ALCOHOLISM AND YOUTH SPIRITUALITY IN THE ZING DISTRICT OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN NIGERIA A Professional Project presented to the Faculty of the Claremont School of Theology In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Eunice Musa Iliya May 2008 © 2008 Eunice Musa Iliya ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY This professional project, completed by Eunice Musa Iliya has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the Claremont School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF MINISTRY Faculty Committee: William M. Clements, Chairperson Frank Rogers, Jr. Dean: Susan L. Nelson May 2008 ABSTRACT Alcoholism and Youth Spirituality in the Zing District of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria by Eunice Musa Iliya Alcoholism is a deadly disease that has impacted the lives of young people and their families. Many young people have died due to the destructive effects of alcoholism, and many families have experienced dysfunctional family dynamics, bereavements and endless worry due to health problems caused by alcoholism. This project seeks to examine the pervasive problem of alcoholism among youth of the Zing District of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. Youth and their families are experiencing difficulty in dealing with the illness of alcoholism. The mortality rate due to alcoholism among youth is very high. Health problems caused by alcoholism, such as cirrhosis of the liver, HIV/AIDS, incest and other forms of domestic violence are increasing daily. Furthermore, an analysis of the position of the church with regards to alcoholism and its teaching towards the illness shows a lack of effectiveness, because the church emphasizes moralism as its approach to alcoholics and their families. The church views alcoholics as weak persons and sinners; therefore, they are condemned and restricted from being part of the church community. The purpose of this study is to help direct the reader into three areas: (1) to educate the reader about how the culture itself encourages and promotes alcohol drinking through socialization. This cultural life style has led many young people into drinking which then leads to alcoholism; (2) to explain how the church has contributed tremendously towards youth alcoholism by using the wrong methods of teaching about alcohol, and failing to provide remedial programs to help young alcoholics; and (3) to seek effective ways of helping young alcoholics and their families through programs of education and awareness for leaders, as well as treatment and recovery for alcoholics, by starting support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Both the church and the community need to have healthy youth for future leadership and a better community. Therefore, both church and community have a role to play in making the Zing District a healthy and alcohol-free environment. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I give God the glory for this great accomplishment. Also, I thank Jeff Swenson, and my beloved mom, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson. My mom's trust and confidence in my ability gave me the strength and motivation to study hard and succeed. She is indeed the best mom in the world. I thank the Cal-PAC Conference for believing in me, and contributing financially towards my education. Furthermore, this great task would not have been successful without the guidance, support and encouragement of my faculty committee, Professor William Clements and Frank Rogers Jr. Thanks to the thesis secretary, Elaine Walker. Despite her busy schedule she was dedicated and committed in making sure that this project's format and mechanics are correct. I truly appreciate the support of Baba and Mama Dean and Lois Gililand, Rev. Dr. Merle Bailey and Mrs. Adelene R. Mays, Henry and Vi Jones, Rev. K. Cherie Jones, Ken and Marian Gill and all UMC Atascadero members who stood by me and supported me financially throughout the course of this work. May God bless them. In addition, I am indebted to all my friends who prayed, supported and encouraged me during my studies: Rev. Isaiah Dada, Rev. Nash and Anna Pwol, Carol Jones, Koala Jones, Keith Hwang, Ken Elis, Saratu Sabastin, Justina Simon, Rifkatu Istifanus, Hannatu Abraham Amina Tompson and all who in one way or another have contributed to the success of this work. Finally, I would not have been able to be where I am today if not for the support and prayers of my family. So, I am thankful to my lovely children and husband: Rantese, Tevorushong, Timothy (Nda'alaviya), Benjamin (Shingin'alabi) and Mr. Musa Yohanna. iii Table of Contents Chapters Page 1 Introduction 1 Statement of the Problem 1 The Importance of the Problem 1 Thesis Statement 4 Work Previously Done in the Field 4 Scope and Limitation of this Project 6 Procedure for Integration 7 Outline of the Chapters 9 2. Background Information: The Mumuye People of Zing District 11 General Statement 11 Social Practices 12 Religious Beliefs 15 Indigenous Religion 16 Islam 16 Christianity 19 3. Perspectives on Alcoholism in the Zing District 24 Indigenous Views about Alcoholism 24 Traditional Biblical Teaching on Alcohol 27 Further Insights from Biblical Texts on Alcohol 31 4. General Understanding of Alcoholism 38 Approaching the Disease of Alcoholism 38 Progressive Stages of Alcoholism 41 The Causes of Alcoholism 45 The Effects of Alcoholism 47 Psychological Effects 47 Alcoholism and Family Violence 49 Physiological Effects 51 Alcoholism and Cirrhosis of the Liver 51 Alcoholism and HIV/AIDS 53 Spiritual Effects 56 Treatment of Alcoholism 59 Interventions with Young Alcoholics and Their Families 63 Acceptance and Gradual Abstinence 64 Relapse Prevention 64 Family/Community Program 65 Alcoholic Anonymous as a Treatment Program 66 iv The Twelve Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous 67 The Twelve Traditions 68 Typical AA Meeting/ Other Activities Based on Personal Observation 71 Contextualization of AA Group Activities 72 Intervention in the Church through Worship 73 5. Intervention and Recovery: Confronting Alcoholism in the Zing District 78 The Design and Implementation of a Strategic Plan 78 Training for Pastors and Youth Leaders 79 Objectives 81 Resources 81 The Curriculum 82 Week One: Epidemiology of Alcohol Problem 82 Week Two: Alcoholism as a Disease 87 Week Three: Alcohol Use in both Hebrew Bible and New Testament 99 Week Four: Alcoholism and Christian Responsibility 92 Week Five: Alcoholism and Young People 95 Week Six: Alcoholism and Family 99 Week Seven: Alcoholism and Prevention 103 Closing Worship 108 Meeting/Workshop with Nigerian Pastors 110 Questions for Nigerian Pastors Ill Responses Ill 6. Summary and Conclusion 113 Appendix 116 Bibliography 124 v DEDICATION I wish to dedicate this work to the memory of my late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Iliya and Joda Khotivoro, and to my father in the Lord and mentor in ministry, late Bishop Done Peter Dabale. May their souls rest in peace. Amen. 1 Chapter 1 Introduction The history of the church in Nigeria, like other areas in Africa, was shaped during the colonial period. The beliefs and practices that developed in the church reflected attitudes and convictions western missionaries brought from the traditions of their own denominations. The African church is now working toward finding ways to confront its own problems so that the solutions are grounded in the African context. This project provides an approach to one of Nigeria's greatest needs, that of confronting alcoholism in its youth culture. Statement of the Problem The problem addressed by this project is the destructive influence of alcoholism on the lives and spirituality of youth (between the ages of 13 and 25) in the Zing District of the United Methodist Church Nigeria. The Importance of the Problem I was born, raised and educated in Zing, Taraba State, Nigeria. I worked for the local government of Zing for ten years before entering the full time pastoral ministry. My first appointment as a pastor was with the Zing district of the United Methodist Church. I served as the principal of the Women's Leadership Center Zing, and from 1999-2003,1 was the Treasurer of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria. During this period, I also served as Pastor in-charge of a fifteen hundred (1500) member church in the United Methodist Church Headquarters. I know this context intimately as a pastor, a leader at the conference level, and insider to the Zing community. This project seeks to address a problem that affects the lives of many people in this great community that I love. It seeks