The temperance movement began in the early 19th century (around the 1820s). Before this, although there were pieces published against drunkenness and excess, total abstinence from alcohol (i.e. teetotalism) was very rarely advocated or practiced. There was also a concentration on hard spirits rather than on abstinence from alcohol and on moral reform rather than legal measures against alcohol.
An early temperance movement began during the American Revolution in Connecticut, Virginia and New York state, with farmers forming associations to ban whiskey distilling. The movement spread to eight states, advocating temperance rather than abstinence and taking positions on religious issues such as observance of the Sabbath.The American Temperance Society was formed in 1826, within 12 years claiming more than 8,000 local groups and over 1,250,000 members.
Temperance societies were being organized in England about the same time, many inspired by a Belfast professor of theology, and Presbyterian Church of Ireland Minister Rev. John Edgar, who poured his stock of whiskey out of his window in 1829. He mainly concentrated his fire on the elimination of spirits rather than wine and beer. On 14 August 1829 he wrote a letter in the Belfast Telegraph publicizing his views on temperance. He also formed the Ulster Temperance Movement with other Presbyterian clergy, initially enduring ridicule from members of his community.
The 1830s saw a tremendous growth in temperance groups, not just in England and the United States, but also in British colonies, especially New Zealand and Australia.
The above is from Wikipedia.
So, the whole business of temperance, and teetotalism, and abstinence is a very recent innovation that has nothing to do with Christianity. It was started by people that didn't want to see other people getting drunk. Note: this was not done by alcoholics to save themselves from the "terrors" of drink. It was done by people without the problem of alcoholism for the "sinners" in their midst.
Consuming alcohol to carry out religious duty (such as sanctifying the Sabbath with wine) is prescribed and regularly practiced within Judaism.
Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Muslims do not drink at all. However, they are bound to hell unless they repent and turn to God. So not drinking doesn't have any point in salvation.
Let's get real, now. I agree that being bombed out of your skull is bad, wrong. Of the two times it happened to me, it was very unpleasant, especially the first time, waking up in a cold car with the door opened (my "friends" loaded me in my car, and left me--in the middle of January.) Not my friends now, obviously. That was many, many years ago. Both times I was falling down drunk, other people were trying (and succeeding) to get me drunk. However, I learned lessons from each time, and I have learned to avoid "friends" like that now. But my church is not a THOU SHALT NOT type of church. It is a church of mercy, a church of love.
However, my church has very specific rules about fasting, about when it is allowed to eat meat, drink, have marital relations, and so on.
Besides, as I am old and ill, I have enough things going on to humble my flesh.
