A good question. I have struggled with many Christians over this matter, including my own parents. You are right, the Bible does not condemn drinking, just drunkenness. In fact Jesus turned water into wine at a party and Paul even recommends very moderate drinking to Timothy for health reasons. However, if we choose to drink we risk the chance of going too far and getting drunk. Sometimes it is wiser not to tempt yourself into sin.
Re: Drinking
Originally posted by VanillaCocaCola
Is it just me or do too many people translate drunkenness to drinking? 😕 They're both different things. Drinking isn't condemned, getting stinking drunk is. Why don't people realize this more?
I feel in certain religions it is born out of lack of faith in people. Of course drunkenness is the fault of drinking without moderation. Now people are capable of moderation and drinking without getting drunk. Yet their are faiths that claim human nature is naturally predisposed towards excess or sin or whatever. As such we will tend to get drunk because of our lack or willpower or spiritual awakening or a God given moral compass that will keep as away from bad things. Faiths will stop us getting drunk and allow us to take it in moderation and be good for us.
Originally posted by StrangeloveThe anti-oxidants in it, yes. Don't need the alcohol.
Drinking one glass of red wine a day is supposed to prevent heart disease
Originally posted by NellinatorIt is also wise to trust yourself. You can do anything as long as you do not let yourself go overboard. Drunkness brings out the worst in people, and guarding against sin is a part of life you have to live with. Sure, one less thing to guard against, but that is technically also just laxiness... health reasons, drinking wine is good. (Take note that when the bible was written, wine was much more commonly drunk, mainly because it was safer than water).
A good question. I have struggled with many Christians over this matter, including my own parents. You are right, the Bible does not condemn drinking, just drunkenness. In fact Jesus turned water into wine at a party and Paul even recommends very moderate drinking to Timothy for health reasons. However, if we choose to drink we risk the chance of going too far and getting drunk. Sometimes it is wiser not to tempt yourself into sin.
Originally posted by Imperial_SamuraI agree with you, on the lack of faith in the Human race part. Afterall... look at what is going on right now. Teaching moderation is better than prevention my opinion, however. (Like, with sex - moderation and carefulness will result in not getting an STD. Rampant ****ing will get you one. And the same with water... don't drink too much or you will drown out your system. Don't drink too much gatorade or you will have an overflow of electrolytes... I think you can get seriously harmed by that.)
I feel in certain religions it is born out of lack of faith in people. Of course drunkenness is the fault of drinking without moderation. Now people are capable of moderation and drinking without getting drunk. Yet their are faiths that claim human nature is naturally predisposed towards excess or sin or whatever. As such we will tend to get drunk because of our lack or willpower or spiritual awakening or a God given moral compass that will keep as away from bad things. Faiths will stop us getting drunk and allow us to take it in moderation and be good for us.
Puritanism rears its ugly head on this one...and not just from those who profess faith in Christ. I agree that with earlier posts that in many Christian denominations, prohibitions on drinking are rooted in distrust of the individual and a misplaced fear of alcohol's affects on individual judgement and self-control. There is also an ugly strain of self-righteousness that runs through this distrust of alcohol, a sense by some of knowing what's best for others and a perverse desire to see their sense of sanctity prevail over the will of those who disagree with them. Unfortunately, these tendencies exist not just in churches but in society at large as well. Groups like M.A.D.D. are a case in point. Once a group of grieving mothers intent on enacting stricter DUI laws, the organization has now become something like a complete prohibition campaign who's aim seems to be making public drinking practically impossible.
Part of the problem we have in this country is that we must drive everywhere by car. This makes going to the local bar a tricky proposition, as you must either drink very carefully or designate a driver. If we could walk or take public transit, much of the furor over this issue would disappear. In addition, unlike Europe, our culture affords alcohol only a dubious place at table. We all feel some latent guilt for doing it when we're young and, not surprisingly, are rarely put in opportunities to learn how to do it responsibly.
Drinking is a joy and a borderline, adult social necessity. Barring cases of recovering alcoholism, I find the unwillingness to share at least a social glass of wine, well....antisocial.
Re: Re: Drinking
Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
I feel in certain religions it is born out of lack of faith in people. Of course drunkenness is the fault of drinking without moderation. Now people are capable of moderation and drinking without getting drunk. Yet their are faiths that claim human nature is naturally predisposed towards excess or sin or whatever. As such we will tend to get drunk because of our lack or willpower or spiritual awakening or a God given moral compass that will keep as away from bad things. Faiths will stop us getting drunk and allow us to take it in moderation and be good for us.
Re: Re: Re: Drinking
Originally posted by Nellinator
Its almost like God knew what he was talking about when he told us not to get drunk without condemning drinking. And he seemed to know all this science at least 4000 years ago. Interesting...
What is interesting is how you look at it. If you could step into my head and look at it from my point of view, you would be shocked.
Re: Drinking
Originally posted by VanillaCocaCola
Is it just me or do too many people translate drunkeness to drinking? 😕 They're both different things. Drinking isn't condemned, getting stinking drunk is. Why don't people realize this more?
Well if your in the US, its a cultural thing.
Its not a lets sit down and have a glass of wine with dinner.
Its lets play beer pong and then go bar hopping.
Originally posted by VanillaCocaCola
Is it just me or do too many people translate drunkeness to drinking? 😕 They're both different things. Drinking isn't condemned, getting stinking drunk is. Why don't people realize this more?
Re: Re: Re: Drinking
Originally posted by Nellinator
Its almost like God knew what he was talking about when he told us not to get drunk without condemning drinking. And he seemed to know all this science at least 4000 years ago. Interesting...
Well, alcohol had an important place in many societies, even if the people didn't truly understand the reason why it effected them so. Likewise in religion. Of course it could also be seen when a person got drunk how bad it was. Balance really. I remember a bit of old script from Ancient Egypt that dealt with moral codes, detailing why this foreman was a bad egg as he drank to much and made an ass of himself. But later on it refers to the good wife, and how she should be able to brew beer. They seemed to have a good grasp of things. Drinking good until it leads to excess and the like.