Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries and Power City International, has stirred debate with his assertion that smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol are not inherently sinful.
Speaking during a New Year’s Eve sermon, Pastor Damina argued that such behaviours are often misunderstood within religious circles.
However, he clarified that his stance should not be taken as an endorsement, urging his audience to act wisely.
“Am I telling you to smoke? No. You should have enough sense to know that smoking shortens your lifespan.
“Am I saying you should drink alcohol? No. You should know that excessive drinking might leave you lying in a gutter, losing your dignity and belongings,” Damina remarked.
He also challenged traditional theological perspectives, particularly the interpretation of sin and morality.
Referencing the biblical account of Adam and Eve, he questioned the belief that their sin was tied to eating fruit from the forbidden tree.
“Adam and Eve didn’t eat anything. Were you there to confirm it? No. Jesus, who was there, can explain what truly happened,” Damina said.
Citing Mark 7:18-21, he emphasized that sin originates from the condition of the heart rather than external actions like eating or drinking.
“Nothing a person eats defiles them because it goes to the stomach and exits the body. It is what comes out of a person—thoughts and intentions—that define sin,” he explained.
Pastor Damina’s sermon has reignited discussions on traditional interpretations of sin and morality, sparking mixed reactions from his audience and religious observers.
