Alcoholism
 

Starting a thread from the spin off in "Allowing Children to Seek the Holy Ghost?" thread. Some have already responded in that thread.


I know Catholics and Lutherans and some other churches embrace alcohol consumption more than most Pentecostals... I am curious whether there are more or less alcoholics in each church. I have no real hard evidence, but I tend to think churches who preach against alcohol may have a greater propensity to crawl inside the bottle when members do indulge. I think it may be true on a greater societal level too.

Any thoughts?

Re: Alcoholism
 

There are alcoholics that identify with Pentecostals and Baptist churches (tend to be teetotaler) and there are alcoholics that are Lutheran or Catholic. I think we can assume that most of these alcoholics are fringe members regardless of denomination, though there have been ministers busted for DWI in both groups (including UPC) and no doubt general constituents as well.

A small percentage of people who drink alcohol are alcoholics. The question is does hiding alcohol consumption lead to more overindulgence than if it is open and able to be managed in public?

And of course we can't just limit the discussion to those we deem to be on fire for the Lord. The effects of our teachings have lifelong consequences regardless whether the individual is deemed to be practicing their religion properly.

Re: Alcoholism
 

Part of the statistical problem (if we had them) might be that the Pentecostals may not claim someone if they only attend church twice a year while the mainstream churches might still consider them members...

Pentecostals do appear to have very high rates of mental disorders. Of course, it does not mean Pentecostal churches create the disorders... it may mean the opposite, actually. Perhaps people with such disorders find the most help at Pentecostal Churches. Or perhaps Pentecostal evangelism is more aggressive unto ALL people regardless of mental state.

The same might be true of the number alcoholics as well.

I am just thinking out loud here.

Re: Alcoholism
 

I do believe you are on the right track when you mention that alcoholics are probably more likely to find a strong church since they are assumed to be rock, or near rock bottom when they enter the doors. Same with drug addicts in general. This is as it should be and consider it a victory.

I also see many other mental illness related issues in the church, or at least have in the congregations I've been in and truly believe that many of these issues congregate naturally to a more controlling environment, aka, a strong holiness church with a controlling pastor. This is NOT how things should be. Now certain people probably need to be reigned in more then others but the 'reigning in' tends to be the WHOLE of the churches doctrine to so many. And yes, this goes right back to strong holiness "standards" and how they, more then anything else, indicate the salvation state of an individual.

Now I'm rambling as well, but I just see how all these things are tied together at one level or another.

Re: Alcoholism
 

Now that we cleared the air...lets get our drink on........lol....j/k

Re: Alcoholism
 

And yes, I do enjoy a fine vodka or tequila drink. And nothing goes better with BBQ then a Bud Light!

Re: Alcoholism
 

can't do vodka anymore had a real bad experience with it one time...lol

Re: Alcoholism
 

I don't drink liquor much but I love good beer.

Anybody ever eat at BJ's. They have some of the best beer in the world.

Re: Alcoholism
 

Buncha heathens.

:lol

Re: Alcoholism
 

Boy, oh boy! What is AFF coming too. Guys who like beer and vodka! The next thing you know you guys will be admitting having sex with your eyes open!!!! (You know, the lust of the eyes!!!??? Sex with open eyes will make you lust, won't it?):heeheehee.... just kidding!

Things are too boring on here! We need a real good arguing, hot debating, mud slinging, (well maybe not the mud slinging) thread for a change. Come on Timmy...wake us up! :girlytantrum :foottap

Been Thinkin

Re: Alcoholism
 

I don't drink alcoholic beverages of any kind. However, I can't really argue that this is a "Biblical" practice since the Bible is quite clear about the responsible consumption of alcohol being okay.

I like what Homer Simpson once said, "I don't need alcohol to make me stupid!"

Drinking the stuff down just gives me a headache. And, I'm allergic to beer. Cool, crisp clean Colorado water over ice on a hot summer's day. That's for me.

Re: Alcoholism
 

Yes, their Piranha Ale is excellent!

Re: Alcoholism
 

Why do I have the feeling that there are many forum members shaking their heads right now...

It is amazing how we can tend to demonize something like alcohol, but not so much on the buffet line, or comfort foods, or attitude etc. We usually don't think twice about visiting Applebe's even though it has a "bar", but if we see a brother or sister pick up a beverage that even looks like beer (and it could be ginger ale), we shake our head and run to tell somebody...

I do think about verses like let not your good be evil spoken of, abstain from the appearence of evil, be blameless etc.

But I also think about, let your moderation be known to all...

I believe we need to let God into every area, even area's that we biblically have freedom in. Also alot could be said for exercising wisdom...some folks it is not a big deal, while maybe a brother or sister in Christ would stumble or be offended, you need common sense.

That all being said...I think hoovie is on to something. When you make such an issue out of anything (such as alcohol), you by the same token also make it that more inticing. there are countries that drink wine with every meal, and while they do have alcoholics, it is a fraction of what we have in America. I believe the prohibition has alot to do with the overall view of alcohol both in Christendom and even among those who are not professing Christians.

Yes, it has ruined lives, but so has diets, lack of exercise, greed, hatred Varience, emulations etc.

Re: Alcoholism
 

I agree, Pel, I don't think you can really condemn drinking alcohol in general biblically. However, I also agree with Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, the largest Baptist church in the Dallas area. That the associated risks and cultural association of alcohol consumption, makes any possible benefit completely unreasonable.

Paul said all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful, each person has to determine which is which for their lives.

I have seen way too much pain with very close connection to alcohol, to make it desirable to me. So, I abstain.

Re: Alcoholism
 

I agree except for the abstaining part. Alcohol can become very dangerous and shouldn't be handled without respect. Just like a firearm or a car it is something that can be handled for enjoyment but care should be exercised.

Re: Alcoholism
 

I drink in moderation. Usually. :heeheehee

Re: Alcoholism
 

I find moderation to be a very nebulous term. One persons "moderation" is another persons "I'm just getting started!". :)

By the way, were is PO in this conversation? I would expect her to ruin a good thread on drinking by showing a bunch of decorated tables along with tips to do it for only pennies.

Re: Alcoholism
 

Each to their own convictions eh

Re: Alcoholism
 

Exaaaaactly! :)