OT: Alcohol

mommatomm&m · #1 04-08-2006, 04:33 PM

John and I had some friends over the last night and we were talking about other church denominations and alcohol was brought up. What are your churches views on alcohol? I know the view of alcohol abuse would be the same for all. r

alwaysus · #2 04-08-2006, 05:14 PM

Our church frowns on the use of alcohol. A belief we don't agree with. We don't drink AT ALL( Alcoholism runs in our family) But, we think A glass of wine isn't a bad thing. Jesus' first miracle was turining water into wine at a wedding.
( and YES, it was wine that contained alcohol, the bible also says do not be drunk on wine but filled with the holy spirit, meaning that the wine they used back then DID contain alcohol) Thats my take on it anyway....

Lana

mommatomm&m · #3 04-08-2006, 06:10 PM

I agree. Our family is currently attending a Baptist church and they highly frown upon using alcohol. I love our church family but there are so many things in the doctrine we disagree with. Even through our adoptions there were things said about "why" we were adopting that it was like the church had one opinion of adoption and that was to "take care of orphans". Almost as through we weren't bringing our children home but caring for anothers. It has just been very uncomfortable and we have been very involved with the youth which is another area that our church has strong beliefs...very against contemperary music and worship. MY GOODNESS, that's the majority of what we listen to. My daughters think every song "glawafies" God. I love that...that they sing "The Word" instead of "Oops I Did it Again". Anyway...interesting topic I thought. Anyone else? I love learning more about other denominations and don't just limit it to alcohol...anything that would be interesting to learn. r

ourdreamcametru · #4 04-08-2006, 07:53 PM

We are members of a Southern Baptist Chruch and we don't drink any at all. This is so that there is not a question if someone see you out as to rather you were drunk or not, since this wouldn't be possible if you were not drinking to begin with.

themerrymouse · #5 04-08-2006, 09:19 PM

I agree that the Bible says to not be drunk, I don't believe that an occasional drink is a bad thing. I personally don't drink alcohol except on rare occasions, and even then it might only be half a glass of wine. I just don't like the way it tastes, mostly. I do have to pose a question, though. While we are to "be in the world, not of it" aren't we called to also be all things to all people? I am not saying go out and get drunk with your friends, but wouldn't it be more of a witness to them if you were to be accepting of them and have an occasional drink with them. Wouldn't they be more open to talking with you about the things that matter if you are willing to go where they are. In essence, didn't Jesus go into the homes of sinners and have dinner with them and aren't we called to be like Him. I am just posing this as a topic to be discussed and that is all. I hope that no one is offended by this as that is not my intent.

aspenhall · #6 04-08-2006, 10:20 PM

LDS, (mormons) have something called "The word of wisdom" It was a revelation given in the 19th Century.
This is an exact quote.

Doctorine and Covenants Section 89 (all verses) given March 8, 1833

1 A WORD OF WISDOM, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

What we believe this to mean is that alcohol is to clean with (antibacterial/wounds). Never to drink. The pure wine is meaning juices. (no refrigeration invented yet) It also mentions strong drinks which includes coffee, non-medicinal (herbal ok when sick ok) teas. Can also be caffiene in excess as well. Basically avoid all substances that addict (enslave you). And more than what to AVOID, it prescribes a diet in moderation (and balance) and promises health and intelligence. This revelation was given before the general public gained an interest in health or before science proved the ill effects of tobacco/alcohol.

Notice this is not a commandment, but a warning and promise. Disrgard of this ideal isn't "policed" by our church, but without living it (at least abstaining from the alcohol/tea/coffee/tobacco), you cannot expect to have responsibilities in the church. If you HAVE "broken the word of wisdom" you may repent, but we believe the last part of the repentance process is forsaking (never do it again).
I have been drunk at a time in my life in the past, but I can currently hold positions in my church because I have repented. To "sin" again would make repentance harder as I would have to repent for all times prior to (didn't forsake the sin) as well as the current infraction.

As far as being IN but not OF the world, I can be at a party and be friends with those who don't believe the same, but not "PARTAKE OF the world" with them. If they don't believe it's wrong then they wouldn't feel ashamed/slighted/embarrassed/guilty if I didn't drink or whatever too.....

Wow, I guess I got a little carried away here...but it is hard to just say, we don't drink without saying why, and what happens if we do. I guess I just wanted you all to see the scripture for yourselves.

mommatomm&m · #7 04-09-2006, 05:39 AM

I agree with you. I do think the best witness I have been to people is when I let myself come out of my comfort zone and go into theirs. I mentioned on one of the other thread that I work in mental health and many times I have to take that approach with my patients as well. They have to trust me and know that I am not looking down on them before they truly open up and trust me. r

Quote:

Originally Posted by themerrymouse

I agree that the Bible says to not be drunk, I don't believe that an occasional drink is a bad thing. I personally don't drink alcohol except on rare occasions, and even then it might only be half a glass of wine. I just don't like the way it tastes, mostly. I do have to pose a question, though. While we are to "be in the world, not of it" aren't we called to also be all things to all people? I am not saying go out and get drunk with your friends, but wouldn't it be more of a witness to them if you were to be accepting of them and have an occasional drink with them. Wouldn't they be more open to talking with you about the things that matter if you are willing to go where they are. In essence, didn't Jesus go into the homes of sinners and have dinner with them and aren't we called to be like Him. I am just posing this as a topic to be discussed and that is all. I hope that no one is offended by this as that is not my intent.

etaag · #8 04-09-2006, 01:04 PM

I believe over indulgence in anything is sin. But to be more specific on alcohol:

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist didn't drink wine and he often fasted, and you say, `He's demon possessed.' 34 And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, `He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!' 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.*"

If Jesus found it alright to drink, I think it would be alright for us also, in moderation.

Melissa

b4truth · #9 04-28-2006, 07:59 AM

i didn't read any other posts before posting so take this with a grain of salt or a sip of wine....this is what you asked for "my church's view on drinking" with added commentary by yours truly: big mouth

!

"Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the holy spirit." Eph 5 ?

i can attest to having drunk before i was saved and #1 i don't miss it!! where are those $50 sunglasses? #2 i would not do it around my children at all (the stench of alcohol to me rivals cigarettes) yes

i did both. #3 alcohol is considered a drug for a reason. #4 listen to brad paisley's "alcohol" that about says it all or at least brings back "wish i could forget/remember" memories #5 i don't want to be intoxicated when Jesus gets here
and that's allll folks...from

big mouth

blessedbybug · #10 04-28-2006, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommatomm&m

John and I had some friends over the last night and we were talking about other church denominations and alcohol was brought up. What are your churches views on alcohol? I know the view of alcohol abuse would be the same for all. r

My church believes that abstienence from any substance that can/might alter one's ability to make proper choices is ideal. We shouldn't do anything with to our bodies that would compromise our ability to hear the voice of God in our lives.

Our church's stand also started out of necessity. The first church grew out of a mission of skid row in LA. The potlucks became interesting when more and more recovering addicts joined... people felt it was necessary not to drink in front of those who were struggling against an addiction.

NDN · #11 04-28-2006, 09:14 AM

Are church does not have an official condemnation against alcohol. However, we recommend to people to not drink at all. This is because our area has an unusually high rate of substance abuse as compared to the rest of the country and we feel that, while it may not be a sin for those that CAN handle it, we would like for them not to do it in front of those in recovery. So, mostly, people have decided on their own to put it aside. I'm sure that they may still have a glass of wine with dinner on occassion but, for the most part they have chosen to support others by setting up an example of a sober life. Now, if we could just get them to be so cooperative with their gambling problems

--so many families losing so much and sinking further into poverty since we opened those casinos.

jameyevans · #12 04-28-2006, 06:54 PM

We are Southern Baptists and we do not drink. There are many reasons why but I think the top 2 are it hurts your witness and nothing good comes from alcohol- you never here "Daddy stop beating mommy because of alcohol."

Also- someone put that Jesus turned water into wine- it wasn't wine- it wasn't fermented - so it was like grape juice.

Poleczech · #13 04-29-2006, 04:16 AM

I am Roman Catholic, and we have wine with Communion every Sunday. I also drink an occasional glass of wine, because I enjoy the taste of it. Medical science shows that an occasional glass of wine is actually good for your heart.

Notice I used the word occasionally. If I am with friends who do not drink, I am certainly not going to try and get them to drink with me, because that is what they believe, and it is not fair to them for me to force them to take a drink of alcohol. On the flip side, it is also not fair to me to call me a "sinner" because I do enjoy a glass of wine, with or without my friends, and because I do not believe it is a sin to drink in moderation.

And to the poster who stated that Jesus turned water into grape juice (?), I specifically recall the story that Jesus did turn water in wine, and that the guests at the wedding remarked that most hosts bring out the best wine first, but you have saved the best for last. Did it have time to ferment? No, because Jesus performed a miracle by turning the water into wine -- he didn't need to wait for it to ferment, because he was Jesus!

***momraine*** · #14 04-29-2006, 07:20 AM

Well, I grew up Mormon and there was of course no drinking. Not that I would have because my family has a history of alcoholism. (only my parents were Mormon, not our extended family. As an adult I became Methodist, my husband was born and raised Methodist. Most Methodists assume that the church has no stance on drinking and many including my mother in law indulge occasionally. Howerve, technically the book of discipline (which very few actually read, because it's very, very long) says we are not to drink at all. I think each needs to make thier own decision.
I don't drink at all. My husband has a glass of wine with his mother maybe once or twice a year. My mother in law has a single glass each evening with her dinner. I don't think any of us is wrong.
As they say Christ is life, the rest is just details. I figure you are my brother or sister if you believe in Christ the rest is just details we can agree to disagree on and we must each make our own peace with God on.

Umbilical child · #15 05-02-2006, 05:44 PM

Corinthians 11:23-25 KJV

23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I
delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same
night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said,
Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you:
this do in remembrance of me.
25
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he
had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in
my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me.

I drink oft........

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