Are Christians allowed to drink alcohol?

Whether or not Christians can drink alcohol is a popular question – one that is Googled a lot. But I don’t come at this question as an impartial advisor, I’m a recovering alcoholic and addict. If I were to get my way, no one would drink alcohol and its sole use would be as a flavourful addition to a stew.

Alcohol comes with a lot of potential harms. It can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. As well as cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum. It can also weaken the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18.

In my case, that of addiction, I found alcohol affected my relationship with myself, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and God in a very negative way. This is a damning rap sheet, but it doesn’t have to be like this. Not everyone has an addictive relationship with alcohol and many people are able to enjoy a drink in a moderate way that doesn’t adversely affect their lives. 

So, what does the Bible say? Alcohol comes up several times in the scriptures. In Ephesians 5:18, it says: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” While in Galatians 5:19-21, it says: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: … drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Jesus did drink alcohol. In fact, in order to keep festivities alive and stop shame falling on one family, he turned water into wine. It’s important to note though, that the wine of Jesus’ day would not have been as alcoholic as the bottles we pick up from the Off License.

We are called to be of sound mind and in control of ourselves (Thessalonians 5:6-8) and our bodies.

The distinction that the Bible makes is an important one; you can drink alcohol, but you shouldn’t get drunk. We are called to be of sound mind and in control of ourselves (Thessalonians 5:6-8) and our bodies – and that means staying away from mind altering substances and, if you do choose to drink, making sure you don’t do so to the point of inebriation. 

It’s worth noting that not all Christians agree with me on this one, as there are some denominations and individuals who don’t drink alcohol at all on account of their faith. As always, it’s important to seek wise counsel, pray and read the Bible and decide for yourself what God’s heart is on this issue.