by Bret Capranica | Sep 6, 2010 | Christian Living, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry
An Affirmation About Alcohol from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. An increasing drumbeat in contemporary American churches is one on the subject of alcohol consumption. Not alcohol abuse ““ but consumption. I believe the vast majority of evangelical Christians (if not all) would affirm that the Bible speaks not only derisively, but condemningly of the abuse of alcohol. The contemporary dividing line is over the use of alcohol. In this post I want to look at a few issues on this subject, describe my position as I understand the Scriptures, and conclude with an affirmation I join in making with the elders at Summit Woods Baptist Church. The Use of Alcohol Can Be a Divisive Issue: It Can Be Generationally Divisive The use of alcohol seems to have a very dark line of division between generations. A large portion of the rising, energetic, biblically loyal, evangelistically passionate, and serious minded, younger generation of Christians is far more open to the use (again, not the abuse) of alcohol. This is in stark contrast to other generations who have traditionally advocated a position of complete abstinence. In my interaction with both groups, this issue brings out high energy and intense emotions. I find that a younger generation is more ready to make use of what they see as a biblically gray area and eschew others who are offended by their beer drinking (or whatever beverage they choose). In turn, in receiving the tongue lashing from the teetotalers, these imbibers return the favor with equally biting comments about the legalistic behavior of their oppressors. I honestly believe each group has valid concerns and...
