Question for Christians, please...

First of all, I ask, because of the nature of this question, that only Christians answer me. I'm sure that people of other faiths would have a lot to say but I need answers from Christians this time. This is seems like a perfect group to ask this. I've been wondering for some time now is it ever appropriate for Christians to drink alcohol? I have some friends that say any amount of alcohol is a sin and a bad witness to non-believers. Then I know some people that say as long as you don't get drunk (it's worded in the Scripture that way - I can find the verse). Then there are others that say what convicts one person doesn't necessarily convict another. One more view - sin is sin, overeating is just as much a sin as drinking alcohol. I know about the various verses in the Bible about Jesus turning water into wine, but I also read the various verses about staying away from wine. Personally, I'm not much of a drinker. I will, on occasion have a cocktail, but it's not a regular thing for me. I've never been against drinking in moderation. I had a friend tell me recently that Christians who drink are hypocrites. What is your take on this?

 

I don't think the Bible forbids drinking alcoholic beverages; I do think it says not to overindulge. If drinking any amount of alcoholic beverage were a sin, why would Jesus have turned the water into wine? And why would Paul have told Timothy to drink a little wine occasionally, instead of only water? On the other hand, the Bible clearly counts abstention from strong drink as a virtue. We're told that John the Baptist abstained from strong drink. Some priestly roles in the Old Testament required abstention.

So, I think the Bible says that not drinking is a good thing; drinking too much is a bad thing; and drinking in moderation is OK. John Wesley urged Methodists not to drink, and in fact grape juice is used instead of wine for communion in the Methodist church. Wesley said that we should set a good example for others, and avoiding alcoholic beverages was one of the ways to do that.

I do understand that some people think it is sinful to drink any alcoholic beverage, and I would certainly not try to convince them otherwise. Each of us has to follow his or her own conscience. For myself, I see no harm in having an occasional drink.

 

Plan and simple.........Water into wine.

 

It depends on what you consider as the source.

I believe that it's not the thing you're given, but what you do with it.
Psalms 104:15 and Ecclesiastes 10:19 make mention of a positive use of wine in celebrating with the Lord.

Even Jesus turned water into wine, not just to say, "avoid this, it's a sin."

Many religious practices foreswear the use of alcohol. Many utilize alcohol. It's seen as a blessing of the arriving Sabbath by some.

So, again, I say..it's more what you do with the gifts, not the gifts themselves. Intemperate use of alcohol which leads to destructive behaviors is an abomination.

Ask the Lord what you need to do here. Find your own answers and celebrate them. Just because people may say it's a sin doesn't make it so. Their arrogance and judgment is as much of one. Their holier than thou pride is a sin.

Good Luck finding your answers. God does answer all prayers. Sometimes, though, the answer is not the one you wanted.

Blessings!

 

From a Catholic, the church uses wine as the blood of Christ. I also have known a few priests that have drank beer and even smoked cigarettes, (and I know some comment is coming), and I even asked if they were allowed to drink and smoke and was told yes. Again, it is drinking in access that is wrong. Everyone is going to have their own interpertaion as to what is said and what one is suppose to do. Pray about it and believe you will find the answer for yourself. I am sure we all have different views as to whether it is a sin or not. God Bless and may you find the answer you are seeking.

 

:iagree:

 

Thanks so much for you answers. I was just thinking part of it is about discipline and self-control which is a fruit of the spirit. Once the self-control is gone, then it becomes a problem.

 

All the Baptist churches I've been in also use grape juice for communion.

 

crazymom2girls - it's funny that you asked because I thought about it TODAY! It puzzled me for quite a while and again today because my neighbors, who are also Christians, are drinking wine. I wasn't sure what to think of it. I only drink on special occassion, like you.

 

Most water in those times, and especially in the Middle East, was not drinkable. Potable water was more expensive than wine and there were no dangers in drinking it. Rome was a prime example and the reason for their aquaduct system.

Untill the early 1900's the big cities in the U.S. had the same problem. As our cities grew the ground water became more and more polluted from the lack of an infrastructure for sewer and water. That's where bottled water got its start and it was so expensive only the "very" rich could afford it. As we developed water & sewer the bottled water industry died. It came back in the 70's because it was culturally cool.

I tend to believe any reference to wine in the Bible is in reference to the average daily use of the only safe & viable source of liquid. I also believe it may be the reason for references to over indulgance. Daily use and not daily over-use.

I don't think anyone could have seen the future of clean free water and drinking spirits for enjoyment. So I don't see how it could have been addressed for that use in the Bible.

 

Interesting...I have heard that before about the water not being drinkable. I wasn't sure if it was fact or someone's opinion. Thanks for the history on that!

 

I agree there buddy,,, :cheers: All in the interpretation.

 

I agree on the future of bottled water, but what about all the references of drinking and getting water from the wells there. Obviously they didn't have any infrastructure but they didn't have the pollution either that evolved thru time that contaminated wells. I'm sure they had their share of bad wells.

 

I should save my answers for tomorrow! :mrgreen:

 

:lol::lol::cheers:

 

Yep, there sewage treatment facilities back then were something else . . . typically open pits flowing through the town and into the water system. . . not to mention the mining runoff.

 

Just couldn't resist, right? 8)

 

Ha! :lol:

 

Resist what? I didn't answer the question "for Christians Only". :?

 

If they did not use surface water, they had shallow, hand dug wells, of which both were easily contaminated with sewage or by animals getting into the well and not being able to get back out.