My Response to @lydon.sipe's "Yes, I am a Christian, and I Drink"

"Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
- Frank Sinatra -

My friend Lydon recently wrote about Christians and alcohol.

I think he may consider his position on the topic a little edgy... Perhaps it is, to some!

And so I'll go out on a ledge today and present a position that may be a little "edgier."

Unlike Lydon, the Christian schools I attended frowned on consumption of alcohol. Prohibitions always generate some amount of "push-back," and in my case, at least produced some thought on the matter.

What's your position on Christians drinking alcohol?
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How should Christians view and use alcoholic beverages?

I found Lydon's recent article interesting, balanced, and stimulating. I hope you'll have a look at it:

"Yes, I am a Christian, and I Drink"

I love the Maya Angelou quote, "moderation in moderation!" :) And, in the light of that, I offer up my personal extension/modification of Lydon's thesis.

I grew up in a theologically teetotalling tradition.

I was raised in a Baptist church. I remember my paternal grandparents giving me a tract promoting the thesis that the "wine" in the bible was actually grape juice. Many similar essays can still be found today on the internet.

Since then, I have learned the appropriate response to such "logic:"

"Poppycock!"

And I would like to point out that, in the greater, global context of all of scripture—the "dictionary" by which any individual scripture must be judged, evaluated, and interpreted—Ephesians 5:18 cannot possibly be interpreted in a binary, black-and-white fashion.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:15-21

Pick your poison? Or reject them all?
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The Ephesians passage sets a backdrop,

it's true, with a caution against the risk and the danger of becoming a person with an addictive, habitual excessive relationship with liquor, but it is not a flat-out prohibition against the effects of alcohol in greater than minuscule quantities. The overwhelmingly positive thrust of the passage is the positive admonition to "make the best use of the time" to be animated by God's wind, and to relate to one another with a positive, thankful attitude.

We must also consider the admonitions in 1 Timothy 3:8 and in Titus 2:3 cautioning God's servants against an addictive relationship with alcohol that leads to de-facto slavery. We must consider as well the cautions in Proverbs here and here.

The lesson is clear.

We must learn to control our drinking, and not the other way around. Paul had this to say:

'“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.'
- 1 Corinthians 6:12

In other words, take all appropriate caution not to become dominated by alcohol. We are not prohibited from being "drunk" by some strict definition of the word; rather, we are cautioned not to become drunkards.

I believe that the main thrust of the Ephesians passage is the positive, and not the negative admonition. We are encouraged to explore and expand into other areas of joy-filled experience facilitated by God's Spirit. We are encouraged to find pleasure and rest by engaging in music and in worship.

When properly utilized,

alcohol is seen throughout scripture as a blessing. For example, here in the Psalms:

"You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
    and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
    and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
    and bread to strengthen man's heart."
- Psalm 104:14-15

And, again, here in the prophets:

"Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior,
    and their hearts shall be glad as with wine.
Their children shall see it and be glad;
    their hearts shall rejoice in the Lord."
- Zechariah 10:7

There have been times of stress and pain when I have personally found that an appropriate quantity of alcohol was just the right prescription for easing the pain, relieving the stress, and providing me with much needed rest and relief for a time. I recall a period of time when I was facing the wrath of the beast in a court case, during which nothing but sleep and alcohol provided relief from the incredible stress.

It is not my intention to minimize the risk.

In particular, certain individuals may literally be genetically predisposed to addictive behaviors. When it comes to alcohol, and the last thing I desire is to cause such a person to stumble. My point is simply that I don't see scripture as presenting us with any "law" or "limit" on the use of alcohol, other than an admonition to great individual caution and responsibility in its use.

Personal responsibility is essential.
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What's your position on alcohol?

More "liberal" than mine?

More "conservative" than Lydon's?

Have you given any thought to why you hold your position?

I think this is a healthy discussion to have.

Let us hear your viewpoint in the comments.

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~FIN~

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