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Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drugs
This A/G Perspective reflects commonly held beliefs based
on scripture which have been endorsed by the church's Commission on Doctrinal
Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
Why have holiness and Pentecostal churches advocated abstinence concerning
the use of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics (drugs)? Why not allow moderation?
First Corinthians 6:19,20 has historically been held in high regard by
holiness and Pentecostal Christians. "Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received
from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your body." This and other passages warning against
drunkenness have been considered sufficient reason for advocating complete
abstinence from the use of alcohol, tobacco, or narcotics. Not only is
the human body the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is not to be defiled;
but there are other reasons for complete abstinence:
(1) contemporary society is plagued with the destructive consequences
of these three addictive substances and
(2)even moderate use of the substances, especially alcohol and drugs,
leads too often to destructive addictive habits.
Alcohol. The Scriptures speak often of the destructive
power of alcohol. Noah’s drunkenness brought shame to his family
(Gen. 9:20-27). Lot’s drunkenness resulted in an incestuous relationship
with his two daughters (Gen. 19:30-38). An inebriated Xerxes sought to
humiliate Queen Vashti publicly (Est. 1:9-22). The consumption of alcohol
impairs judgment, inflames passions, and invites violence (Lev. 10:8-11;
Prov. 20:1, 23:29-35, 31:4,5).
Alcoholism and the depression associated with it often leads to a breakdown
of moral inhibitions, indiscreet or violent behavior, or loss of consciousness
(drunkenness). Long-term drinking can terminally damage liver, pancreas,
brain, or heart. Binge drinking on university campuses has caused instant
death. It is estimated there are 14 million problem drinkers in the United
States. Half of the fatal automobile accidents are caused by alcohol-impaired
drivers. The annual cost of alcohol-related accidents, illness, violent
crime, and loss of work time is estimated to exceed 100 billion dollars.
Illegal Drugs. Though drug use is not specifically
mentioned in the Bible, its impact on the drug user and on society far
exceeds the evil results of alcohol abuse. The addictive nature of certain
drugs is so powerful that a single episode can hook an individual for
life. Furthermore, the irreversible physical damage to one’s organs
and mental capacities makes drugs extremely dangerous. The greatest danger
is the all-consuming control of one’s life, constantly interrupting
one’s focus on work and destroying personal relationships and spiritual
well-being. Beyond the personal toll of drug addiction is the disastrous
burden placed on families and society.
Alcohol and illegal drug use are well documented factors in domestic violence,
road and work rage, child abuse, suicide, and a variety of other socially
destructive behaviors. Alcoholism and drug addiction present a national
crisis threatening to destroy the fabric of our society.
Tobacco. While smoking and chewing tobacco does
not impair one’s judgment nor carry many of the relational side
effects of alcohol and illegal drugs, tobacco has now proved to be a primary
health concern. Yet young people year after year are becoming hooked on
the habit through effective ad campaigns that deceptively associate smoking
with maturity and popularity.
For many years the surgeon general of the United States has warned society
of the dangers of smoking, even to the point of forcing tobacco companies
to place the warning on their products. But not until the casualties of
mouth and lung cancer and addiction to tobacco began to increase did people
take the warning seriously. When it became evident that non-smokers were
becoming victims of diseases caused by inhaling second-hand tobacco smoke,
then society began mounting major opposition to the use of tobacco. While
medical studies in recent years have shown conclusively that smoking is
the leading cause of lung cancer, the church has opposed the use of tobacco
because it is a habit that is harmful to a Christian’s testimony
as well as to a Christian’s body, which is the temple of the Holy
Spirit.
With these realities about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, the argument
for abstinence is well established. The Christian is called to a higher
standard of self-control and self-denial concerning those things not beneficial
to his physical and spiritual well being. To argue for any level of "moderate
use" of alcohol, narcotics, or tobacco is to be insensitive to the
weight of Scripture and the present perils of our society. Christians
realize the pressing need for a pure testimony before our world. As the
apostle Paul said, "I urge you . . . in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this
is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern
of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing
and perfect will" (Romans 12:1,2).
CONCERNS:
The use of alcohol, narcotics, and tobacco mentioned above exact a heavy
toll, not only on the addicted person, but also on all of society. Drug
abuse can make an addict incapable of being a productive individual in
the larger society, thus increasing the financial burden on the rest of
society. Medical treatment for injuries and illnesses caused by the addictions
further consumes resources that could be put to much better use. And as
drug abuse often leads to criminal activity, society pays a double cost
in added insurance and law enforcement costs. We call upon all of society
to fight these addictive substances used by Satan to keep individuals
in bondage to his power over their lives.
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The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural
teaching.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV)
unless otherwise specified.
Copyright
©2005 The General Council of the Assemblies of God
1445 North Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802
Telephone: 417-862-2781
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Click here to see the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs section of the Matters of Christian Character pamphlet
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