Christians and alcoholic beverages.

[Stegall Tx]

I would suggest a book called “Wine in the Bible” by Bacchiocchi. You need to understand that the word that is translated “wine” in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and the English word “wine” do not necessarily mean fermented grape juice. Yes, our modern usage of the word “wine” always indicates a fermented beverage, but a secondary meaning has always included an unfermented beverage. Look at dictionary.com. It's still there (though, as I said, it's not a common use today).

It is entirely reasonable to understand that the usages of the word translated “wine” in the Bible may or may not indicate that the substance being described is fermented. Some of us choose to be more strict in our interpretation and choose to abstain from alcohol. But it is also understandable that others will choose to impose a modern meaning on an ancient word and will therefore not choose to abstain from alcohol.

This is one of those times that both extremes can be equally correct.

[raygun]

The issue is known as Christian Liberty.

Christians can get stoned w/out ramifications; the Law has been fullfilled.

The ‘problem’ is when non-Christians see gentiles behaving in a manner that is percieved as being uncouth’.

ALL gentiles should be aware of being seen as behaving as uncouth; this is NO different than what is portrayed to Peter in Acts.

[dangus]

I agree with your theological point, but your source makes some weird errors. Molasses has nothing whatsoever to do with wine, except that they can ferment also. Molasses is made from sugar beets or sugar cane, is far too sweet and thick to drink (thicker than honey, by far), and is the source for the alcohol in rum.

HOKAY nevermind, sorta: Apparently sometimes a thick, gooey product of figs, grapes, dates or carob is translated as “molasses.” I still can’t believe anyone insisting that ouinos would be translated as “molasses,” but then that’s your source’s point.

[Barnacle]

Jesus lived during the Mosaical Age, so it's logical to assume he drank alcoholic beverages. It was a perfectly natural thing.

What was Jesus' first miracle? He made wine at the Wedding of Cana. He could have given a lecture on the evils of drinking. But, instead, he kept the party going!

I imagine He first verified an adequate number of designated drivers.

[wardaddy]

I'm Christian and my wife drinks

[Barnacle]

I suggest you abstain.

[abishai]

I’ve struggled with this, but Romans 14 helps a lot with this issue. Early Christians struggled with the idea that “meat sold in the shambles,” or offered to idols should not be eaten. But Paul says that there is nothing unclean of itself, and God gives us all things richly to enjoy. The idol that the meat was offered to wasn’t real, so you aren’t worshipping the idol by eating its sacrifice.

Does a man have faith in eating it? That’s great! Praise God for His blessings and eat it with a clean conscience. Does a man not have faith? That’s great as well! Glorify God and don’t eat it, keeping a clean conscience. But the man with liberty shouldn’t flaunt it before his brother, lest he stumble. And the man who doesn’t eat shouldn’t judge his brother for his liberty in Christ.

Then Paul makes the statement, “it is good neither to eat flesh, nor to DRINK WINE, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth...” Is it wrong to eat meat? Of course not. And why would a brother be upset with your drinking of grape juice? Therefore one has to supposed he is actually talking of fermented wine. Is it wrong then to drink wine? Of course not. But if your liberty causes someone to stumble, you sin against them and God.

So is it sin for a Christian to drink alcohol? NO, if he doesn’t abuse his liberty in Christ and drinks in moderation, have full control over his faculties.

Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol? YES, if he isn’t persuaded that it isn’t prohibited by Scripture, and hurts his conscience and Spiritual walk with God by doing so. Because “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

[raygun]

Roger that.

In fact it is my intent to abstain from the nonsense presented by your camp.

I’ll abstain when when your eyes erupt fluid violantly and ears bleed copiously...

Then, and only then, will I abstain.

[Yosemitest]

Here's something else to consider.
I'm currently reading up on Diabetes, and there are other reasons for drinking wine.

The New Bible Cure For Diabetes by Dr. Donald Colbert recommends red wine for controlling diabetes, as one of many helps.
Page 77 says that red wine, 5 ounces can contain form 1 to 13 micrograms of chromium, which is aminerfal that is essential for good health.

Another book worth your time for diabetes and health is

Atkins Diabetes Revolution - Groundbreaking Approach To Preventing And Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

On page 209 under the subject "phytonutrients" it lists "Resveratrol" and says:

Red wine and red grapes are the best source for this phytonutrient;
high levels in your blood stream are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

On page 241 it says:

Alcohol in Moderation

Once your insulin/blood sugar metabolism has normalized and other markers, such as high blood pressure, have gone down, you can enjoy a glass of wine or other low-carb alcoholic beverage, but we strongly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink a day - - and preferably less. (And remember, Induction is an alcohol-free zone.) To minimize the effects of alcohol, always have it with a meal that contains protein and dietary fat. A drink is one standard unit of alcohol: 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, scotch, bourbon) or 4 ounces of wine.

Drawbacks of Alcohol

People with blood sugar problems need to be aware of alcohol's drawbacks:
• Alcohol can interfere with weight loss, because your body will burn the alcohol before it burns fat.
  
• If you are in ketosis, you may experience a decreased tolerance for alcohol.
  
• If you have unstable blood sugar, the metabolic syndrome, or diabetes, drinking on an empty stomach or having more than one or two drinks could trigger symptoms. In clinical practice, people with diabetes, especially those with Type I, are cautioned on the use of alcohol.
  
• Excessive alcohol intake can worsen some health problems caused by diabetes, such as high triglycerides, neuropathy, and high blood pressure.
  
• Excessive alcohol can distort the results of the glycated hemoglobin blood test and make them seem higher than they are. (Check Chapter 6 for more information on the test.)

The bottom line is this: Only if your blood sugar is under control can you consume a moderate amount of alcohol (one drink or less a day) and then only as part of a full meal.

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

Bingo!

[LetMarch]

Agreed! Especially “....for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23)

Our focus as Christians (followers of Christ) is to please Him; not our selves!

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartly as unto the Lord.”

The Lord Jesus said: “He said unto them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

We know drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God: (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)....and all liars and unbelievers .....
shall have their part in the lake of fire....”(Revelation 21:8)

And I love : “If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.....” (Colossians 3:1-4)

And our Lord Jesus taught: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.....” (Matthew 6:33)

[momtothree]

“The Catholics wave to each other”.

LOL!

[Notwithstanding]

[Hegewisch Dupa]

Wow - that guy knows how to party!

[John D]

I always assumed it was condemned in the Bible.

Not in the Bible, just by the Bible thumpers who want to control what a person does on Sunday.

[Yosemitest]

"what I will dispute is that the Lord’s Supper “require” wine."

Where did I say that?

[MarkBsnr]

“Parties” have become nothing more than drunken orgies, period, with nothing else to do.

You must live in a rather interesting neighbourhood.

[MarkBsnr]

Anytime you find four Episcopalians, you will always find a fifth.

Applause.

[IamConservative]

One other angle to consider, in the time of Christ, if you wanted to preserve the nutritional value of fresh fruit after harvest, wine was a means for doing so, perhaps the only way. No bacteria can survive proper fermentation.

I’ve seen hints of this reality in my lifetime (50yo.) My grandparents always had an abundance of fresh fruits and nuts during the Holidays. At all other times of year, fruits were only served canned or preserved as there was no source for fresh fruit. In the fall, nuts were painstakingly hulled by hand, roasted and canned for only the most special occasions. Nuts were scarce because they were so much work (and the squirrels so much more skilled.)