Biblical teaching on the effects of alcoholism and the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989 (Part 7)

Document prepared by Scholars of 5 Theological Institutions (Oriental Theological Seminary, Clark Theological College, Trinity Theological College, Baptist Theological College, Shalom Bible Seminary) under the initiative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council

The Role of the Church

Drawing insights from the above Biblical and historical survey of liquor prohibition in relation to the existing ground reality, we advocate a dual approach as appropriate role of the Church, that is, to address the problems of both ‘demand’ and ‘supply’ factors with equal seriousness while our emphasis is on the former. This emphasis is not something new but neglected in the process of our struggle with the structural evils. However, we would like to highlight some stories and experiences briefly as a pointer as to what the Church can do most effectively today. This re-enforced our conviction that it is not merely idealistic but practical and effective.

Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA): The church has been successful in pastoral practice with similar emphasis in recent times.  It all began out of daily casual conversation of the pastors in the Church. According to Temsuwati Kichu, Associate Pastor who is in charge of this special ministry, “we realised that Prohibition Act at the administrative level is not helping the users on the ground and that the Church has much work to do for the affected people who are no longer seen in the Church for many years together, therefore we decided to reach out to them.” (Interview with TemsuwatiKichu, Associate Pastor, MTBA, Mokokchung on November 18, 2013.) Initially, all the members were not equally excited about it, but they decided to organize Detoxification Camp on yearly basis. Subsequently, they began to plan, pray and made several round of home visitation to the identified hard core drinkers, most of whom were later diagnosed alcoholic medically. Very interestingly, they employed the women department volunteers for initial contact to visit, pray and share the plans and programs of the Church, followed by series of pastoral visitation to counsel and encourage them. This was followed by one month chain of prayer round the clock by the entire members of the Church. Moatoshi Jamir, the counselor reiterated that, along with the sharing of the Word of God, counseling and prayer,   they also employ clinical therapy, followed by a weeklong   of residential camp away from home.” (Interview with Moatoshi Jamir, Counsellor, MTBA, Mokokchung on November 18, 2013.) He further says, “We promise them nothing, but we try our best to convince and persuade them to give another chance and attend the camp without any conditions.” (Interview with Moatoshi.)Eventually, the first Detoxification Camp was held in 2011 where about 20 members attended. Since then, it is being organized annually for the last three years with added members every year. Separate counseling sessions are also conducted for the spouses and children. The camp is followed by regular weekly confidential AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) meeting every Sunday where they share their experiences of struggles, failures and success, and Home visitation on Thursdays to pray and encourage the irregular ones in the group. What is most encouraging is the story that these hardcore alcoholics in Mokokchung Town are now healed and recovered from their drinking habits and actively participating in the Church, reaching out to others and bringing new friends to the fold every now and then.
We are convinced that this approach is applicable to most local contexts with necessary modifications and adjustments. All may not succeed and experience repeated failures after failures. But it is worth pursuing unceasingly for the sake of the Gospel and the total well being of our people. Let the people in power know what the Church is doing in action rather than playing tug of war with the Government over the Liquor Total Prohibition Act. Meantime, the NBCC, NGOs, Women Groups, Youth Organization etc, must continue to inspire, convince and persuade the State Government to support and enhance our effort by stopping the supply factor with all needed authority and power vested in them under the existing Prohibition Act. We strongly believe that it is possible to turn Nagaland into a Dry State in reality for the benefit of everyone and all sections of the society. This is not a dream of an idealist, it is possible.

ABCC Women Department: Alcohol menace has affected all sections of  Naga society today. For the last three to four years, ABCC Women Department has been conducting gospel camps, particularly for Women in the grip of this vice, those who earn their livelihood by brewing and selling alcohol and women whose spouse or family members are affected by alcoholism. This camp address the issue and various problems of the affected women and aims to motivate, transform and direct them towards “Life Change” as well as provide incentives to other means of livelihood. Towards this, the Women Department have a fund called “Dzevi Bode” which translated as “Welfare Foundation” .Through this we financially support those women who whole heartedly pledge and commit to change the means of livelihood, from an alcohol brewer and seller to vegetable seller. Monetary support is given and the applicant refund their capital without the burden of interest when she can.

ABAM Women Department: More than three decades ago, along with the Youth Department, the Women Department of ABAM have spearheaded the Liquor Prohibition movement in the Association level. To control the inflow of liquor into the district, in collaboration with the Village Councils and NGOs, seminars and Prayer and fasting programs were conducted, houses were raided, liquors were seized, licence holders were visited and persuaded to withdraw their licences.
After the NLTP Act was passed, the women folk continued to visit the homes of the wine sellers, brewers, users and alcoholics for prayer and counseling. Inspite of the few law breakers, there are many who have pledged to be abided by the law and Christian principles.
Along with the Biblical teachings, writing articles on this particular issue in a local dialect magazine known as the “Khristan Kibong” (Christian Home) which goes out to almost every Ao families, the Women Department decided to give loan to Women folks to start with clean business for their livelihood by forming SHGs. The loan amounting from 10,000/- to  100.000/- are given out with an understanding that the group members shall be abided by the rules laid down by the Department. This monetary help is enabling many women to earn their livelihood with a clear conscience, realizing their self worth and ultimately changing their lives. So far all the groups are doing successfully..

Kohima Ao Baptist Church (KABA): From time to time, KABA conduct detox and Rehabilitation camps for the alcoholics which has impacted many lives. In 2013, one such camp was conducted where 30 alcoholics (all men) attended. They were given thorough treatment by Doctors and Nurses. And spiritual feeding was given by Counselors and Pastors. Many responded positively and two among them decided for long term rehabilitation with full expenses being paid by the church. They have started a fellowship of the Alcoholic Anonymous where they come together every Sunday for prayer and fellowship.
Education is basic and fundamental, and must precede and accompany everything else we do, and thus churches can take up the challenge of organizing effective campaign of alcohol education in the church (C. Aubrey Hearn, op.cit., 128). Programs relating to the alcohol problem should be vitalized and made interesting and attractive. Alcoholism is the consequence of the deliberate wrong exercise of the human will, and in the old- fashioned biblical parlance, it is a sin (A.J. Edmonds, “The Value of Christian Therapy in Dealing with Alcoholics and Drug Addicts,” The Christian Response to Alcohol and Drug Problem, edited by J. Kenneth Lawton, Jonathan N. Gnanadason& K.V. Matthew (Bangalore: Ecumenical Christian Centre, 1983) 123). It can also be said that alcoholism involves sin, since it has destructive consequences of hindering a person from abundant living and true happiness. It also detracts from his/her relationship with God, his family and his community (Howard J. Clinebell, Understanding and Counseling the Alcoholic- Through Religion and Psychology (Nashville: Abingdon Press, ) 160).
This understanding takes us back to the fall of humankind in the creation account. The fruit that tempted Eve appealed to her physical, aesthetic and intellectual senses, which are the basic three urges in man (Genesis 3: 6). The tree was good for food- physical; it was a delight to the eyes- aesthetic; the tree was to be desired to make one wise- intellectual urge. These are the urges which actualized man’s desire to become like God and alienated him from God and thus these urges are still at work in man in his fallen stage (Gnana Robinson, “Towards a Theological Understanding of Addiction,” Theological Education and Addiction Concerns in India, edited by H.S.Wilson (Chennai: The Board of Theological Education and The Commission on Addiction Concerns, 1989) 151). In this sense, alcoholism becomes a spiritual problem and the church need to look into it and educate the congregation accordingly.
At the same time, the churches should not limit its focus only towards the spiritual side, but she should also spring into social action. Prohibition is considered to be the most direct way in which countries can control production of alcohol. Several studies have found that in the early years of its introduction, prohibition leads to a decline in alcohol- related problems. This occurred in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s (John Madeley, “The Cost of a Drink,”Theological Education and Addiction Concerns in India, edited by H.S.Wilson (Chennai: The Board of Theological Education and The Commission on Addiction Concerns, 1989) 174).
Collaborating with the different organizations who work for alcohol abstinence, the church should take keen interest in supporting prohibition act and do continuous follow- ups. This is because alcoholics do not become non- alcoholics overnight as soon as they stop drinking. Rather, there are chances that they might turn to other options. Thus, in this light care groups should be organized where attitudes, behavior and disciplines which strengthen abstinence, sobriety and growth are reinforced.

Some Recommendations:
1. NBCC will establish a Special Brach of Christian Ministry that will address the problems of the alcohol affected individuals and families, both at local Associations and Church level. Theological Institutions, schools and colleges may introduce course on the evil effects of alcoholism.
2. NBCC will continue to encourage Churches to preach, teach and reinforce the cardinal Biblical teachings of the Church to abstain from any intoxicating beverages.
3. Nagas have the habit of not being responsible to take care of ourselves when it comes to drinking. We overdo it and drink till we drop. In this context one cannot talk about responsible drinking. Therefore the Churches should continue to encourage its members to develop healthy habits and overcome their drinking problem, if possible for total abstinence rather than rejecting them. Extend all possible help and support them in their struggles towards fullness of life which is in Christ Jesus.

…(to be continued)