Beer And Christianity: What's The Christian Take On Drinking?

Drinking alcohol is a topic that has been widely discussed in Christianity. While some Christians advocate for total abstinence from alcohol, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit believers from consuming beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage. Instead, it condemns drunkenness and encourages moderation.

The Bible contains several references to alcohol, and in some passages, it is even discussed positively. For instance, Ecclesiastes 9:7 says, Drink your wine with a merry heart. Similarly, Psalm 104:14-15 mentions that God gives wine that gladdens the heart of man.

However, the Bible also contains warnings against the dangers of drunkenness and alcohol abuse. Christians are instructed to avoid losing control due to alcohol consumption and to ensure that their actions honor God.

So, while drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages is not inherently sinful for Christians, it is crucial to practice moderation and avoid drunkenness, which is considered a sin.

Drinking alcohol is not a sin for Christians

The Bible does, however, condemn drunkenness and being enslaved to wine. Christians are allowed to drink alcohol, but they are forbidden to get drunk. The Bible warns that drinking alcohol can be spiritually dangerous, and that Christians must not allow their bodies to be "mastered" by anything. Drunkenness is sinful because it causes a loss of self-control.

The Bible also instructs Christians to be mindful of how their drinking might impact others. While drinking alcohol is not a sin, it can be harmful to those who struggle with addiction, and it may cause other Christians to stumble and sin against their conscience. Therefore, it is often best for Christians to abstain from drinking alcohol, even though it is not inherently sinful.

Some Christians may choose to abstain from alcohol entirely as a moral mandate. However, this is not a requirement, and drinking in moderation is generally accepted within the Christian community.

Drunkenness is a sin

While the Bible does not forbid Christians from drinking alcohol, drunkenness is considered a sin. The Bible condemns excessive drinking and its effects (Proverbs 20:1, 23:20, 29–32; Isaiah 5:11, 22, 24:9; Ephesians 5:18). The apostle Paul writes, "Do not give way to drunkenness and the ruin that goes with it" (Ephesians 5:18, Revised English Bible). Drunkenness is seen as a loss of self-control, where one is controlled by alcohol instead of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Bible provides several warnings about the destructive nature of alcohol and the harm it can cause to the drinker, their family, and society (Proverbs 23:20-21). Drunkenness is also associated with poverty and is considered a barrier to serving in church leadership (1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8; Proverbs 31:4-5). Additionally, drunkards are deemed unfit to inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19–21).

The Bible emphasizes the importance of sobriety and self-control, urging Christians to be "filled with the Spirit" instead of indulging in drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Christians are called to live their lives to the glory of God, and drunkenness is considered a distraction from this purpose (1 Corinthians 10:31).

In conclusion, while drinking alcohol in moderation is not inherently sinful for Christians, drunkenness is clearly condemned in the Bible and is considered a sin. Christians are instructed to avoid losing control and to maintain a sober and disciplined lifestyle that aligns with their faith and obedience to God.

Alcohol can be a blessing

Firstly, drinking alcohol is not a sin. Scripture does not condemn or prohibit consuming moderate levels of alcohol. Jesus drank wine, and it would have been customary for him to enjoy a drink with his friends. He also turned water into wine at a party, and it was tradition for Jews to drink wine at the yearly Passover meal.

The Bible even depicts drinking in moderation as a blessing. The Psalmist says that God gives "wine to gladden the heart of man" (Psalm 104:15). Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, "Drink your wine with a merry heart." Friends enjoying a meal together may choose to enhance their gathering by sharing drinks. Alcohol can encourage relaxation, happiness, and laughter. These are all blessings from God.

Alcohol can also be used medicinally. "Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress" (Proverbs 31:61, 1 Tim. 5:23). In the past, alcohol was used to relieve pain when stronger medications were not available.

Finally, the Lord promised that in the New Heavens and New Earth, there will be wine when we feast with God Himself (Isaiah 25:6).

However, it is important to note that drunkenness is a sin. Christians are allowed by God to drink alcohol but are forbidden to get drunk. "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).

Drinking alcohol should be done with caution and discipline. It is a matter of Christian freedom, but it can become deadly if not contained and appropriately used.

Alcoholism is dangerous

The dangers of alcoholism are not just spiritual but also physical. Alcoholism has a direct impact on the brain, causing short-term communication and coordination difficulties, and long-term effects such as destroyed brain cells and shrinking of the frontal lobes, which impair thinking skills. It can also lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease. Additionally, heavy drinking can cause severe liver inflammation, liver scarring, and pancreatitis. Alcoholics are also more susceptible to certain types of cancer, including mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast cancer.

Alcoholism can also weaken the body's immune system, making it harder to fight off diseases and illnesses. It is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver disease. It can also lead to memory and learning problems, unintentional injuries, violent behaviour, and unsafe sexual behaviour.

Due to the dangers of alcoholism, Christians are advised to drink alcohol in moderation or abstain from it completely. As stated in 1 Corinthians 6:12, Christians are commanded to not allow their bodies to be "mastered" by anything, including alcohol. While drinking in moderation is not considered a sin, drunkenness and addiction are. Therefore, Christians must be cautious and disciplined in their consumption of alcohol to avoid the spiritual and physical dangers associated with alcoholism.

Drinking alcohol in moderation is acceptable

The Bible also refers to wine as a blessing, and it was a part of Jewish tradition to drink wine at the yearly Passover meal, in which Jesus participated. He also instituted the Lord's Supper with bread and wine.

The Bible mentions wine in positive terms, with Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructing, "Drink your wine with a merry heart," and Psalm 104:14-15 stating that God gives wine "that makes glad the heart of men."

Additionally, in 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul advised Timothy to drink wine for his stomach's sake and to help with his frequent ailments. This suggests that alcohol consumption, when done in moderation, is acceptable within the Christian faith.

It is important to note that Christians must be cautious and disciplined in their drinking, as alcohol can be addictive and can lead to drunkenness, which is considered a sin. However, when consumed responsibly, alcohol can be enjoyed as a blessing from God.

Frequently asked questions