I read an article tonight about why the (Christian) author does not drink. I appreciated the fairly non-judgmental tone of the article, and I felt inspired to try to write a civil and carefully worded reply. Here is the original article: http://www.echohisheart.com/2013/07/22/why-i-dont-drink/
Here is my response:
I disagree that the Bible says- in it's entire context- not to be drunk. I believe it would be more accurate to say that it says not to be a drunk. I agree with the context of not being controlled by something other than the Spirit, but I think it is really referring more to a life-style rather than individual occurrences. This applies to alcohol, food, sex, money, power, even religion! But then this is one of those areas where I have strong feelings about grace and legalism and black/white lines. Suffice it to say, I bet the wedding guests were pretty far into the fuzzy area when Jesus reinvigorated the party with new wine. Being a drinker now, there is a place between sober and drunk that I like to refer to as "merry'. I think it is important to surround yourself with people that will help you avoid sinning in that situation, but that is part of a later point.
I am all about financially contributing to local community creative ventures. I believe that God is very interested in community and creativity, and craft beer (translation: beer that is made for taste, not for drunkenness) is a phenomenon that exhibits both of these traits. Please, take my money so that I may celebrate your creativity on my taste buds and help you put food on your table!
Abuse of alcohol certainly and tragically dulls sensitivity to many things, including the Spirit. However, careful enjoyment of it can lead to opportunities for growth. I have a fellowship of men that gather to enjoy craft beer and tobacco pipes, and I've seen countless conversations and discipling happen with the aid of a bit of "social lubrication" that have led to great movement of the Spirit in people's lives.
I think the running theme I see in Angela's post is that all of the things she has said are most certainly true about alcohol abuse. Hindered relationships is absolutely one of those things. But that is only one aspect of the picture. The group of men that I fellowship with have been meeting for about 4 years now, and I can't even begin to tell you about the healthy relationships that have come about from a group that meets to celebrate pipes, beer, fellowship, theology, philosophy, future, technology and a healthy amount of pure silliness. The relationships are not limited to our 3 hour bi-monthly gatherings. These are new relationships that are now spanning the country.
Another issue I have with the old legalistic approach I became familiar with in high school is that it makes everything black and white, and essentially mindless. it creates a scenario where a believer doesn't have to think about what they are doing, but simply follow a prescribed list of "dos and don'ts". I don't think that is what God had in mind for us. And moderation is a very grey concept that is clearly advocated in the Bible. Interestingly enough, I've seen too many 350lb preachers rail against smoking and drinking, while clearly having no concept of moderation with food, possibly because they have given themselves so few opportunities to exercise moderation. I actually WANT my children to see what it looks like to exercise moderation while enjoying the fruit of the vine.
I'm not going to reply to each of Angela's points, but let me just say that I believe that alcohol is a gift from God, hence the phrase "my cup runneth over". I'm pretty sure it runs over with wine. And not this silly stuff some preachers would have you believe was just water with some fermented grape juice to kill the bacteria.
I believe that making good beer is an act of creativity and beauty that is glorifying to our Creator, and that participating in this art is contributing to that. I believe that exercising moderation is very much a good thing. I believe that bringing people together to fellowship is something that God celebrates, and craft beer is certainly a vehicle for that.
This is not as eloquent as i had hoped, but I'm just out of time. Perhaps this is helpful for some in explaining an alternate view. Perhaps I can refine it and repost it later...
