Alcohol is touchy subject in the church for some generally good reasons. I can see why a lot of Christians do not look fondly on it, but my perspective is different. I came by it when I got saved in a Presbyterian church. The pastor said, "go to dances, drink alcohol (responsibly), listen to rock and roll... none of that will damn you to hell; only failing to accept Jesus and follow him will."
His point was pretty clear. None of those things in and of themselves are sins. I drink on a somewhat frequent basis. When we go out, I often have a mixed drink. I probably have about two glasses of wine a week. I have even come to appreciate a good beer, especially a hefeweizen or something close enough to that type of beer. The catch is, I follow the general principle from the Bible and practice pretty strict moderation. I'll enjoy it, but won't be mastered by it.
In their efforts to help others, a lot of Christians condemn things like alcohol. For some it is pure legalism. For many others, they genuinely believe that alcoholics are good people who have been taken over by demon rum/beer/wine/absinthe/etc. I can't say that I agree with that. In my experience, people who become alcoholics do so because of either a fondness for vice or a personal demon that they are trying to drown out with alcohol. Always, there is a deeper spiritual issue.
Personally, I plan to drink alcohol in front of my kids, especially if I have sons. My reasons for this are pretty simple. I can hopefully set a good example for them, to show them that a Christian man doesn't drink to excess, but enjoys it in moderation. That lesson will hopefully carry over into other areas as well. Additionally, I have no illusions that there will not be a lot of opportunity for them to drink once they are outside my home. Many of those opportunities will be with people who will encourage them to do it well outside of what is acceptable. Again, hopefully my example would set them straight and provide a very vivid counterexample that would encourage them away from that.
You've stated my own position perfectly. All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial, as the good book says. Everything in moderation is a good policy, and one's example goes much further in teaching children than any legalistic position.
I remember being SHOCKED to find that Yeshua drank wine.
(Not, of course, as much as I was years later to learn that He preached "the Law" exactly as He had Written it, though!)
I'm in.
*cracks open a Sam Adams*
Years ago, I was talking with a member of one of those sects that say the Bible forbids drinking and any but worship music. I said where, as I've never read that. It says you shouldn't get drunk. Seems more people need to match what they're told with what is written.
I agree totally with Pabsters, everything in moderation is always a good thing ;)
Maybe except for sex?
Oh, okay...everything.
*pouting*
Yeah, the Bible is pretty clear. There's nothing wrong with drinking in moderation; it is only sinful when you get drunk.
Having said that, I don't drink at all for personal reasons. This is one area where family influence didn't mean squat, since everyone else in my family drinks occasionally. I'm the only teetotaler.
"...everything in moderation "
How much is a moderate amount of sin? Poison anyone? A "moderate" amount won't kill you. I've heard a moderate amount of self-mutilation can be good for you.
The Deacons at my church years ago debated the question of alcohol. We decided that deacons could have beer and wine, but elders had to totally abstain. Then we noticed that Baptists didn't have elders.
The invisible man: baptist in a liquor store.
Once it starts to impair your judgment, it becomes a bad thing. The Bible's chief concern with alcohol is that it can impair your judgment and lead you to commit sins that you otherwise would not commit. However, if you have one drink and are fine, then clearly that is not a problem.
Good post.
I don't drink at all, but I have no problem w/ those who do, in general, the exceptions being those who become drunk, or operate machinery under the influence. I think scripture condemns drunkenness 100% of the time.
The Deacons at my church years ago debated the question of alcohol. We decided that deacons could have beer and wine, but elders had to totally abstain.
As elders are supposed to be the most mature and spiritually sound people in the entire congregation what is the benefit of an extra-biblical mandate which applies a standard which you would not apply to the younger and seemingly more vulnerable members of your congregation?
It seems to me the elders should be the folks most able to make a wise decision and live biblically. i.e. not gluttons, given to rage, drunkards, etc. If one must legislate their spiritual leadership beyond what the Bible requires, then perhaps one should reconsider those placed in spiritual leadership.
It would seem obvious those called elders were simply not ready for the responsibility.
To finish my thought...
It would seem obvious those called elders were simply not ready for the responsibility if they must be thusly regulated.