The Southern Baptist Convention, a culture which I am slowly learning to navigate via my seminary, has been hotly debating the question of whether Christians should drink alcohol. I'm slowly (very slowly?) beginning to take an interest in Baptist denominational issues, but this one has added interest, since The Alcohol Question is one occasionally debated outside the SBC...
At any rate, Joe Thorn has posted a balanced and biblically-informed take on imbibing which I recommend...and might even drink to. Check it out: Abstinence, Moderation and Tolerance. The actual post is much cooler than the title. Bottoms up!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I'll Drink to That!
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12 comments:
Good points. Personally, I'm a teetotaler, and I think abstinence is the objectively better course. However, it's not a dividing issue for me. I couldn't actually support people in drinking (even if moderately), but I'm relatively content leaving this particular issue up to individual conscience.
I'm at a loss for a silly remark.
Homer might say, "Mmm, beer."
A gang of partyers might say, "100 bottles of beer on the wall..."
The Irish couldn't be reached for comment.
Ha! Silly remark found. My apologies to the Irish.
Glad to see you're dipping your toes in the baptist pool! Not really, but sometimes the debates and arguments are interesting to follow. Maybe next semester instead of going to "the chopper" we could go to the local bar and discuss theology and such. lol.
One of my favorite beers, Smithwicks, is clearly a holy beer as it was originally brewed in St. Francis Abbey.
I think someone should write a history of alcohol and Christianity, how they've been deliciously intertwined through the ages... :)
Objectively better...not a dividing issue
Basically says: "I'm right, but let's not argue." That's pretty arrogant sounding.
Tim: What should I say if I have an opinion about the issue and yet don't want to force it on everyone else? I mean, I made it plain that I'm content leaving this question up to the individual. Cut me some slack here. ;-)
Maybe next semester instead of going to "the chopper" we could go to the local bar and discuss theology and such.
That would have the added benefit of keeping our discussion group small... ;)
I think someone should write a history of alcohol and Christianity, how they've been deliciously intertwined through the ages...
I nominate you, my good man. Be sure to include a "Present-Day" chapter KC's famously good Boulevard Brewery. Not that a drop has ever crossed my lips...
Discussing a loaded issue is always a challenge for Christians because both sides believe that their position is "objectively" better. Even if it's not said outright, the assumption is tacit.
If we were honest relativists, we wouldn't have this problem; as it is, I tend to enjoy the stinging quality of real arguments clashing as opposed to "my impressions."
Nevertheless, grace is essential.
I think someone should write a history of alcohol and Christianity, how they've been deliciously intertwined through the ages...
*Ahem*
Not to de-legitimize the alcohol dicussion, but is this really as big a discussion as the linked posted makes it look like?
If so, that is immensely fascinating.
Sorry, here is the correct link
I also just noticed that the first review in the amazon page I linked to is by my old pastor who recommended the book to me.
Andrew, was the book sold out when you linked it, or did the massive surge of readers from this blog buy up all the extant copies?
I can't find it for sale anywhere online! Must be a good book.
I think it was sold out already but it served its purposes and it is a good book.
Did you check Alibris.com? I would check it myself but shopping sites are blocked at work.
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