Smoking culture seen through Korean Protestant Christianity

Most South Korean male adults smoke. Korean Protestant Christianity regarded smoking as ‘sinful’ and it was forbidden. However the Protestants in Korea today do not consider the consumption of tobacco as sinful, although they tend to avoid alcohol and tobacco as they hinder the teachings of the Bible. In accordance with the Constitution and laws, the Korean government permits smoking by recognizing the inherent right of human beings, although smoking is prohibited in public places such as schools and hospitals or restricted to certain places. Unfortunately, the number of smokers is rising in all spheres of society, including the Church. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to facilitate the conversion of smoking cessation into a purification movement in Korean society by presenting measures to prevent it.