The Doctrine of Hydroxyethane
Their position (total abstinence) could, fairly I think, be summed up in two arguments:
- All of the positive references to wine in scripture (Psalms, SoS, Cana, etc) don't really mean wine. . . they mean something else, and
- since alcohol is so dangerous, Christians should abstain to avoid causing other to stumble.
To the first argument, I don't have much to say. I have to agree with another Mark Driscoll/Mars Hill sermon (summary here) in saying that (paraphrase), "If God had meant grape juice, how would have said 'grape juice'; He said 'wine,' he meant wine."
In the second, I really like Luther's witticism:
“Do you suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused? Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women?”
I imagine that in the course of our email exchange, the fact that I feel rather strongly about this topic became obvious. My insistence is based on philosophical grounds, not personal. I disagree with their position and I dislike hearing scripture misused; they probably feel exactly the same way. I'm thankful that we can still be friends, despite our disagreement (but don't get us started on paedobaptism!).
After this exchange, another interesting point was brought to my attention; I don't drink and when asked I usually say, "I don't like the taste, and I have too many expensive hobbies already." Both these statements are true, but I think there's a third that may be more significant; the possibility of being even slightly buzzed frankly scares me. I already carry the fear (slight but present) that I'll say something stupid or worse into almost every social situation; the last thing I need is to "relax" even slightly. I do wonder if this is a positive character trait, or a negative trait that needs to be repented of.
posted by mindlab prime at 18:31
5 Comments:
Shocker here, but I agree with you on everything but your fear of getting buzzed. I don't think your trait is positive or negative, but it has the potential to be either. It is important to be able to relax in the presence of others (we're all flawed humans, after all), but there's nothing wrong with wanting to exhibit your best side. Who's to say you're not even more witty when buzzed, though? At least you'll find yourself amusing. =)
looking forward to the post on dancing...
shocked. . .
And no, I would not be wittier while buzzed. I would be geekier, and everyone else would be bored. Picture me explaining the parameter space for a probability model of the two-dice roll in a Backgammon game; that's me completely relaxed.
Very interesting post. I struggled with this throughout high school and the better part of my time at Norwich. I did not drink at all in high school, despite the enormous pressure. The same went at Norwich, up until I felt comfortable with the idea of having one beer with a few friends, which ended up having no real negative consequences. I still drink infrequently, and am wary of the reckless drinking culture that permeates our age group.
As far as your comment above about being "extra geeky" when buzzed - I wholly disagree. To tell you the truth, you have no idea what you will act like when buzzed (hence the fear and trepidation), but most likely you will just be subdued, maybe even tired. You are a good, polite, and friendly person, and there is no reason why a little alcohol should take that away from you. In fact, it might amplify your positive traits.
In the end, the choice to drink is a very, very personal one. I have endured criticism countless times (from friend and foe alike) about my drinking choices, but I didn't give in, and am proud of it.
Like many things, alcohol is an acquired taste. If you choose to go down that road, you may end up discovering another way to be geeky - about beer, for instance. But there is no reason to ever go down that road if you don't want to. Stick to your guns (a double meaning, of course) and it should all work out in the wash.
Yes, There was wine really produced and drunk by believers in Bible days! The Scripture is clear that drunkenness is a sin, how drunk is drunkenness? I don't know, I don't drink. The Bible says, Woe to him that giveth his brother drink, and has several warnings. Scripture records men of God getting drunk, and the sins which followed to warn us. Pastors should not take the issue of drinking lightly. It also says in the Scripture that it is sin to cause someone to stumble. Each of us must decide what that might be. Many of us don't want to drink because of the expense, fear of the unknown, not wishing to cause a stumbling to others; while others say that no wine is permitted, and that Scripture backs that up. I think it would be wrong to think of yourself more holy for not taking wine, but that you should be glad to abstain in these days for many reasons.
Also, being part Iroquois leaves me with a predisposition for having a problem with alcohol. It would be very risky indeed for me to start drinking. SH
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