Should Christians Drink?

🌺  Written by Brittany Ann

 Should Christians Drink?Should Christians drink?

Not according to the little Baptist Church I grew up in.

A people with a genuine love for the Lord, they also had a genuine love for the “rules” … and making sure that everyone followed them.

Holding hands was seriously frowned upon, and if the girls’ skirts went above their knees at all… well, they were pretty much asking for it.

My own parents weren’t quite so strict, but they didn’t drink either–no one I knew did–so it just wasn’t something I grew up around.

In fact, I spent my 21st birthday at Steak n Shake with a table full of good friends, and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.

(You can read more of my faith story here)

 

Ask my husband about his family’s relationship with alcohol, though, and you’ll get a completely different story.

Should Christians drink alcohol, according to them?

Sure, why not? They’re old enough. They’re responsible.

For his family, alcohol is a normal part of life. It’s not even a thing. It’s just normal.

They serve wine at Christmas dinner. They drink margaritas when they go out with friends. They mix fruity drinks when they head out on the lake. And they bring a case of beer to church league softball to share with the team.

Because, oh yeah, his parents are just as committed of Christians as my parents are. They just have different family traditions.

 

 

Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

 

So, who’s right?

Should Christians drink or abstain from alcohol completely? Is it sinful, completely fine or somewhere in the middle?

It’s a question Christians have (vehemently) debated for years now, and honestly, there are some pretty solid arguments on both sides.

So what does the Bible say?

 

What Does the Bible Say About Drinking?

 

A lot, actually. Not only are there several scripture verses in the Bible about the act of drinking itself, but there are also a number of other verses that can easily be applied to drinking.

Read the Bible for verses about drinking, and here’s a brief overview of what you’ll find:

 

1. The Bible is very clear that drunkenness is a sin.

 

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” –Ephesians 5:18

 

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” –Romans 13:13

 

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” –Galatians 5:19-21

 

Most Christians don’t debate this. Everyone knows excessive drinking is wrong–even the beer manufacturers themselves–so this isn’t really the point anyone is arguing about.

 

2. In fact, the Bible goes so far to say that Christians shouldn’t even eat with people who claim to be Christian, but live a drunken lifestyle.

 

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” –1 Corinthians 5:11

 

**Please notice one important distinction here–this verse is NOT saying that Christians shouldn’t hang out with anyone who drinks, or even with anyone who gets drunk.

It is saying Christians shouldn’t associate with Christians who claim to be Christians who are “drunkards.” This verse does not include non-believers.

 

Related Reading: Why Christians Belong in Bars

 

3. But nowhere in the Bible does it say that drinking in moderation is a sin.

 

There are plenty of verses about drunkenness. There are verses warning about the addictive and destructive nature of alcohol when taken too far. (Like Proverbs 20:1, 21:17 and Ephesians 5:18)

But there are no verses that say that any and all drinking is wrong, and there are no verses that tell us exactly where the limit should be.

The Bible never explicitly answers the question “Should Christians drink?” Instead, it gives us general examples and principles we can use to come up with good, common-sense guidelines for ourselves.

Any limits, rules or guidelines that give a specific number or amount (including abstaining completely) are rules that have been created by man. Which is absolutely fine and good, but they should not be confused with rules created by God, because they’re not.

 

4. In fact, Jesus himself probably drank and the disciples did too.

 

You probably remember the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee in John chapter two (read the whole story here). But what you may not realize is that that isn’t the only time the Bible mentions Jesus and alcohol in the same story. Or that the same goes for his disciples.

Consider these verses for example:

 

Jesus drinks “from the fruit of the vine”

“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” –Matthew 26:29

 

By the way, think Jesus only had grape juice or very mildly alcoholic wine? Not likely.

Did Jesus Drink Wine” on Biblestudy.org makes some fantastic points:

  • “At the time of the Passover the usual Palestine grape harvest had already occurred half a year earlier. Since juice…had no way of being preserved in the first century, Jesus and the apostles HAD to ingest something that was fermented.”
  • “Biblical evidence shows a consistent reference, from cover to cover, that wine is an alcoholic beverage able to make a person drunk with its overuse.”
  • “Clearly, Noah or Lot did not get intoxicated on unfermented drink”
  • “If nothing but juice was used in the early church, then it makes no sense whatsoever why the 120 disciples on Pentecost are accused of drunkenness on a Holy Day (Acts 2:1-4, 7, 13).”

 

But back to our Bible verses…

 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, to the point where people accused him of being a drunkard:

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” –Matthew 11:19

 

Paul instructs Timothy to drink less water and more wine:

“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” –1 Timothy 5:23

 

5. And there are PLENTY of positive references to alcohol all throughout the Bible

 

Take these ones, for example:

 

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” –Ecclesiastes 9:7

 

Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.” –Deuteronomy 14:26

 

“Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.”

–Proverbs 31:6-7

 

“’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord,
‘when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman
and the planter by the one treading grapes.
New wine will drip from the mountains
and flow from all the hills,
and I will bring my people Israel back from exile.

‘They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.
They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;
they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
I will plant Israel in their own land,
never again to be uprooted
from the land I have given them,’
says the Lord your God.”

–Amos 9:13-15

 

6. That’s because the whole “no drinking at all” thing is a relatively recent thing

 

Should Christians drink? If you would have asked Christians a couple of years ago, they probably wouldn’t have minded.

This is because the “total abstinence” mindset is absolutely a cultural preference that has shifted over time.

 

From “Why So Many Christians are Relaxing Over Drinks” from Christianity Today:

“Christians have always been concerned about drunkenness, but it wasn’t until the Protestant social reform movement of the 1800s that temperance was equated with complete abstinence.

“It’s an ‘American oddity,’ said Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine. ‘It’s not that groups of people throughout history didn’t practice complete abstinence. The Nazarites in the Bible didn’t drink alcohol. But in the 19th century, a whole segment of the church said it’s not just an ascetic practice that some people might choose; they said this is for everybody—all Christians must stop drinking or they’re not Christians.’ “

 

The view of alcohol has changed over the years. The Daily Press makes some very interesting points:

“Before the temperance movement took hold in the United States in about the mid-1800s, most Protestant religions – even Baptists and Methodists – allowed drinking wine in moderation, according to David L. Holmes, professor of religion at the College of William and Mary.

“But around the middle of the 19th century, the Protestant suspicions of the world and its amusements changed in America,” says Holmes…

“By the later 19th century, these denominations had switched from a stance of temperance to total abstinence.

“On the other hand, members of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and many Lutheran and Episcopal churches saw no change in their denomination’s acceptance of drinking in moderation.”

 

Which makes total sense to me as I grew up Baptist and my husband grew up Catholic. We both believe the Bible. We just each follow different customs and traditions when it comes to questions like “Should Christians drink?” and “Should Christians Participate in Halloween?”

 

7. Should Christians drink? Just because we can doesn’t necessarily mean we should…

 

So, if drinking isn’t sinful, it’s encouraged in the Bible, and it wasn’t even an issue for hundreds of years after Christianity was founded, why is it such an issue today? Why are so many Christians asking “Should Christians drink?” when only a couple hundred years ago, it really wasn’t a big deal?

Well, the truth is, just because we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should.

 

You’re probably familiar with this passage in the Bible:

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.'” –1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (Read the whole passage here)

 

As well as this one:

“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean,but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” –Romans 14:20-21

 

The truth is–no one can deny that alcohol is associated with a myriad of negative consequences. From liver disease to drunk driving to poor choices while under the influences to simply wasting your life away, there are a LOT of behaviors you can prevent when you choose to say no to alcohol.

And you have to ask yourself–is it really worth the risk?

 

Of course, all of us face a different amount of risk. If you have a family history of alcoholism or if you’ve struggled with it in the past, no, you absolutely should not be drinking.

But if you’re someone like me–with no history of alcohol problems and honestly very little desire to drink anyways, the risk really isn’t big enough for me to worry about. Yes, I have my own struggles and temptations, but alcohol simply isn’t one of them. We nearly always have some in the house somewhere, but I don’t even remember the last time I had a drink, because I just truly don’t care.

 

But what about those around us?

Just because my risk for alcoholism is negligible doesn’t mean the same is true for others. What if my drinking were to cause someone else to stumble?

This is a very valid concern, and one we need to take seriously, but also one we need to be reasonable about.

 

Yes, it would probably be wise to be extra considerate if you are having lunch with a known alcoholic, new Christian, young child or someone you know who would be easily offended or affected.

But I don’t believe that means you can never, ever drink because *someone* out there somewhere *might* see you drink and suddenly turn into an alcoholic.

The truth is, yes, you have a responsibility to be a good steward of your life and to set a good example, but the choices people make are ultimately their own.

Plus, where do you draw the line?

Personally, my downfall is cookies. (Seriously, folks) Should I expect the world to stop eating deserts because I struggle with self-control in that area? Or should I see that as a trial to overcome, a chance to grow in faith and discipline, and a good chance to remember “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)?

Or what about the fact that I used to be anorexic many, many years ago? Should I insist that all skinny people gain some weight and stop posting pictures of themselves on Instagram because that might be a trigger for me? Or should I use enough common sense to know that with my history, those images probably aren’t the best images for me to fill my mind with?

 

The same goes with anything people struggle with–whether it is alcohol, cigarettes, porn, overeating, anger, worrying or anything else.

Yes, absolutely be considerate of others. Especially when you know those around you deal with these things. But understand that at the end of the day, people’s choices are their own, regardless of what you do or do not do.

 

8. And just because you choose not to drink doesn’t make you “more holy”

 

So now your choice is up to you.

  • Will you enjoy a few drinks over a backyard barbecue with friends, knowing that you can all enjoy responsibly? That’s absolutely fine.
  • Will you head out to the bar and start up a conversation with a random stranger who looks like he needs to chat in an effort to share the gospel? That’s great. (See: Why Christians belong in Bars)
  • Will you abstain completely so as not to make those around you stumble? That’s great too.

 

Just keep in mind–it isn’t the choice you make that matters so much as the reason you make the choice you do.

  • Is alcohol a way to connect with friends and family or a way to escape your problems when you should be turning to God?
  • Is abstaining a way to show love and care for others or just another religious checkbox for you to check off so you feel extra holy this week?

That’s a question you’ll have to answer honestly yourself–between you and God.

 

 

If you’ve made it this far down, tell me what you think: Should Christians Drink? Why or why not?

 

Brittany Ann Equipping Godly Women

About the author

Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author of “Fall in Love with God’s Word” and “Follow God’s Will” and the founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping busy Christian moms find practical ways to go "all in" in faith and family. Her work has been featured on CBN, The Christian Post, Crosswalk, and more.

  1. There were Anabaptist movements such Mennonites and Hutterites in Germany, Holland and Switzerland who believed in total abstinence from alcohol during Luther’s time.

  2. God bless ? I was a Catholic and drinking was ok and a big part of our family gatherings . When I became a born again Christian and accepted the Lord , He was changing , guiding and removing all those things that were not pleasing to him . I didn’t host anymore drinking parties , I began bible classes , attended Pentecostal church and changed my lifestyle to be modest . They preached and taught abestince. Now I am married to a Christian who’s upbringing was Pentecostal and we both are serving in a non denominationaol Christian church and we went on our honeymoon and I wanted a glass a wine for dinner and he was very upset and felt strongly that abstinence is the only way ! Is not pleasing to God and I will be defiling myself if I did … Now two years later and many talks about a drink once in a while I am feeling fusrtated in all my research and readings I share with him he doesn’t agree with me , I will never want to go back to my old ways , Thank You Jesus for saving me ! But I would like to enjoy a glass of sangria or wine once in while for dinner … Just us … While on Holiday relax with hubby :((((

    1. If he is never okay with it — that’s totally fine too. Check out 1 Corinthians 8 — Paul is talking about some people being okay with things and others not. And how we should be careful and respectful around those who are not. I am fine with it personally, but it’s definitely not worth fighting over or ruining your witness over. 🙂

  3. From my earliest memory as a child of 5 or 6, alcohol consumption by my father and later my step-father brought about much abuse and feelings of rejection. I ended up marrying an alcoholic which I later learned is not unusual when that is all you’ve known. The pain and suffering from both physical and mental abuse as well as infidelity brought me to a point where I met my Lord because I had nowhere else to turn and He was calling me to Him. He used my suffering for my eventual salvation. However I still ended up divorced due to the continued abuse and infidelity. Safety was an issue for not only me but my son. After much counseling and going to Al-anon it was agreed it was time to take a stand. The divorce was not an issue to my spouse since he was happily living with his barmaid girlfriend.
    I remarried a wonderful Christian man who understood my background and together we made the decision not to drink. He did that for me and I love that about him. We have been married for almost 39 years. Most of my Christian friends did not drink or if they did it wasn’t a big deal. Now I find myself in a bible study with new seemingly Godly women but am surprised at how most make comments about having wine like it’s an important part of any gathering outside of the Bible study.. I’ve been somewhat unnerved by it all and it makes me very uncomfortable. It’s my problem I realize. I don’t talk about why I don’t drink. If asked why I don’t drink I mention truthfully that I am not supposed to have alcohol due to a medication I take.
    I understand it is not a sin to drink, only getting drunk is. But my past experiences have played such a huge part in my life that I am uncomfortable being around it. But it seems nowadays there is no way to avoid it except to stay home. I want to join in the socializing with my new friends but just can’t seem to get a handle on these feelings. It bothers me that they make such a big deal about having wine at any event like it’s a must have.
    I decided to google sites about Christians and drinking and found your website and hope you can perhaps help me to put things into perspective so that I have more peace in this regard.

    1. I think you’re totally right to not allow alcohol in your life. That’s super smart of you.

      I also think you’re totally right that other people make WAY too much of a deal about it. It’s okay to enjoy it, it’s not okay to get drunk, but it’s also not okay to elevate something SO highly that you essentially idolize it or turn to it instead of God, which of course we both know many people do. (And honestly all of us do with something or other — it’s different for everyone.)

      One thing I would say, however, is that it sounds like you may still be carrying some hurts or baggage from your past that are still affecting you today. I would really encourage you to take an honest look at your feelings toward it and why it bothers you so much (Not that it shouldn’t – but why specifically does it bother you so much — what are you worried about? Are these feelings based in truth or fear?)

      And I would also really encourage you — tell your friends how you are feeling! Let them in on some of your past. If it is affecting you that much (and if they are that into it), they should know. I bet they’d be FAR more understanding and supportive than you think.

      That’s my two cents anyways.

    1. Good! Keep at it. It may not be easy, especially if all of your friends do, but it’s so worth it to put yourself in the right situations to allow you to make the best choices.

  4. I grew up southern baptist in the Bible Belt of ky daughter of a minister. We were always taught drinking was for the sinner the lost not the born again Christians!! Sure is had my share as a teen but after I married at 20 I had a daughter and my husband and I never touched it or mentioned alcohol. We thought we would be damned to hell I guess. Then 2 more babies later and several yrs I think I was 35 while on vacation I remember seeing all the moms with their kids by the pool sipping there pina coladas and margaritas and I was kind of angry that I couldn’t have one. The way I was brought up in church with all the rules and denominational standards had me under a heavy burden. And then after that I was done with trying to please man and stick to what man had deemed permissible and we enjoy our cocktails on the beach. Drinks on the patio with friends and even out at restuarants as long as we aren’t in the company of those who may be offended. And I have to say that having a few drinks with dinner and enjoying each other’s company with a bottle of champagne on the beach has been some of the best times we have had. Thanks for your article. So much truth !

    1. You bring up such an excellent point with this! All of the “rules” and “guidelines” aren’t meant to be a heavy burden to bear. (Not that living without drinks is a big sacrifice, but still….) That feeling (and I totally know what you mean) is definitely NOT what God has in store for us 🙂

      Glad you enjoyed the article!

  5. I do drink, and see no sin in it. But very little, probably averaging less than one per month. My family drinks at holidays too, and I prefer a splash of wine — possibly a quarter to half an ounce — in a wine glass of cranberry juice. But I don’t drink around my in-laws who consider it sinful, or around alcoholics. I always believed a little was all right but drunkenness was a sin.

  6. I personally don’t drink (except for the occasional Christmas champagne), but not for moral reasons. I just don’t particularly enjoy it. I experimented with it when I was younger and always hated the feeling of vulnerability it gave me to know I wasn’t 100% in control of my thoughts and actions.

    Whether someone chooses to drink or not, they’ll find no judgement here. It’s not my place to decide whether their decision is wrong or right. I don’t believe the Bible has a problem with drinking though (getting drunk is a different story). As long as it’s not harming yourself or those around you I don’t see an issue.

  7. I don’t drink because I think the negative points are more than the positive,hence not beneficial to a christian.
    I am convinced that church leaders shoud not drink.Whenever the Lord wanted to raise a spiritual leader,He instructed that they should not taste wine.E.g Samson,John the Baptist,and people desiring to be Bishops.We see that these leaders were more of Holy Spirit filled.

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