Question for Christians, please...

Ultimately, the issue of whether the water was drinkable or not is only an issue for some people's interpretation's of why drinking alcohol is or is not a sin. Obviously, there are those who simply interpret in black and white that drinking is a sin and don't care about what was the scientific reality with respect to what one could drink in that time. So I agree with seabee that the answer is that it depends on the interpretation of the particular Christian faith that you follow.

 

I agree. One thing I feel the need to add though... In Romans 14:21, we are clearly told not to do something if it a stumbling block to others and could cause someone to sin. So if I was with an alcoholic, I shouldn't drink because I might lead them into temptation. The freedom I have to take a drink doesn't override the responsibility I have to others. Because of this, I will have an occasional drink, but usually at home with my husband or in a restaurant where I know nobody. Its more about acting in love than in having or not having a drink.

 

well said

 

Romans 14:21 is given as scripture so many times to justify not drinking. But the verse specifically mentions meat before it mentions drinking. Amazing how few ever use the verse to justify not eating meat in front of a vegetarian.

 

My best friend is a vegetarian. She told me I can eat meat whenever and wherever I want. It's not going to change her eating habits. Unlike alcohol, I don't think one can get addicted to meat! I think the point of the verse is not to do something that would cause someone to stumble in their faith.

 

BTW, folks. Are we limiting the religious books to just those in the KJV? What about the Apochrypha?

 

Right, well said. That verse and that reasoning was really the basis for Wesley's admonitions not to drink.

 

Weren't they talking about meat that had been sacrificed to pagan gods? If you didn't believe in those pagan gods, it was just meat, and there was no reason not to eat it. But if you had formerly worshipped them and then converted to Christianity, eating that meat could have other implications for you.

 

I am a christian and I drink on a regular basis. :mrgreen:

 

As a man of the cloth, I also enjoy the fruits of the vine...A rabbi freind of mine taught me the blessing...Bruch Atah Adonai, elohaynu melech how o lom, boray pre ha go fen. Blessed are thou Oh Lord, Our God, King of he universe who creates fruit of the vine.

Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi.

 

I think if we partake in moderation, all is well. As a Catholic, that's what we believe. We have wine for communion.

Blessings to all of this beautiful holiday weekend.

Ro