Issues: Drugs

Alcohol and Christian Teaching

Drinking alcohol is one of those issues which is, and will continue to be, controversial. Six hundred or more biblical references and Christian tradition have not yet provided a clear answer. As a body, the Christian Church appears to send out mixed messages about alcohol. Some Christians think the only way to solve the problems of alcoholism is by total abstention (not drinking at all under any circumstances). Others believe that occasional and moderate drinking is a pleasant and harmless way of relaxing and enjoying the company of one's friends. All Christians agree, however, that too much alcohol can lead to tragic consequences. They therefore try to be self-disciplined and self-controlled whether or not they are total abstainers.

There is no Eleventh Commandment saying 'Thou shalt not drink.' However, there are strong statements about not getting drunk (The Bible, Proverbs chapter 20 verse 1 ; The Bible, Proverbs chapter 23 verses 29-35; The Bible, Ephesians chapter 5 verse 18; The Bible, 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 1 - 6). In The Bible, Proverbs chapter 31 verses 1-9 , a king is advised to stay away from drink if he wants to make wise decisions.

There are examples about the use of alcohol in the Bible. Jesus wined and dined with sinners (The Bible, Matthew chapter 11 verse 19); Paul advised Timothy to drink a little wine for his health (The Bible, 1 Timothy chapter 5 verse 23); Jesus turned water into wine (The Bible, John chapter 2 verses 1-11); and The Bible, Psalm chapter 104 verses 15 mentions 'wine that gladdens the heart of man.' But, to accept the latter references as permission to drink without thinking of the consequences is to act without exercising responsibility either for self or for others.

While alcohol may be legally available (under certain conditions) not all things are helpful to us or to others. Not everything builds us up as people or brings glory to God, 'Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial.' (The Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 23). A drug does not have to be illegal to be dangerous. Some people drink alcohol without any apparent problems; but millions of people are harmed as a result of drinking. The Bible does say 'don't get drunk', but it leaves it open for Christians to think about drinking. Today's enormous drink problems did not exist in First Century Palestine. First Century Jewish culture was strict about its use of alcohol, and drunkenness was condemned. Sanitation by our standards was non-existent and there was no doubt that when Paul suggested Timothy should drink a little wine for his health he was offering sound medical advice by avoiding the local water!

Many Christians do not drink alcohol because they want their lifestyle to set a good example to others. Such personal 'sacrifice' encourages alcoholics to stay 'dry' and helps people to be confident about choosing an alcohol-free option. In the U.K. today, alcohol abuse kills many more people than substance abuse.