When it comes to Christianity, many Christians feel strongly about whether or not it is acceptable to drink alcohol. It can be a highly controversial topic that divides people, causing many powerful debates.
During the earlier centuries, there was a legalist tension with regards to alcohol consumption. This meant that abstaining from alcohol was considered to be the only moral choice and drinking was seen as moral decay. Today, many Christians strongly feel that drinking is in fact against Christianity and is a sin.
Most biblical scholars have interpreted scripture to suggest that it is not wrong to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, as long as it is not abused or become a source of temptation. However there are a variety of different interpretations and many feel abstaining is the only true way to show a commitment to the Christian faith.
Some scriptures are seen to indirectly indicate drinking being permissible, such as when Jesus turned water into wine, although some have argued that this may have been intended to symbolise the transformation of the law to the gospel. Additionally, there are a number of scriptures that refer to the consumption of alcohol by believers, with examples of those including, ‘giving wine to those who are in distress’.
Most people would agree that drinking alcohol should be done responsibly and that abstinence is the absolute safest lifestyle for Christians and all people. Drinking in excess can lead to potential problems, such as addiction, health issues and even death. With this in mind it is wise for all people, whether or not they are Christians, to consider the effects of alcohol carefully before consuming it.
In summary, the choice of whether or not to drink alcohol is a personal one and, depending on the individual, could vary dramatically. It is therefore important to weigh the pros and cons, understanding the potential affects of consuming alcohol, and ultimately choose what is right for yourself and your faith.
Scriptural Perspective
There are a number of scriptures within the bible that provide teaching and advice about alcohol consumption. In the book of Ephesians it is written: ‘And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit’. This is often seen as firm advice from the bible to abstain from drinking, as debauchery implies immoral and sinful behaviour.
One of the several books within the bible that address the use of alcohol is Proverbs. It has been said to contain several warnings and admonitions against over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages and strong drinks, such as Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”. This often causes many believers to consider their alcohol consumption carefully, while some take these scriptures as outright condemnation against drinking alcohol.
Another scripture in the bible that often comes to mind when debating Christianity and drinking is 1 Corinthians 6:12. This passage states: “Everything is permissible…but not everything is beneficial”. Although it does not directly forbid drinking, it does emphasise the importance of considering potential outcomes of consuming alcohol and making wise decisions. Paul goes on to say that, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” This teaches the reader to place others before themselves and to avoid detrimental behaviour that could lead to later problems.
In essence, scriptures such as these teach Christians to not be controlled by alcohol and remind them to think of the effects on others, ultimately providing guidance to consider before making decisions.
Church Perspective
The church has its own perspective on the controversial topic of drinking alcohol, with many denominations having their own foundational rules mandating certain behaviour. Some of these rules reflect a stance against drinking alcohol due to the dangers related to it and many churches have the policy of abstaining any involvement.
On the other hand, many churches consider drinking alcohol to not be wrong, but rather something to be thought about carefully. Although some churches still weigh heavily in favour of abstinence, many allow for members to drink alcohol within limits and with consideration to the effects. It is said that in moderation, with an understanding of possible consequences, it is not wrong to drink alcohol or contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
For example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) does not explicitly forbid drinking or the use of alcohol, but instead prohibit intoxication and emphasise responsibility in the consumption of it. This is a difficult line to draw, especially as there are no set guidelines. However, the church provides teachings to help church members make responsible and moral decisions by understanding the risks.
In conclusion, attitudes and opinions towards drinking, as on other topics, may vary according to denominations, congregations and individuals. Therefore it is important to consider the various opinions and teachings when making a choice about whether or not to consume alcohol.
Social Perspective
Social perspectives can also play a large part when making a decision regarding alcohol consumption. Depending on personal and cultural beliefs, certain rules may be implemented or traditions may be shared. This can vary across religions, backgrounds and societies, but ultimately, alcohol consumption should be seen as a personal choice.
For example, in Islam, drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden, as it is seen as a major sin. It is believed to be an act of excessive waste and many consider it to be detrimental to physical and mental health. Therefore to believers, it is considered wrong to deliberately overindulge in alcohol.
That being said, not all cultures or religions view alcohol the same way. For instance, it is no secret that many Europeans enjoy drinking various alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider and wine. To them, this is seen as more of a cultural practice, driven by the desire to enjoy a particular beverage as opposed to a raw act of indulgence.
Moreover, a person’s temperament and background can also heavily influence their choices made with regards to drinking alcohol. Something to consider is the effect of a religious upbringing, as this can strongly shape someone’s views. For some, this can lead to opting for spiritual practices rather than turning to any form of recreational alcohol.
In conclusion, many individuals have been shaped by their religion and cultures and this can strongly influence an individual’s behaviour. Understanding the beliefs of different cultures and religions is important when considering ethical drinking practices.
Mental Health Perspective
It is well known that alcohol can have adverse effects on mental health and it is important to recognise the importance of understanding the risks associated with drinking.
Despite most people understanding the physical risks relating to drinking such as liver disease and cancer, many are unaware of the potential psychological risks. Depression, for example, is an issue that can be caused or exacerbated by alcohol. It can lead to an increased risk of suicide and self-harm, as well as other problems such as anxiety, lack of concentration and irritability.
Furthermore, drinking alcohol can lead to an increased risk of social and occupational issues. It is important to remember that it only takes a few drinks to potentially impair decision making, as impaired judgement can lead to falling victim to peer pressure and engaging in violent or irresponsible behaviour.
Additionally, drinking alcohol can have an effect on relationships with family and friends, leading to broken trust, poor communication and damaged mental health. This is why it is important to ensure that if drinking is to be done in moderation, those who are engaging in this practice understand the risks and the effects it can have.
In conclusion, drinking can have numerous psychological affects and understanding these issues is important in helping people make better decisions with regards to drinking alcohol.
Educational Perspective
Education is key to understanding the consequences of alcohol consumption and should be particularly considered by those with smaller experience and those who may be vulnerable. Educating people on the potential risks might help them make a more informed decision when it comes to their lifestyle choice.
For example, many universities provide safe drinking guidelines for their students in order to raise awareness about the potential issues with excessive alcohol consumption. This may include awareness campaigns for students who should not be drinking as suggested by their government or religion as well as featuring support from student welfare services who can provide aid if needed.
Understanding the dangers of alcohol is important for both young people and the general public. This is why the Department of Education have joined forces with a range of charities, organisations and retailers over the past decade to run campaigns such as ‘It’s your call’ and ‘C2’, in order to spread the message of sensible drinking. Not only do these campaigns help to spread the message, but they also impact younger generations who should be more aware.
Additionally, universities are also taking a proactive approach to informing students, often in ways such as providing anti-binge drinking messages and health warnings. This has been said to be beneficial in overcoming the negative effects of excessive drinking and can influence students to make better, more informed decisions.
In conclusion, targeted education campaigns can both prove useful for any potential drinker looking for advice and guidance, as well as for parents who wish to educate their children on how to make sensible drinking decisions.
Economic Perspective
Although alcohol has become increasingly synonymous with Scotland, it is an industry that is said to be worth billions and impacts the UK economy.This is primarily supported by the revenue produced from taxation, which is used by the government to incentivise profiting companies and arouse economic activity. Thus, alcohol has the potential to create jobs and bring profit to local areas.
Despite the potential financial benefits, many have highlighted issues related to alcohol and its economical effects. One of the main ones being the costs of alcohol abuse and binge drinking. These costs can be huge and damage the economy in numerous ways, an example of this being personal losses, such as time off work.
Similarly, there have been cases of alcohol-related crimes, such as aggressive behaviour and violence, which can have a devastating effect on both communities and businesses. This means there are extra losses to be taken into account, such as reduced tourist numbers, legal costs, the burden on health services and policing.
Many suggest that the implementation of legislation and public initiatives can reduce the cost and can help protect the economy from further damage. There is also evidence to support the fact that reduced alcohol consumption would result in significant economic benefits, as greater resources could be put into more productive activities such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
In conclusion, alcohol has great potential to produce a positive economic output, but should of course be consumed in moderation. This means there needs to be cautionary measures taken in order to protect the economy and prevent any further harm.
