29.2

Lotteries and other forms of gambling, whether legal or illegal. The church holds that the final result of these practices is detrimental both to the individual and society.

(Matthew 6:24–34; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13; 1 Timothy 6:6–11; Hebrews 13:5–6; 1 John 2:15–17)

29.3

Membership in oath-bound secret orders or societies including but not limited to those such as Freemasonry. The quasi-religious nature of such organizations dilutes the Christian’s commitment, and their secrecy contravenes the Christian’s open witness. This issue will be considered in conjunction with paragraph 112.1 regarding church membership.

(1 Corinthians 1:26–31; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 5:11–16; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17)

29.4

All forms of dancing that detract from spiritual growth and break down proper moral inhibitions and reserve.

(Matthew 22:36–39; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 10:31–33; Philippians 1:9–11; Colossians 3:1–17)

29.5

The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or trafficking therein; giving influence to, or voting for, the licensing of places for the sale of the same; using illicit drugs or trafficking therein; using of tobacco in any of its forms, or trafficking therein.

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 both alcohol and tobacco 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 both beverage alcohol and tobacco to others. The widespread incidence of alcohol abuse in our world demands that we embody a position that stands as a witness to others. (903.14–903.16)

(Proverbs 20:1; 23:29–24:2; Hosea 4:10–11; Habakkuk 2:5; Romans 13:8; 14:15–21; 15:1–2; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:9–12, 19–20; 10:31–33; Galatians 5:13–14, 21; Ephesians 5:18)

(Only unfermented wine should be used in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.) (514.9, 530.7, 531.2, 532.1, 802)

339.1

Provide and develop constructive information regarding matters such as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, gambling and other current moral and social issues in harmony with church doctrine, and to disseminate the information in denominational communications.

339.3

Encourage people to serve in places of leadership in organizations working for civic and social righteousness.

339.4

Alert people regarding the Lord’s Day observance, oath-bound secret orders, entertainments that are subversive of the Christian ethic, and other types of worldliness. (29.1)

903.15

The Church of the Nazarene publicly supports the desocialization of alcohol consumption. We encourage civic, labor, business, professional, social, voluntary, and private agencies and organizations to assist in such desocialization to counteract the advertising and media promotion of the social acceptability of the “alcohol culture.” (2013)

Index

For translating the index locators.