CIGARETTE SMOKING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19959, 30 May 1928, Page 14

CIGARETTE SMOKING.

Sir,—Miss Maude Royden's opinion in regard to cigarette smoking is of considerable importance, because Miss Royden is an important woman. Her mistakes, it she makes mistakes, are naturally f^ r * reaching and it becomes desirable that these should be pointed out. Miss Royden does not subscribe to the idea that cigarette-smoking "is the sort of thing religion is concerned with.'" "Religion, she says, "is something far greater. Is Miss Royden right? She does not, in vour report, define religion, except as to its greatness. I suggest that the essence of religion, is that it binds the whole of life together in the light of general P^ n " ciples. It concerns the whole of life. Miss Royden is perfectly entitled to her own opinion, even an ignorant one, in regaid to the effect of smoking, but this does not wholly absolve her. She is constantly preaching concerning our social consciousness and our social duties. She cannot be ignorant of the fact that smoking has social consequences. Ido not say whether these consequences are good or bad, but they must, the world being as it is, raise an issue. The decision on that issue, involving the individual's attitude toward life as a whole, is, by hypothesis, a religious act. I think, however, that in this case the point should be pressed further. It is hardly possible that Miss Royden does not know that the effect of smoking is that of a narcotic drug. This may, in abnormal cases be beneficial, but it is sometimes harmful. Whatever the decision as to the effect, an isw-ne is raised which concerns the sacredness of the human body. I understand that there is a Christian precept which says that "the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost." I hardly think that a Christian could, with this precept in mind, place any question which affects absolute health outside the sphere of religion. Neither do I think that Miss Royden can escape under the doctrine of "De minimis." In her theory, if the devil may again quote Scripture, there are no little things. Thp maxim which applies, if I mistake not, (is this: "Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." Miss Royden will be delighted to know that her words and deeds, with their natural and probable consequences, are being discussed after her departure. It is unfortunate for u? that we cannot, in her absence, question her as to the exact place in life at which she thinks religion should begin to operate. Religion, I think she would have to admit, is even wider and deeper than ethics. F. A. de la Mare. Hamilton, May 27, 1928.