Beer Anyone?

Hmm – I think it's ok so long as it's done in moderation (both in public and in private). I don't know how I'd feel if I was a recovering alcoholic and was at an event where even my pastor was drinking but I think that may be where some think of it as 'making others stumble' possibly??

My opinion: Church leaders should live their lives as examples of what they testify to/preach their congregation. Having an alcoholic beverage is fine (if you ask me) so long as the example of not being a glutton/overindulging in any one vice can still be gleaned from his/her behavior. Certainly not a fan of not doing something in public, but teaching that in private it's acceptable. To me there are very few things not morally reprehensible that fall into this category. Perhaps the best test for any of these issues is to ask the age old question, "What would Jesus do?"

I really feel like each individual person should come to his or her own conclusion on the matter. But my personal belief is that alcohol is no different than dessert. Both should be consumed in moderation and not excess. Too much alcohol leads to drunkenness, which is obviously sinful, and too much dessert, or any food, for that matter, is gluttony, a sin the church rarely if ever talks about. How many gluttonous pastors are there? Hmmm. . .probably more than alcoholics.

I personally think that it does people a disservice to condemn alcohol altogether (in a corporate body). If it's your personal choice to abstain, great, but it's NOT a command in Scripture. I grew up in a church and school where alcohol was strictly prohibited. In turn, when I actually had to make my own decisions, I found that I was not prepared because it was a topic we just didn't touch. I think that it's important not to be afraid of the subject. After all, Jesus' first miracle WAS turning water to wine. . . and it wasn't just grape juice. =) Obviously, if you choose to drink, do it with great caution and moderation. But I believe that practicing moderation in this area is just as much of a testimony as abstaining altogether.

For I think it is a moderation thing and also don’t make others stumble… thin line when it comes to a church leader

I think it comes down to two things: Moderation, and Time/Place. The first is obvious, the second is a bit of a slippery slope. If someone you are around would be offended by consuming alcohol, it would probably be a good idea to abstain. Also, if you are around someone who is a recovering alcoholic, or even misuses alcohol, you probably want to abstain in that situation as well.

Also, if you personally have had issues with alcoholism, you should stay away from it.

As for being an example, if you are able to consume beverages containing alcohol without misusing them, that to me is as good an example as being a teetotaler.

In general, beverages containing alcohol should be treated as beverages, not as a recreational drug.

If Jesus turned water into wine.. Then how come it says dont drink in the bible?? something like that..

In my opinion it’s a “drink, don’t get drunk” thing. There will always be opinions and speculations around things that the bible is not clear on that have caused big issues in the world.

In my opinion, being drunk is harmful to your body and therefore against treating your body like a temple. I think social drinking can be dangerous but not necessarily “wrong.” I also would say that one glass of wine is healthy for your heart. My opinion for me once I am old enough is that it’s okay to drink…but I intend to drink it with caution to my actions.

After a careful study of scripture on the subject of drinking and prayerfully settling it with your Lord, you can sit down and have drink, then its really none of my business. As for me, I am not going to play with fire.

I'm in voluntary leadership (i.e. I don't get paid) in my church. There is no scripture against drinking…only drunkenness. I don't drink by personal choice, but I use to. For me, I work with teens and there are numerous pressures on them. I choose not to as an example and support to them. My daughter's father had some drinking issues and I don't want her thinking that life style is OK. An alcoholic is someone who NEEDS to drink not necessarily someone who gets hammered all the time. I guess for me it is an example thing…I have to reiterate @ineffableGod "is the non-believer seeing anything different in the believer's life or are we all the same. If it's all the same then there's a big problem."

I used to be VERY judgemental about this topic. I used to think that Christians should in no way drink or do similar things. Time has changed my opinion on this, now I think that there’s no problem on having a drink if it is with moderation. Actually, today I had a beer with my Dad for the first time. I used to judge him on this and by randomly sitting down with him and having a beer it just broke down a wall and he had an awesome smile on his face. It was a great moment.

i don’t have a problem with church staff having alcohol but i also understand that i don’t
think i can judge them about it when i have an occasional glass of wine. i have recently
been considering what the purpose of having that glass of wine is. does it make dinner
taste better than sweet tea or water? is there something about the way it makes me feel (chemically or emotionally) that i am seeking. ah well, just sayin’

The Bible makes it pretty clear getting drunk is a no. It gives warning about strong drink and the effects of drinking, but there is no prohibition. In matters of conscience and stumbling, that depends on where you are serving and what your conscience will allow.

I personally took a vow not to drink, so it’s pretty clear I can’t! Lol

You've moved out of the South. Get over it.

To repeat myself, although I'm not talking about alcohol this time:

You've moved out of the South. Get over it.

haha…and this is blogging for ya

the church has made this a big deal for years

but yes i do agree. us southerners prob have a total different outlook on it than the rest of the world. the way i was raised i guess. at this point i feel like everybody else on here. choice of that person and personal conviction. a good topic to discuss though. where did u grow up?

No. Only certain churches in their official, public stances.

Since you are from the South, I'm sure you know where the Baptist door on a bar is. And, I'm sure you know how it got its name.

A better way to say this: Some denominations have made this a big deal for years.

Whenever four Episcopalians have gathered there is a Fifth.

You need to get out more.

For a while, we as a church worship band used to be part of an organisation called Church-in-a-pub. This was such a powerful ministry tool. What made it more powerful was that we as worship 'church' people were willing to have a beer with the people that just came to the pub, not knowing there will be a church service while they are there.

We saw plenty of people getting saved this way, but again, the main thing is that we never would have excessive amounts of beer, but maybe one, after the service, while chatting to people that had questions.

For a leader, don't drink. Why go about the hassle of getting drunk when you can do other useful stuff.

You might say moderation. Maybe it's just a play of words… a way to say, it's alright I'm not that close yet.

And yep, you won't go to hell when you drink but you smell like you came from there. (Just kidding!) I don't condemn those who drink. And I don't feel any better because I don't do what they do. And also there have been a lot of discussions about the effects of drinking that even a grade school student can understand the horrors of it.

Going back to the point.

Why shoul I drink anyway?

Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.

Yes, we can drink. But will it benefit us? The people who follow us? Our families? Our society? Our work, etc?

For a long time I didn't drink because someone told me that as a good Christian I should not drink. Then several years ago I started questioning why I believed the things that I believe and that included drinking. In my quest to understand why I believe the things I believe I discovered that scripture is clear that it is getting drunk that is the sin not drinking. That said, I also discovered that drinking was not for me (and this without taking a sip of the stuff). My personal conviction as a leader is that I cannot always know the story of the people around me. My behavior can give someone else permission to do something that for me is not an issue but for them would be an issue, thereby causing them to stumble. So for me, I don't because I don't want to cause someone else to stumble. That is my conviction though and I don't put that on anyone else.

I don't have a problem with pastors/Christians drinking so long as they don't do it to excess. I'm a Christian and I drink and brew my own beer. Like with anything else, just don't do it with the purpose of looking cool or fitting in, regardless of age. I know there are some people who tatt up or drink or dress a "part" in order to reach out to a "rough crowd". That's a mistake.

I'm in agreement with the majority…I think it is a personal decision if you choose for social pleasure not to get drunk or not because you NEED a drink to get through the day. There is nothing wrong with a glass of wine with a nice dinner or a beer while eating crabs or eating wings while watching football. You know what I'm talking about…nothing roudy or excessive…it's all about the taste! If a person can't drink without it leading to loudness and inappropriate behavior then they should refrain. I also believe that if a leader chooses to drink an alcoholic beverage and does so in public to be sure not to "hide" if someone walks in they know. If you drink in public you can set a good example about how to drink in moderation and remain respectable rather than appearing hypocritical or judgemental. I've seen too many "closet" drinkers that will turn their nose up at others for what they will do in their own home but never admit it. What kind of witness is that?

I must have been typing at the same time you posted because I missed your comment. You expressed my sentiments exactly. Love the way you assured you are the same person in public as you are in private and your comparison to sweet tea. That's it exactly!

idk what version you're using…but in NIV…it says .."not given to drunkenness"..which condemns excessive drinking versus no drinking at all. You're probably using KJV…which IS more closer to the original version, but as you can see it's not that easy when there's different versions. Again, it's a personal conviction, but I was just making a point.

I drink in moderation… usually two beers at most with dinner sometimes. I have dealt with the issue and came to this conclusion. Jesus' FIRST recorded miracle was turning water into wine. Some of my strict "Baptist" friends are quick to remind me that the reason that Jesus turned the water into wine is because the water wasn't good back then. Upon which I say to them…"so we serve an almighty God who can turn water into wine, but he couldn't purify the water???" Also, Jesus performed another miracle at the same time. He "aged" the wine into "fine" wine as the scripture states.

So, if we are not supposed to drink alcohol, why did Jesus turn water into fine wine?

As for making a brother stumble… I believe we as Christians have perpetuated the myth of alcohol as being a sin, and so now we perpetuate another myth that if we are seen drinking we are a sinner.

I think the idea of right vs. privilege comes to mind. We have the privilege to enjoy alcohol but we're told by Paul that if it causes others to stumble to abstain. I would hope we are desiring the Kingdom of God more than our "right" to drink a beer.

Then you have the Christians who drink the beer solely for the shock factor. You know, the guys who say, "Hey, let's go get a beer" then look around the room to make sure everyone heard them to see if anyone is pissed. Kind of pathetic.

I enjoy a beer here and there. I don't drink in front of the high school kids I mentor, and I don't drink in front of my friends who are recovering alcoholics. I rarely have it in my fridge if ever. A few of us who are close and accountable to one another and at the same place in the journey will go out once in a while and enjoy a cold one. It's great. But the minute that could interfere with someone else's life/growth, etc, I'm more than willing to give it up.

Right vs. Privilege…what do you guys think?

While this topic has brought up much debate and division in the Church I stand more on the side of drukedness is a sin but drinking isn’t. I tend to feel out the enviroment I am in. Just like anything else that is not stated clearly as a Sin we must be wise in what we do. If we are in an enviroment where it is not seen as proper it may be best to not order the drink. Especially if we are doing it to make a statement as if to say, I can do this no matter what you think. Consider others above yourself. So for me it is about knowing your surroundings and not causing another believer to stumble but at the same time be wise and do things with a right motive.if that makes sense.

I think you hit it on the head with "don’t make others stumble." As a Christian, I do believe it is ok to have about up to a glass of wine a day (though personally, I may perhaps only partake of a glass of wine two times a year). However, all things considered, it depends who you are around. If it "offends" my Christian brethren (or perhaps non-brethren…) while fellow-shipping, I shouldn't partake.

Two scriptures to back up what I'm saying are:

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18

And:

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Concluding, two basic rules: Don't get drunk and don't drink around anyone at all if if offends them.

By the way, congratulations on your success online, looks like you are doing well. It's all about the traffic and it looks like you are getting it (60 comments on this post alone, fhew!).

so personal preference goes back to which "Bible version"? We have one Bible given by One God. Most versions say the same thing as "given to wine" It's one word in the original and if you look into it a little it simply means you are not a drinker. The "preference" question should not be – How close should a "church leader" get to sin? The better question should be – How far can a "church leader" stay away from sin?

I think that it is a personal conviction. On the same hand when it comes to church leaders, even with that in mind, they are held to a higher standard. At the same time could it be considered hypocritical to say I don't drink in public but it's okay for me to drink at home in private?

how do u know if they r a recovering alcoholic?

again, i am not here to condemn cause i have enough problems in my life. i am here to just give thought to the matter

I agree that the Bible is the Bible, and I firmly believe that leaders have to set an example, and that they shouldn't play with fire. However, I do not think it's fair to say that a person who touches alcohol should be condoned because it's wrong. For some people, it's a cultural thing, and I don't see how any of us can judge their personal walk based on that. I honestly believe it comes down to the heart, and whether ______ (fill in the blank) has taken precedence over our walk with the Lord, and if it has, then changes should be made.

some arguments just never change.

When you become a "leader", you move into a glass house. Everything you do is on display both in public and in private. I don't think you can necessarily compartmentalize your life. People know who you are whether you think they do or not, and they are watching.

I personally don't drink because I don't ever want to give anyone the impression that I think it's ok. You should be an example of "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…" I'm just trying to work on those things for now. : )

Actions always speak louder than words.
My recent post Things I learned from Princess Miley today…I

When you become a "leader", you move into a glass house. Everything you do is on display both in public and in private. I don't think you can necessarily compartmentalize your life. People know who you are whether you think they do or not, and they are watching.

I personally don't drink because I don't ever want to give anyone the impression that I think it's ok. You should be an example of "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…" I'm just trying to work on those things for now. : )

Actions always speak louder than words.
My recent post Things I learned from Princess Miley today…I

I’m new to this whole world of Religion but I’m willing to bet that people are more willing to listen to a person who is real as opposed to a phony. Values, morals and ethics about responsible drinking are the responsibility of parents. if an adult needs a lesson in responsible alcohol consumption that’s an entirely different cup o’ brew. I thought Christianity was all about being kind, treating people with love and respecting others? What’s beer got to do with that?

This is a copied and pasted piece I have written over the last year and shared multiple times with believers. I put forth this effort in writing and research, not because I am hell bent on defending the freedom to drink, but because this tired old argument needs to die so we can focus on JESUS and not our petty debates that have little to nothing to do with furthering the Kingdom.

First off let me say that the reason alcohol has been considered a “sin” by the religious is because they didn’t want to talk about the end result and not the heart of the matter. Alcoholic’s and drunkards are sinners not because of the alcohol itself, it’s only because they do not know Jesus! Period.

The argument for ruining your testimony, jeopardizing your career, or causing a brother too stumble seems to be the only one sided argument that Southern Baptists use when regarding alcohol. Some will even go to the links of arguing that the wine of Jesus’ day was not fermented or it was watered down (which is completely false and a complete lie…you can’t twist Scripture into something that you believe and is borderline heresy).

Alcohol isn’t something that I indulge in as a means to selfish pleasures. It’s an beverage that I drink responsibly like the first church did for communion, celebration, weddings and for health (all found in Scripture). Scripture also goes to great lengths to warn of drunkenness which proves (as well as many other scriptures) that wine was very much fermented. I could even show you Scriptures and arguments where Christ and Paul encourage alcohol and celebrated and worshiped with it. Now does this mean that everyone should drink? No. Just like not everyone should own a gun…let’s face it there are some idiots that would shoot themselves and everyone around them if you gave them a gun because they don’t know JESUS.

When Paul talks of “causing your brother to stumble” you must read that in it’s context. Paul had his work cut out for him trying to play referee between the Jewish Christ followers and the Gentile Christ followers. AND STILL TODAY WE ARE FIGHTING THE SAME STUPID ARGUMENTS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH FURTHERING THE KINGDOM. Paul spoke of meat and Southern Baptist’s are quick to replace the word “meat” with “alcohol” to argue their point. If you read further into Paul’s readings he says those that don’t eat meat because of their fear of stumbling or breaking tradition are the WEAKER Christ followers. And he said that eating and drinking has nothing to do with the Gospel of Christ.

If I was so worried about causing a brother to stumble, I would never leave the house. Because more than drinking we cause our brothers in Christ and non believers to stumble. Couple of examples.

Money – The most talked about sin/warning in Scripture. Take any mega church in the Southern Baptist bible beltway and they will be the first to label alcohol a sin and go to great lengths to include the abstinence of alcohol in church covenants, BUT at the same time operate a church budget in DEBT by borrowing more money to build the next building as a means to grow membership. Again, this is not scriptural and borderline heresy. Therefore let’s pick alcohol and label it sin (again not found in scripture) and then go on to teach our church membership about borrowing money from the master and being a slave…David Platt’s example of the American Dream church.

Food – Hello??? Paul spoke specifically about meat when referencing “causing your brother to stumble” and it blows my mind how those in the Southern Church’s (esp. SB) IMMEDIATELY TRANSLATE TO ALCOHOL. Look around most churches in America and greater than 60% are OBESE. Obesity is a sin, but look in their church covenant and there is nothing said about food…

Yes, I know what your thinking. Over eating doesn’t cause car accidence and the terrible beatings that grandmother endured by her alcoholic, abusive father…I can’t imagine how horrific that was. Alcohol does have great responsibility but so does the care of a gun or the financial responsibility a man burdens for his family or church and their flock. My great grandfather’s problem wasn’t the alcohol…he didn’t know JESUS!

People need JESUS!!!!! And while I’m on the subject let me say something sharing your faith with those who are non-believers and drunkards. You can’t tell someone that drinking a beer is a sin and that if you quit you will find favor in Jesus and he will save you…that is heresy. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. The heart must change first and the behavior will follow. Help that neighbor that doesn’t know Jesus and who is a drunkard by first not labeling them anything and second carry their cross with them. Pray for them, love them where they are at and for goodness sake DO NOT INVITE THEM TO YOUR CUSHON PEW AT CHURCH. Corporate worship on Sunday morning is a time for celebration for CHRIST FOLLOWERS. It is a time to take communion with fellow believers, pray, worship, celebrate the life of Christ, repent and recharge your batteries to go back into the world the other 6 days of the week and share the Gospel. Let non-believers see Jesus for who is in you before they ever walk into a church building.

Leave this tired old debate alone. Focus on Kingdom things. Follow Christ. Follow Scripture. Let the Holy Spirit guide us every day in this fallen world that needs Jesus.

Enough said, but I will leave you with this interesting article on Alcohol and Christians.

Negative Bible References to Wine
Those who preach that alcohol and Christians don’t mix often quote verses which display a negative — or at least apparently so — reference toward wine. One of the primary ones is Proverbs 20:1 which states,

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1, NKJV)

There are certainly problems attached to over-indulgence. The admonition here is that one not be deceived by wine and use it too much. This applies to almost anything. Should honey also be eliminated from a Christian’s diet? The approach taken by those who attempt to use Proverbs 20:1 to indicate that drinking wine is a sin would require a similar teaching about honey as well from its mention along a similar vein in Proverbs 25:27:

“It is not good to eat much honey;” (Proverbs 25:27, NKJV)

This attitude is absurd and the intent of each of the verses is expressing a problem resulting from going too far with either product. The same applies to another section of Proverbs the 23rd chapter which again condemns drunkenness and alcoholism, but in no way prohibits or even discourages the moderate use of wine:

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper.” (Proverbs 23:29-32, NKJV)

The “red” wine that swirls around smoothly” is wine that is still fermenting. One should not “look” upon it to lust after and drink it (compare Matthew 5:28 which would make it a sin for anyone to even look at a woman were this argument valid) as doing so before it is fully fermented can cause violent illness and even death. The completed product is not involved here whatsoever.

The references to the “wine of the wrath of God,” and “the wine of the fierceness of His wrath,” and “the wine of her fornication” (Revelation 14:10, 16:19, 17:2, and similar references) merely use wine as a pictorial vehicle. They in no way condemn the moderate use of wine any more than similar word pictures condemn other things. If such “unfavorable” references of this type constituted such a message, a Christian would then sin by: wearing a cloak (1Thessalonians 2:5, 1Peter 2:6), drinking water (Numbers 19:9, 13, 20-21; 1Kings 22:27; 2Chronicles 18:26; Jeremiah 8:14, 9:15, 23:15), using an oven or heat or fire (Deuteronomy 29:24, 32:22; Psalms 21:9; Jeremiah 15:14, 17:14; Ezekiel 22:31, 38:19), eating bread (Deuteronomy 16:3; 1 Kings 22:27; 2 Chronicles 18:26; Proverbs 4:17, 20:17, 31:27; Isaiah 30:20), or take a shower (Ezekiel 13:13)! Just how ridiculous this line of thinking is becomes obvious when applied elsewhere!

POSITIVE Bible References to Wine
The positive scriptures and commands which require fermented wine balance and bring into perspective the negative references. These include:

God made wine possible to help man REJOICE!:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great . . . And (God makes) WINE that makes glad the heart of man, . . .” (Psalm 104:1, 15, NKJV)

Wine can help the depressed and those near death to cope:

“Give STRONG DRINK to him who is perishing, and WINE to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (Proverbs 31:6-7, NKJV)
Jesus’ very FIRST miracle was making water into WINE at a wedding:

“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no WINE.”

“Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

“Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made WINE, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the GOOD WINE, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the GOOD WINE until now!’ ” (John 2:1-10, NKJV, emphasis throughout)

Apostle Paul tells Timothy to drink WINE for its health benefits:
“No longer drink only water, but use a little WINE for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (1Timothy 5:23, NKJV)

Melchizedek, priest of God, brought WINE to Abram (Abraham):
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and WINE; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth;” (Genesis 14:18-19, NKJV)

God offers man FREE WINE:
“‘Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy WINE and milk without money and without price.’ ” (Isaiah 55:1, NKJV)

God will soon prepare a feast for His people which includes WINES:
“And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of WINES on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined WINES on the lees.” (Isaiah 25:6, NKJV)

It is interesting to note that those who espouse total abstinence conveniently make all of the positive references to wine relate to grape juice and claim that all of the negative ones display fermented wine. In every case the words are the same, but somehow they think that they may supply a different meaning on those words to suit their own goals.

BALANCE is the Key to Drinking
The proper relationship between alcohol and Christians is really quite plain. It is merely a matter of moderation. As Paul told Timothy, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine . . . .” When he wrote to the Ephesians he specified, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess . . . .” He said to not get drunk, but he did not say to totally abstain from wine. What is absent is just as important as what is present. “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5). Christians and alcohol can mix and, when celebrating Christ’s death, wine is an integral and even vital ingredient. Paul again makes this point clear in 1Corinthians 11:20-29 by outlining the aspects of the Passover service and making special mention of the proper spirit of this solemn celebration and admonishing against overeating and drunkenness. And again you DO NOT get drunk from drinking grape juice, making the use of wine (as Christ obviously did) an OBLIGATORY part of the service. Abstinence is NOT taught by the Bible, but neither is drunkenness. Moderation is the key.

Health Benefits of Wine
In addition to the mentioned amenities of wine in the Bible another benefit is only hinted at. Wine has curative value as well, as implied in Luke 10:34 and 1 Timothy 5:23. Dr. Salvatore P. Lucia, professor of medicine at the University of California School of Medicine, wrote,

“Wine is the most ancient dietary beverage and the most important medicinal agent in continuous use throughout the history of mankind . . . . Actually, few other substances available to man have been as widely recommended for their curative powers as have wines” (Wine as Food and Medicine; pp. 5, 58).
Dr. Henry A. Rowe, M.D., has stated that a moderate amount of wine taken with a meal improves digestion and helps build up the blood. The Pasadena Medical Society says,

“Taken intelligently and with discretion, alcohol (in wine and other drinks) can prolong life expectancy . . . . However, even temporary excess or prolonged over-drinking can lead to disaster.”
Wine and other alcoholic beverages have their place and have been provided for us BY GOD to utilize intelligently for our benefit.

Happened upon this blog and went to read the comments. The first one… Jimmy’s… by looking at the length made me want to go drink a beer. I guess that’s my answer to your question.