UMC and the Issues 2012: Alcohol, and Tobacco

Historically, Methodism, and the United Brethren Church, have been associated with the Temperance Movement which came to a climax in the 1920’s with Prohibition.  There was a time when being a Mthodist or Brethren meant absolute abstinence from alcohol and tobacco.  For clergy, complete abstinence from both was part of the vows which they took.
However, times have changed somewhat.  Our current Social Principles read.

We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons. We support abstinence from the use of any illegal drugs. Since the use of illegal drugs, as well as illegal and problematic use of alcohol, is a major factor in crime, disease, death, and family dysfunction, we support educational programs as well as other prevention strategies encouraging abstinence from illegal drug use and, with regard to those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages, judicious use with deliberate and intentional restraint, with Scripture as a guide. (Paragraph 162.L)
We affirm our historic tradition of high standards of personal discipline and social responsibility. In light of the overwhelming evidence that tobacco smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are hazardous to the health of persons of all ages, we recommend total abstinence from the use of tobacco. (Paragraph 162.M)

        For clergy, our vows now include the statement that we will, “Agree for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world to... exercise responsible self control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, [and] mental and emotional maturity...” (Paragraph 311.2.d)
       I am often asked questions like, “Can United Methodists drink, smoke, etc.?  If the meaning of those questions are along the lines of, “Will someone who drinks or smokes be denied membership in, or be removed from, the church,” the answer is an overwhelming “No.”
      However, the better question is, “Should United Methodists drink or smoke?”  Given God’s great concern for our individual and personal well-being in mind, body, and spirit, a concern which God has called the church to proclaim, and given the overwhelming evidence for the damage that is caused by alcohol and tobacco to our personal well-being and the well-being of families and society as a whole, the answer to that question must also be a resounding “No,” or at least, “With great restraint and moderation.”
      This is also a good reminder of what the Social Principles are and how they are meant to be used.  The Social Principles are not a rulebook which we must agree with and obey in order to call ourselves United Methodists, rather they are a guidebook to help us make decisions about how we will live.  We are free to disagree with any or all of their guidance.  However, I, and all who teach in the church, are required to present them as the official positions of the United Methodist Church.
      I hope you will join me in following the guidance of the Social Principles in making better and more healthy choices in all areas of our lives.  I also hope you will join me in celebrating the fact that we are part of a church that cares enough about us and the world and the world around us to offer us guidance but stops short of trying to force us to agree.