Biblical Perspective

Alcohol: A Biblical/Theological Perspective
Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D.

From a biblical and theological standpoint the use of alcohol is a complex issue for which there is not a simple or straightforward ethical response. The biblical and theological stance on alcohol can best be summarized this way: Alcohol comes from a natural process in God's good creation, but because of its potential misuse and damage to humans and society, decisions about alcohol should be made in relationship to the needs, perspectives, and particular issues of a given community, and any consumption should be characterized by self-control.

In the Bible wine is not viewed as inherently evil, but rather is seen as having both positive and negative uses. Because it comes from the natural creation process it can be viewed as a good gift of God. Thus, Isaac in a blessing to his son prays that God will give him "the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine" (Gen. 27:28). Jesus' first miracle, at a wedding feast, is to turn water into wine to meet the needs of the guests and, as the son of God, to show his blessings upon the common, good things of life (Jn. 2:1-11). Moreover, both the Proverbs (Prov. 31:6) and the apostle Paul commended wine for medicinal purposes (I Tim. 5:23).

However, the Bible clearly recognizes that because alcohol can cause loss of personal inhibitions and even loss of consciousness, there must be significant limits upon its use. Drunkenness is clearly forbidden in the scriptures, for it leads to uncontrolled behavior which is contrary to the control of God's Spirit (Eph. 5:23), godliness, and moral virtue (Gal. 5:21). One Proverb, recognizing its enticing lure and its potentially devastating blow to human life, states: "Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind utter perverse things" (Prov. 23:31-33).

Because of the potential damage to individuals, communities, and whole societies, any use of alcohol must always be characterized by self-control, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23). Christians are to "make every effort to support [their] faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self control" (2 Pet. 1:5-6). A criterion for leaders in the church is "not indulging in much wine" (I Tim. 3:8).

The decision of whether and when a Christian should use alcohol must always be discerned in relationship to the communities of which they are a part, and for which they bear responsibility. In discussions about controversial matters in which there is not a clear right and wrong, the apostle Paul notes that "all things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial. All things are lawful, but not all things build up" (I Cor. 10:23). We therefore have a responsibility on matters like alcohol to think not just about our own interests, but the interests of other people and the community of which we are a part. Though wine and meat offered to idols are not in themselves evil, Romans 14:20-22 encourages us to refrain if it causes harm to a brother or sister in Christ.

Thus, the biblical story invites us to view matters like alcohol consumption with discernment, self-control and in relation to the needs, perspectives and issues of the community, while understanding that alcohol is also a good gift of God when used appropriately.