What Would Jesus Drink?
Apr 27, 2011
Joe Carter
Can we be more moral than Jesus?
Every evangelical I’ve ever known would consider the question absurd. With Jesus as the standard for moral conduct, it should be impossible to be more moral than he—our Redeemer. However, what we claim to believe is often at odd with our actions. 
For instance, while my fellow Southern Baptists consider Christ to be the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, we would not consider him fit to serve as a trustee for the Southern Baptist Convention. Not only was Jesus a "user of alcoholic beverages" (Luke 7:33-34), but he had the audacity to turn perfectly good water into wine. If performed today, the miracle at the Canaanite wedding would meet with frowns from Southern Baptist believers, who are in "total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages." (According to the Gospel of John, Jesus would be guilty of all but the advertising.)
Unfortunately, SBC committee rooms are not the only place where his behavior would be considered inappropriate. In fact, many in other evangelical circles consider such pro-alcohol behavior unacceptable as well. A prime example is evangelical higher education. On almost every evangelical college campus in America, Jesus' consumption of wine would put him in violation of the code of conduct.
While a handful of colleges (Calvin, Dordt, Wheaton) would have no problem with his imbibing (provided he drank his wine off-campus), the vast majority would consider such behavior inappropriate if Jesus were enrolled as an undergraduate, seminarian, or faculty member. Bethel, Biola, Covenant, Eastern Nazarene, Messiah, Liberty, and Oral Roberts University are just some of the colleges and universities where The Savior’s wine-bibbing would get him a scolding from the dean.
Although most schools do not give an explanation for their policies, it is likely that they take a view similar to that advanced by Regent University:
Regent also forbids the use of alcohol on campus and prohibits the abuse of these substances. The Apostle Paul exhorted the Body of Christ that, if they truly loved their fellow man, they would set aside their personal freedom by refraining from behavior that might be a stumbling block to their weaker brother. Regent University encourages members of the Regent community to exercise their personal responsibility and, guided by Paul’s admonition, appropriately set aside their personal freedom and refrain from the use of these substances.
The "weaker brother" argument often serves as a justification for self-imposed (and institutionally mandated) teetotalism. And for good reason. It is a scriptural admonition that must be prayerfully considered. However, as pastor Chuck Swindoll has said, “Be careful, there are some people out there who are professional weaker brethren.” Likewise, we should be leery of professional weaker brother arguments that would rein in all Christian liberty because of the abstract concern that innocuous behavior might cause someone, somewhere, somehow, to stumble.
Although I tend to refrain from consuming alcohol—I have a difficult enough time getting people to take me seriously when I’m stone cold sober—my own view on the issue is similar to that held by theologian D.A. Carson:
[I]f I’m in one of those parts [of the United States] and everyone’s going to be all upset if I drink alcohol, then—I don’t drink alcohol, it’s not worth the fight and so on. But if somebody says to me, “You cannot be a Christian and drink alcohol,” I will say, “pass the Bourgogne’!” Do you see?
Because you do not ever allow anything to jeopardize the absolute sufficiency of Christ. Not anything!
As sympathetic as I am to the prohibitionists’ rationales, their arguments never address the obvious question: Why did Jesus not refrain from drinking alcohol if it is an obvious "stumbling block" to our "weaker brothers"?
There is no disputing the fact that alcohol abuse is, as my SBC brethren point out, the cause of much "physical, mental, and emotional damage." No doubt that was as true in first century Palestine as it is in twenty-first century America. So why didn’t Jesus warn that we should avoid alcohol? If nothing else, why did he not refrain from drinking alcohol himself in order to set an example for future generations of believers? The answers to these questions have implications that extend beyond concerns about drinking beer or wine.
Where does Christian liberty end and institutional authority over matters of conscience begin? Obviously there are times when we need to delineate such boundaries, especially for young Christians. But we should be careful about where we mark those lines—especially when they put Jesus on the wrong side.
Joe Carter is Web Editor of First Things and the co-author of How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator. His previous articles for “On the Square” can be found here.
Comments:
4.27.2011 | 9:09am
BettyBlue says:
Interesting article, Joe. I think that in the Catholic church we have something of a solution to the dilemma--namely, we consider alcohol a 'good' that some people (incl. Christ, obviously) use appropriately but others abuse. Here in Ireland, not known for its moderation in use of alcohol, many Irish Catholics belong to the Pioneers (pioneerassociation.ie) and abstain from alcohol. On the other hand, they don't call for alchohol to be banned. The association explains it thus: 'The spirituality of the association is based on prayer, self denial and reparation. Prayer for those who are suffering because of their own or others' excess consumption of alcohol; and total abstinence as self denial and for the pain and damage done by excess use of alcohol.'
4.27.2011 | 10:50am
CKG says:
I grew up in a 'mainline' Protestand church, and I'm a Catholic today, so I'm not really deeply steeped in the Evangelical 'anti-alcohol' sub-culture, although I've had plenty of exposure to it, both positively and negatively.
The phenomenon seems to have its roots in 19th-century temperance movements, which were mainly organized and run by women who were all-too-aware of the costs of drunkenness on their own (and their families', and their communities') lives. And those costs were deemed to be severe enough to render the possibility of legitimate use not worth the risk. Which points in some interesting socio-economic directions, if I'm understanding correctly. . .
Of course, there are (or at least, have been) similar prohibitions against tobacco, dancing and card-playing, which also seem not to be quite exactly of-the-essence of the gospel, but in practical terms have come to be counted at least as essential markers of a serious Christian life. In each of these cases, the dangers of abuse seem to have been over-generalized so as to count the possibility of legitimate use virtually non-existent, or at least certainly not worth the risk
The phenomenon seems to have its roots in 19th-century temperance movements, which were mainly organized and run by women who were all-too-aware of the costs of drunkenness on their own (and their families', and their communities') lives. And those costs were deemed to be severe enough to render the possibility of legitimate use not worth the risk. Which points in some interesting socio-economic directions, if I'm understanding correctly. . .
Of course, there are (or at least, have been) similar prohibitions against tobacco, dancing and card-playing, which also seem not to be quite exactly of-the-essence of the gospel, but in practical terms have come to be counted at least as essential markers of a serious Christian life. In each of these cases, the dangers of abuse seem to have been over-generalized so as to count the possibility of legitimate use virtually non-existent, or at least certainly not worth the risk
4.27.2011 | 10:52am
CKG says:
For what it's worth, I have also heard anti-alcohol arguments from a 'stewardship-of-your-body' basis. . .
4.27.2011 | 11:04am
Kamilla says:
SBCer, Paige Patterson, on the Christian's consumption of alcohol:
http://www.dorothypatterson.info/Alcohol.cfm
http://www.dorothypatterson.info/Alcohol.cfm
4.27.2011 | 11:09am
Bibbit says:
My in-laws church would tell you he drank grape juice, plain and simple. Apparently he saved the best grape juice for last.
4.27.2011 | 11:13am
Jon Rowe says:
I've heard the Christian argument in favor of drinking in moderation. But what about getting drunk? Is that always a sin? What if you can manage your drunkenness?
4.27.2011 | 11:22am
I vaguely recall reading something on this topic by a Seventh Day Adventist theologian, whom I otherwise held in high regard (as I do the Seventh Day Adventist theological tradition more generally). I cannot remember his name, unfortunately. Anyway, he argued in a sophisticated albeit probably intellectually tortured way that ostensible references to wine in the New Testament are actually references to some form of non-alcoholic grape beverage.
Anyone else familiar with this tack? Does it have any philological or exegetical warrant whatsoever?
Anyone else familiar with this tack? Does it have any philological or exegetical warrant whatsoever?
4.27.2011 | 11:25am
Waldo says:
here in Texas the joke goes: how do you keep a Baptist from drinking your beer on a fishing trip? Invite 2 baptists along.
4.27.2011 | 11:32am
Mike D'Virgilio says:
I have no idea why Jesus drank, but I wonder if he thought that legalism is a much greater human temptation than license. Maybe from God's perspective it's worse to be self-righteous than the possibility that one might over imbibe. I'm not saying that Christians that don't drink are self-righteous, but it is easy for human beings who don't struggle with certain sin or temptation to think they are a tad bit better than the next guy.
As a side note, I've actually heard some Christians argue with a straight face that the wine Jesus made, and drank, was non-alcoholic. Neatly gets rid of the awkward fact that Jesus drank adult beverages, but alas it isn't true. Why would Jesus' say his opponents would accuse him of being a glutton and drunkard if the wine he drank wasn't actually wine?
As a side note, I've actually heard some Christians argue with a straight face that the wine Jesus made, and drank, was non-alcoholic. Neatly gets rid of the awkward fact that Jesus drank adult beverages, but alas it isn't true. Why would Jesus' say his opponents would accuse him of being a glutton and drunkard if the wine he drank wasn't actually wine?
4.27.2011 | 11:49am
Skylar says:
"Anyway, he argued in a sophisticated albeit probably intellectually tortured way that ostensible references to wine in the New Testament are actually references to some form of non-alcoholic grape beverage. Anyone else familiar with this tack? Does it have any philological or exegetical warrant whatsoever? "
Well, let's replace non-alcoholic grape beverage for wine and see if it makes sense...
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a non-alcoholic grape beverage drinker!'"
"Everyone brings out the choice non-alcoholic grape beverage first and then the cheaper non-alcoholic grave beverage after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” - John 2:9-10
"Drink no longer water, but use a little non-alcoholic grape beverage for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." - 1 Timothy 5:23
"And be not drunk with non-alcoholic grape beverage." - Ephesians 5:18
Well, let's replace non-alcoholic grape beverage for wine and see if it makes sense...
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a non-alcoholic grape beverage drinker!'"
"Everyone brings out the choice non-alcoholic grape beverage first and then the cheaper non-alcoholic grave beverage after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” - John 2:9-10
"Drink no longer water, but use a little non-alcoholic grape beverage for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." - 1 Timothy 5:23
"And be not drunk with non-alcoholic grape beverage." - Ephesians 5:18
4.27.2011 | 11:50am
I heard a joke once, "Southern Baptists are against sex ... because it might lead to dancing." Perhaps dancing could be your next column!
The "weaker brother" exhortation was addressed to the whole church of Corinth, but its implementation there seems to be a matter primarily for the discernment of the individual Christian, based on his/her knowledge of the spiritual maturity of brothers and sisters around them--not something to be applied in specifics as a blanket rule by an authority. On the other hand, the letter from the Apostles in Acts 15 was just such a blanket rule that seemed to show consideration for both the degree of faith and the cultures of both Jews and Gentiles, based on first principles of Scripture but also accounting for current circumstances.
Love walks the border between freedom and allowance for others' weakness, and also the border between freedom and dumb rules made by imperfect people in charge who mean well.
The "weaker brother" exhortation was addressed to the whole church of Corinth, but its implementation there seems to be a matter primarily for the discernment of the individual Christian, based on his/her knowledge of the spiritual maturity of brothers and sisters around them--not something to be applied in specifics as a blanket rule by an authority. On the other hand, the letter from the Apostles in Acts 15 was just such a blanket rule that seemed to show consideration for both the degree of faith and the cultures of both Jews and Gentiles, based on first principles of Scripture but also accounting for current circumstances.
Love walks the border between freedom and allowance for others' weakness, and also the border between freedom and dumb rules made by imperfect people in charge who mean well.
4.27.2011 | 11:55am
Jesse says:
Is it theologically inappropriate to point out that in those parts of the world without modern water treatment facilities (which would include 1st century Palestine) water is simply not as safe to drink as alcohol? If you're looking for a reason to excuse Jesus's consumption of wine, his desire to not get any of the myriad of diseases or parasites that live in water seems like the logical and best solution, so why is that not mentioned here?
4.27.2011 | 12:00pm
While you're stirring the pot, you might take a look at the idea of substitutes for the elements of holy communion as allowances for life-threatening allergies--to wheat and grapes, for instance. Wheat allergies are more well known, but here's an NIH study confirming severe grape allergies: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17228170
What communion substitute policies are out there in the Catholic Church and various Protestant denominations? Does Paul's exhortation apply to Catholic clergy as they serve the mass, namely not mandating the serving of wine or the eating of bread in order for their parishioners to partake of communion, so as not to destroy their brother, for whom Christ died?
Stir away!
What communion substitute policies are out there in the Catholic Church and various Protestant denominations? Does Paul's exhortation apply to Catholic clergy as they serve the mass, namely not mandating the serving of wine or the eating of bread in order for their parishioners to partake of communion, so as not to destroy their brother, for whom Christ died?
Stir away!
4.27.2011 | 12:11pm
David Nickol says:
It seems to me the point of serving the inferior wine last, "when people have drunk freely," is that by the time the inferior wine is served, the people are already drunk (or at minimum have had so much to drink that quality no longer matters much). If Jesus had been opposed to drinking alcoholic beverages, even to excess, he would not (it seems to me) have produced a large quantity of fine wine when the people had already "drunk freely."
4.27.2011 | 12:26pm
sd says:
"What communion substitute policies are out there in the Catholic Church and various Protestant denominations?"
In the Catholic Church wheat bread and grape wine are the only substances that can be used for communion. Period. The Church teaches of course that in the Sacrament the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord, and that in instituting the sacrament at the Last Supper Jesus laid down a pattern of repetition tied to these specific substances, a pattern repeated in the early church without known exception.
In cases where a priest has a health-related reason to avoid alchohol, he may use mustum, which is a grape wine very low in alchohol content in place of "normal" wine. But it still must be (at least partially) fermented grape juice and thus must have a non-zero alchohol content.
The idea that Jesus drank non-alchoholic grape juice is laughable. Prior to the advent of refrigeration and pastuerization it was difficult to procure non-fermented grape juice on a regular basis, and as Skylar points out above, such a thesis in inconsistent with several verses in the scriptures.
In the Catholic Church wheat bread and grape wine are the only substances that can be used for communion. Period. The Church teaches of course that in the Sacrament the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord, and that in instituting the sacrament at the Last Supper Jesus laid down a pattern of repetition tied to these specific substances, a pattern repeated in the early church without known exception.
In cases where a priest has a health-related reason to avoid alchohol, he may use mustum, which is a grape wine very low in alchohol content in place of "normal" wine. But it still must be (at least partially) fermented grape juice and thus must have a non-zero alchohol content.
The idea that Jesus drank non-alchoholic grape juice is laughable. Prior to the advent of refrigeration and pastuerization it was difficult to procure non-fermented grape juice on a regular basis, and as Skylar points out above, such a thesis in inconsistent with several verses in the scriptures.
4.27.2011 | 12:27pm
Jayson says:
Grove City College (Christian college in western PA) allows students to drink. Indeed, the local bars are popular places for both students and professors.
4.27.2011 | 12:49pm
pentamom says:
But Grove City does not allow alcohol on campus, and will discipline students who return to campus visibly intoxicated. "The local bars are popular places" is true no doubt, but it would be wrong to give the impression that hanging out at bars is the #1 Grover social activity.
As a GCC parent who despises the abuse of scripture to forbid the appropriate use of alcohol, I don't have a problem with the no-alcohol on campus policy whatsoever -- it is not an unbiblical condemnation of drinking as such, it is merely a position that holds that it is better not used on campus. Since it is illegal for the majority of college students anyway, there are plenty of pragmatic reasons to forbid it while on campus while not making it an issue of conscience.
As a GCC parent who despises the abuse of scripture to forbid the appropriate use of alcohol, I don't have a problem with the no-alcohol on campus policy whatsoever -- it is not an unbiblical condemnation of drinking as such, it is merely a position that holds that it is better not used on campus. Since it is illegal for the majority of college students anyway, there are plenty of pragmatic reasons to forbid it while on campus while not making it an issue of conscience.
4.27.2011 | 1:05pm
Maximus says:
Many commenters, many opinions...most of them based on their private interpretation of Scripture.
If only there was an apostolic authority we could appeal to in order to sort these kinds of disagreements out...
If only there was an apostolic authority we could appeal to in order to sort these kinds of disagreements out...
4.27.2011 | 1:20pm
Elise says:
While I agree with this, from someone who recently began to drink, I'm 29, I do see there is to much sarcasm. Has this person been around people affected by alcoholism? I personally had a hatred for alcohol because of my upbringing. I was unable to distinguish between enjoying alcohol and alcoholism. Even now I see alcoholism a major issue in my family.
While consuming alcohol isn't a sin, and I enjoy consuming, I do think we need to show more grace to those who are weaker in the sense that they have had alcoholism effect them either by their own addiction or people around them.
BTY, I prefer beer over wine.
While consuming alcohol isn't a sin, and I enjoy consuming, I do think we need to show more grace to those who are weaker in the sense that they have had alcoholism effect them either by their own addiction or people around them.
BTY, I prefer beer over wine.
4.27.2011 | 1:21pm
Michael PS says:
One recalls Belloc:
When from the waste of such long labour done
I too must leave the grape-ennobling sun
And like the vineyard worker take my way
Down the long shadows of declining day,
Bend on the sombre plain my clouded sight
And leave the mountain to the advancing night,
Come to the term of all that was mine own
With nothingness before me, and alone;
Then to what hope of answer shall I turn?
Comrade-Commander whom I dared not earn,
What said You then to trembling friends and few?
“ A moment, and I drink it with you new:
But in my Father's Kingdom.” So, my Friend,
Let not Your cup desert me in the end.
But when the hour of mine adventure's near
Just and benignant, let my youth appear
Bearing a Chalice, open, golden, wide,
With benediction graven on its side.
So touch my dying lip: so bridge that deep:
So pledge my waking from the gift of sleep,
And, sacramental, raise me the Divine:
Strong brother in God and last companion, Wine.
Unfermented grape-juice indeed!
When from the waste of such long labour done
I too must leave the grape-ennobling sun
And like the vineyard worker take my way
Down the long shadows of declining day,
Bend on the sombre plain my clouded sight
And leave the mountain to the advancing night,
Come to the term of all that was mine own
With nothingness before me, and alone;
Then to what hope of answer shall I turn?
Comrade-Commander whom I dared not earn,
What said You then to trembling friends and few?
“ A moment, and I drink it with you new:
But in my Father's Kingdom.” So, my Friend,
Let not Your cup desert me in the end.
But when the hour of mine adventure's near
Just and benignant, let my youth appear
Bearing a Chalice, open, golden, wide,
With benediction graven on its side.
So touch my dying lip: so bridge that deep:
So pledge my waking from the gift of sleep,
And, sacramental, raise me the Divine:
Strong brother in God and last companion, Wine.
Unfermented grape-juice indeed!
4.27.2011 | 1:28pm
Ian says:
@ Jesse "Is it theologically inappropriate to point out that in those parts of the world without modern water treatment facilities (which would include 1st century Palestine) water is simply not as safe to drink as alcohol? "
Useless Fact 1 When I first visited France about 40 years ago even the water in Paris wasn't that good to drink and most adults drank wine in preference. The French used to drink something like 200 litres of wine per head per year. It's dropped to about 50 now that the water is potable.
Useless Fact 2 The Vatican City State appears to have the highest per capita consumption - http://www.wineinstitute.org/files/PerCapitaWineConsumptionCountries.pdf
though I suspect that is a statistical quirk because of the small resident population and the large number of visitors and not because the clergy are on the bottle!
Useless Fact 1 When I first visited France about 40 years ago even the water in Paris wasn't that good to drink and most adults drank wine in preference. The French used to drink something like 200 litres of wine per head per year. It's dropped to about 50 now that the water is potable.
Useless Fact 2 The Vatican City State appears to have the highest per capita consumption - http://www.wineinstitute.org/files/PerCapitaWineConsumptionCountries.pdf
though I suspect that is a statistical quirk because of the small resident population and the large number of visitors and not because the clergy are on the bottle!
4.27.2011 | 1:33pm
Rob m says:
I don't have a problem with the various restrictions and requirements of various denominations. Whether it's abstaining from meat on Friday, alcohol, or nonkosher food, it can be a good discipline if it doesn't descend into legalism.
God appreciated the faithful obedience of the Rechabites to the prohibitions regarding drinking wine and building houses (Jeremiah 35). Their faithfulness to a command of a mere man (not from God) is contrasted to the disobedience of the Israelites to the commands of God Himself. There can be value in adhering to such restrictions, as long as you don't omit what you have actually been commanded to do.
However, Jesus did criticize adhering to the little things (tithes on herbs) while omitting the larger more essential things (mercy and justice).
God appreciated the faithful obedience of the Rechabites to the prohibitions regarding drinking wine and building houses (Jeremiah 35). Their faithfulness to a command of a mere man (not from God) is contrasted to the disobedience of the Israelites to the commands of God Himself. There can be value in adhering to such restrictions, as long as you don't omit what you have actually been commanded to do.
However, Jesus did criticize adhering to the little things (tithes on herbs) while omitting the larger more essential things (mercy and justice).
4.27.2011 | 1:33pm
norman ravitch says:
I had a 7th-Day Adventist student who told me the Hebrew word for wine meant unfermented juice -- this nonsens must have been taught by that church.
4.27.2011 | 1:36pm
pentamom says:
"If only there was an apostolic authority we could appeal to in order to sort these kinds of disagreements out... "
Yes because ecclesiastical bodies which assent to a currently operating apostolic authority never have conflicts over belief or practice, which they address by incorporating their own understanding of scripture or the authority's intent. Ever.
Yes because ecclesiastical bodies which assent to a currently operating apostolic authority never have conflicts over belief or practice, which they address by incorporating their own understanding of scripture or the authority's intent. Ever.
4.27.2011 | 2:33pm
"If only there was an apostolic authority we could appeal to in order to sort these kinds of disagreements out...."
Yes because that solution worked so well back in 1517...
89. If the Pope seeks by his pardon the salvation of souls, rather than money, why does he annul letters of indulgence granted long ago, and declare them out of force, though they are still in force?
90. To repress these very telling questions of the laymen by force, and not to solve them by telling the truth, is to expose the Church and the Pope to the enemy's ridicule and to make Christian people unhappy.
Yes because that solution worked so well back in 1517...
89. If the Pope seeks by his pardon the salvation of souls, rather than money, why does he annul letters of indulgence granted long ago, and declare them out of force, though they are still in force?
90. To repress these very telling questions of the laymen by force, and not to solve them by telling the truth, is to expose the Church and the Pope to the enemy's ridicule and to make Christian people unhappy.
4.27.2011 | 2:33pm
Steve S. says:
Good column, with many points that I've pondered myself.
The most responsible anti-alcohol exegesis I've seen of the Wedding at Cana passage has been done by Pentecostals, for example, in the footnotes to the Full Life Study Bible. I do think the exegesis is wrong, and makes nonsense of the whole import of the passage as well as of the cultural context.
Having spent considerable time on several "dry" college campuses, I think a more realistic rationale might note that a good half of the residential students on the average American campus are under the legal drinking age, so it makes sense to disallow a product that cannot legally be served to a large number of the people on campus.
The most responsible anti-alcohol exegesis I've seen of the Wedding at Cana passage has been done by Pentecostals, for example, in the footnotes to the Full Life Study Bible. I do think the exegesis is wrong, and makes nonsense of the whole import of the passage as well as of the cultural context.
Having spent considerable time on several "dry" college campuses, I think a more realistic rationale might note that a good half of the residential students on the average American campus are under the legal drinking age, so it makes sense to disallow a product that cannot legally be served to a large number of the people on campus.
4.27.2011 | 2:36pm
tom says:
Jesus said, "I won't drink wine again until I drink it with you 'anew' in the coming heavenly kingdom... isn't that good enough for you too?
4.27.2011 | 2:39pm
GlennB says:
I've always liked Chesterton's quote that speaks of giving thanks to God for beer and wine by not drinking too much of it. Lack of refrigeration in Jesus' day does make the "grape juice" notion incredible.
However, is it possible that Jesus was under a vow like the Nazarite vow and perhaps did not drink wine or alcohol himself though providing it miraculously for the wedding at Cana?
We can all be selective about our sins. Many fundamentalists or teetotaling evangelicals are guilty of gluttony. That sin is ignored while they feel pure in abstaining from a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. How we can strain at a gnat and swallow a camel!!!
However, is it possible that Jesus was under a vow like the Nazarite vow and perhaps did not drink wine or alcohol himself though providing it miraculously for the wedding at Cana?
We can all be selective about our sins. Many fundamentalists or teetotaling evangelicals are guilty of gluttony. That sin is ignored while they feel pure in abstaining from a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. How we can strain at a gnat and swallow a camel!!!
4.27.2011 | 3:22pm
Bibbit says:
tom says:
Jesus said, "I won't drink wine again until I drink it with you 'anew' in the coming heavenly kingdom... isn't that good enough for you too?____
Seems to me he may have had a sip on Good Friday?
Jesus said, "I won't drink wine again until I drink it with you 'anew' in the coming heavenly kingdom... isn't that good enough for you too?____
Seems to me he may have had a sip on Good Friday?
4.27.2011 | 3:33pm
Dennis Murphy says:
So easily is the question about wine dismissed by some as "nonsense" or "laughable." I think a lot of that is driven by the popular acceptance of moderate alcohol use by Christians.
It's a serious question with substantial Bible support for the position of abstaining from alcohol, but I won't say there is not evidence as well for the "moderate use" position. Readers who are interested can easily do a web search for "wine in the Bible" and will find plenty of information to counter some of the easy assumptions that have been mentioned above.
There is much to study about the use of "wine" in the Bible. But I think Rob M's comment about the more important things is good advice.
It's a serious question with substantial Bible support for the position of abstaining from alcohol, but I won't say there is not evidence as well for the "moderate use" position. Readers who are interested can easily do a web search for "wine in the Bible" and will find plenty of information to counter some of the easy assumptions that have been mentioned above.
There is much to study about the use of "wine" in the Bible. But I think Rob M's comment about the more important things is good advice.
4.27.2011 | 5:03pm
Ethan C. says:
"However, is it possible that Jesus was under a vow like the Nazarite vow and perhaps did not drink wine or alcohol himself though providing it miraculously for the wedding at Cana?"
Matthew 11:18-19 would seem to indicate that the answer is no.
Matthew 11:18-19 would seem to indicate that the answer is no.
4.27.2011 | 5:13pm
Ethan C. says:
Steve S. and pentamom:
I agree with you entirely about the goo prudential reasons for having a dry campus. I think there's even a strong prudential case to be made for a policy like Wheaton's (my alma mater) of an alcohol-free student body. Not because drinking is a sin, but because a drinking culture has become a severe problem in many colleges and universities. Having a no-alcohol policy sets a school apart as a place of serious study.
Now, I think it's a good idea for such a policy to be flexible. I had friends at Wheaton who chafed under the no-alcohol/no smoking policies, and in a few cases their rebellion in those little things led to more serious rebellion in bigger things. I wonder if a little more leeway would have kept them from falling so far. But I suppose I'll never know.
If I got to design my own policy, I might go so far as to say no drinking at all during semesters, except during breaks, or maybe allow it only on the weekends, and never on campus. And serious drunkenness or underage drinking would be a violation of the school code leading to discipline.
I'd allow smoking off campus at least. It's a health and financial issue, but not a moral one. And of course, I'd encourage dancing!
I agree with you entirely about the goo prudential reasons for having a dry campus. I think there's even a strong prudential case to be made for a policy like Wheaton's (my alma mater) of an alcohol-free student body. Not because drinking is a sin, but because a drinking culture has become a severe problem in many colleges and universities. Having a no-alcohol policy sets a school apart as a place of serious study.
Now, I think it's a good idea for such a policy to be flexible. I had friends at Wheaton who chafed under the no-alcohol/no smoking policies, and in a few cases their rebellion in those little things led to more serious rebellion in bigger things. I wonder if a little more leeway would have kept them from falling so far. But I suppose I'll never know.
If I got to design my own policy, I might go so far as to say no drinking at all during semesters, except during breaks, or maybe allow it only on the weekends, and never on campus. And serious drunkenness or underage drinking would be a violation of the school code leading to discipline.
I'd allow smoking off campus at least. It's a health and financial issue, but not a moral one. And of course, I'd encourage dancing!
4.27.2011 | 5:34pm
David R. Brumbelow says:
Joe,
Interesting article but there are some points you did not consider.
While you say it, the Bible never says Jesus drank or made alcohol. It does not even say He drank wine. It does say He made wine from water.
Wine of the Bible and ancient times was a generic word that referred to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine. For example the Bible refers to the juice of just pressed grapes as “wine.” See Proverbs 3:10; Isaiah 16:10; Joel 2:24. Juice just pressed out of grapes is not alcoholic. Another non-biblical ancient example - Aristotle said that sweet wine would not inebriate. Many more examples can be given.
Contrary to popular opinion, the ancients knew multiple ways of preserving wine in its nonalcoholic state. In fact this was easier than preserving alcoholic wine. They had nonalcoholic wine available throughout the year.
http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/10/preserving-unfermented-wine-in-bible.html
Scripture says Jesus turned water to wine. Whether you consider that wine as alcoholic or nonalcoholic is an “interpretation.” Some wine in ancient times was alcoholic, some was not.
David R. Brumbelow
Interesting article but there are some points you did not consider.
While you say it, the Bible never says Jesus drank or made alcohol. It does not even say He drank wine. It does say He made wine from water.
Wine of the Bible and ancient times was a generic word that referred to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine. For example the Bible refers to the juice of just pressed grapes as “wine.” See Proverbs 3:10; Isaiah 16:10; Joel 2:24. Juice just pressed out of grapes is not alcoholic. Another non-biblical ancient example - Aristotle said that sweet wine would not inebriate. Many more examples can be given.
Contrary to popular opinion, the ancients knew multiple ways of preserving wine in its nonalcoholic state. In fact this was easier than preserving alcoholic wine. They had nonalcoholic wine available throughout the year.
http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/10/preserving-unfermented-wine-in-bible.html
Scripture says Jesus turned water to wine. Whether you consider that wine as alcoholic or nonalcoholic is an “interpretation.” Some wine in ancient times was alcoholic, some was not.
David R. Brumbelow
4.27.2011 | 6:23pm
Mark says:
David,
"For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
Why would someone call the Son of Man "drunkard" if He was drinking non-alcoholic wine? I cannot see how you can claim that this is just my interpretation. Twist yourself in knots if you wish...
"For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
Why would someone call the Son of Man "drunkard" if He was drinking non-alcoholic wine? I cannot see how you can claim that this is just my interpretation. Twist yourself in knots if you wish...
4.27.2011 | 6:29pm
David Nickol says:
I think those who claim Jesus did not drink wine would have to claim that basically all of our current English translations of the Bible are incorrect. Whatever the Greek word "oinos" meant to the New Testament authors, "wine" for modern English speakers refers to an alcoholic beverage. (Yes, you can get non-alcoholic wine, but first, it is fermented wine with the alcohol removed, and second, if somebody sold you non-alcoholic wine calling it just "wine," you could surely get your money back.) So unless those who maintain Jesus did not drink real, alcoholic wine are happy with misleading translations, they had better start agitating for Bibles that say "grape juice" when grape juice is meant.
4.27.2011 | 8:27pm
pentamom says:
"If I got to design my own policy, I might go so far as to say no drinking at all during semesters, except during breaks, or maybe allow it only on the weekends, and never on campus."
That's the farthest I could go, or condone one of my kids going. I'd have a very big problem with a policy that required people to forswear a good and legitimate gift of God outside of the jurisdiction of the school, i.e. when at home on breaks. And of course, anything that set up a situation where a student couldn't even take communion at his home church would be utterly unacceptable.
That's the farthest I could go, or condone one of my kids going. I'd have a very big problem with a policy that required people to forswear a good and legitimate gift of God outside of the jurisdiction of the school, i.e. when at home on breaks. And of course, anything that set up a situation where a student couldn't even take communion at his home church would be utterly unacceptable.
4.27.2011 | 9:26pm
Francis J. Beckwith says:
You know what they say, "Whenever there are four Episcopalians, there's always a fifth."
4.27.2011 | 10:25pm
St. John's Feast says:
This calls for the lyrics of the Swirling Eddies' classic song, "Hide the Beer, the Pastor's Here":
The straw runs down his arm and leg
Under the carpet
Out to the keg
A secret party tonight at Point Loma
And the hate in your heart you're hiding well
But the booze on your breath is easy to smell
There's a six pack to hide on the Oral U side
Let's drive through Oklahoma
And hide the beer!
The pastor's here!
Hide the beer!
Think of your career!
He might find out that we're human beings
Bring us all down to the wrack and the ruin
She had a beer as an evening snack
When the 'Scripture Man' planned a sneak attack
Suspension's the buzz out at Wheaton
As she packed her bags and gathered her books
'Scripture Man' gave her that lustful look
Yes, lust is his brew, but no one sees through
His minty-fresh breath ain't reeking
When the coast is clear, you can kiss me, dear
Together we'll have hell to pay
So wear a beard
The pastor's here
Put the R-rated movie away
Biola
Bethel
Westmont
Calvin College
Azusa Pacific
Liberty Baptist
San Jose Bible College
Bob Jones
Taylor U
California Baptist
Gordon College
Calvin Klein
George Fox
Moody Bible Institute
Seattle Pacific
Baylor
SMU
Pacific Christian
Jimmy Swaggart U
John Brown
Anderson
Eastern Mennonite
Fort Wayne Bible
Grand Rapids Baptist
Greenville
Grove City
Nyack
Travecca Nazarene
Multinomah School of the Bible
Inland Empire School of the Bible
Philadelphia College of the Bible
Whitworth Spring Arbor
And South and Northwestern!
Northwestern!
(Lyrics by Terry Scott Taylor, a well-known "alternative" Christian artist. Apparently, some of the colleges mentioned in the song threatened to sue.)
The straw runs down his arm and leg
Under the carpet
Out to the keg
A secret party tonight at Point Loma
And the hate in your heart you're hiding well
But the booze on your breath is easy to smell
There's a six pack to hide on the Oral U side
Let's drive through Oklahoma
And hide the beer!
The pastor's here!
Hide the beer!
Think of your career!
He might find out that we're human beings
Bring us all down to the wrack and the ruin
She had a beer as an evening snack
When the 'Scripture Man' planned a sneak attack
Suspension's the buzz out at Wheaton
As she packed her bags and gathered her books
'Scripture Man' gave her that lustful look
Yes, lust is his brew, but no one sees through
His minty-fresh breath ain't reeking
When the coast is clear, you can kiss me, dear
Together we'll have hell to pay
So wear a beard
The pastor's here
Put the R-rated movie away
Biola
Bethel
Westmont
Calvin College
Azusa Pacific
Liberty Baptist
San Jose Bible College
Bob Jones
Taylor U
California Baptist
Gordon College
Calvin Klein
George Fox
Moody Bible Institute
Seattle Pacific
Baylor
SMU
Pacific Christian
Jimmy Swaggart U
John Brown
Anderson
Eastern Mennonite
Fort Wayne Bible
Grand Rapids Baptist
Greenville
Grove City
Nyack
Travecca Nazarene
Multinomah School of the Bible
Inland Empire School of the Bible
Philadelphia College of the Bible
Whitworth Spring Arbor
And South and Northwestern!
Northwestern!
(Lyrics by Terry Scott Taylor, a well-known "alternative" Christian artist. Apparently, some of the colleges mentioned in the song threatened to sue.)
4.27.2011 | 10:43pm
Derek says:
Thanks for the post. I think this topic is more important than people realize, not because drinking is important but because our understanding of the gospel and the origin and nature of holiness is at stake.
These types of issues are precisely what Paul has in mind in Colossians. There, he draws the line not to the matter of undermining personal freedom but to the undermining of the gospel. For Paul, the stakes are high.
The trouble with this whole debate is that it is difficult to remain consistent in one's position. For example, it seems reasonable to have certain codes of conduct for Christians in certain situations. In fact, you allude to this reality ("Obviously there are times when we need to delineate such boundaries, especially for young Christians.") but is it hypocritical to defend the right to drink and yet insist on other extra-biblical standards of behavior in certain situations?
"Obviously there are times..." is a bit vague to me. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this tension. Thanks!
These types of issues are precisely what Paul has in mind in Colossians. There, he draws the line not to the matter of undermining personal freedom but to the undermining of the gospel. For Paul, the stakes are high.
The trouble with this whole debate is that it is difficult to remain consistent in one's position. For example, it seems reasonable to have certain codes of conduct for Christians in certain situations. In fact, you allude to this reality ("Obviously there are times when we need to delineate such boundaries, especially for young Christians.") but is it hypocritical to defend the right to drink and yet insist on other extra-biblical standards of behavior in certain situations?
"Obviously there are times..." is a bit vague to me. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this tension. Thanks!
4.28.2011 | 1:04am
Javier says:
It seems the following is either overlooked or minimized while arguments are advanced about non-alcoholic wine, grape juice, refrigeration, mustum, etc.:
Mark 14:12-31
Matthew 26:17-35
Luke 22:1-38
Prayer at Consecration of the wine in the Catholic liturgy:
Simili modo postquam coenatum est, accipiens et hunc praeclarum calicem in sanctas ac venerabilis manus suas: item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis suis dicens: Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes: HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET AETERNI TESTAMENTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECCATORUM. Haec quotiescumque feceritis in mei memoriam facietis.
In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this glorious chalice into His holy and venerable hands, again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink you all of this: FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS. As often as you shall do these things, you shall do them in memory of me.
(A poster comments that in Catholic teaching the bread and wine are "literally" transformed into the body and blood of Christ. This is wrong: the elements of the consecration remain under the species of bread and wine; the transubstantiation of the elements is a MYSTICAL transformation of the bread and wine into the REAL PRESENCE of the body, blood and divinity of Christ. Christ adds the ancillary command "When you do this, do it in memory of me." Christ is said in the Gospels to declare, "This is my body/This is the cup of my blood," not "This is LIKE my body/This is LIKE the cup of my blood," nor does He elevate the memorial aspect above the sacramental, but that is another discussion entirely...)
Mark 14:12-31
Matthew 26:17-35
Luke 22:1-38
Prayer at Consecration of the wine in the Catholic liturgy:
Simili modo postquam coenatum est, accipiens et hunc praeclarum calicem in sanctas ac venerabilis manus suas: item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis suis dicens: Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes: HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET AETERNI TESTAMENTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECCATORUM. Haec quotiescumque feceritis in mei memoriam facietis.
In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this glorious chalice into His holy and venerable hands, again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink you all of this: FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS. As often as you shall do these things, you shall do them in memory of me.
(A poster comments that in Catholic teaching the bread and wine are "literally" transformed into the body and blood of Christ. This is wrong: the elements of the consecration remain under the species of bread and wine; the transubstantiation of the elements is a MYSTICAL transformation of the bread and wine into the REAL PRESENCE of the body, blood and divinity of Christ. Christ adds the ancillary command "When you do this, do it in memory of me." Christ is said in the Gospels to declare, "This is my body/This is the cup of my blood," not "This is LIKE my body/This is LIKE the cup of my blood," nor does He elevate the memorial aspect above the sacramental, but that is another discussion entirely...)
4.28.2011 | 1:32am
Naomi says:
My alma mater is Biola, and I'm at a Christian college now that allows drinking--I often sneered at the prohibition while I was at Biola, and occasionally violated it. One negative aspect of it is that in meshes in the minds of the students drinking and smoking together with things like premarital sex, both in the violators and non-violators, setting the violators on a path of stigma and acceptance of their "sinfulness" that can lead to actual sin, and giving the ones who accept the prohibition perhaps a lifelong sense of moral superiority over those who engage in humanity's oldest and most pleasurable pastime--having a drink with friends. So there are strong reasons to avoid this.
HOWEVER I think anyone who thinks the prohibition is just silly or completely misguided has not spent any time on a college campus where drinking is a problem. Rape is rampant and more often than not, alcohol is involved. Kids kill themselves drinking, girls wake up the next morning not sure if it was rape or not, because they don't remember. It's a horrible culture, alcohol has a whole lot to do with it, and I'll take the prohibition and stigma of drinking at Biola (and the misguided self-righteousness that often goes along with it) any day over the out-of-control sex and drinking culture of most colleges.
Of course, there is a more reasonable middle way, people mentioned it above--allow drinking between semesters. And colleges should be clear that they are not trying to outlaw sin, or even protecting the alcoholic weaker brothers of the student body, but attempting to create a certain culture that avoids lots of bad stuff.
HOWEVER I think anyone who thinks the prohibition is just silly or completely misguided has not spent any time on a college campus where drinking is a problem. Rape is rampant and more often than not, alcohol is involved. Kids kill themselves drinking, girls wake up the next morning not sure if it was rape or not, because they don't remember. It's a horrible culture, alcohol has a whole lot to do with it, and I'll take the prohibition and stigma of drinking at Biola (and the misguided self-righteousness that often goes along with it) any day over the out-of-control sex and drinking culture of most colleges.
Of course, there is a more reasonable middle way, people mentioned it above--allow drinking between semesters. And colleges should be clear that they are not trying to outlaw sin, or even protecting the alcoholic weaker brothers of the student body, but attempting to create a certain culture that avoids lots of bad stuff.
4.28.2011 | 1:45am
Anonymous53 says:
"I wonder if a little more leeway would have kept them from falling so far." Yeah, maybe; the strict rule-based culture at places like Wheaton provide no opportunities for students to habituate virtue.
4.28.2011 | 3:08am
Keith Pavlischek says:
Ok, it may be apocryphal, but it is a story that has made the rounds for years in Orthodox Presbyterian circles and among students and alumni of Westminster Theological Seminary.
Here goes: quite a few decades ago a few Baptist seminary students attending Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (for the uninitiated-- founded by J. Gresham Machen) were alarmed that the great systematic theologian, Professor John Murray was rumored to be a partaker of alcoholic beverages. Professor Murray was a strict Sabbatarian, Scotsman--a no-nonsense, notoriously demanding professor. ("If you are married," he told his students,, "and you receive an 'A' in my class, you have sinned.) He also had an eye shot out during WWI. He didn't suffer fools gladly. So, no doubt it took some measure of courage for the Baptist students to confront him on the matter.
Professor Murray was also bachelor (until he finally married well into his 60s) and at the time he lived on the WTS campus in what is now Machen Hall. So, the Baptist students went to his room and after being invited in, they asked him if he thought it was right and proper for a Christian gentleman to partake of alcoholic beverages. To which Professor Murray responded in his strong Scottish accent, “Of course, but only if it’s the very finest scotch.” And that was that.
Still, for all the reasons cited by Naomi in her 2nd paragraph, it would be wise and prudent for Christian colleges to remain dry. Plenty of time to drink in grad school and seminary.
Here goes: quite a few decades ago a few Baptist seminary students attending Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (for the uninitiated-- founded by J. Gresham Machen) were alarmed that the great systematic theologian, Professor John Murray was rumored to be a partaker of alcoholic beverages. Professor Murray was a strict Sabbatarian, Scotsman--a no-nonsense, notoriously demanding professor. ("If you are married," he told his students,, "and you receive an 'A' in my class, you have sinned.) He also had an eye shot out during WWI. He didn't suffer fools gladly. So, no doubt it took some measure of courage for the Baptist students to confront him on the matter.
Professor Murray was also bachelor (until he finally married well into his 60s) and at the time he lived on the WTS campus in what is now Machen Hall. So, the Baptist students went to his room and after being invited in, they asked him if he thought it was right and proper for a Christian gentleman to partake of alcoholic beverages. To which Professor Murray responded in his strong Scottish accent, “Of course, but only if it’s the very finest scotch.” And that was that.
Still, for all the reasons cited by Naomi in her 2nd paragraph, it would be wise and prudent for Christian colleges to remain dry. Plenty of time to drink in grad school and seminary.
4.28.2011 | 3:18am
edmond says:
Maybe we should distinguish between drinking for leisure and as part of the celeration of the mass. Then the discussions might be less muddled. Drinking for leisure for those who need to be inebriated enough to be emboldened to lose inhibitions. Or I need to hold a glass when I'm at socials and chug it up so I look like I belong. This versus celebrating the eucharist.
4.28.2011 | 9:43am
David R. Brumbelow says:
Mark,
You say that Jesus obviously drank wine because His enemies accused him of being a drunkard. His enemies also accused Jesus of being demon possessed. The false, angry accusation of His enemies does not mean the accusation is true or partially true.
I’m sure you would agree Jesus was not even moderately demon possessed. Likewise, their hateful accusation did not mean Jesus drank. All Scripture is saying is that John Baptist did not eat and drink with the people, did not socialize. Jesus did eat and drink and socialize with the people. But this says no more about Jesus drinking alcohol that saying pastor Smith was at a restaurant eating and drinking with his friends.
David Nickol,
Yes, wine usually means alcohol in today’s English language. This has not always been the case, and it not even always the case today. Notice the modern English Bible translations call “wine” that which is clearly unfermented wine in Proverbs 3:10; Isaiah 16:10; Joel 2:24. Wine just pressed out of the grape is nonalcoholic.
But the main issue is the meaning and understanding of the words for wine in the Bible and ancient times. Back then the words for wine were general and clearly used of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine. So, when you read “wine” in Scripture you have to interpret what kind of wine by the context and other considerations. Much like other biblical words that have more than one meaning. Words like: God/god; Spirit/spirit; angel; faith; etc.
“Wine” was not synonymous with alcohol in biblical and ancient times. We have multiple words in the English language today that can mean either an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage: drink, liquor, cider, eggnog, punch. Wine was much the same in ancient languages.
Thanks for letting me present another view.
David R. Brumbelow
You say that Jesus obviously drank wine because His enemies accused him of being a drunkard. His enemies also accused Jesus of being demon possessed. The false, angry accusation of His enemies does not mean the accusation is true or partially true.
I’m sure you would agree Jesus was not even moderately demon possessed. Likewise, their hateful accusation did not mean Jesus drank. All Scripture is saying is that John Baptist did not eat and drink with the people, did not socialize. Jesus did eat and drink and socialize with the people. But this says no more about Jesus drinking alcohol that saying pastor Smith was at a restaurant eating and drinking with his friends.
David Nickol,
Yes, wine usually means alcohol in today’s English language. This has not always been the case, and it not even always the case today. Notice the modern English Bible translations call “wine” that which is clearly unfermented wine in Proverbs 3:10; Isaiah 16:10; Joel 2:24. Wine just pressed out of the grape is nonalcoholic.
But the main issue is the meaning and understanding of the words for wine in the Bible and ancient times. Back then the words for wine were general and clearly used of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine. So, when you read “wine” in Scripture you have to interpret what kind of wine by the context and other considerations. Much like other biblical words that have more than one meaning. Words like: God/god; Spirit/spirit; angel; faith; etc.
“Wine” was not synonymous with alcohol in biblical and ancient times. We have multiple words in the English language today that can mean either an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage: drink, liquor, cider, eggnog, punch. Wine was much the same in ancient languages.
Thanks for letting me present another view.
David R. Brumbelow
4.28.2011 | 12:40pm
Jayson says:
"One negative aspect of it is that in meshes in the minds of the students drinking and smoking together with things like premarital sex, both in the violators and non-violators, setting the violators on a path of stigma and acceptance of their "sinfulness" that can lead to actual sin, and giving the ones who accept the prohibition perhaps a lifelong sense of moral superiority over those who engage in humanity's oldest and most pleasurable pastime--having a drink with friends. So there are strong reasons to avoid this. "
As a young Christian with an overly-conservative background, I must agree with this wholeheartedly. Christianity is less about what you abstain from, and more about what you proactively engage in. Yet prohibitory policies make abstention seem to many young Christians the goal of the Christian life, and can cause many to view those who do not abstain as failing Christ in some way.
But again, I am a student at a Christian college that permits alcohol, and I can say that this attitude of "moral superiority" is almost non-existent here. When alcohol is permitted and not treated as some sort of stigma or extremely fragile issue, students are far less likely to abuse it. And here, there is very little abuse. Especially when mature Christian professors are open about the fact that they, too, like to enjoy fine drinks sometimes, it loses some of the "rebellious" connotations and the rush that is associated with being a little rebellious disappears.
The more prohibitory one gets, it seems, the worse alcohol becomes in the eyes of the young people who have never drank alcohol and seen how it can be done responsibly.
As a young Christian with an overly-conservative background, I must agree with this wholeheartedly. Christianity is less about what you abstain from, and more about what you proactively engage in. Yet prohibitory policies make abstention seem to many young Christians the goal of the Christian life, and can cause many to view those who do not abstain as failing Christ in some way.
But again, I am a student at a Christian college that permits alcohol, and I can say that this attitude of "moral superiority" is almost non-existent here. When alcohol is permitted and not treated as some sort of stigma or extremely fragile issue, students are far less likely to abuse it. And here, there is very little abuse. Especially when mature Christian professors are open about the fact that they, too, like to enjoy fine drinks sometimes, it loses some of the "rebellious" connotations and the rush that is associated with being a little rebellious disappears.
The more prohibitory one gets, it seems, the worse alcohol becomes in the eyes of the young people who have never drank alcohol and seen how it can be done responsibly.
4.28.2011 | 12:58pm
Ethan C. says:
So was it non-alcoholic wine that King Lemuel's mother was talking about in Proverbs 31:6-7?
4.28.2011 | 4:46pm
Will says:
Why did Jesus not refrain from drinking alcohol if it is an obvious "stumbling block" to our "weaker brothers"?
The answer - http://willfults.com/christian-alcohol/
The answer - http://willfults.com/christian-alcohol/
5.6.2011 | 2:00am
Felice Brudner says:
"For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by all her children." Wine was not synonymous with alcohol in biblical and ancient times. We have multiple words in the English language today that can mean either an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage: drink, liquor, cider, eggnog, punch. Wine was much the same in ancient languages.
5.13.2011 | 1:18am
Marchizano College says:
Thanks for the post. I think this topic is more important than people realize, not because drinking is important but because our understanding of the gospel and the origin and nature of holiness is at stake. As a GCC parent who despises the abuse of scripture to forbid the appropriate use of alcohol, I don't have a problem with the no-alcohol on campus policy whatsoever -- it is not an unbiblical condemnation of drinking as such, it is merely a position that holds that it is better not used on campus. Since it is illegal for the majority of college students anyway, there are plenty of pragmatic reasons to forbid it while on campus while not making it an issue of conscience.
2.6.2012 | 10:16pm
Laird Bean says:
As has already been pointed out, the "wine", spoken of in Luke.7:33,34, was not necessarily an alcoholic beverage. Far more likely it was non-fermented grape juice. The case I would make is that considering that Jesus Christ, God Almighty in the flesh, knows the end from the beginning, He can see the entirety of human history and all the death, misery, broken homes and broken lives associated with the drinking of alcoholic beverages. That being true, would He personally endorse, by virtue of His public use, a substance that bears that kind of fruit? The Lord's own words in Mt.7:17,18 brings out the principle of good versus evil fruit. Surely nobody can deny that the only fruit that alcoholic beverages have ever produced is "evil"!
I believe that most "sipping saints" defend drinking by the rationalization that Jesus drank alcohol to quell the pricking of their conscience whenever they pick up a glass of wine or bottle of beer.
I believe that most "sipping saints" defend drinking by the rationalization that Jesus drank alcohol to quell the pricking of their conscience whenever they pick up a glass of wine or bottle of beer.
5.8.2013 | 3:46pm
Emily says:
Laird,
He also could see the dangers and risks of overeating, yet none are arguing He created food and feasts even. Why did He create food if He knew we could harm ourselves with it? I think the answer is obvious - it's good in moderation, bad when used outside of God's plan (drunkenness, addiction). Same goes for sex. Great within marriage, harmful outside marriage.
He also could see the dangers and risks of overeating, yet none are arguing He created food and feasts even. Why did He create food if He knew we could harm ourselves with it? I think the answer is obvious - it's good in moderation, bad when used outside of God's plan (drunkenness, addiction). Same goes for sex. Great within marriage, harmful outside marriage.
