Does being a Teetotaler Make One a Better Christian?

Albion · Jul 12, 2014

Michael Collum said:
perhaps it can make people more "merciful" but then how are they without it?

I don't get the part about "merciful," but you have a point. The question of the thread concerned the idea that being a teetotaler might make one a better Christian, not whether the use of alcohol might make him a worse one.

While I don't see any reason to oppose moderate use of alcohol, neither do I think we can say that abstaining from it necessarily makes one any better.

Knee V · Jul 12, 2014

Many of my in-laws are teetotalers, and it's just plain obnoxious. You're the worst form of scum if you drink alcohol, but don't you dare mention anyone's gambling addiction.

Albion · Jul 12, 2014

knee-v said:
Many of my in-laws are teetotalers, and it's just plain obnoxious. You're the worst form of scum if you drink alcohol, but don't you dare mention anyone's gambling addiction.

Maybe we have to define "teatotaler." It may imply what you are describing here, although I took it to mean only those who abstain.

I know a number of abstainers and they don't at all dwell on the matter or speak ill of other Christians for taking a drink, so long as they are not drunkards.

Optimax · Jul 12, 2014

It gives one a wonderful opportunity to be.

MoreCoffee · Jul 12, 2014

Mama Kidogo said:
Just interested in your thoughts.

Does being a Teetotaler Make One a Better Christian?
Nope

It might make you save some money since alcohol for drinking is fairly expensive but it might ruin your participation in holy communion.

Rick Otto · Jul 12, 2014

Mama Kidogo said:
Just interested in your thoughts.

Yes, but you also have to have a bigger bible and a bigger car because bigger is better.

Knee V · Jul 12, 2014

Albion said:
Maybe we have to define "teatotaler." It may imply what you are describing here, although I took it to mean only those who abstain.

I know a number of abstainers and they don't at all dwell on the matter or speak ill of other Christians for taking a drink, so long as they are not drunkards.

I see. I've always thought it refers to those who believe that alcohol is inherently immoral. I have no issue with those who simply abstain, and I commend them for their self-control.

Albion · Jul 12, 2014

knee-v said:
I see. I've always thought it refers to those who believe that alcohol is inherently immoral. I have no issue with those who simply abstain, and I commend them for their self-control.

You may be right. It may refer to those who are judgmental in that way.

I am just saying that when I read the OP and that term, I didn't think of it in that way but simply translated it into 'one who does not drink and thinks it's a good idea not to drink.' But on second thought, the word does seem to have a certain cutting edge to it, and I suspect--without looking it up--that it may well be a description of those who believe any imbibing is inherent immoral and are adamant about it.

Mama Kidogo · Jul 12, 2014

knee-v said:
Many of my in-laws are teetotalers, and it's just plain obnoxious. You're the worst form of scum if you drink alcohol, but don't you dare mention anyone's gambling addiction.

Or that prescribed drug they took to compose them self just before visiting.

ViaCrucis · Jul 12, 2014

BobRyan said:
Every form of drug abuse -- starts with recreational use and the claim "I am not addicted".

*sips his mocha frappe*

Oh?

-CryptoLutheran

Citizen of the Kingdom · Jul 12, 2014

A nice B52 coffee would be lovely along with my afternoon R & R

BobRyan · Jul 12, 2014

BobRyan said:
ChristsSoldier115 said:

Its not wrong, unless you're an alcoholic or a recovering alcoholic[like myself].

All them AA classes pretty said the difference between a alcoholic and a casual drinker is the alcoholic has to have a drink, while a casual drinker doesn't.

Click to expand...

Every form of drug abuse -- starts with recreational use and the claim "I am not addicted".

Mama Kidogo said:
That's true as no one begins as an alcoholic or junkie. At the same time partaking does not lead most that far. I'm not sure about that term recreational. What does that really mean. .

it means taking the drug "for fun" not because you are sick or impaired and need some form of artificial nerve stimulation/adjustment

And of course those who start off on whatever their drug of choice is - rarely start of binging or start off from day 1 as the "junkie".

in Christ,

Bob

BobRyan · Jul 12, 2014

BobRyan said:
ChristsSoldier115 said:

Its not wrong, unless you're an alcoholic or a recovering alcoholic[like myself].

All them AA classes pretty said the difference between a alcoholic and a casual drinker is the alcoholic has to have a drink, while a casual drinker doesn't.

Click to expand...

Every form of drug abuse -- starts with recreational use and the claim "I am not addicted".

ViaCrucis said:
*sips his mocha frappe*

Oh?

-CryptoLutheran

You are free to make my point for me. I don't mind that at all.

in Christ,

Bob

ChristsSoldier115 · Jul 12, 2014

Mama Kidogo said:
A drink? Most alcoholics I've met had to get pretty high.

I'm not even asking about getting plowed drunk and waking up asking yourself who this naked tattooed guy is in your bed. Pretty sure we'd all agree that's overindulging. i'm speaking of the glass of wine with dinner or even that bourbon on the rocks after dinner.
I'm no fan of drunkenness. Seems every time I read someone specific is drunk in scripture, something bad is about to happen. I've also found it to be true in life.

Ah ok, well I tend to view it as such as.. when I drank, that was specifically my goal. I eventually just bought nothing but everclear and something sweet to mix it with. More potency for more effect, and more bang for your buck. I replaced alcohol with coffee, and well now, I think iIdrink too much of that as well. lol.

BobRyan · Jul 12, 2014

As the saying goes -- 'drugs is drugs'

Citizen of the Kingdom · Jul 12, 2014

BobRyan said:
As the saying goes -- 'drugs is drugs'

An spirits is spirits ...... the implication is there ... either the conscience allows or disallows but one can't judge on those points w/o becoming legalistic

OGM · Jul 12, 2014

Mama Kidogo said:
Or that prescribed drug they took to compose them self just before visiting.

...a lot of that going on!

As far a drinking alcohol goes...I don't drink it because I had to drink NyQuil for several weeks straight when I was 6 years old. Back then it was 25% (50 proof). I had the flu and the doctor prescribed it, accidentally.

After that I didn't like the taste of alcohol. That being said...I don't have a problem with people drinking responsibly. Besides, Jesus turned the water in to wine, not grape juice. So I can't see a glass of wine being sinful.

katherine2001 · Jul 12, 2014

Personally, I don't drink. I never liked alcohol which is a blessing as everyone else in my immediate family have been alcoholics. If I'd liked alcohol, I would probably have ended up an alcoholic myself. I have my own demons that I struggle with, but I'm glad that I don't have to deal with alcoholism.

MoreCoffee · Jul 12, 2014

BobRyan said:
it means taking the drug "for fun" not because you are sick or impaired and need some form of artificial nerve stimulation/adjustment

And of course those who start off on whatever their drug of choice is - rarely start of binging or start off from day 1 as the "junkie".

in Christ,

Bob

One drinks wine in communion for communion with Jesus Christ and even though some might call that fun 'fun' is not the usual term applied to it. And if one happens to share a sip of whisky with friends while playing board games (as do I) without getting drunk and without exceeding one shot in around four hours then I would not call it 'fun' so much as part of an experience with friends.

Do you teetotal, BobRyan?

MoreCoffee · Jul 12, 2014

ChristsSoldier115 said:
Ah ok, well I tend to view it as such as.. when I drank, that was specifically my goal. I eventually just bought nothing but everclear and something sweet to mix it with. More potency for more effect, and more bang for your buck. I replaced alcohol with coffee, and well now, I think I drink too much of that as well. lol.

I don't think we can buy alcohol at 95% (190 proof) in my country and I've never thought of alcohol as tasting good. The whisky I drink tastes interesting but a glass of water tastes better.

Does being a Teetotaler Make One a Better Christian?

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