[Lorraine123]

Growing up, I heard the argument that Jesus didn't turn the water into wine, he turned it into grape juice. Well, the Bible says WINE. Is it ok to interpret the Bible in some places, but not others? That argument doesn't really fly with me. Also, why would having a glass of wine with dinner hurt your witness?? Are people that judging???? I don't get it. Please explain.

[NDN]

Ok...can we take a step back?

Are we seriously about to start debating doctrine/scripture in this matter? Isn't that one of the reasons that some people didn't like the idea of participating in the Christian forums?

Ok...some people think they shouldn't do it because it is just better to not do anything that might hurt you. Great for them...very wise choice...doesn't make it wrong/sinful for anyone else. Some people like to have an occassional drink...not so bad assuming they don't have a dependancy that would make that drink a problem...doesn't make them right or wrong. After all...whatever we do is between us and God, right?


So far, though, I think everyone seems to agree on one thing...it's not wise for us to go get so blitzed we can't remember our own name.

So, basically, living a sober life is the general idea...different people have different definitions of that. Isn't all the rest just details anyway?

[mommatomm&m]

Originally Posted by NDN

Ok...can we take a step back?

Are we seriously about to start debating doctrine/scripture in this matter? Isn't that one of the reasons that some people didn't like the idea of participating in the Christian forums?

Ok...some people think they shouldn't do it because it is just better to not do anything that might hurt you. Great for them...very wise choice...doesn't make it wrong/sinful for anyone else. Some people like to have an occassional drink...not so bad assuming they don't have a dependancy that would make that drink a problem...doesn't make them right or wrong. After all...whatever we do is between us and God, right?


So far, though, I think everyone seems to agree on one thing...it's not wise for us to go get so blitzed we can't remember our own name.

So, basically, living a sober life is the general idea...different people have different definitions of that. Isn't all the rest just details anyway?

Wonderfully written! Sorry guys...I didn't mean to cause a forum war

[Lorraine123]

Sorry. I was posting a serious question that I was hoping to get a serious answer for. This is something that has puzzled me for a long time. I thought on the Christian board I could find the answer. Sorry.

[momraine]

One thing to keep in mind:
A couple of years ago a group of people from our church (young married's Sunday School class) had a cook out at someone's house. It was a very laid back thing. Social only. Some one brought a bottle of wine and someone else brought a six pack. No one had more than one. However one wife got very angry. It cuased a huge division in this group that had once been close. Many did not understand what the big deal was, and were shocked because this woman was usually a very laid back person. Several of the people at the cook out did not drink and no one said anything about it. No big deal had been made. The group got over it, but feelings were hurt.
Six months later came the news that a member of the class had gone into in patient treatment for alcoholism. It was the husband of the woman who complained. They had been fighting this problem for a long time. The husband had tried AA and other things. No one knew this was happening. Looking back the wife getting upset at the cook out was more understandable. He was trying again and had been avoiding places where he might be tempted. She had thought a Sunday School event would be "safe".
Ever since then, I am more careful and more aware. I don't drink myself, but I don't have a problem with others who do have occasional drinks. But, now I am careful when planning events, because we dont know what our brother or sister may be going through. Oh and for the record, back in biblical times, they had no refrigeration. Anyone know what happens to juice when it's not refrigerated? Fermentation! Wine is pretty much grape juice gone bad, LOL. So if Jesus turned it into juice, since the Jewish wedding feast lasted a week, it would have been wine eventually. However they said it was good wine, so I doubt it was just juice, as that would not have been good. I kind of figure that if it had been juice they would have said so. I do agree with everyone else, it is pretty clear about not getting drunk.

[momraine]

I don't think anyone has been out of line here. The question was asked, about "what does your church beleive". So people have answered, and many have added thier own personal opinions. I think when a question has been asked it's OK to answer. Those who dont want to know what others think about this controversial subject will skip the thread. Those who read, hopefully will do so with the knowledge that each is expressing his or her own opinion. They are sharing thier opinions because it was asked. They are not pushing thier opinions on anyone, but answering a question. It's not as though anyone is forcing anyone to change thier ways, or bringing the topic up in the middle of an unrelated thread.

There are a lot of things that Christians differ on, but we all serve Christ. Things like whether we drink an occasional glass of wine or not, really are not that important to the big picture, that Christ died for us and rose from the dead.
It's OK to discuss these things, as long as we don't let it turn into condemnation. (For there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus!)
So far I think most people have stuck pretty close to just stating what they beleive and why, which I think is what people are interested in. No one has to agree with anyone else.
I hope the question has been answered, if anyone is more curious about one of our answers or the why, just ask.

[NDN]

Originally Posted by Lorraine123

Sorry. I was posting a serious question that I was hoping to get a serious answer for. This is something that has puzzled me for a long time. I thought on the Christian board I could find the answer. Sorry.

Wasn't trying to jump on you...just saw this discussion headed down a rough road...what with the arguing over whether it was wine or juice, etc. I've seen MANY discussions on this topic turn VERY ugly with these very remarks.

As for your question...I have not idea. I just wanted everyone to take a step back before answering you sharply.

[Lorraine123]

Thanks NDN. I reread the original post and realize that I was going off topic. Sorry bout that.

As for what my church believes - We have wine for communion, but there is grape juice for those who don't want or can't drink wine. We don't have any problems with social drinking. Like everyone else, over indulgence isn't good, but that is true with any type of over indulgence. I grew up in a church where drinking was forbidden and I moved away from that as I got older because I don't agree with that philosophy.

[NDN]

No need to appologize! You're questions are valid ones...I was just concerned that, with the inability to provide the inflection that is intened behind the words...that the responses might seem a bit harsh--especially if they happen to come from people that are passionately against this. Perhaps I'm projecting my own...uh...anxiety onto people on the board as I have been edgy lately. Sorry if I sounded harsh...just didn't want any flames to fly.