A Sober Assessment of Reformational Drinking

Modern Reformation ^ | April 2000 | Jim West

[DouglasKC]

, however, the principle here is that drinking in celebration--far from being an abomination--which the prohibitionists would have us believe, was a part of worship, actually prescribed by God. Obviously getting drunk (and/or sick) is (and was) always wrong, however joyfully celebrating together using God's gift of alchohol can be a good thing.

Well, yes, I think that one can clearly see that alcohol use is not prohibited in the bible. But I was just making the point that this statement the author makes in the article is wrong:

"Calvin's exposition of this verse is interesting. He accentuates not only the glory of God but eating and drinking in the presence of the God of glory. When we drink wine or strong drink, we drink in the audience of the heavenly Vintner who expects us to enjoy his gifts."

Outside of the context of God's festivals associating drinking with "being in the audience of the heavenly vintner " is meaningless. One might as well say that atheist cocktail parties are celebrations before God.

The principle of the verse used by the author is that God expects his children to observe his feasts and gives instructions as to how to observe his feasts.

Have a great thanksgiving!

[AnalogReigns]

Like most passages, there are various principles to be found. Of course to the original audience, the primary lesson was instructions on how to celebrate a particular feast. To us under the New Covenant, who are not bound to celebrate Old Covenant feasts, one principle we can understand is how God approaches drinking in celebration--He actually commanded it.

Since we are discussing a quote about a quote of Calvin expositing this passage, things can get muddy. It is important to know Calvin's persistant emphasis of God's omnipresence and omnipotent sovereignty...hence we always eat and drink in God's presence...to His glory. As one very Calvinist group uses as their motto, "Coram Deo" ("before the face of God"). Everything we do is before God and to His glory...even with basic good created things like food and drink.

So.....Happy Thanksgiving to you too!!!