Question: I really enjoy reading the questions in "Ask Greg." It is comforting to see that there are other Christians with many of the same questions that I have about the Bible and God. I was wondering what your thoughts were on Christians and alcohol. I personally do not drink any alcohol because I am afraid that it would affect my witness and also that the temptation to continue to get drunk would be there because I used to drink heavily. I have some dear Christian friends that like to have a "social" drink every now and then and I was just wondering what your thoughts were on the subject.

In Christ,

Mike

Answer: Dear Mike,

As you know, Christians are all over the map on this issue – and often our denominational traditions and history inform and guide us more than the Bible does. For some understandable reasons (including societal excess), churches with fundmentalist and holiness traditions believe that Christians should abstain from alcohol – with the most progressive of such churches saying that any modest drinking that is permissible ought not to be in public to avoid any occasion for offense.

On the other hand, Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox have no such traditions or teachings. In fact, prohibitions against alcohol are a fairly new innovation considering the history of the orthodox Christian faith (with the obvious exception of some Christian faith communities down through time that have advocated a monastic/separatist/holiness lifestyle).

Unlike illegal (and even some legal) drugs, and unlike tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption in moderation has never been proven (for the majority of people) to be a health hazard – thus violating the principle of our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible does condemn the abuse of alcohol – that is not a question. But the Bible – both Old and New Testaments, includes examples of alcohol being consumed in moderation, without negative editorial comment. Of course, the first miracle of Jesus was changing water into wine.

Plain Truth Ministries takes the position that this issue should not be a test of fellowship – it is not treated as a major or core doctrinal issue in the Bible. When and if it becomes that we have our priorities wrong – they are not based upon the Bible, but upon tradition. Plain Truth Ministries believes that this issue is a very private one, and that there are many reasons why someone may choose to abstain completely, and there is no reason why they would feel compelled to imbibe of alcohol.

If, however, those who do not drink make this issue a doctrinal distinctive, a core teaching, so much so that they judge other Christians who do drink in moderation, they have crossed the boundaries and are guilty of condemning others whom God receives (see Romans 14). They (those who drink in moderation) answer to the Master themselves – and are certainly within biblical teaching in adopting such a position.

You note that you choose not to drink because of your past – and many who make such a decision, whether about alcohol or some other behavior that is potentially addictive, are no doubt making a wise and mature choice. Christian friends should be careful of one another’s conviction – if we are with those whom we know do not drink, then we should "eat no meat while the world stands if it offends my brother." On the other hand, if we are with brothers and sisters who have some wine with dinner, there is no reason for us to be offended – or to try to pound our convictions into their heads – unless of course, the drinking is excessive and clearly constitutes behavior the Bible prohibits and we cannot condone.

Hope this helps shed a little light on this topic for you, Mike. Glad you enjoy our website and that God is able to use us to help minister to you.

May God bless you!

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht