[SoothingDave]

I know I will get alot of argument about this, but drinking is not a sin, drunkenness is. That would be gluttony. Drinking is viewed as wrong because of the PRESEPTION it gives now-a-days. In this day and age if you are seen drinking, people will be skeptical of you when you try to tell them about Christianty.

Maybe in your neck of the woods. Here some of the Churches have beer at their summer festivals.

(I won't mention the priest who once commented "Beer - the Eighth Sacrament")

You are right that drunkeness, especially habitual, is sinful. And you mention gluttony. But you don't abstain from eating at all, because some people eat too much, do you?

All things in moderation. A time to mourn, a time for joy.

For example: We have done a bible study with the guy who shoes my horses, he is a "real" cowboy, he say he knows what we have taught him is right and that he should accept it and start living right, but he is not ready to quit drinking beer. See, to him if you drink beer you are not a Christian.

I would disabuse him of this notion and welcome him home. By holding up this standard of "real Christians don't drink" you have set up a wall to keep him out. I think JHavard would wail about not showing him mercy, and setting up impossible burdens for this man. Save him now and let him get a handle on his drinking later. (I'm sure that is what you are trying to do.)

SD

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

I have disabused him of his notion. I have explained to him very carefully why I won't drink anymore. I tell him he can continue to drink, and still be a Christian, I just feel he is not ready to accept. He still shoes for me, his wife and him are still welcome at our home anytime, and he knows that. He can even drink here, I just can't.

Becky

[dignan3]

I won't mention the priest who once commented "Beer - the Eighth Sacrament"

I thought Bingo was the eighth Sacrament. :>)

Pray for John Paul II