Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 89
Predatory interests, such as the manufacturers and distribu*
tots of narcotics have capitalized on human weakness. Sales of
cigarettes are at their highest figures in history. Beer barons
have become rich from their enormous sales in I960. New breweries
are being erected to exploit the expanding market for beer.
Likewise, the distillers and vintners have made vast profits from
the sale of hard liquors and wine. Our avowed enemies, the
Russians, are doubtless glad over the fact that vodka has, in a
short time, become a favorite drink in Ametica.
Both forms of narcotics, nicotine in tobacco and alcohol in
intoxicants are imposing a blight on the bodies and souls of men
and are parasites on the very life of our nation.
Lung cancer, so commonly found among smokers, is only one
evidence of the damage wrought by the use of tobacco. The circulatory,
digestive and netvous systems of the human body are
all acknowledged by medical authorities to be damaged by the
use of tobacco. Your committee raises its voice in alarm and
warning, for members of the Church and their children, to safeguard
their health and spiritual interests by abstaining from the
use of tobacco in any form.
The blight upon the life and soul of our nation, brought about
by beverage alcohol is so obvious that there can be no defense of
its manufacture, advertising, sale or use. The years since the
repeal of the 18th Amendment have been making their mark, until
indulgence in alcoholic beverages has been largely accepted and
65 million adults have made it their practice to participate in
social drinking. It is little wonder that this is true because of
the constant advertising and wide availability of intoxicants.
The situation in America today, under the 21st Amendment
is even worse than it was in pre-Prohibition days, because, at
that time, drinking was largely confined to saloons and was engaged
in mostly by men; whereas, now, drinking is done in taverns,
cocktail lounges and restaurants which is no surprise. In
addition, however, because of the enormous sales of intoxicants
in supermarkets, drinking has invaded and captured the home
where it is used not only by husbands and fathers but also by
wives and mothers.
"Two years ago a public opinion poll disclosed that 45% of
all adult women drank liquor, at least, occasionally. A few
months ago another poll showed that 54% now drink". This goes
far to account for the plunging drop in good morals and the increase
of broken homes, divorce and crime year by year.
To make matters worse, all too large a segment of church
officials and church members practice social drinking. It is
highly regrettable that the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
through its report of the Committee on church and society, meeting