As Christians, How Do You View Alcohol/Drug Use?
How do you view alcohol and tobacco use/abuse as a Christian. On one hand, I know that Jesus himself turned water into wine, but at the same time I hold firm to my belief that alcohol is horrible, and disrupts the normal workings of the brain and body, and that it should not be used by anyone, especially someone claiming to be a Christian, as it can easily cause you to do things against your beliefs, were you not under the influence. I feel the same way about tobacco use, though more just because of its detrimental effects on the body. At the same time, I know many Christians who both drink and smoke regularly, so I wanted to get your opinions on it. As Christians, how do you view it, and those that use it?
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As an atheist, I think alcohol is fine once in a while, but it's best avoided. Drugs, never. Anything excessive associating with the two is BAD and dangerous.
As a 15 year old, I surprisingly am not thinking anything about the two. I will have alcohol when I'm older, but not excessively. And I will never use drugs. I cannot see myself sinking that low.
The Bible says several things pertaining to the use of alcoholic beverages:
Moderate use is permitted-Psalm 104:14, 15; 1 Timothy 5:23
Immoderate use, using it at the wrong time or if your body can't handle it is prohibited-These wrong uses of alcoholic beverages disrupts the normal workings of the brain and body-Proverbs 20:1; Titus 2:3; Luke 21:34, 35; Leviticus 10:8, 9
In countries where the use of such beverages is prohibited or there are age limits, Christians obey the laws of the land-Romans 13:1
For all Christians, God is the one who decides what is right and wrong. He says moderate use of alcoholic beverages is permitted. Your being critical and judgmental of other Christians choosing to drink is the same as not supporting God's view on the matter. Your conscience tells you it is not right for you, but other peoples consciences tell them it is proper for them. The Bible urges people of differing consciences to show respect for each others views.
Tobacco/Tobacco products are not to be used. Use of such shows disrespect for life, is not consistent with what God requires Christians to render to him and it is a violation of the divine requirement that we love our neighbor-Acts 17:24, 25; Romans 12:1; James 2:8 compare Matthew 7:12; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 John 4:20
A person who uses these can not be baptized and Christians who refuse to stop using them are removed from the spiritual/social fellowship of fellow Christians. This applies also to drunkards-1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9, 10
TRUE christians don't harm their body with drugs such as cigarettes and the like. In fact, Jesus himself rejected drugs (Mark 15:23). Use of drugs that are not used for medical or health reasons shows a lack of appreciation to God for giving mankind the free gift of life (2 Corinthians 7:1). There is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation, for even the son of God drunk wine (Matthew 11:19). The apostle Paul even encouraged his young friend Timothy to drink a little wine for the stomach problems he was having (1 Timothy 5;23). However, the bible does condemn over drinking (Ephesians 5:18).
You are talking about different things. Drug, alcohol, tobacco use against abuse. While Christ turned water into wine, there is no evidence that he ever drank enough to effect His mind. Where would we be today without the development of drugs? I take some everyday to ensure that my heart keeps a steady beat. Drug abuse is different, and there is no evidence of drugs or tobacco in biblical records in regard to Christians.
I was raised Catholic, so I have no objections to the occasional, moderate use of alcohol and/or tobacco. However, I am very much against the abuse of either substance. I am also against the use of illegal drugs. All you have to do is look at a drug addict to see how unhealthy that stuff is.
Alcohol in small amounts can be beneficial to your health. It's all about the amount.
The same way a higher oxygen blood content can kill you.
PS: Caffeine also disrupts normal workings of the brain (it amps it up). You never drink coffee or tea?
Each individual needs his own conviction, however a rebuke from scripture is biblical.
From scripture some alcohol would seem to be Okay, but
our alcohol is much stronger from than.
Smoking I believe is out all together, your body is not your own.
Alcohol is easily argued both ways.
Eccl 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
My view on it is that you become so dependent on it (if you have an addiction) that it becomes your god, and that's where to me, it becomes a sin. Even the casual smoker who NEEDS to smoke that extra 2 or 3 cigarettes a day has already devoted his health to his addiction.
Anything used to do harm to your body is wrong. They drank alot of wine years ago because water was sometimes so unsanitary,