the moment into an intentional practice. For some, it’s a way to press pause on life’s busyness, reflect on the day, and savor the beauty of stillness. The aroma, the flavor, and the tactile experience create an ambiance that invites mindfulness.
Imagine sitting with friends around a crackling fire, the warm glow of conversation and laughter enhanced by the deliberate pace of smoking a fine cigar. In those moments, it’s not about the cigar itself but the connection it fosters—a celebration of milestones, the bonding of hearts through shared stories, or simply a chance to be present together in an increasingly hurried world.
For others, like myself, the appeal of a cigar lies in solitude. It becomes a companion for deep thought, prayer, or meditation. The act of lighting a cigar and watching its slow burn while carefully puffing it at just the right time before the ember is extinguished creates a structured rhythm, giving the hands something to do while freeing the mind to wander, reflect, and connect with God. In the stillness, a cigar can be a unique tool for introspection—a moment to align one’s thoughts, process emotions, or meditate on Scripture. For individuals who find peace in this ritual, the cigar becomes more of a tool to facilitate an environment of quiet reflection.
And then there are the championship winning cigar smokers! Historically, cigars have been woven into meaningful traditions. Whether it’s marking the birth of a child, celebrating an achievement, winning a championship game, or creating cherished family rituals, cigars have often symbolized moments of celebration, gratitude, and joy. For some, it’s not just the flavor or the experience—it’s the symbolism of intentionality, of pausing to recognize a moment worth celebrating.
Charles Spurgeon, known as the ‘Prince of Preachers,’ one of history’s most respected preachers, famously enjoyed cigars and saw them as a gift from God to be enjoyed with gratitude and moderation. He once said, “I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God before I go to bed tonight.” Spurgeon’s statement is not a prescription for every believer, but it reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ to enjoy God’s creation with a thankful heart, as long as it does not enslave or harm us.
It’s important to recognize that the enjoyment of cigars, like any pleasure, should be approached with thoughtfulness, moderation, and a heart that seeks to honor God. For some, the cigar itself is secondary—it’s the intentional pause, the camaraderie, or the meditative stillness that transforms the experience into something meaningful. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed alone, it becomes a moment that enriches life rather than detracting from it.
What the Bible Says
The Bible doesn’t mention cigars, cigarettes, or tobacco. But it does give principles that help guide us. For one, we’re called to take care of our bodies. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This doesn’t mean avoiding anything that carries risk. If it did, no one would eat dessert or play sports. Avoiding risks would mean you couldn’t drive to work, but walking might be dangerous too. Churches would expel all sweets from their fellowship halls, and your coffee would forever be decaffeinated and black. Taking care of your body does not mean that you remove all risk from existence, but it does mean being intentional. Are you honoring God with your choices? Are you being wise?
We’re also told to live in moderation. Proverbs 25:16 warns against overindulgence: “If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.” It’s a simple but clear point. Too much of anything—even good things—can be harmful.
Romans 14:23 reminds us to act in faith: “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” If smoking a cigar makes you feel uneasy or convicted, it’s best to avoid it. God cares about your heart. Doing something against your conscience isn’t worth it.
Lastly, everything we do should glorify God. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This includes how we handle leisure, health, and personal freedom.
Stumbling Blocks and Loving Others
Another layer to this conversation is how our actions affect others. Paul’s teaching in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 emphasizes not being a stumbling block. If someone struggles with addiction or sees cigar smoking as sinful, your freedom could lead them astray. Love for others should guide our choices. Sometimes that means setting aside personal freedoms for the sake of someone else’s well-being.
Finding Balance
So where does this leave us? Smoking a cigar isn’t inherently sinful. Like many things in life, it’s about the heart behind it. Are you using it to cope with stress or fill a void? That’s a problem. Are you addicted? That’s not God’s design. Are you smoking multiple a day that significantly raises health risks? That’s dangerous. But if you’re enjoying a rare cigar as a thoughtful, prayerful choice, and it doesn’t harm your health or testimony, it can be a way to glorify God.
Practical Takeaways
Pray and Reflect: Before lighting up, ask yourself: Does this honor God? Am I being wise and loving?
Be Mindful of Health: Occasional cigars might not be a big deal, but regular use has risks. Steward your body well.
Consider Others: Don’t let your freedom harm someone else’s faith or recovery.
Keep Perspective: Avoid hypocrisy. Be just as concerned about your eating habits and lifestyle as you are about cigars.
Cigars are a gray area. They’re not essential, but they’re also not automatically sinful. Like all freedoms, they come with responsibility. Whatever you choose, do it in faith, in love, and for the glory of God.