A Christian Response to Alcohol (1 of 2)

How should a Christian respond to the issue we are now presented with in our community? How would a Christian vote?

First, let's look at some of the official statements from some of the denominations that have churches in our community...

Southern Baptist Association passed a resolution in June of 2006 that you can read by clicking here. They promote "total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages..."

Church of the Nazarene states in it's manual, in part: "In light of the Holy Scriptures and human experience concerning the ruinous consequences of the use of alcohol as a beverage, and in light of the findings of medical science regarding the detrimental effect of alcohol to the body and mind, as a community of faith committed to the pursuit of a holy life, our position and practice is abstinence rather than moderation. Holy Scripture teaches that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. With loving regard for ourselves and others, we call our people to total abstinence from all intoxicants. Furthermore, our Christian social responsibility calls us to use any legitimate and legal means to minimize the availability of beverage alcohol to others. The widespread incidence of alcohol abuse in our world demands that we embody a position that stands as a witness to others." The rest of the manual can be found in pdf format at the following link.

United Methodist Church statement on Alcohol and Other Drugs can be read by clicking here. It says in part: "We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons."

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) statement on the use of alcohol is weaker than other denominations. You can read the entire statement by clicking here. It says in part: "The General Assembly encourages and supports a personal decision to abstain from alcohol." (Note that they do not require it of those who unite with them in membership.)

The Roman Catholic church even warns a number of times in the catechism of the Roman Catholic Church about the abuse of alcohol! You can read here, where it says: "2290- The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air."

Many local churches have passed resolutions of their own in opposition to the sale of alcohol in our community.

If anyone has any links to find the stance of the Separate Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian, Christian Church, other denominations in Green County that might be omitted, or any of the 'non-denominational' churches of Green County be sure to post them.

Important Note: No church or pastor in Green County has supported the sale of alcohol in our community.