Gallaty has also noted that throughout the Bible, people consumed wine as part of cultural celebrations. In the Old Testament, on “the Shabbat or the Sabbath every Friday, they drink wine at the festivals,” Gallaty said.
However, everyone knows consuming alcohol can be a slippery slope. “One out of 10 become problem drinkers, become alcoholics,” said Young.
Young also affirmed some people’s decision to be a teetotaler, completely abstaining from alcohol. He mentioned how “wine is a mocker, and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
Alcohol companies spend $1.7 billion on marketing, focusing on community and connection. The ads leave out the drawbacks, warnings, and statistics.
Biblical Boundaries for Responsible Drinking
Pastor Ed Young argued that the Bible only speaks against drunkenness or excessive drinking—and that social drinking is permissible for Christians within healthy boundaries.
- It should be a prayerful decision. “Have you prayed about it?” asked Young. He also quoted 1 Corinthians 8:9, which speaks against any action that could “become a stumbling block to the weak.”
- It’s a personal decision. Young encouraged those who choose not to drink not to look down upon or judge those who do. In the same way, Young asked that those who drink do not make assumptions about those who abstain from alcohol.
- It’s a periodic decision. Rather than drinking every day, consuming alcohol is best on an occasional basis.
At the close of the sermon, Young led the congregation in a Quaker prayer and challenged the congregation to commit to a dry April. “Father, we all come here today with our fists clinched. And especially, God, over this issue of alcohol—the battle over the bottle,” he prayed. “Right now, God, in my life and in every life here, may we unclinch our fists and drop everything at the foot of the cross.”
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“Lord, fill us,” said Young. “Fill us with your Spirit. May our lives never be the same.”
