August 04, 2004
Obsession over Alcohol
Can someone explain the teaching that “Alcohol is bad”? I grew up Southern Baptist and I know we were taught from a young age that it was sinful to consume even a beer – not to mention dancing (at my wedding reception alcohol and dancing were both prohibited). Why is this? It’s not condemned in the Bible; after all, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. So why get caught up on this topic?
I think what bothers me is that the Bible condemns some things that these same churches don’t mind, like contraception. Yet they get so worked up over having a drink. A few guys have insisted on this website that everything must be clearly stated in Scripture, I wonder where they stand on this issue.
If you know, fill me in.
God bless,
Jay
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Jay,
My church does not obsess over alcohol. IT becomes a problem when you are dependent on it. Otherwise, a drink here and there...there is nothing wrong with that.
God Bless
Posted by: Marc at August 4, 2004 08:48 AMJay,
I think that you will find that the majority of protestant churches do not obsess about alcohol. As long as it is done in moderation (ie don't get drunk) and doesn't become a crutch or dependency your fine. I personally just don't like the taste of it so I don't drink any alcohol at all, but I have many strong Christians friends that truly like the taste of beer or other alcoholic beverages, and I don't judge them for it. I believe it comes under the heading of Christian liberties. To say anything otherwise is to ignore the facts of the Old and New testaments. Jesus drank all the time as did everyone back in those days.
There are churches that oppose any drinking, but I believe that while they may have sincere yet misguided intentions, they are being Pharisiticial, judging the outside actions and not the inner motivations and heart of a person.
Grace, Peace and Truth,
Thomas
Posted by: Thomas at August 4, 2004 12:29 PMThomas,
While I applaud your attitude towards the alcohol subject, I think you're misguided in thinking that most protestant churches don't "obsess" over it. In the Bible belt where I live, they do. And I'm not talking about a church here and a church there.....but MOST of the fundamentalist Bible churches, Southern Baptists, and non-denominational churches (which are the majority of churches in general in this area of the country).
What is interesting to note is that over the last 10-15 years they have become more lax in their explaination of alcohol (i.e. they "say" that it's not a big deal if done in moderation), however those who do drink and make it known are effectively ostracized from such ministries as youth leadership, etc. I think this bespeaks the general attitude amongst protestant churches, whether they'll admit it or not.
Regards,
Peter
Peter,
I'm sorry that's been your experience. It's not been mine. I also live in the Bible belt.
Grace, Peace and Truth
Thomas
Posted by: Thomas at August 5, 2004 03:14 PMThe Bible tells us that drunkeness is a sin and foolish. However, it is a well documented fact that Christ and the disciples drank.
Many people will attack drinking and other "questionable" actions because they are afraid of seeming to be sinful or losing their witness. These people have a conscious problem with certain actions. This is fine, and we should not do anything around them that may cause them to stumble. However, we are in no way told in the Bible not to drink or dance or smoke or many other "evils". What each person must decide is wether they are convicted to not partake of something. For them to would be sin, but it is also sin for them to try to force their views and hang-ups on unconvicted Christians.
Do not worry about such people. Live your life with a clear conscious before God and let him and His word justify you.
Posted by: Brian at September 1, 2004 12:42 PM
