Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - March 16/58

Contributor - Rev. Richard Van Farowe

Title - The Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Topic - Addiction

We have been asked by the editorial committee of the Pioneer to write a short article about the use of alcohol and tobacco, especially keeping in mind the fact that the new immigrants from the Netherlands look upon this problem a bit differently than others. it was noted in the request that some times this question brings "hot heads and cold hearts", when it is discussed in our circles.

Well, we hope that both heads and hearts may be willing to abide by what the word of God teaches about these matters, and also by what experience has taught the race. History and statistics, as well as the Bible, point to the fact that both alcohol and tobacco have certain harmful effects, and medical science also confirms the fact. There are so many angles and approaches to this subject that it is hard to know what to leave out of such an article.

In general it may be said that the Bible is full of the dangers o alcohol. From the drunkeness of Noah through all the warning of the Book of Proverbs, we know that "wine is a mocker". From Isaiah who says, "Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them. Woe unto them that are mighty to mingle strong drink They have erred through wine; they err in vision, they stumble in judgement" - to Amos who condemns the 'kine of Bashan' for their drink, to Paul who teaches "it is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine, nor anything where by the brother stumbleth", all of these and many more passages teach the evil of drink. One of the marks of the enemies of the Cross is that their belly is their God (Phil. 3: 18, 19).

History proves that this is so. Nations and homes have gone LO ruin through drink. However, the crucial question we face is the attitude of many today who say, "Admitting that this is so, it can't happen to me". Let us remember that it can, and does, happen to countless multitudes who never expected it. Proven figures show that one in every twenty - 1 in 20 drinkers becomes an alcoholic! That is, a person who drinks to excess, and can't stop. It is also a fact that between one third and one half of auto accidents are due to drinking. Also, this rate is rapidly increasing. Alcohol is a HABIT FORMING narcotic and a dangerous drug.

In the U.S. there are over four million excessive drinkers, of which three million are confirmed alcoholics or slaves to alcohol. Besides all this, about 70 percent of chronic alcoholics started drinking as teenagers. And, many of these started drinking because their parents set the example before them' We fully realize that we live in Canada, and not in the U.S.A., and that many have come from Europe where drinking was somewhat more controlled than in either Canada or the U.S.A., but, make no mistake about it, alcohol is the same deadly habit forming drug everywhere, and the same wrecking, ruining influence to, character morals, home life. Dutch immigrants in Canada have the same tendency to become alcoholic addicts, no matter what their background, as others have. Furthermore Dutch immigrants have the same spiritual responsibility to God, to their families, and to their own souls, as others have, even though, through Netherlands customs and laws checked, for a time, the wild outbursts and excesses of liquor.

As was recently said at one of the Consistorial Conferences, the immigrants in Canada will soon learn that there are special dangers along this line here. Even in some of the dry areas of Ontario and other provinces much alcoholic beverage is being consumed. This writer travels almost every Sunday 35 miles each way in his preaching duties, and every Sunday morning it is common sight to see countless empty bottles along the highway in ditches etc., beginning in a block of his own home. And, let's not fool ourselves that our Dutch young people, as well as parents, will not be influenced by all of this.

We would therefore strongly urge that at our weddings and other social functions we absolutely give up that innocent (?) custom of the social glass, for "wine is a mocker, whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Look not upon the wine when it is red, - AT THE LAST it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder". But some of our people say, "Dominee, we just take one glass, what's wrong with that?" Dear friends, EVERYTHING is wrong with that because the first SO OFTEN leads to a second, and - THE HABIT. Remember, that's the history of it.

Then, too, YOU may be able to stop, but your Christian brother, who sees you drink, and who starts because you do, may not be able to stop. Oh, the terrible burden of responsibility resting upon some of our church members who started others on their pathway to drink, and to consequent ruin! Only the blood of the Cross ' upon a penitent confession of it all, can suffice to wipe that guilt away!

We have said nothing of the financial cost of &ink, but it is very great. This applies also to tobacco. Now, I know it is said we waste money on many other things too, and that is true, but that does not make our shameful waste on alcohol and tobacco right. So, many ask of tobacco or alcohol, "What's the HARM of it?" Let's for the time being, turn that question around: "What's the GOOD of it?" Why become the slave of a cigarette or cigar? SLAVES is what many are. Just before we left the States a fine Christian elder drew me aside, and pled that we keep urging the people here that this habit CAN be broken if we only try. He was referring to the tobacco habit. But he also knew it took the unshackling grace Of God, plus strong will power, to do it. Also let us not be fooled by the 75 million dollar advertising program on radio and T.V. and in all kinds of magazines.

And what about the physical detriment of the-se drugs! We know of several in the States who have felt MUCH BETTER after they came to see the foolish and harmful effects of nicotine, and quit smoking.

Just a word to you, young fellows, who like to smoke. You think it is 'big', and that you are not a real man until you really can smoke. Remember it takes more of a MAN to say NO, and you'll be the winner every time. We have heard many a smoker say that he wished he had never started. And what about those who must suffer innocently through tobacco smoke being blown all around them?

Once again, what GOOD does it do ? Yes, we know there are OTHER sins too. It is wrong to over indulge in sweets, and in other harmful habits, but tobacco gives absolutely no returns. Reader, can you justify the use of tobacco and alcohol in your own life, and in that of your children ? Can you give an honest account to God of how you sent countless dollars up in smoke, dollars which never will do anyone any good ? Turn your eyes to the needs of the world, both for food and for the gospel to be brought to them.

After all, our bodies are to be kept pure and strong for God. And it is our contention that both these habit forming and death-dealing drugs stand condemned by every biblical standard as well as by the verdict of history, and the common experience of mankind.

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