nineteen hundred and forty-six - Amazon Web Services

124 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
groups lay greater emphasis upon temperance in church and denominational
activities. (2) That a more adequate program of scientific temperance education
be maintained in our public and private schools and seminaries. (3) That
public health authorities be urged to give greater consideration to alcoholism
and drunkenness as a public health problem. We hold that voluntary abstinence
from the use of alcoholic beverages is the surest guarantee against the development
of alcoholism and its attendant evils, but we know that legislation is also
necessary.
"In the states we advocate: (1) Action for effective scientific temperance
education. (2) Legislation providing for the care and cure of alcoholics,
with a view of reformation. (3) The enactment of local option laws where this
privilege does not now exist, and the strengthening of such existing legislatipn
where necessary to insure to the people of the political unit the right to determine
the question of sale or nonsale of all types of alcoholic beverages. (4)
Such other restrictions and prohibitions upon the sale of alcoholic beverages
as will effectively minimize the evils attendant upon their use. (5) The election
of officers who will enforce laws when enacted.
"We urge the following federal legislation: (1) Such administrative action
and legislation by the Federal government as will protect the states against
the unlawful importation of liquors in violation of their policy, as guaranteed
by the second section of the 21st Amendment. (2) Action that will prevent
the advertising of liquors over the radio or other media of interstate commerce.
(3) Such administrative action and legislation in the District of Columbia and
the Federal territories as will minimize the evils growing out of the use of
alcoholic liquors. Basically, the solution of the beverage alcohol problem is dependent
upon individual attitudes. We therefore urge our churches and reliT
gious denominations and other organizations devoted to the building of character
and the molding of public opinion to aid in the development of a greater
temperance sentiment throughout the nation in the interests of the common
welfare."
MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
The cultural crisis through which we are passing has created strains and
problems for the family. The war disrupted normal courtship processes, disturbed
the ratio between the sexes, drew an enormous number of women into
industry, increased familial tension and disorganization, and speeded up the
processes of social change affecting marriage and the family. Consequently the
churches are confronted by an impressive and increasing amount of domestic
discord and failure reflected in the increasing numbers of desertions and
divorces. We must give attention to the conservation of spiritual values in
family living and bring the Christian ethic to bear much more effectively upon
courtship, marriage, and the many-sided relationships of home life.
It cannot be too strongly urged (1) that family worship be practiced as a
fundamental part of the family enterprise, (2) that sound instruction in preparation
for Christian marriage be given to young men and women, (3) that pastors
counsel married couples concerning parenthood and the responsibilities of
a truly Christian home, (4) and that the churches explore new ways to
strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family.
RACE RELATIONS
The relations between the white and colored races in the South constitute
another social issue for which there is no final, once-for-all settlement. It is a
continuing problem of adjustment which must be faced realistically, constructively
and patiently. It is a point at which Christianity in the South is meeting.
because of a trying social history, one of its most difficult tasks and faces one
of the severest tests of its wisdom, sincerity and courage. We know that there
are discriminations against Negroes because they are Negroes in matters such
as freedom to vote, economic employment and remuneration, education, housing,
military and government service, treatment in courts of justice, and' public
privileges. We.know also that with the advance of education and culture the
Negroes are becoming ever more conscious of these discriminations and of
their rights under the National Constitution to share the common privileges
of citizens. We know the dangers that threaten peaceful adjustment of the