The Christian, the Bible, and Alcohol (Part 1)

Something that has been on my heart now for a few years is dying to get out and I have finally decided to express it via our blog.

I will tell you exactly why I am writing these series of posts right now: the growing use of alcohol by more and more Christians and more and more churches is concerning and I do not believe what God ever intended with it’s mentioning in the Scriptures. In other words, there is too much drinking by those who wear the clothing of Christ.

I remember growing up in the 90’s and the idea of a pastor drinking alcohol was a foreign concept. The only ones I remember hearing drank alcohol were liberal Presbyterians or Unitarians. No one – at least openly – talked about drinking alcohol socially … at all. It was frowned upon and those who were found out to be drinking were either fire or removed from the pastorates.

Fast forward to 2013.

Now, there are some pastors who have entire blogs devoted to beer making. I have heard of some conservative churches that provide alcohol to their members at functions. I have eaten with tables of professing Christians that all order wine or beer without the thought it is being awkward or offensive to anyone else sitting at the table that chooses to abstain. I have read articles from pastor’s wives that speak of one of their “wifely” duties to their pastor-husband is to make sure there is enough beer in the fridge for them when they come home.

Ours is a different time. But is that a better time? Is the growing use of alcohol in the church and by Christians a celebration of a greater understanding of Christian liberty? Or is it something we should speak louder against? What does the Bible have to say about drinking alcohol?

This 5-part series – called “The Christian, the Bible and Alcohol” – will attempt to begin a dialogue answering those very questions.

Let me say right now as clearly as I can: I do not believe drinking alcohol is a sin. I do not find one verse in Scripture that even hints that if any of us ever decide to have a glass of wine or a can of beer at dinner have made a sinful choice.

However, I will say this also as clearly as I can: drinking alcohol is rarely, if ever, wise. And it is my goal to demonstrate to you why I believe the trend of more alcohol use in the church is not a positive sign.

Tomorrow, we will consider briefly how Scripture handles the subject of alcohol. See ya then!