spirits and the Spirit -- alcohol and faith

Many religious people have a propensity for rule-making. Often, this entails a list of do’s and don’t, designed (in theory) to promote spiritual health and ward off negative influences. In some cases these rules are a means of salvation, a way of actually attaining eternal life. In other cases the prescribed regulations determine religious status and/or promote growth.

Before dismissing the rules mentality, it is important to recognize that there are indeed rules in the Bible, intended to benefit humankind. The ten commandments and the golden rule have served humanity quite well for millennia. Not only is there is nothing inherently wrong with rules, but sometimes the rules actually prompt wisdom and healthy living. The key, I think, is to determine what the precise rules are and whether they are applied properly. So it is when it comes to the matter of drinking alcohol.

Certain segments of the church reject the use of alcohol, decrying its consistent abuse and advocating that believers abstain. Others, while not technically advocating abstinence from alcohol, simply frown upon its regular use. Often the impetus for such decision making is not that alcohol is inherently wrong but that it is safer to avoid. Thus, so the thinking goes, if being drunk is wrong, why not abstain from drinking entirely? That way, there is no chance of ever getting drunk. By avoiding alcohol, we show that we are really serious about our walk with God.

The problem with all such rules, however, is that they are simply arbitrary. While the Bible does oppose drunkenness, there is simply no obvious reason for all believers to abstain from alcohol entirely. Jesus drank alcohol and even created it for others (see John 2). Other biblical characters likewise partook of wine and similar beverages. So, what are we to make of the issue of spirituality and alcohol?

First, it is important to recognize the obvious, which is that alcohol is a potentially harmful product. Being a depressant, alcoholic beverages cause us to relax and tend to lessen our inhibitions. Many people have become addicted to alcohol, and many lives have been ruined through its misuse. As Proverbs comments, “Wine is a mocker and strong drink is for fools.” Second, the bible certainly teaches that it is improper to reach a state of intoxication. Though it is difficult to determine where the line is that separates sobriety from drunkenness, it is quite evident that countless individuals cross that line regularly. If we define drunk as being under the control of, our basic guide is this: “Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” That is, rather than allowing alcohol to govern our lives, the chief influence should be God. Third, it is evident within Scripture that the proper use of alcohol is both acceptable and potentially good. Though we should, perhaps, consider that in the ancient world the drinking options were severely limited, thus necessitating a greater prevalence of wine–after all, diet coke was not on the menu–it is nonetheless true that alcohol was considered a regular part of the social environment of that day. Jesus and his disciples drank wine. Indeed, the supper that commemorates his death involves the use (not abuse) of wine. What’s more, Jesus did not think it improper to initiate his miraculous ministry by creating wine at a celebration where alcohol had already been flowing freely. This is not to say that he advocated or facilitated drunkenness but that he evidently lacked the rigid scruples of some of his contemporary followers. Fourth, none of this eliminates the principle that we should avoid anything–be it alcohol or something else–that actually endangers us morally or spiritually. While these are matters of wisdom and individual conscience, they are important to keep in mind. Thus, a person who becomes abusive or who is prone to addiction should obviously avoid alcohol entirely. The point here is neither that alcohol is inherently wrong nor that abstinence is necessarily a better choice. What really matters is that we do whatever is good for our spiritual health and that of others. Jesus uses hyperbolic language to make this very point: “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off” (Mark 9:43ff).

Some drink because it’s “cool,” while others refrain for the same reason. But the key is not whether or not we drink. The real issue is living for God within the sphere of spiritual liberty. If it hurts you, stay away from it. If it truly hurts someone else, avoid it. Not sure? Pray and seek wisdom. If you can do something responsibly, go for it. 1 Corinthians provides the key: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (10:31).