:Is it a Sin to Drink Alcohol?
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "...[H]istorical evidence..."
The alcohol that people consume today is nothing like the alcohol consumed in
Bible stories. Today, it is much stronger (embalming fluid, Adrienne
Rogers calls it)
:
"The Biblical Words for Wine...
1. Oinos/Yayin
The most common word in the New Testament for wine is the Greek word oinos. It
is a general word that simply refers to the fermented juice of the grape. The
Old Testament equivalent to the Greek word oinos is yayin, the root of which
means to "bubble up" or "boil up." The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia (vol. 12, p.
533) states that yayin, at least in the rabbinic period, was diluted with water.
2. Gleukos/Tirosh
The Greek word gleukos--from which we get the English word glucose, means "new
wine." It is used in Acts 2:13 to refer to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
It says they were "full of new wine." Although it was comparatively fresh and
not yet fully aged, it was potentially intoxicating. The mockers in in Acts 2:13
were accusing the apostles of being drunk.
The Old Testament word for new wine is tirosh. Hosea 4:11 says "wine [yayin] and
new wine [tirosh] take away the heart." Drunkenness is the result of drinking
this new wine.
3. Sikera/Shakar
The Old Testament word for strong drink is shakar, a term that eventually became
restricted to intoxicants other than wine. According to the 1901 Jewish
Encyclopedia, it refers to unmixed wine. The New Testament equivalent is the
Greek word sikera..." Full text:
Be Not Drunk with Wine, Part 2
The Bible has much to say about drinking and drunkenness.
See:
Response to comment [from : "The wines and other fermented beverages would have been as (if not more) potent that what is available today."
Whatever people decide about drinking, it should come from an informed opinion. The "Jesus turned water into wine" argument to drink is weak. In my opinion, people are wise to avoid alcohol. If people want God's best for their lives, it's a good idea to stay away.
Response to comment [from a "Christian"]: "Why is it weak? Jesus made and distributed alcohol."
The alcohol that people consume today is nothing like the alcohol "back in the day". It is unlikely that the wine Jesus made was fermented. Do a Bible study for additional information. (But more importantly, of course, first understand who Jesus is [Jn 1:1-3], humble yourself [Mt 11:29] and seek his righteousness [Mt 6:33].). Alcohol is not a salvation issue. Believing in a false Jesus (as non-trinitarians do) is a salvation issue.
Remember, Satan seeks to undermine the word of God (like many here at TOL), undermine the deity of Jesus (like you do) and undermine the work of the Holy Spirit. It's a good day to be sober--and be saved (Jn 3:7).
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "But what about: 'Is it a sin to drink alcohol in the presence of those who think it is a sin?'"
I don't think it's helpful. And we should not cause people to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).
"Or. Is it a sin to drink alcohol in the presence of one who struggles with alcoholism."
Do you like the term "alcoholic"? I don't. When one is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). With the presence of the Holy Spirit, anyone can overcome alcoholism. I do not think that the term "alcoholic" must remain on a person forever.
I think we "will arrive" when a non-white male or a woman
becomes president and no one mentions that they are non-white or a woman.
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "Well, actually, the
alcohol itself is exactly the same - its simply that the percentage of it in a
drink was lower. Alcohol is not a sin, and to say so is puritan nonsense."
The alcohol did not have an hallucinogen. The point is, we should be informed. God gave us a brain and we should not do anything to distort our perceptions (Eph 5:18). We have enough in this world to battle (Eph 6:12). Each is free to make his or her own decision of course (1 Cor 10:23); but if a person is getting drunk, it is an indication that something is wrong. We should rather be filled with the spirit of God. That is where real joy is.
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "...[T]hese man made 'more moral than thou' hooky baloney ideas of human virtue. Nothing bugs be more than the rustic old Southern Baptists who thought drinking, dancing, card playing and smoking were all sinful. Nonsense, not believing in what Jesus taught is sinful, such as being too self-righteous."
Ktoyou, I read your posts often and respect your opinion. I love your no baloneyness.
I agree, we should not be legalistic. I don't think there is anything wrong with dancing, playing cards or smoking, etc. I am sure that a Christian can drink in moderation. Personally, I just do not think that drinking is a good idea. I have zero respect for the liquor companies and their advertising. They show happy people in their commercials. They don't show the fall-down drunks vomiting over the toilet. They don't show broken and bloody bodies in the hospitals due to drunken-driving accidents.
"I think you are secretly getting in the idea from the old temperance movement."
No. I have come to my own personal conclusion that drinking is not good. I do not impose my conclusion on others as the cults do (e.g. Mormonism). I do not believe that abstinence from alcohol earns a person work-based points in heaven (Isa 64:6).
See:
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "People should be aware of when they feel they're starting to feel tipsy, though, and stop."
But not all people are aware. Some say that for drunks there is no "last" beer or wine.
Similarly, when people fall asleep at the wheel, a portion of their brain begins to shut down and they are unaware of it. I am sure that alcohol and fatigue work differently in the brain, but I would argue that it's not a good idea to mess with the brain in the first place. It's not worth it.
And practically, the DUI laws are so strict now. Isn't it better to not have the concern when driving home?
Response to comment [from other]: "Is it a sin drink alcoholic beverages? Only if you don't ever swear, steal, rape, murder, beat, mame, lie or do any other sin, like killing a family or a person while driving under the influence of!"
No, it's not a sin to drink alcohol. It's a sin to get drunk (Eph 5:18). We should use caution (Lu 21:34).
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "If you're going to drive after you drink, then I agree with you. There should be zero tolerance on that. But, if you're at home with trusted people, be very careful and practice moderation. I've never had alcohol, so I really can't say how one will know when their mind is being distorted. I'm sure there are some people who know their limit."
I think you're right. And there are others who don't know their limit. Drinking (in my opinion and I don't obligate you)--does not lead to good things (Pr 23:29,30).
Response to comment [from other]: ""Know when to say when". Of course, like most anything beer and tobacco companies run for "responsible" use of their products is largely nonsense."
I agree. I think the alcohol companies are interested in selling more liquor. I don't think they care that their product causes misery (Pr 23:29,30).
"9/11 was bad. But the number of people who die, are injured for life, and the lives that are ruined by the effects of alcohol make 9/11 look like nothing!"
That's right. And in the end times, it may be hard to find food to eat but there will be no shortage of alcohol (Rev. 6:5–6). "Isn’t it interesting that there will not be enough foodstuff, not enough barley for food, but there will be enough barley to make liquor!"
"More crimes are committed "under the influence" of alcohol than any other drug. And make no mistake, thought it is "legal" for adults to buy and consume, it makes it no less of a drug than cocaine, heroin, meth, or anything else!"
It's addictive so obviously people should use common sense (Lu 21:34). Men don't beat up their wives after a cigar or cigarette (Isa 5:11).
Is it a Sin to Drink
Alcohol?