Alcohol and the Church
Our county will soon vote regarding an alcohol beverage-related referendum. Although the primary motivation for the referendum has been stated regarding tax dollars, it appears some would regard the issue religiously (in terms of whether the Bible prohibits or demands abstaining from any alcohol consumption; and therefore, should be opposed on that basis). There are indeed significant ramifications of the counsel and witness of the church both corporately and individually regarding this matter.
Prior to the 1800s, there was nearly universal agreement by every denomination of orthodox Christianity regarding the moderate consumption of alcohol for health and pleasure. Condemnation of the moderationist position is maintained through the capricious rejection of centuries of church history—and most importantly, the assertions of the Bible—by granting priority instead for an ascetic fundamentalism that is deemed a greater standard of holiness and prudence than the Bible.
The plain teaching of the Bible concerning the moderate consumption of alcohol should promote church integrity and unity rather than spirited disagreement that is often manifested in contention and strife among the body of Christ. The church’s unity in belief and practice must be based upon the Bible solely. To demand abstinence and prohibit moderate alcohol consumption as a matter of faithfulness to God not only conflicts with the biblical and historical record, but also would be indictments upon Old Testament saints, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, and unanimity of eighteen hundred years of church history. The prohibitionist position that all alcoholic beverages are inherently evil, and that any use is therefore sinful, pronounces a curse upon God’s blessing, and regards God’s blessing in this matter to be a curse. The abstentionist position often neglects Bible teaching of maturity and personal responsibility in regards to matters of church liberty. The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness (alcohol abuse) as sin, but never condemns use of alcohol (medicinally or moderately) as evil. Scripture declares that wine specifically is a good gift from God. The Bible and the entire Christian tradition have sternly condemned the sin of drunkenness (as should the church not only in our county, but also anywhere in the world). As a component of God’s creation, alcoholic beverages are something that may be enjoyed to the glory of God in moderation for both health and pleasure and with a thankful heart.
Do not suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused. Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women? The sun, the moon, and stars have been worshiped. Shall we then pluck them out of the sky? Such haste and violence betray a lack of confidence in God. See how much he has been able to accomplish through me, though I did no more than pray and preach. The Word did it all. Had I wished I might have a started a conflagration at Worms. But while I sat still and drank beer with Philip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow. – Dr. Martin Luther
Prior to the 1800s, there was nearly universal agreement by every denomination of orthodox Christianity regarding the moderate consumption of alcohol for health and pleasure. Condemnation of the moderationist position is maintained through the capricious rejection of centuries of church history—and most importantly, the assertions of the Bible—by granting priority instead for an ascetic fundamentalism that is deemed a greater standard of holiness and prudence than the Bible.
The plain teaching of the Bible concerning the moderate consumption of alcohol should promote church integrity and unity rather than spirited disagreement that is often manifested in contention and strife among the body of Christ. The church’s unity in belief and practice must be based upon the Bible solely. To demand abstinence and prohibit moderate alcohol consumption as a matter of faithfulness to God not only conflicts with the biblical and historical record, but also would be indictments upon Old Testament saints, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, and unanimity of eighteen hundred years of church history. The prohibitionist position that all alcoholic beverages are inherently evil, and that any use is therefore sinful, pronounces a curse upon God’s blessing, and regards God’s blessing in this matter to be a curse. The abstentionist position often neglects Bible teaching of maturity and personal responsibility in regards to matters of church liberty. The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness (alcohol abuse) as sin, but never condemns use of alcohol (medicinally or moderately) as evil. Scripture declares that wine specifically is a good gift from God. The Bible and the entire Christian tradition have sternly condemned the sin of drunkenness (as should the church not only in our county, but also anywhere in the world). As a component of God’s creation, alcoholic beverages are something that may be enjoyed to the glory of God in moderation for both health and pleasure and with a thankful heart.
Do not suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused. Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women? The sun, the moon, and stars have been worshiped. Shall we then pluck them out of the sky? Such haste and violence betray a lack of confidence in God. See how much he has been able to accomplish through me, though I did no more than pray and preach. The Word did it all. Had I wished I might have a started a conflagration at Worms. But while I sat still and drank beer with Philip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow. – Dr. Martin Luther
posted by orthopodeo | 4:16 PM
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