The Risk of Small Amounts of Alcohol
Drinking in Moderation Is Not Harmless
by Andy Sochor
via Plain Bible Teaching for Today
It is not uncommon to hear or see debates on whether it is permissible for Christians to drink alcohol in moderation. That is an important discussion. However, it is also interesting to take note of reports and studies from secular sources that warn about the negative effects of alcohol. These researchers and authors are not trying to make a spiritual point, but it is helpful for us to consider their findings and how they relate to the larger spiritual discussion.
It was recently reported that a study led by the University of Oxford found that even alcohol in small amounts is linked to a higher risk of dementia.[1] While any possible side effect is worth noting, the risk of dementia is particularly alarming because of the cognitive decline that develops in those afflicted with this disease.
Let us consider the use of alcohol in light of this risk.
The Bible’s Warnings about Alcohol
First of all, the Bible clearly condemns drunkenness. Generally, even those who argue for liberty to drink alcohol in moderation will agree with this. When Paul listed “the deeds of the flesh” and warned that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21), he included “drunkenness.” He told the brethren in Corinth that “drunkards ... will not inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:9-10). In his letter to the saints in Rome, he admonished them to “behave properly as in the day,” and that “drunkenness” was not consistent with the behavior they were to display (Romans 13:13).
However, in addition to condemning drunkenness, the New Testament also warns about drinking that leads to drunkenness. Peter wrote, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries” (I Peter 4:3). In describing their old lives in sin, he included not just “drunkenness,” but also “carousing” (wild parties) and “drinking parties” (casual drinking that does not necessarily result in drunkenness, sometimes referred to by brethren as “social drinking”[2]). While many argue that Christians can drink as long as they do not get drunk, Peter’s instructions show that the casual use of alcohol needs to be left behind after we become Christians, regardless of whether one consumes enough to be considered “drunk.”
The wise man warned that it is wise to avoid alcohol altogether: “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly” (Proverbs 23:31). While many Christians argue in favor of the casual use of alcohol, the wise man implores us not to even look at it! He then described how alcohol harms those who use it – emotionally, financially, socially, verbally, mentally, and physically. In addition to these, he warned of the addictive nature of alcohol and how it can endanger one’s life.[3] There is no good reason to engage in the casual use of alcohol.
Also, keep in mind the fact that alcoholic drinks today have a much higher alcohol content than what was available during Bible times.[4] So these warnings in Scripture about alcohol referred to a beverage that was not nearly as potent as what is readily available today.
Treating Alcohol like a Drug
Some will cite Paul’s instruction to Timothy as permission for any Christian to drink alcohol as long as he does not get drunk. Notice what Paul wrote:
“No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (I Timothy 5:23).
Timothy evidently had some health issues, and Paul advised him on a treatment method. The apostle was not referring to casual alcohol use. Instead, he described using it medicinally, like we would use some drug or medication.
Alcohol can be beneficial in this way. We even have medicines that treat coughs and colds that contain a small amount of alcohol. However, as with any drug, this must be used for the right purpose, in the proper amount, and only as long as it is needed to treat the condition. No one advocates for enjoying a glass of Nyquil with a meal, even though they may use it to treat a cold. Likewise, Timothy had to be told to “use a little wine” for his “frequent ailments” because this was not something he drank regularly.[5]
Therefore, it is helpful to think of alcohol like a drug that may be beneficial to treat some physical infirmity. However, any treatment will have side effects. In the study we noted at the beginning, one potential side effect is dementia. There are many others besides this. If we have a condition like Timothy's that needs treatment, we can weigh the pros and cons and then carefully choose the treatment that seems best. However, it is foolish to use any drug (alcohol or anything else) when it is not needed because it unnecessarily exposes us to the risk of various side effects. And this potential side effect of dementia is particularly concerning because of how important it is to think clearly in our lives as Christians.
The Need to Be Sober-minded
There are many passages that emphasize the importance of sober-mindedness. However, let us notice just a couple:
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (I Peter 1:13-16).
Peter was writing to Christians who were facing persecution for their faith and temptations to turn back to the world. He encouraged them to remain faithful, continue to obey God, and be holy as He is holy. In order to do this, they needed to “keep sober in spirit.” They needed to think clearly in the face of physical and spiritual threats. He warned them at the end of this letter, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). Not only would the casual use of alcohol hinder them in this regard, but anything that would hinder their ability to think clearly would put them at risk as well.
“Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (I Corinthians 15:34).
Paul’s challenge to them to “stop sinning” is a pretty high standard, but it is the standard that we have been called to as Christians. Jesus said, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1). Of course, there is a path to forgiveness if we do sin, but the goal is not to sin. However, this becomes an impossible goal if we do not “become sober-minded.” God has promised us a “way of escape” from every temptation (I Corinthians 10:13); yet we need to think clearly to evaluate each situation we encounter, discern right from wrong, and take the path in harmony with God’s will.
Conclusion
The New Testament shows that not only is drunkenness wrong, but the casual use of alcohol that can lead to drunkenness is inconsistent with our calling as Christians. Only the medicinal use of alcohol is permitted (and only with extreme care and hesitance). However, even if one could argue that the casual use of alcohol was permitted, there is no way to argue that it is wise, especially given the fact that alcoholic drinks today are much stronger than they were in Bible times. All of the terrible side effects associated with alcohol can be easily avoided by abstaining entirely.
Footnotes:
- Even small amounts of alcohol linked to higher dementia risk in older adults, study shows
- For more of an explanation about “social drinking,” see the article, Did Jesus Condone Social Drinking?
- See the article, The Evils of Alcohol, for further explanation about the negative impacts and dangers of alcohol.
- For a study on this, see Alcoholic Beverages, Social Drinking, and the Bible by David E. Pratte.
- For more on Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding the medicinal use of alcohol, see the article, A Little Wine.
