Alcohol

Consuming alcohol is not a sin, as some denominations claim; drunkenness is a sin. It is the abuse of alcohol, not the mere use of it that causes harm. These views on alcohol are consistent with scripture as will be seen below by responding to four popular arguments against alcohol.

First, some say the wine of the Bible was non-alcoholic. This is not true because wine made Noah and Lot drunk (Gen 9:21; 19:32-35). Also, wine is called a "mocker" that causes intoxication (Prov 20:1) and the Pentateuch says that wine dulls the senses (Gen 49:12). Furthermore, the concept that the Hebrew word yayin refers to an unfermented drink is based on conjecture, not substantial facts. Therefore, at least some wines in the Bible are alcoholic.

Second, some propose a 'new wine theory' regarding Jesus' first miracle at Cana. This theory possesses no Biblical support. Rather, it is clear that the wine Jesus created was alcoholic because the headwaiter told the bridegroom that the wine was the "good wine." He elaborated that it is typical to serve good wine until the people are so drunk they cannot tell the how bad the poor wine tastes (John 2:9-10).

Third, some say ministers are forbidden from drinking any wine according to the law (Lev 10:9). This directive applies only to the Levite priests. If it applies to all ministers, then Paul's instruction to Timothy is a directive to sin by drinking wine (1 Tim 5:23). Paul does not necessarily refer to unfermented drink, but may refer to alcoholic wine. Doctors confirm that because of the chemical changes caused by fermentation, there are medicinal benefits to alcoholic wine not found in grape juice or other fruit drinks, especially for indigestion and diabetics. Furthermore, Christ and his apostles drank wine (Matt 11:19; 26:27-29; 27:48; Luke 7:34; 22:17-18, 20). Also, to apply this principle, it must be applied to all ministers of all denominations.

Fourth, some propose to not drink because of the appearance of evil (Rom 14:21; 1 Cor 8:13). This teaching is sound, but can be taken too far. Christians are not instructed to keep the world from stumbling, but to keep fellow Christians from stumbling. Sometimes the solution is not to permanently ban the activity, but to teach the Christian correct doctrine.

In conclusion, scripture clearly forbids drunkenness and gluttony (Deut 21:20-21; Prov 23:2; 1 Tim 3:8). Consuming alcohol is not forbidden, but at times, it is even recommended. Some denominations idolize their anti-alcohol tradition rather than correctly understand scripture. Furthermore they apply their teachings to themselves and not to all other denominations.