Alcoholism: Drug Abuse Facts

Question: Christians: what does the bible say about alcoholism?

(Posted by: Temel Nosce on 2009-06-16 22:08:19)

And is it possible to be a Christian and be a practicing alcoholic? Noah- - A person is forever an alcoholic, even if they've been sober for 12 years.

Posted by: CuriositySatisfaction on 2009-06-16, 22:15:24

It does say not to be a drunkard They shall not inherit the kingdom of God I Corinthians 6:10

Posted by: noah on 2009-06-16, 22:15:39

A 'practicing alcoholic'? What? I don't think the Bible condemns alcohol, but it does say that being drunk isn't good. You can be a Christian and still drink, though.

Posted by: Sean on 2009-06-16, 22:15:47

Check out Eph. 5:18, Pr. 23:21, 1Co. 6:10, Lk 21:34, Ro. 13:13, Gal. 5:21 and 1Pe. 4:3 (just to name a few).

Posted by: It's so clear now! on 2009-06-16, 22:15:49

What God commands Christians regarding alcohol is to avoid drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible condemns drunkenness and its effects (Proverbs 23:29-35). Christians are also commanded to not allow their bodies to be “mastered� by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Drinking alcohol in excess is undeniably addictive. Scripture also forbids a Christian from doing anything that might offend other Christians or encourage them to sin against their conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). In light of these principles, it would be extremely difficult for any Christian to say he is drinking alcohol in excess to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Jesus changed water into wine. It even seems that Jesus drank wine on occasion (John 2:1-11; Matthew 26:29). In New Testament times, the water was not very clean. Without modern sanitation, the water was often filled with bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of contaminants. The same is true in many third-world countries today. As a result, people often drank wine (or grape juice) because it was far less likely to be contaminated. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul was instructing Timothy to stop drinking the water (which was probably causing his stomach problems) and instead drink wine. In that day, wine was fermented (containing alcohol), but not necessarily to the degree it is today. It is incorrect to say that it was grape juice, but it is also incorrect to say that it was the same thing as the wine commonly used today. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Alcohol is not, in and of itself, tainted by sin. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12). Alcohol, consumed in small quantities, is neither harmful nor addictive. In fact, some doctors advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for its health benefits, especially for the heart. Consumption of small quantities of alcohol is a matter of Christian freedom. Drunkenness and addiction are sin. However, due to the biblical concerns regarding alcohol and its effects, due to the easy temptation to consume alcohol in excess, and due to the possibility of causing offense and/ or stumbling of others, it is usually best for a Christian to abstain entirely from drinking alcohol.

Posted by: ThAt duDe (Neil) on 2009-06-16, 22:15:52

They would probably say that alcoholism is self-destruction, which can lead to death. It's not the most unforgivable sin, but most likely a sin on some level.

Posted by: christlover on 2009-06-16, 22:16:22

Practicing alcoholic? im not sure what you mean by that. but u can be a christian and be an alchoholic. its called a struggling christian. everyone has struggles in their life and what we christians do to get over them is talk with other christians, read the bible, pray to god and abstain from what you struggle is. it says in the bible it is ok tho enjoy alcoholic beverages, but its a sin to get drunk.

Posted by: Philip on 2009-06-16, 22:17:03

Drunkenness is a sin. An alcoholic who wants to quit and is trying could be Christian. But you can't just say your prayers and then go out and get blasted. God delivered me from alcohol over 25 years ago. Ask for His help and get on with your life. Sober is way better than drunk.

Posted by: LOFT1009 on 2009-06-16, 22:17:15

I think its okay to drink alcohol. jesus made wine from water after all. As long as you keep it within reason I think your fine, as long as you don't put anyone else in jepordy as a result of drinking or from the addiction

Posted by: Ray on 2009-06-16, 22:17:37

It is possible because Christians still sin at times. However, in your case, the practicing alcoholic's bad habit is keeping himself from becoming a more matured Christian.

Posted by: Shortcake on 2009-06-16, 22:17:51

The Bible says not to be a drunkard, which would be an alcoholic. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Posted by: Magica! Star on 2009-06-16, 22:19:16

I sure hope it never rains and smear the ink on the Christian Bible because so many god fearing people would be lost without their religious book.

Posted by: jen-tile on 2009-06-16, 22:19:59

Luke 21 34 Living in drunkenness and irresponsibility is dangerous Romans 13 11-14 Drunkenness is not fitting for a Christian Ephesians 5 18 Drunkenness can cause immoral behavior

Posted by: Myrtle on 2009-06-16, 22:20:20

This is a tough question to answer. Everyone has their own beliefs. I know several people say they feel that Jesus drank wine. From everything I study back in bibilcal times, wine was acutally our grape juice. In terms of what they bible says about drunkness, there are several verses out there. I found a website for you to see. Go to: bible-topics.com/ Drunkenness.html So do I believe that you can be a Christian and still be practicing alcoholic, Yes, you can..but I urge you to take a closer look at the Bible and more time in prayer to God. This will utlimately give you the best answer. God is much more knowledgeable than I am!

Posted by: ♥IM APOSTOLIC AND IM NOT ASHAMED♥ on 2009-06-16, 22:20:40

The bible says its bad to be a drunkard...the only drunk im gonna be is Drunk in the Holy Ghost

Posted by: Muldah on 2009-06-16, 22:24:17

Pro 31:4 And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. Pro 31:5 For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. Pro 31:6 Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Pro 31:7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

Posted by: Moderation in almost all things2 on 2009-06-16, 22:25:22

The problem is the loss of control over all aspects (spiritually emotionally physically) and the actions addicted people do - some endangering themselves worse endangering children. A drink during dinner is not loosing control but "taking the edge off " IS. (Make your own examples of endangering children.) Being addicted to something puts a barrier between your true self and everyone - even GOD. This barrier is sin. What is actually said in the bible I do not know, sorry I don't live knowing the bible memorized ready to quote. Jesus said love GOD and yourself - so I have a real fear of being addicted to anything because of this barrier. Moderation and understanding of ones weaknesses is important. I really mean this I can't open a big bag of potato chips I have to buy the small bag, can't gamble or drink. Because I know a little about me. Peace. And I hope your never shackled to alcohol and can live free of any addictions.

Posted by: Loopy on 2009-06-16, 22:29:48

You have already seen articulate answers citing the scriptural references and I applaud their efforts and would not mean to suggest that in any way they have missed any mark. But to put things in a simpler context, my take on this would be to say that there are caveats concerning old wine, strong drink: Jesus even pointed out unambiguously that they may lead to sin. He didn't necessarily say it would, but He gave a clear enough warning that it's use dictates prudence. Ultimately we are each of us responsible for what we do, regardless of what we eat, drink or make ourselves merry with. We should not allow abuse of any substance to excuse abusive behaviors.

Posted by: CARAMEL LOVE on 2009-06-16, 22:41:12

The scriptures say "Do not be getting drunk ", and they say "drunkards will not inherit God's kingdom ". 1 Corinthians 6: 9 - 11 What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of YOU were. ------------------ 1 Corinthians 5:11: But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one. ------------------- Galatians 5:21: ....envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ------------------- Ephesians 5:18: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. -------------------- It is not a good idea to be practicing alcoholism and claiming to be a Christian at the same time. I hope I have been helpful. Email me if you need or want to. Thanks and God Bless.