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Ask Pastor John

Nicotine, Amphetamines, and Holy Concentration

Ask Pastor John

Desiring God

John Piper, Unknown, 163859, Pastor, Ask, Theology, Desiring God, Religion & Spirituality/christianity, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, Questions

4.83.8K Ratings

🗓️ 15 May 2023

⏱️ 15 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

God does not give us a list of foods and drinks we can and cannot consume. Instead, he gives us his words and his Spirit to shape how we see all of life.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

New week, new day, new mercies.

0:07.2

So welcome back to the podcast on this Monday.

0:10.3

We are going to start the week talking about nicotine, pipe smoking specifically.

0:14.6

But I think this topic in this question is likely going to open up a much broader conversation

0:19.0

about other stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and fetamines, and cannabis and THC for some.

0:26.0

Those substances that provoke the central nervous system.

0:29.2

The question is from a listener named Robert in Cold Water Mississippi.

0:32.4

I love Pastor John.

0:33.8

And thank you for this podcast 18 months ago in APJ 1702.

0:39.4

You published an episode titled on cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine.

0:43.7

It proved helpful to me.

0:45.4

But I have a follow up question for you.

0:48.0

Many years ago when I chewed smokeless tobacco, I discovered that my concentration for reading

0:52.8

was improved.

0:54.5

Apparently the nicotine did something to my mind and body to increase my focus.

1:00.2

Today I am considering taking up pipe smoking, something like CS Lewis did.

1:04.4

I would continue this only if it improved my concentration.

1:08.1

Pastor John, would you address the use of nicotine for the purpose of improved concentration?

1:14.6

Well, I come in a question like this, basically in the same category as everybody else.

1:22.4

I am simply not an expert in all the possible effects medically, socially, psychologically

1:30.7

that nicotine or other drugs might have on the human person.

1:35.6

I have to do my simple research online just like everybody else was.

...

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