by Paulette Forman

Created on: June 01, 2009

Wine - Delicious, sweet; and a succulent nectar of the vine that satisfies the palate. Wine connoisseurs the world over extract this most historic, social, and sophisticated beverage from the best of vineyards; soothing the demand for its alluring appeal. Wine has a jovial effect upon those who appreciate its sedative properties.

For centuries, wine was regarded as a transcultural peace offering. However, this fermented product also has its share of controversy; often condemned among the pious as a demonic source that corrupts men and women of goodwill.

Is wine a forbidden drink for Christians?

In order to answer that question, we must first examine the historic actions of the Originator of the Christian faith - Jesus Christ - to see if drinking wine was a sin during his thirty three years on earth.

1. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2: 6-10).

2. On Passover and on the eve of his famous death, Jesus sat among his faithful Disciples and instituted a simple meal of bread and wine that had spiritual connotations. "Drink from it, all of you" he directed. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:27). Of course, the content in that cup was wine as Verse 28 later tells us.

Now, ask yourself: Had wine been forbidden to consume, would Jesus turn water into wine? Would Jesus encourage his Disciples to drink wine on the eve of his death? If drinking wine is wrong, wouldn't Jesus caution his followers about ingesting it? Even Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to drink a little wine for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23).

The caution that Christians must exercise, then, is the over-indulgence of wine which can impair the senses and cause a breakdown of moral steadfastness, disregard for laws, and cause the unintentional death of an innocent person. Regarding the bitter consequences of drinking in excess, King Solomon was inspired to warn: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise (Proverbs 20: 1). On the other hand, the Good Book also encourages hard workers to enjoy drinking: There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil (Ecclesiastes 2:24). And the Psalmist wrote: Wine . gladdens the heart of man (Psalm 104: 15).

Do these two scriptural passages contradict Proverbs 20:1?

Key words: Led Astray. Drinking too much to the point of being inebriated can lead a Christian astray from good moral judgment.

Too much of anything is not good; we all must know our limitations. While striving to leave under the holy tenets of Christianity, having self-control and being conscious of our actions when drinking wine can benefit Christians and society.

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