I recently read an article about a Christian’s perspective on alcohol. Now, to most devout Catholics (the ones I know), alcohol has never been something that has been bad or wrong. But growing up in a very conservative, evangelical atmosphere, I always thought taking the littlest sip of alcohol would be sinful. My perspective changed before I became Catholic, however, I thought I would post the article and see what y’all think about it:
http://www.crossroadschristian.org/blogs/blog/12806077-can-a-christian-drink-alcohol
My take-
I can’t say that I necessarily disagree with anything that was said in this article (minus a few Proverbs that I believe were taken out of context). I still think that the author was attempting to place guilt on people who do not believe drinking alcohol is wrong. Proclaiming many horrible instances where alcohol ended in tragedy does not make it wrong or somehow less moral, which is the vibe I am getting. Also left out is that many, many people in this country do drink responsibly, especially many who are devout Christians. I’m not trying to sound typical, but Jesus did turn water into wine. Fermented. Actual wine. It’s the same word used for wine when the Bible is speaking negatively of alcohol (i.e. drunkenness). Having a beer or a glass of wine is a way of socially connecting with people- meeting for a drink after work, or having a beer at home with dinner, etc. The negative connotation comes from the abuse of it.
“If you don’t touch alcohol, you don’t have to worry about the potentially negative effects of it,”
is something I typically hear from those who are against drinking alcohol. Apply this to anything: If you don’t log on to the internet, you don’t have to worry about pornography. If you don’t eat trans fats, you don’t have to worry about being obese and at a higher risk for heart disease. So, while I see the point here, and like I said, I don’t necessarily disagree with it, nor judge those who choose to abstain from alcohol, I also believe that saying that “it’s not the best choice,” is still passing judgement, even when the author says they don’t judge those who chose differently than he would choose. I would also like to say that out of respect, I would never drink around someone who is uncomfortable with it, but shouldn’t this be the response from any decent human being?
The key is that we ask God to help us make good decisions in all areas of our life. What are your thoughts?
dailyconversion 
Two thoughts:
1) A Derek Webb line from his song “A New Law”: “Don’t teach me about moderation and liberty–I prefer a shot of grape juice.” We are so disordered, lack spiritual discipline to such a degree, that we hem ourselves in with laws to keep us from stumbling into sin, like the Pharisees. Now, all of us have areas in our lives in which, to avoid the near-occasion of sin, we have to have strict boundaries; but these areas differ from person to person (which is not relativism, but a the nature of individual liberty).
2) Jesus didn’t just (just!) turn water into wine–He actually BECAME and continues to become Wine in the Eucharist every day on every altar around the world. Would the fullness of God–Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity–choose to dwell under the form of something He considered intrinsically evil or even dangerous?
It seems everyone has an opinion on so many issues, and sometimes we agree, and sometimes not. If you are convicted about drinking, then don’t drink. I know many Christians that do have a glass of wine with dinner or a drink with friends. If you are drinking to get drunk, then in my opinion I believe that is wrong because of the dangers to others and your health. Jesus does tell us in scripture not to be drunk with wine. Name one good that happens that happens when you’re drunk? Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should treat it as such. That includes eating healthy, keeping our minds on Godly things, loving others, and so on. I do however feel it is not right for others to judge those that have an occasional drink, or maybe more. We need to be in prayer for for those that are struggling with addictions, not condemn them.