Some have alleged Southern Baptists have not spoken to the alcohol issue because it is not mentioned in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. While alcohol is not mentioned in our doctrinal statement, it has often been dealt with by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Southern Baptists have spoken with a clear voice against alcohol for well over 100 years. The most recent resolution was overwhelmingly passed in 2006. It is listed below. Many other SBC resolutions on alcohol can be found at sbc.net (under Faith & Facts). As a matter of fact, 59 resolutions against alcohol have been passed by the SBC since 1886.
On Alcohol Use In America
June 2006
WHEREAS, Years of research confirm biblical warnings that alcohol use leads to physical, mental, and emotional damage (e.g., Proverbs 23:29-35); and
WHEREAS, Alcohol use has led to countless injuries and deaths on our nation's highways; and
WHEREAS, The breakup of families and homes can be directly and indirectly attributed to alcohol use by one or more members of a family; and
WHEREAS, The use of alcohol as a recreational beverage has been shown to lead individuals down a path of addiction to alcohol and toward the use of other kinds of drugs, both legal and illegal; and
WHEREAS, There are some religious leaders who are now advocating the consumption of alcoholic beverages based on a misinterpretation of the doctrine of "our freedom in Christ"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-14, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we urge that no one be elected to serve as a trustee or member of any entity or committee of the Southern Baptist Convention that is a user of alcoholic beverages.
RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to take an active role in supporting legislation that is intended to curb alcohol use in our communities and nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to be actively involved in educating students and adults concerning the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we commend organizations and ministries that treat alcohol-related problems from a biblical perspective and promote abstinence and encourage local churches to begin and/or support such biblically-based ministries.
-SBC, Greensboro, NC
Related articles:
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol
Alcohol Condemned in the Bible
Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol
Evidence for the Two-Wine Theory
See other related articles in right hand margin toward the bottom under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
New book: Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case for Abstinence by David R. Brumbelow.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 4, AD 2011.
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If you had a family wanting to join your church and they have a sure testimony of conversion and have been members of an SBC church in another state, but the husband works for a wine company in which he is one of their representatives, would you allow them to join? Or much in the same way a fine Christian family who owns a pizza restaurant that also has beer as a beverage?
ReplyDeleteChurches are autonomous and pastors are different. Two pastors who both support abstinence from alcohol, would probably vary somewhat in how they would deal with the situations anon. mentions. Some would take a more hard-line position, some would be patient and give the members a lot of time.
ReplyDeleteMany pastors, while opposing alcohol, would allow families in these situations to join the church. Often a new Christian’s positive view of alcohol changes over time. They should be given time. Many pastors would take a stronger view if and when it came to such members taking a leadership position in the church. I have not, and do not require every member to agree with me on every detail. Sometimes a pastor is going to preach his strong convictions while knowing that everyone is not necessarily going to agree.
On the other hand, I believe in either of the situations you give, the Christian’s testimony would be seriously hindered.
David R. Brumbelow