New Study Links Church Attendance to Not Smoking

“People who do not attend church are three times as likely to smoke as those who attend weekly, according to a new Gallup poll,” reports Christian Today Australia this week.

The report continues: “Among those who attend church once a week, just 12% said they smoke, compared to 88% who don't, while among those who never attend church, the percentage of smokers rises to 30%.”

“The survey of over 350,000 American adults found that smoking decreases with age as religious service attendance increases, and that men are more likely to smoke but less likely to attend church.”

“Mormons were least likely to be smokers (8%), followed by Jews (10%), Catholics (18%), Protestants (20%) and Muslims (23%). Those with no formal religious identification were the most likely to be smokers (26%).”

“Gallup said: ‘More generally, the impact of religiosity on likelihood to smoke, as measured by church attendance, extends across each religious group for the most part, although the pattern is less straightforward among Jewish Americans.’”

Read the full report at Christian Today Australia’s website.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known for their healthy lifestyles. A health plan for the Church was first written down in 1833 by President Joseph Smith, and he presented it to early members specifically as a revelation from God. Today, Latter-day Saints refer to these health guidelines as "the Word of Wisdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 89).

Among the provisions of the health code: no alcoholic drinks, no smoking or chewing of tobacco, and no "hot drinks" — believed to refer specifically to tea and coffee. "Wholesome herbs," along with fruits and grains, are specifically recommended. Meat is to be used "sparingly." The Church also interprets the misuse of drugs — illegal, legal, prescription or controlled — as a violation of the health code.

Read more about the health practises of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.