Alcoholism

[pelathais]

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.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by pelathais

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.

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.

[deltaguitar]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

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?

Originally Posted by Hoovie

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.

Originally Posted by crakjak

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.

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.