Now, there may be a Square Talk radio show on alcohol next week. I need to double check that, but it is possible, and we’ll talk quite a bit about this. BUt the best thing about the show is that you can call in early and leave a message. See my latest post.

Annalise, not to pick on you. But you’re wrong.

Annalise, that has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with what you said. I sincerely apologize for any harsh words, however, I still hold my position that you are wrong. I don’t see any biblical backing. I’m not attacking you, just your arguments. It’s something called negative scrutiny, where you look at someone’s argument in every possible light, and then respond. So I was not attacking you. I apologize if it came off that way. That’s not in my heart, and not what was intended.

Truce?

I’m sorry. I guess I needed to bold or italicize what I said, when I said that this had nothing to do with the discussion. That’s my fault, I should have made that more clear. But to clear it up now, that had absolutely nothing to do with alcohol, it was simply pointing out something I noticed. I repeat, it had nothing to do with alcohol. Nothing.

I’m only saying that not drinking is the best thing to do.

That’s fine. And I’m only saying that that has no Biblical backing, and works fine as a personal conviction. I don’t respect you any less. I’m just saying that you can’t say, “It’s best for Christians not to drink.” It would be absolutely fine for you to say, “It’s best for me not to drink.” But to apply that to all Christians, you have to have Biblical backing. So far, I haven’t seen any.

No hard feelings Tim?

“Tim, the moderation talked about in Scripture is: Don’t get drunk. It doesn’t say ‘Have only one glass’. So, what moderation exactly are you referring to in this statement?”

See, this is where we have an argument really, and a problem. The definition of “moderation” used in the Bible.

I’m not understanding your answer here…I’m, still wondering what moderation you are talking about?

“What’s the difference between eating junk food and drinking alcohol?”

Big difference. Number one, junk food only affects you. It does not affect others around you. On the other hand, alcohol does affect others, and not just yourself. But it’s nice to see you putting junk food and alcohol side by side. Interesting.

I’m going to say that the only time alcohol affects those around you is when you are drunk, so, you are already sinning. If you are drinking in moderation, and not causing others to stumble, it doesn’t affect anyone else.

“Medicine is another thing that helps you, but you can get messed up with it, abuse it.”

Medicine is moderated by doctors. Maybe alcohol should be given by doctors? Maybe we should buy it directly from them?

Perscriptions (I know that’s spelled wrong, but I’m too lazy to look it up) are moderated by doctors. But stuff like Nyquil and regular medicines are not.

“If you plan on not answering for a while, could you at least let us know? I’m dying here.”

See latest post. Good to know people are dying to hear my answers.

Always up for a good debate. Phooey with the politics; I find them dreadfully boring.

Also, in that article you linked to it says that “strong drink” was made with barley. I’m going to make the assumtion that it is beer, since beer is made with barley. It’s interesting to note though, that wine has a higher alcohol content than beer, yet, according to this guy, more barbaric.

Yes, it’s “ok,” but it is not best for Christians to drink. It is permissible, but it’s not best.

“Christians should not drink, period?”

That would be best, but I’m not legalistic about things like that. I’ve said time and time again that I am not pushing for a legalistic “if you drink you’re sinning” message. That would be completely unfounded.

“Don’t say ‘it is best for Christians not to drink.’ because that doesn’t answer my question.”

Really, I don’t see how that doesn’t answer your question, mainly due to the fact that that’s what I’ve been saying all along, that’s how it can be answered, and I’ve talked about it in detail in my post. But many commenters don’t want to look at the “biblical wine” argument, brushing it off like they’ve said I’ve brushed off all of those verses (do you want me to go through each verse?).

“What’s the difference between eating junk food and drinking alcohol?”

Big difference. Number one, junk food only affects you. It does not affect others around you. On the other hand, alcohol does affect others, and not just yourself. But it’s nice to see you putting junk food and alcohol side by side. Interesting.

“Drinking is good for you in moderation.”

There are studies after study supporting each side. There is no clear statement really one-way or the other. Looking at the health affects, I believe the bad far outweighs the good.

“Medicine is another thing that helps you, but you can get messed up with it, abuse it.”

Medicine is moderated by doctors. Maybe alcohol should be given by doctors? Maybe we should buy it directly from them?

“You can even get high from a hairspray can.”

I know. (just kidding).

“Tim, the moderation talked about in Scripture is: Don’t get drunk. It doesn’t say ‘Have only one glass’. So, what moderation exactly are you referring to in this statement?”

See, this is where we have an argument really, and a problem. The definition of “moderation” used in the Bible.

“If you plan on not answering for a while, could you at least let us know? I’m dying here.”

See latest post. Good to know people are dying to hear my answers.

Now, I also wanted to look at some of what Marshall said (which annalise answered well already).

“Jesus didn’t always do what’s safest. He told his disciples to do dangerous things. I think Alex and Brett’s “Do Hard Things™” is a good reminder here. Just because somethings easy, or safer, doesn’t make it right. And just because something is hard doesn’t make it wrong either.”

I really can’t believe you’re using Alex and Brett’s “Do Hard Things” to argue for drinking alcohol (or used it in this context). It almost sounds like “Drink because it’s a hard thing to do.” As annalise said “He told his disciples to do dangerous things that would help further the preaching of Jesus as God’s son and about the kingdom. Drinking alcohol is not about furthering interest in God’s kingdom.” I’m agreeing more with her. I can’t stop you from drinking. I’m only saying that not drinking is the best thing to do. And, again, as annalise said “I hope you won’t get drunk or violent or mean or “easy”. And you probably won’t because you are aware of the consequences that alcohol can have if you drink too much. But, if you ever do get drunk, even unintentionally, remember this discussion here, and how we said that if you never drink alchol you can never get drunk.” Exactly spot on.