Pastor Abel Damina, the influential founder of Abel Damina Ministries and Power City International, has ignited a fierce debate among religious leaders and followers alike, after proclaiming that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are not sinful acts.
During his New Year’s Eve sermon on Tuesday, Damina, known for his bold theological stances, directly confronted common perceptions about the morality of smoking and drinking. His comments have since attracted widespread attention, especially as they challenge long-held Christian teachings on sin and vice.
“I’ve told you alcohol is not a sin. I’ve told you cigar is not a sin. If you like, put it on newspaper headline, I said it,” Damina declared, his voice firm and unapologetic, as he addressed his congregation at Power City International in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The pastor’s comments immediately stirred a wave of controversy, with both supporters and critics taking to social media to voice their opinions. While some applauded his progressive approach, others criticized him for undermining traditional moral teachings.
But Pastor Damina was quick to clarify his stance. He emphasized that although he did not consider smoking and drinking alcohol as sinful, he was not encouraging people to indulge in these behaviors. Instead, he advised the congregation to exercise wisdom and discernment in their personal choices.
“Am I saying you should smoke? You should have sense from your father’s house to know that cigar will cut short your life. Am I saying you should drink alcohol? You should know that if you drink alcohol, you will lie down inside a gutter. Your shirt and trousers will disappear. You should have the sense to know that,” Damina said, with a mixture of humor and serious undertones.
Theological Roots of Damina’s Argument
The pastor’s argument is not just rooted in contemporary attitudes towards health, but also in his theological interpretation of sin. According to Damina, many traditional teachings about sin have been misinterpreted or taken out of context. He drew on the biblical story of Adam and Eve to explain his position.
“There’s a misconception that Adam and Eve sinned by eating fruit from the forbidden tree,” he said. “But I want you to understand something — Adam and Eve ate nothing. They didn’t eat anything. Were you there? You were not there. So how do we know whether they ate something or not? Jesus was there. Was Jesus there in the Garden of Eden? Yes. Can Jesus explain to us what happened? Yes.”
By challenging the popular understanding of the Garden of Eden story, Damina sought to reframe the concept of sin. He contended that sin is not defined by what a person consumes, but by the condition of the heart.
Referencing Mark 7:18-21, Damina explained that sin originates from the heart, not from external actions. “If they (Adam and Eve) ate, it’ll go to their stomach. It’ll digest and go to toilet. They’ll be free,” he said. “There’s nothing a man eats that enters his heart. It’ll go to the digestive system, and it’ll go out somehow. It is what comes out of a man that defiles a man, not what goes in.”
For Pastor Damina, the real measure of morality lies not in external actions, but in the thoughts and intentions that reside in a person’s heart. This view aligns with his broader teachings that focus on the inner transformation of a believer rather than strict legalism regarding outward behaviors.
Divisive Reaction Among Christians
Damina’s statement has not gone unnoticed by the broader Christian community. While some have expressed support for his nuanced understanding of sin, others have sharply disagreed, viewing his comments as controversial and dangerous.
Pastor Matthew Okorie, a senior pastor at a well-known church in Lagos, was one of the first to publicly oppose Damina’s views. “It’s disheartening to hear such statements coming from a man of God. Alcohol and cigarettes are known to be harmful to the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. To say that these are not sins is to mislead the flock,” Okorie said in a radio interview.
Cultural Context and Public Health Considerations
Beyond the theological debate, Pastor Damina’s comments also touch on larger cultural and public health issues in Nigeria. In a country where smoking and alcohol consumption are prevalent, yet often stigmatized in religious circles, Damina’s words provide an alternative perspective that resonates with some individuals.
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa, with millions of people consuming alcohol regularly, often without legal repercussions. Similarly, smoking rates have been increasing, despite public health campaigns warning about the dangers of tobacco.
In Nigeria, where religious leaders wield significant influence over public opinion, the potential impact of Damina’s remarks cannot be underestimated. For some, his position on alcohol and cigarettes will likely reinforce existing beliefs about personal freedom and individual choice. For others, it may further complicate an already divided discourse on the relationship between faith and lifestyle choices.
