Many years ago now, I came across this great 2 part Toward a Theology of Pipesmoking, written by Concordia student Arthur Yunker in 1970. I read it and laughed and laughed. It is a well written 73 page document, including 5 appendices. Its hilarious and whimsical. I was rereading some of the documents I have on my hard drive and came across this again. I read it again and it still brought a laugh to me and yet also a time to reflect. Have a look and see what you think. Remember to read it without taking yourself to seriously. Toward a Theology of Pipesmoking is quite interesting and entertaining. Read it when you have some time on your hands and can settle into your favorite chair with a pipe.
Click on the hyperlinks that follow and you can then read online or download the two parts.
Theology of Pipesmoking part 1 of 2
Theology of Pipesmoking part 2 of 2
I raise my pipe to you Arthur D. Yunker for your great whimsical work and say thank you for the hearty laugh and sense of pleasure that you provide for me every time I read your work.
Here is an abstract of the work to give you an idea of the content:
Toward a Theology of Pipesmoking
In which it is argued that worthy pipesmoking is one of the ultimate gifts of the Holy Ghost and brings its practitioners very close to the nature of the Kingdom of God, which arguments are diligently supported by unassailable proof texts and incontestable logic.


Thanks for the reminder. I’ve had Part 1 on my Kindle for a while, but for some reason I was missing Part 2. I’m wrapping up a Clancy novel, I’ll have to give it a shot.
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Al, it is a fun read. Sit back with a pipe and enjoy. Mark Irwin’s comment says it pretty well in my opinion regarding this book.
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I heartily endorse this book–I wrote to Yunkers in the early 80s and obtained a copy directly from him. It is whimsical, but Yunkers is also serious (in a joyful way) about the incarnational doctrines he espouses here. I wish he were still involved in the hobby, but I haven’t been able to track him down. Anyway, the book has inspired me to attempt my own “Theology of Pipe Smoking,” which I’ve been working on (on and off) for a few years… I routinely use his “Blessing for a Pipe” whenever I break in a new pipe. Great stuff, underscoring an important aspect of the hobby. Highly recommended.
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