Abstract
It is no longer secret that the level of
alcohol taking in our society today even among Christian is growing at the
alarming rate. That is manifest in the level of which bear parlours and joints
where these commodities are established in an increasing rate. It has resulted
into so many social and spiritual challenges in the church. It is for this
reason that researcher carries a theological investigation into the causes and
effects an effects Alcoholism in the body of Christ that calls for a holistic
study which by the help of God has been dealt extensively in this work. In
recent time the use and the abuse of alcohol has grown so massively among many
professing Christians irrespective of the warnings of the Bible teachings
against alcoholism. In this research
work, the researcher unfolded the root and the minors causes of alcoholism in
the Body of Christ. Alcoholism has brought
so many abuse to Christianity especially in Akwanga Local Government Area of
Nasarawa State, where out of five adults four is an alcoholic users and in
every family if not nuclear has one or more alcoholic victim which I believe
that through some suggestions made in this research has proffered some
unique solutions to this ugly menace.
However, the researcher uses questionnaires as an instrument to collect data
from two hundred and eighty six (286) respondents from different denominations.
Descriptive survey was adopted for this study hence it was a large coverage.
Likert Scale was also use to analyzed data and some of the findings are; that
drunkenness is the major cause lack of love of God in the body of Christ today.
The researcher concluded finally, that drunkenness is the major cause of lack
of Love and some misbehavior in the body of Christ, in order to minimize it the
minister of the Gospel should teach about the dangers of alcoholism both in the
church and public places
Table of contents
Fly leaf…………………………………………………………………………………………….i
Title Page……………………………………………………………………………………….ii
Declaration…………………………………………………………………………………….iii
Certification……………………………………………………………………………………iv
Dedication………………………………………………………………………………………v
Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………….vi
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………..vii
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………x
CHAPTER ONE:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of
the Study…………………………………………..1
1.2 Statement of
the Problems………………………………………….5
1.3 Aim and Objectives
of the Study………………………………...…6
1.3.1 Aim of the
study……………………………………………...…...6
1.3.2 Objectives
of the study……………………………………...…….6
1.4 Research
Questions and Hypotheses………………………..………6
1.4.1 Research
Question………………………………………………....6
1.4.2 Research Hypotheses……………………………………………....7
1.5
Significance/Justification of the Study…………………………..….7
1.6 Scope of the
Study………………………………………………….8
1.7 limitation of
the study………………………………………………9
1.8
Definition
of Operational Terms effects…………………………….9
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction……………………………………………………….11
2.2 Historical perspective………………………………………….….11
2.3 Theological Perspective…………………………………………..17
2.3.1 Theological Rationales………………………………………....20
2.4 Conceptual Framework………………………………………......21
2.4.1 Alcoholism……………………………………………………...21
2.4.2 A Biblical Perspective of Alcohol……………………………..25
2.4.3 Drunkenness in the Bible……………………………………….27
2.4.4. Reasons for Alcoholism/ Causes of
Alcoholism………………30
2.4.
5 Effect of Alcoholism in the Church…………………………….33
2.4.6
Risk factors; Positive and Negative effects of Alcohol………….34
2.4.7 Symptoms of Alcoholism……………………………………....35
2.4.8
Biblical Way to Avoid Alcohol Taking…………………………35
2.4.9
Alcohol Related behaviours………………………………...…..39
2.4.10
Christianity and Treatment of Addiction………………………40
2.5
Theoretical Framework……………………………………………42
2.6
Current Trends:…………………………………………………........
2.7
Research Gap:……………………………………………………......
CHAPTER
THREE:
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….46
3.2. Research Design……………………………………………………………………….….46
3.3. Location of the Study……………………………………………………….………….47
3.4. Population of the Study………………………………………………………………47
3.5. Sample size and Sample Techniques…………………………………………...47
3.6 Research instrument……………………………………………………………………49
3.7.1 Validity of the Instrument…………………………………………………………49
3.7.2 Reliability of the Instrument…………………………………………………….50
3.8 Data Collection Procedure…………………………………………………………..51
3.9 Administration of the Instruments………………………………………………51
3.10 Research Ethics………………………………………………………………………....51
3.11Data Analysis Techniques………………………………………………..………….52
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0
PRESENTATIONS, ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………53
4.2 Demographics of data…………………………………………………………………..53
4.3 Presentations of Findings Using Tables………………………………….……..57
4.3.1 Data Analysis on Research questions……………………………………..….59
4.4 Analysis of collected data and testing of
hypotheses…………………….59
CHAPTER
FIVE:
5.0
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary……………………………………………………………66
5.2
Conclusion…………………………………………….......................67
5.3
Recommendations………………………………………………..…68
5.4. Suggestion
for Further Studies……………………………………..69
References………………………………………………………………..70
APPENDICES ……………………………………………………………
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Ogbodo R. (2009:30) quoted by Madu, N. E. (2018)
defined Background of the study as a ‘’short descriptive background to the
study. It should include some view of information e.g. history that help set
the stage for the study and inform a bases for subsequent arguments. It may be
necessary to include here all orderly and coherent theory reflecting on prior
work in area under investigation’’ It is all about the condition and the origin
to the study which should include some observations of study.
Alcohol has many usage
and contrasting connotations. A glass of wine with a meal can symbolize Love,
friendship, relaxation and enjoyment of a special occasion. It can represent romance,
coming of age, success, beginnings and endings, good news and good company.
Catholic Church or Jewish Passover where wine is also shared, thanks are given
to God for divine salvation from all that were enslaved, restricted and
condemned. In drinking the wine, Christ and Jews participate with the ancient
Hebrews in their exodus from enslavement in Egypt.
In African tradition,
wine is used to portray a relationship and communion between the living human
and ancestors, deities and other supernatural entities. This is evidence in
covenant establishment, oath taking, daily ritual of libation, burial and institution
of shrines and altars. Also in marriage ceremonies, the usage of alcoholic wine
is indispensible even against the vehement opposition of Pentecostal churches
in Africa with Nigeria as typical example. Ekwe (2000) stated that apart from
water and wind, wine is another integral and indispensible part of African life
and living. The presence is felt in almost all the activities of African
customs and traditions ranging from burials, rituals, marriages, oath takings,
covenant establishments, meetings, hospitalities, evening relaxation to all
forms of their daily activities.
Unfortunately, the
sacredness and redemptiveness of these occasions contrast with the association
of alcohol with drunken violence in our towns and cities, cirrhosis of the
liver on our medical wards, debts in families, death on our roads and numbers
of fights in families. It contrasts more especially with the enslavement, which
is alcoholism or alcohol addiction. This contrasting nature of alcoholic drink
is clearly revealed in different chapters and verses of the Hebrew Scripture,
the Old Testament. Serious warnings were placed on the need to avoid addiction
and lust towards alcoholic wine. At some instances, some people were strictly
warned not to taste alcoholic wine or partake in meals that have connection
with alcohol. For instance, Nazarites like Samson in Judges 13:7, Princes in
Proverbs 31:4 and the Rechabite family in Jeremiah 35:1-19 were in this
category. The book of Proverbs 23:29-35; “who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath
contention? Who hath babbling? Who hath
wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? Yea, thou shalt be as he that
lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me,
and I felt it not: when shall I awake? Will seek it yet again” They that tarry
long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine
when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself
aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine
eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter pointed out and analyze the state,
condition and ordeals of an alcoholic drinker and the problem of addiction even
in this contemporary era.
In more purely
statistical and objective terms, alcohol misuse is a contemporary social problem
of enormous economic significance, which exacts a high toll of human suffering
as a result of the social, psychological and medical harms to which it gives
rise. Alcohol related morbidity and mortality are high in most parts of the
world, and in many developing nations like Nigeria, alcohol consumption and its
concomitant harms are on the increase. Yet, moderate alcohol consumption is
tolerated, enjoyed and encouraged, with the majority of the adult population
being drinkers of alcohol in almost all countries other than those with an
Islamic culture.
What are we to make of
these observations? It is easy to project blame to a safe distance by arguing
that they are the responsibility of other people’s plights or forces beyond our
control.
Government, industries
and moderate drinkers can blame a majority of irresponsible citizens for their
excesses. The beverage alcohol industry can easily be blamed for promoting a
product which causes so much harm. Or else, the product itself can be blamed
and made subject of prohibition, on the basis that everyone would be better if
it were not consumed at all in civilized society.
For instance, laws have been made in different
societies against alcoholic drinking, like in many Islamic states, which proved
abortive because people devise diverse means to fall back to the pit of
addiction. Again different alcoholic producing companies have been banned from
production and advertising alcoholic drinks, but local production of alcohol
serve as alternative means, therefore making the former ineffective.
However, the Hebrew
Scripture offers principles, precepts and admonitions which strict observation,
adherence and application of these, will bring the menace of alcoholism in the society
to a halt. The reason remains that the Scripture touches the heart of man and
answers diverse questions in the inner man. Edward (2000) observed that while
human laws address immediate issues and challenges of man which solutions are
temporal, the Scripture touches the remote (the root) of the same issues,
offering a permanent solution. So the problem of alcoholism is not different
from other issues which the Scripture has offered permanent solution.
This research work will
showcase and analyze issues associated with alcohol and alcoholism using the
Scriptural tool presented in Proverbs 23:29-35. Among all the books in the Bible
that talked about alcohol, the book of Proverbs in different chapters and
verses (Proverbs
23:20-21, 20:1) made many
comments on the issue of wine and alcohol. But among these chapters, Proverbs
23:29-35 has the longest context, therefore stands as the most appropriate exegetical
tool to treat the issue of alcoholism. Lessons drawn from this text will be
applied to the selected churches in Akwanga with regards to alcoholism. Placing
the Bible text on the church situations, solution will be offered
1.2 Statement
of the Problems
The level of alcohol
addiction among church members is growing in a geometric speed and the consumption
percentage is very alarming. Amadi (2010) observed that every street in
Onitsha, Anambra State, has about three to five bars and drinking centers.
Which is also true in Akwanga Local Government Area The number of crates of
beer consumed in a day, especially on Sunday, calls for higher supply to
alcoholic producing companies and on the other side of the coin, calls for a
social rethink.
The corresponding health, psychological, social and
economical dangers it poses to our churches. Therefore, everyone is involved in
this issue and thereby requires general attention. The researcher saw these
existing states of affairs as societal hurdles that require a tactical approach.
This research work to a reasonable extent Theological investigation into the
causes and the effects of alcoholism in the body of Christ a case study of
selected churches in Akwanga local government area of Nasarawa State
1.3
Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 Aim of the study
The aim of this study is to theological examine
into the causes and effects of alcoholism in the society and the body of Christ
1.3.2 Objectives of the study
Some of the objectives of this study are;
i.
To discover the causes of alcoholism
ii.
To assess the effects of alcoholism among
some Bible characters
iii.
To provide scriptural solutions to
alcoholism
iv.
To identify a workable step by step to
avoid alcoholism
v.
How a transformed church can impact the
alcohol addicted community in an important and potentially transforming manner
1.4 Research Questions and Hypotheses
1.4.1 Research Question
1.4.2 Research Hypotheses
1.5 Significance/Justification of the Study
The significance or
Justification of this study in our churches today cannot be overemphasized. It
will be of great benefits to the Body of Christ ranging from victims of
alcoholism, moderate drinkers, affected families and the society at large.
Proper exegesis of Proverbs 23:29-35 will be carefully carried out, issues and effects
of alcoholism will be pointed out which will be brought home to the Nigerian
situation and solution will be proffered.
This work is first important to the addicted
in the sense that it will give revelation of his situation, the harm it has
caused him and the possible way out. There is a high amount of difficulty to
quit from addiction to any substance and alcoholic addiction is not
exceptional. But this work will serve as a hammer that will break the stumbling
block of alcoholic addiction.
Furthermore, this study
is significant to the church in the sense that it will challenge and spur them
on to action in order to combat alcoholism and its dooming effect to the
Nigerian society. The clergy will be motivated to herald the gospel of
deliverance from alcoholism while the laity will move to the grassroots of
bars, joints and drinking centers to take the message home.
To psychologist, health
and social workers the study is a compass to navigate into the life and
situation of their client in this situation. This will inject fresh hope and
energy in them in their fight against alcoholic addiction and other related
challenges. Proper application of the principle this work will enshrine with
respect to alcoholic addiction together with their principle will bring a
social change.
The families of the
drunk, individuals and organizations that are affected are not left out.
This will serve as aid
for the development of proper approach to the one under this condition. It will
be a manual that will foster their ability to instruct, counsel, treat an
alcoholic addict.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study will concentrate
on the combating the effect of alcoholism in some selected churches in Akwanga
local government Area of Nassarawa State . The contemporary society is challenged
by diverse addictions and dependency on different substance such as alcohol,
hard drugs (Cocaine, nicotine Marijuana, cigarette, etc). Common observation
has proved that people addicted to alcohol in Nigeria are twice in number than
those addicted to any substance. Therefore, this concept motivates the researcher
to limit the scope of this study to alcoholic wine and alcoholism. This will
enable him to make in-depth study on the effects of alcohol on the Nigerian
society. In other words issues concerning non-alcoholic wine and other
dependence substance shall not be treated.
Moreover, some selected
churches in Akwanga Nasarawa state will serve as the location of this study.
1.7 limitation of the study
There are many limitation
that can impede the thorough research of this study, some of the limitations
are
i.
Time constraint – no adequate time. One
year too short.
ii.
Unavailability of good materials – books ,
journals etc
1.8 Definition of operational Terms effects
According to Abbott (2009), effect can be
defined as a change or changed state occurring as a direct result of action by
somebody or something else. It can also be seen as a change that somebody or
something causes in somebody or something else. The result of such action can
be seen as effects. This result can be either positive or negative as the case
may be. Alcoholism
There are various
definitions of alcoholism; some are based on causal factors, while others
stress operational aspect. Jellinek (1960) defined alcoholism as any use of
alcoholic beverage that causes damage of the individual or society or both. He
recognizes four subclasses of the disease.
(i)
Alpha alcoholism: this is purely
psychological; it continual dependence upon the effects of alcoholism
(ii)
Beta alcoholism similar to alpha, with the
added complication of physiological derangements such as gastritis, neuritis,
liver and vascular disease
(iii)
Gamma alcoholism: characterized by the
traditional pharmacological criterion of addiction, including both tolerance (a
diminishing effect with repeated use) and dependency. This is the form most commonly
seen in courts, large municipal hospitals and correctional institutions
(iv)
Delta alcoholism: inability to abstain from
drink for even short intervals of time, continuous than spree drinking.
Keller (1962) defined
alcoholism as a psychogenic dependence on or a physiological addiction to ethyl
alcohol, manifested by the individual’s inability to refrain from drinking or
to stop once he has started. Emphasis here is on the loss of control. Defining
alcoholism from the general point of view, Martins (2003:34) stated
Alcoholism is a broad
term for problems with alcohol and is generally used to mean compulsive and
uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages usually to the detriment of the
drinker’s health, personal relationships and social standing. It is medically considered
a disease, specifically a neurological disorder, and in medicine several other
terms are used, specifically ‘’alcohol abused” and ‘’alcohol dependence‟ which
have more specific definition. Society
Wikipedia Encyclopedia (2011) defined society
as a group of people related to each other through persistent relations, or a
large social grouping sharing the same geographical or virtual territory,
subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. It
can also consist of like- minded people governed by own norms and values within
a dominant, large society. More broadly, a society may be described as an
economic, social or industrial infrastructure made up of a varied collection of
individuals. Members of a society may be from different ethnic groups like the
Nigerian Society. Church Mahoney (2009) defined the church as a word derived
from the Greek word “ekklesia” which means a called out assembly. Church
(singular) refers to the church universal, a city church or a house church.
Abbott (2003) added that the New Testament offers many metaphors for the word
church like, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the branch of the true
Vine(Christ), the people of God etc
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