That men profess to believe the Bible (King James Version) and believe it teaches alcohol use is always sin do astounds me. The Bible is clear that drunkenness is sin, but nowhere states that the use of fermented wine is sin. Perhaps the writers and speakers can explain to us how it is that moderate, non-drunken drinkers like Martin Luther had such power with God if they were in such wanton sin? Luther drank a tankard of beer (handed to him by a German prince whose army later led the sack of Papal Rome) as he left the Diet of Worms. Oliver Cromwell read the "saddlebag letter" of Charles II in a tavern with a mug of ale in front of him. The stalwart, God fearing Pilgrims were ale and beer drinkers, as were many Puritans, but they were not drunkards. The underlying words of the King James text in the original languages are clear concerning this matter-the word "wine" in John chapter two means what we understand to be wine, not grape juice. Paul admonished men not to be drunken with wine, obviously a fermented beverage, but he also said take a little wine for the stomach sake and thy oft infirmities. The use of fermented beverages is not forbidden in Scripture-drunkenness is! Matthew 4:4 Wrest not!
10/12/07 4:03 PM
