Hi all,

(I preface this by saying that I could have misunderstood the contents of my conversation with my pastor due to language difficulties. I am planning on getting confirmation in writing soon).

As some of you may know, I've recently been considering becoming a member of my current church. I was talking with the pastor today, and he said that they want for all members to commit to not smoking and not drinking. I was a bit surprised and told him I didn't think I could make this committment, but I would think about it. If I understood correctly, this may also be a requirement for baptism.

He gave two reasons behind the requirement for this committment. One being that Japanese society has always had a big problem with alcoholism, even in the church (maybe smoking too?). The other being that when people see you not drinking it gives you a chance to give your testimony. I think his personal opinion is that drinking is not necessarily a sin but that smoking is always a sin.

I agree that Japan has a big problem with alcohol and some of the things I have seen here have really made me sad. But, does that make it proper for a church to ask members to refrain from drinking. I really am wary of committing to anything that binds my conscience and most likely will not. The second reason about being a good testimony doesn't seem like a good reason at all to me. I think when people abusing alcohol see Christians using alcohol in an appropriate manner can be just as good a testimony as Christians who do not drink.

Personally, I don't smoke but occcaisionally drink. I enjoy having a beer with a friend or with me dinner sometimes. In the past, there have a been times where I abused my priviledge to drink, and those times I definitely believe I sinned, but I repented. Even if I didn't drink (and I don't smoke), I don't think I could in good conscience make the committment they are asking since I think drinking and smoking (in a proper manner) falls under a matter of Christian liberty. I'm less sure about the issue of smoking since it's not addressed directly in the Bible, but I think it too probably falls in the same category. But, I do think the people who argue that all smoking is bad due to the health consequences/addictive nature and the fact that we are called to take care of our body have a strong argument. I still think there may be a permissible way to occaisionally smoke though, but it's something I have no desire to do.

Anyway, my pastor and I are going to discuss this issue more, but I wanted to see what others think about this. Right now if it does come down to an issue of having to commit to the rules or not become a member, then I think I will probably not become a member. Having my conscience bound like that would just be too big a thing for me. The reason for not drinking would only be to follow the rules and not because of my love of Christ. Should I be more willing to give up some of my Christian liberties for the sake of my fellow Christians?


John