Whining About Wine

OK, who likes whiners? I don't...do you? Now for those of you who surf through this blog from time to time that wonder, "what's up with you Christians?", maybe this entry is for you. I often have dialogues with people who are hesitant to embrace biblical stuff due to believer's who argue about stuff from the same bible, but can't agree. Now often this "whining" is about stuff that doesn't really matter in an eternal sense, so much so, that even the "not-yet-believer" notices how silly they are. Often our arguments "do matter", but are done so poorly and inconsistently, that we undermine the discussion. A perfect example is the overly simplistic manner in which Christians whine about "wine". Both sides of the discussion have such a simplistic approach its hard to take either side seriously. On one hand the more legalistic fundamentalist teetotalers would rail on about how drunkenness is a sin and we should abstain so as not to be drawn into sin. On the other hand, my post modern emergent friends would tout "well Jesus made 40 gallons of the stuff", referring to the wedding miracle where Jesus turns water into wine. In their discussion, that's all...that's the stamp of approval needed from Jesus to go for it. Both of these viewpoints are fatally flawed in being overly simplistic and one dimensional. The lack of broad biblical understanding on the topic undermines the discussion...even to the "not-yet-believer". But in a culture where alcohol abuse is rampant, perhaps a more legitimate approach should be taken in regards the subject. If we want to model a biblical lifestyle, then let's do it responsibly and biblically. If we are to "reason together" from scripture, then shouldn't we do so fairly and as unbiased as possible. Shouldn't we take historical, cultural, archaeological and scientific evidence into consideration in light of scripture. After all the bible says God holds us accountable for what we know...so let's make an effort to "know" what we're talking about. Too often we pick a pet scripture or two to defend our personal view, and leave it at that. People see through that quickly. That type of position is undermined every time, both inside & outside christian culture. Unfortunately, that type of feeble argumentation creates doubt in the very scripture we are pointing to as a source of truth. The bible isn't invalid, but our use of it is. Correctly using scripture and its application to daily living is quite a responsibility and speaks volumes to a world searching for truth!

For instance, on the issue of "wine"...the bible has 230 references to wine or "strong drink"...116 references are against its usage, such as Proverbs 23:29 "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine..." It goes on to describe wine as "having a bite like a serpent and a sting like a viper. Your eyes see strange things, and your mind will utter perverse things. (etc...)" Sounds like a drinker to me...that's a pretty good picture of it...in fact I've been that guy!!! In addition, there are 82 references that would seem to be neutral. Also, 42 scriptures would appear to endorse its usage, such as Proverbs 31:6-7 "give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more." Many of these passages speak of wine as medicinal in purpose or for utilitarian usages. Some passages speak of wine as a good thing, a blessing. Though scripture seems to lean more towards the abstinence side of the argument, should we end the discussion there? Is the wine of the biblical era like todays, some would ask? First off, there is every reason to believe that the wine was indeed fermented (i.e. containing alcohol). Too many passages and historical documents make that clear to dispute that point. Now they fermented their grape juice differently than today, that is true. They put wine in "wine skins" and allowed the wine to ferment in the sun "naturally". Today we use machinery and some additives to enhance the fermentation process. In the end both eras have alcoholic content in their wine, though our wine today is probably more potent and refined.

In proper bible study, we always should ask two questions: What did this mean to the people at the time it was written? ...and... What does this mean for us today? If we don't seek first to properly understand a passage in light of what it meant when it was written, it will be difficult to interpret and apply it intelligently in today's context. It appears that the wine of Jesus day was very different than our wine today, so let's be honest about that. All throughout Roman, Greek and Middle Eastern culture it was written that wine was commonly drank 1 part wine, with 20 parts water. The ratios vary (from 40 to 1 through 2 to 1), but drinking wine "straight" was always considered "barbaric" even to those wild, party animals the Greeks & Romans! Perhaps this "diluted wine" explains how they could drink "all day". In fact when the bible speaks of people getting drunk, it often was multiple hours or days of drinking. It would appear if one were to get drunk during this era, one had to be pretty determined to do so!!! In fact, one's bladder would be really, really active long before one got a serious buzz going. So as a beverage, wine was seen always as mixed with water, this was normal. Usually writers in ancient times just referred to this mixture as "wine" since that was the common way it was used, mixed with water. In contrast we would never think of drinking wine diluted with water today. Most people today can get a "buzz" on a glass or two or three. In ancient times 3 glasses would only prompt a "potty break" not a "buzz". In fact, to get the equivalent "buzz" of 2 martini's while drinking wine mixed with 3 parts water, 1 part wine, a person would have to drink 22 glasses!!! One's bladder would be affected long before your mind would be affected. It should be noted that even the Passover ritual would state 3 parts water to 1 part wine (Pesahim 108a). It would be safe to believe the wine of the Last Supper, that Jesus used, was within this context.

It should also be noted that the water of the Middle East & Europe has been polluted for 1,000's of years, and wine in water would act as a purifying agent as well. Hence the incredible value of finding a pure water well, with clean, fresh water. Finding clean water was (and still is) very difficult in this region. This accounts for the proliferation of wine use in the bible, at most meals, and at most occasions...it made their water safer to drink...and no doubt added flavor.

To discuss this issue properly we need to remember other factors that we know to be true today, that perhaps the bible has pointed to in the past. The bible says that the "sins of the forefathers are passed on to the 2nd, 3rd and even the 4th generations". Well in today's knowledge of genetics we are indeed discovering that genetic "weaknesses" are passed on...including genetic weaknesses toward addiction. We see family tree's where alcoholism has been passed on in many families. In fact, studies say 78% of Americans are highly affected in some way by alcoholism. "Even affecting grandchildren, even when drinking traits are not passed on literally, the traits of the alcoholic family system can be." Knowing scientifically that "addictive traits" may be in your family tree, should be another element in your decision to drink or not. If your family tree has a history of addiction then wisdom would tell you to abstain and break that chain for the sake of future generations.

The bible also asks us to consider the "weaker brother". When we choose to drink, consideration should be for those around us as well, and perhaps the example we are modeling for them. Maybe you don't have a weakness for alcohol, but what about your friend or work associate? Do you understand their family tree well enough to know if you are setting him up for a fall? The bible cautions us strongly regarding stumbling a brother, so this consideration should be a part of this decision as well. In a world where even our scientific world urges us not to partake of alcohol, if not for our lives, but for our descendants sakes. The opportunity to stumble someone may be too great a risk. If we are to "love others as our self" then love would compel us to watch out for others also. Love is violated when personal pleasure and profit are gained at the expense of another's pain or loss.

Now, if "you" are the weaker one, who is easily tempted, then wisdom says "flee" as the bible puts it...get as far away as you can from those environments that may trip you up! That's where "loving yourself" enters this picture.

Oh, and news flash...there will be alcoholics in heaven...God's grace is sufficient, even when our will power isn't!

Also, some may say, "well what about our freedom in Christ?" It is true, their is "no condemnation" for those with faith in Jesus...but the bible also says "all things are permissible but not all things are profitable". With an honest assessment in these areas you should be able to tell if you are looking for a "freedom loophole" that may not be "profitable" to you and those around you. In the end God holds us accountable for what we know...in this and all areas...so honest evaluation of our hearts and circumstances can't be hidden from Him. So we are encouraged to use our freedom wisely and responsibly.

In conclusion I hope this illustrates how a subject we often argue in "simplistic ways" is far more complex. In this case we need to be honest and realize that wine did exist and was part of life in the bible and yes Jesus drank it. That wine did indeed have alcoholic content. We also need to be honest that the wine was drank mixed with water, which is very different than the undiluted wine we drink today. So we need to be honest in that evaluation. We also need to be honest with our family tree and what "weaknesses" we may have inherited. For some they have no history to be concerned with...for others they can see the problem generationally. Dealing with that honestly is a vital part of the equation. And finally, consideration to the 'weaker brother or sister' in your sphere of influence, should weigh in. If loving others is a priority then we need to add that into the equation as well. Now the answer will vary from person to person...the bible says "for him who knows what he should do, and he doesn't...for him it is sin". That's a very personalized statement. We each should evaluate what "we should do" in light of the truth of scripture, ancient/modern wine context, family history, and spheres of influence. In that you will have an answer to the "whining about wine". But at least you'll have evaluated honestly and properly in light of God's wisdom...and isn't that the goal???

I know for us at ECHO that is our goal...a goal of integrity before God...scripture...and others. I hope that is your desire also...cheers!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO