Alcohol has, throughout the ages, had an integral role in society – entertainment, religious and funeral ceremonies, celebrations, medicinal purposes and social networks, to name a few. Christianity is no exception, but the Church makes it clear that it should not be misused and the teachings of Jesus often about sinners and the use of alcohol. But still, there is a big debate about the permissibility of alcohol in Christianity, and there are different opinions about it.
Some of the leading Biblical scholars argue that apart from Jesus’ strict monastic and asceticism teachings, most of the Bible writers have provided some evidence that there is a place for the moderate use of alcohol. For instance, Paul encouraged Timothy to take a drink of wine instead of the water and in the book of Ephesians he said “do not be drunk with wine”. According to these insights, the moderate use of alcohol might be acceptable in certain Christian faiths.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that any kind of alcohol usage is to be avoided as it stands in direct contradiction with Christianity, and should be seen as a sin. They stand on the teachings of Old Testament which prohibit the use of wine specifically, but also speak of the danger that lurks in the improper use of alcohol. In various verses, wine is equated with the dangers of gluttony and drunkenness, and some Christian denominations call for complete abstinence from any type of alcohol.
Taking into consideration the effects of over indulgence in alcohol, some religious denominations allow the moderate use of alcohol, even encouraging it as a form of hospitality. At the same time, for those churches that adhere to the teachings on the Old and New Testaments, drinking even in moderate amounts is highly discouraged and forces a person do sin, which is strictly prohibited.
The opinions on the permissibility of alcohol in Christianity vary. Regardless, Christian scholars often encourage people to exercise moderation in alcohol consumption and exercise self-control, recalling the phrases such as “pray and abstain,” and “we are called to be a sober, but never a dull, people.” Although the majority opinion is that alcohol use should be moderate and avoided in excess, some denominations teach outright abstention.
How Did Jesus Respond To Alcohol
The favorite son of God, Jesus Christ, is often used as an example of rightness and piety in Christianity. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as turning water into wine at the Cana wedding. But it should be noted that this does not mean that Jesus condoned drinking wine or any other kind of alchohol. On the contrary, from the verses where Jesus has mentions wine, it is clear that He was not in favor of it, even in moderate amounts. In one instance, Jesus quiets the raging crowd by reminding them that “they have wine to drink”, suggesting that even the wedding celebration was done without wine. Additionally, He never drank wine and rarely enters places where it was served. He is recorded of attending only one wedding where wine was served – the wedding in Cana. Therefore, it can be argued that Jesus neither supported nor opposed any kind of alchol consumption. His teachings speak of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the need to exercise discernment and moderation when consuming it.
Effects Of Alcohol Consumption On Christians
Even moderate alcohol consumption can make it difficult to live a moral, responsible life as a Christian. In the book of Ephesians, Paul speaks on the issue in some detail, warning the church against getting drunk on wine or living in uncontrolled desires and passions. He reinforces the teachings of Jesus, citing both the dangers of alcohol and the proper Christian way of living. He speaks on the need to avoid deception, indulgence and judgement, in order to remain good Christians.
Drinking can lead to various negative outcomes such as impairment, violence, and other dangers. It is an undisputable fact that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to various moral failings, such as broken marriages and attitudes, indiscretions and ultimately, death. That’s why, numerous religious denominations teach abstinence from alcohol and other intoxicating substances, attributed to its ability to cloud one’s judgement and open to wrongdoings.
Dangers Of Alcohol Abuse In Christianity
The use of alcohol, regardless of kind and amount, has been traditionally associated with danger in Christianity. Especially among the denominations that practice abstinence from alcohol, any kind of misuse should be taken seriously – alcohol is often the cause of the dysfunction in marriages and families, spiritually or otherwise.
Moreover, research has provided ample evidence that frequent binge-drinking (consuming too much alcohol in too short time) is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, such as inflammation, high-blood pressure, heart problems and liver failure, mental issues and various maladies.
It is also not a secret that alcohol has often been proven to be the first precaution that people take in confronting their own inner demons and insecurities, resorting to its’ false “benevolent” and “forgiving” nature. Prolonged and unchecked alcohol consumption is linked to the weakening of self-restraint, dulling of moral sense and losing the ability to differentiate between good and bad. This can lead to various immoral acts and to displeasing God who is the source of all that is good.
The Impact Of Alcohol On Non-Christians
Alcohol misuse has wide-reaching effects. It can lead to numerous serious health dire consequences, not limited to physical, financial, and mental health state, damaged relationships, and security risk. Its effect on non-Christians can be especially concerning as some people may lack the necessary apparatus to help cope with its effects. For example, alcohol can lead to aggression, loss of control, furthering of mental health issues, and other related effects.
That is why religious denominations that encourage abstinence from alcohol often seek to spread the message of its danger, in a may to make society aware of its damaging effects. Christians should act as active members of society, helping to spread awareness, speak out against its use, and take part in activities that spread support and discourage its consumption.
Substance Abuse In Christianity
Christianity is unequivocal when it comes to avoiding the misuse of alcohol and other intoxicating substances – such substances must be avoided due to their ability to cloud the judgement and act against the teachings of the Bible. The use of alcohol or other substances should be avoided at all costs, especially if it leads to harm – to oneself, or to others.
In addition, any kind of drugs – legal and illegal – have deleterious health effects and should be avoided. This includes smoking, the use of illegal drugs, and even some kinds of legal pain relievers or antidepressants. All these substances have been unequivocally linked to increasing the risks of security and financial problems, criminal acts and potential long-term health issues.
In conclusion, alcohol has been a part of society since ancient times. Christianity stipulates that alcohol should be consumed in moderation and abstention should be assumed in some Christian denominations. However, in either case, the risks of alcohol and drug misuse should always be taken into account, as its detrimental effect to individuals and society are well-known and documented.
