Question:  Dear Greg,

            My sister says that her church teaches that drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages is a sin.  They also teach that when wine is mentioned in the New Testament that it does not mean fermented drink but only grape juice.  The Bible talks about people getting drunk on wine and that this is wrong.  I believe that drinking in moderation is fine and that good wine is a blessing from God.  In fact, I make my own wine and enjoy it very much.

            What are your views on drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages?

            May God bless you,

            John

Answer:  Dear John,

            This is an issue upon which denominations and congregations may differ—so long as they do not teach one perspective dogmatically, as the only view Christians may have.

            Three things to keep in mind--the Bible: 1) teaches against the abuse of alcohol,

2) does not prohibit the moderate use of alcohol, and 3) does not insist that Christians must use alcohol

            So, we are free (see Romans 14) to do what we please within these guidelines, but we are not free to condemn someone else whose view and practice does not agree with our own.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht