William Temple

              Recently in my hometown of Mansfield, Texas there was a debate over the developing plans to build a hookah bar.  Although it would be an attraction that would interest a large social group in Mansfield and surrounding cities and have lots of business, it is detrimental to health (more so than smoking regular cigarettes, according to immense amounts of research) and encourages a negative lifestyle.  Churches in the area understood this, and fought to make Christian principles known.  They believed that the institution of a hookah bar was threatening to the well-being of our community.  It exemplified bad stewardship of the resources God has given us, and more importantly, it supported bad stewardship of our bodies.  The Church recognized what William Temple pointed out about the value of human life as established by the Lord and how we should take care of it.

                As a result, churches became more active in stating their principles and how this act would breach them.  Church members became educated about the topic and more equipped to take a stand.  Yet it was all done so lovingly.  It was beautiful to watch the Church carry something out in the correct manner.  It felt like we were truly reshaping the existing order; renewing minds, if you will.  Eventually the plea to build a hookah bar was declined.  In its place, a laundromat was built, providing a much needed service in an area of the community that was struggling without it.