1.1 Introduction
Alcohol use is a serious problem among young people. There are a number of unhealthy risks associated with it, including alcohol dependence, and alcohol related accidents and violence. There are many factors that contribute to the influence of drug abuse or drug addiction among the Nigerian youths, namely peer groups, parental background (broken home), and emotional stress among others. Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problem, including, academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Additionally, there are consequences for family members, the community, and the entire society. In fact, the most likely cause of death for a 16 year old is alcohol related.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The use of alcohol as it relates to Christianity has caused a lot of problems. The problems caused by alcohol are enormous and the most outstanding problem associated with alcohol beverages is that it hinders the individual Christian growth which ultimately affects the church. The issue of “alcohol” intake, especially as it regards Christianity is a situation that has been debated on for several years in the Churches of Christ. This issue has given rise to division, some sect supports drinking a little using “I Tim. 5:23” as a support for their claims while others say it is not good for Christians to take it at all. Based on this problem, Christians are confused whether or not to take it as it regards to their claims.
Many Christians have been under the influence of alcohol beverages which has made them become incapable of preaching the word of God even to the unbelievers wherever they find themselves. Alcohol beverages causes danger to a person when taken, it can damage physical health and cause uncontrolled speech, action or can lead to accident that causes death when intoxicated. Alcohol is not only found on beverages but also starchy foods which was discovered base on the research made about it e.g. of such starchy foods are rice, maize, garri etc. while cocaine, cigarette etc. are made up of drugs and tobacco which yield from plants.
Many seminars and forums have been held to tackle this problem but it seems to prove abortive because this people still continue on what they know and have upheld. This research work shall be looking at the relationship between the Christians and alcohol, we shall know if it is right for Christian to associate themselves with alcohol, what percentage of alcohol should be taken by a Christian, is it a sin to take alcohol beverages explanation of I Tim. 5:23 and many others as this research will reveal.
Alcohol and Christian behaviour is an issue common to the inhabitant of selected Churches of Christ, Oyigho Local Government Area, and Rivers State which makes the basis of the research formed. Moreover many brethren who make alcohol beverages their bosom friend which in turn influences their behaviour as Christian use I Tim. 5:23 to support their claims. Some say it is only he who aspires to be an elder or a deacon that is commanded to abstain from using alcohol beverages.
Therefore, this work seeks to establish that there is a problem in the brotherhood due to lack of understanding the role alcohol beverages plays in Christian life. It is the focus of this research to proffer solutions to these problems.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the Use of Alcohol and Christian Behavior an Examination of I Timothy 5:23 research work which includes:
- The cultural and religious dimension of drugs and alcohol abuse by youths in Port Harcourt.
- The socio-economic constraints.
- Efforts towards the rehabilitation of drug addicts and their eventual reintegration into the society.
In the course of our daily lives, people use normative schemes available to them and make judgments regarding the desirability or undesirability of this or that behavior. They then translate their judgments into favourable or unfavourable consequences of those who engage in the behavior.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Use of Alcohol and Christian Behavior in Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine how alcohol usage affects Christian behavior in I Timothy 5:23
- To identify the challenges of using alcohol as it relates to Christianity
- To assess the knowledge of brethren who made reference to the book of I Timothy 5:23
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does Christians have knowledge of alcohol usage and how it affects Christian Behavior with reference to the book of I Timothy 5:23?
- What are the challenges of using alcohol as it relates to Christianity?
- To what extent does alcohol usage affects Christian behavior in I Timothy 5:23?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Use of Alcohol and Christian Behavior an Examination of I Timothy 5:23. The scope of this study covers only Christians in Winner’s Chapel in Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Alcohol: The term “alcohol” is been known to be a colourless, volatile, flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits and other drinks and also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel this point out to the search made using Google.com search engine.
Youth: Youth is the time of life when one is young, and often means the time between childhood and adulthood. It is also defined as "the appearance, freshness, vigor, spirit, etc., characteristic of one who is young".
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