Section: Appendix

Christian Modesty of Dress. Recognizing the increasing trend toward immodesty of dress in public places, we remind our people of the Christian concept of modesty as an expression of holiness and urge that Christian modesty be exercised at all times in public. (2017)

Wellness. The scripture calls all believers to balance, health, and wholeness through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Gluttony is the practice of consuming to the detriment of body, community, and spiritual life. While obesity may arise due to genetics, cultural constraints, or physical limitations, gluttony, on the other hand, reflects a way of life that consumes God’s good creation: food, resources and relationships that harm both persons and community. The practice of Christian stewardship calls us to seek to maintain the health and fitness of our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit and to live temperate lives with all the resources and relationships God provides. (2009)

(Proverbs 23:19–21; Matthew 11:19; 23:25; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 5:23; Philippians 3:19; Titus 1:8; 2:12; Hebrews 12:16; 2 Peter 1:6)

Substance Abuse. The Church of the Nazarene continues to strongly object to substance abuse as a social malignancy. We encourage church members to take an active and highly visible role and to participate in education and rehabilitation relative to substance abuse and the incompatibility of such use with a Christian experience and a holy life. (2013)

Alcohol Desocialization. The Church of the Nazarene publicly supports the desocialization of alcohol consumption. We encourage civic, labor, business, professional, social, voluntary, and private agencies and organizations to assist in such desocialization to counteract the advertising and media promotion of the social acceptability of the “alcohol culture.” (2013)

Tobacco Use and Advertising. The Church of the Nazarene urges its people to continue to speak out against the use of tobacco, both as a health hazard and a social evil. Our historic stand is based on God’s Word, where we are admonished to maintain our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19–20).

Our stand opposing the use of tobacco in all its forms is strongly supported by medical evidence, documented by numerous social, governmental, and health agencies around the world. They have demonstrated that it is a major health hazard, and have shown conclusively that its use may produce changes in normal bodily physiology, both serious and permanent.

We recognize that our young people are greatly influenced by the millions of dollars that are spent on tobacco advertising, and its twin evil, beverage alcohol. We endorse a ban on all advertising of tobacco and beverage alcohol in magazines, on billboards, and on radio, television, and other media. (2013)

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Since 1981, our world has been confronted with a most devastating disease known as HIV/AIDS. In view of the deep need of HIV/AIDS sufferers, Christian compassion motivates us to become accurately informed about HIV/AIDS. Christ would have us to find a way to communicate His love and concern for these sufferers in any and every country of the world. (2013)

Use of Social Media. First and foremost, the content that we share should be respectful. As in all interpersonal relationships, we believe that the content of our social media should also be a reflection of the sanctified hearts for which we strive. Clergy and laity alike must be mindful of how their activities on social media affect the image of Christ and His church and impact its mission within their communities. Our activities should be life giving and affirming and should seek to uplift all persons. (2017)

(Proverbs 15:4, 15:28, 16:24; Ecclesiastes 5:2–4; Matthew 15:11; Galatians 5:13–15; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:62; 2 Timothy 2:16; James 3:1–13)