21 Reasons to Drink Alcohol

21 Reasons to Drink Alcohol

A Christian Response to “ 50 Reasons Why I Don't Drink ”

Ok, so let’s clarify some things right off the bat. 

• This article is geared towards Christians. If you’re not a Christian, I’m still glad you’re reading! I certainly wouldn’t want you to think we all hate beer. However, just know all of the following reasoning is not all expected to hold sway with you. 
• This article is geared towards Christians who believe the Bible is the Word of God. In other words, Christians. It also helps if you believe He has managed to preserve it from error and maintain it’s complete relevance to our culture too. That clears up tricky issues like “should women be pastors?” and more over, “Should women be pastors and write legalistic articles advocating total abstinence from alcohol?” In case you were wondering, from the historical orthodox position of the church and (more importantly) the most literal and correct interpretation of Scripture, the answer to both of those culturally offensive questions is no. (1 Tim. 2:12, 1 Corinthians 14:34, and the rest of the references in this article) But please, feel free to disagree. And if you shared the "50 Reasons" article without noticing that it was published by a female pastor from the Assembly of God group just because it was anti-alcohol, then you might possibly be more concerned with who is or isn't drinking rather than who is or isn't preaching. And that's probably not a good thing. 
• The only type of drinking advocated here is that which is done in moderation (avoiding the very clearly defined and Scripturally condemned sin of drunkenness), that is done in complete compliance with the laws of both the country and state you currently live in, and that is not done by (or intentionally in the presence of) an individual currently struggling with alcoholism. 
• I don’t have 50 reasons because A) I am unwilling to make stuff up or repeat myself that much and B) That’s absolutely too much time spent on something so obvious.

Glad we got all that out of the way. Also, in preparation for writing this and in addition to my own study, I got some great help from my friends over at the Reformed Pub Facebook group! If you like reformed theology and beer, you should totally check it out. Just read the rules before ya join, and make sure to follow them afterwards. Also check out their information website/blog, www.reformedpub.com for more information.

Now, let’s get started! Here are 21 reasons why I think you (presumably Christian person of legal drinking age) should (or can, if you want to) drink alcohol (in moderation) because… 

1. It is not condemned under those conditions anywhere in Scripture except where it is speaking directly to a Jew undertaking a voluntary Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:1-21), or a person undergoing ceremonial (not moral) sanctification for a specific purpose (Samson and John the Baptist, but not Jesus. More not that later.). In other words, it is never condemned for use by a Christian unless that Christian chooses to fast from it for the same reason you fast from any other thing. The Bible never says alcohol is wrong. Ever. 
2. It tastes good. Unless you buy cheap, nasty stuff. Then it tastes bad. So get the good stuff. Jesus said the good stuff is better anyway (Luke 5:39).
3. You wanna be like Jesus. Ok, obviously that was a bit tongue and cheek. But seriously, Jesus likes wine. (Luke 5:39, John 2, Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, etc). If abstinence from alcohol was in any way morally superior, Christ would have also practiced it as he was perfect. If Christ sinned, we are all totally going to hell. I would also note that not sinning includes avoiding the appearance of evil (like drinking grape juice and calling it wine as some crazy conservative theories suggest. Here’s info on that, btw: http://dispensationalist.blogspot.com/2007/11/alcohol-content-of-wine-in-bible.html ). 
4. It’s good for you. http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/30/health/beer-good-health/ and http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/17/health/health-effects-of-red-wine/ and 1 Tim. 5:23
5. It keeps you from seeming legalistic to non-Christians, and opens doorways for gospel conversations. No, really, it does! I’ve shared the gospel 3 times with non believers by starting up a conversation about beer, them asking how I can drink that if I’m a Christian, and me explaining. Avoid the appearance of things that are actually evil, like unfounded legalism. 
6. It keeps you from being legalistic. 
7. It’s a blessing from God! (Gen 1:29, Acts 10:15, Psalm 104:14-15, John 2, Gen. 27:28, Deut. 7:13, 14:26, )
8. Because drinking is biblical (see previous references) and legalism is not (Matthew 23:4, Luke 11:46). 
9. Because Jesus chose wine as one of two things meant to symbolize His body and blood in a tradition which the church was meant to practice for over two thousand years. 
10. Because “wine not?” Say it fast now…
11. Because it is entirely possible to drink and not get drunk. Like at all. Just drink one. You don’t totally stop eating because it’s easy to get fat. You don’t stop talking forever because you’re tempted to cuss. You don’t practice complete celibacy because sex outside of marriage is wrong. No, you eat in moderation, speak in love and kindness, and have sex with you spouse. Frequently. 
12. Because ounce for ounce it’s usually healthier than soda. If that’s not obvious just google it. 
13. Because it helps you appreciate other cultures and broaden your tastes!
14. Because it goes great with good food. 
15. Because demonstrating to your children how to properly handle the blessings of God in moderation and with self control will show them how to do the same when they are grown. But what you unjustifiably forbid, they will seek out for themselves. 
16. Personal opinion: a dark beer goes great with good Bible study. 
17. Alcohol has made a positive difference in my family! It has given us a unique experience to share and learn about as we thank God for His blessing. 
18. Because alcohol in not addictive in moderation. In fact, some studies show abstinence isn't even effective for long term addiction recovery: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201103/abstinence-is-not-the-only-option
19. Because being drunk does not start with one drink. It starts with being drunk.
20. Because it’s good to have hobbies! Exploring craft beer and fine wine are excellent hobbies to have. 
21. Because _______ (insert any reason for drinking any liquid other than water)

Now before I close, I want to be clear that this article is not directed at those who practice abstinence due to commitments required by work, school, pregnancy, serious cultural reasons, or other special circumstances. And I do honestly still respect those who maintain a personal commitment to abstinence. I just ask that they do not claim it as a biblically mandated moral command. This article is predominantly written in response to the kind of legalism behind the original article noted at the top of the page, and the attitude of unfounded  moral superiority which has sprung up from that brand of misguided theology.

Anyway, thanks for reading! And as always, I welcome any and all comments and responses.

Now “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecclesiastes 2:3