Christians and Alcohol: A Scriptural Case for Abstinence

by Randy Jaeggli

Christians and Alcohol: A Scriptural Case for Abstinence by Randy Jaeggli tackles the tough question of whether Christians today should be drinking alcoholic beverages even in moderation. Through thorough examination of the clear biblical evidence from both the Old Testament and the New Testament as well of medical, historical, and spiritual factors, Dr. Jaeggli confidently affirms that total abstinence from alcohol is the scriptural choice.

Genres: Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long personally held an abstinence position with regard to beverage alcohol for the following reasons: (1) The Bible counsels strict moderation with regard to alcohol. (2) The alcohol content of alcoholic beverages today is so much higher than in biblical times that drinking them undiluted would seem to violate biblical teaching. (3) Given this, biblical comments about delighting in wine are not about experience the effects of the alcohol. This is confirmed because these passages also refer to rejoicing in bread and oil. Thus I can obey exhortations to rejoice in bread and wine by rejoicing in all manner of good food. (4) Paul warns Christians not to be brought under the power of anything. I do not trust myself to drink alcoholic beverages without being brought under their power. Putting one's self to the test seems to me a position of Christian immaturity. (5) Even if drinking alcoholic beverages were my liberty (of which I am not convinced, given points 1 and 2), I willing restrict my liberty lest I be a stumbling block to my brothers and sisters in Christ who are tempted to drunkenness. (6) Any medicinal benefit that can be gained from drinking wine can be gained with less risk in other ways. For this reason articles that I read about these benefits always close by counseling people not to begin drinking if they don't already do so.

I was therefore pleased to see Jaeggli develop his arguments along these lines and to provide cogent exegetical and theological reasons for holding them.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transformed how I think about the Christian's responsibility to abstain from alcohol, and gave me a great foundation for explaining my conviction against drinking.

Jaeggli begins by making a strong case for considering this issue in-depth, including both spiritual and practical reasons. He then develops the case for abstinence by a thorough logical progression through history, beginning with the quality and purpose of wine in both Old and New Testament times, and continuing through to the vast array of alcoholic beverages available today.

This little book is only 141 pages of main text. Yet it is packed, not with emotionally charged arguments or a desire to stir up controversy, but with strong historical, linguistic, theological, and medical data. By laying this firm foundation of truth, he draws a clear distinction between the alcoholic substances of Bible times and what we have to drink today, both in its substance (percentage of alcohol) as well as its purpose (necessity vs pleasure). Not only does he make a strong case against drunkenness, the data he provides offers strong cause for concern over the practice of "social drinking" or even having an occasional beer in the privacy of one's own home.

If you've ever wondered about the implications of drinking a single glass of red wine or a small serving of craft beer, then this book is a must-read. It's short and easily readable, and it is filled with factual arguments that are reasonably presented and thoroughly documented.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on the subject of Christians and Alcohol but this is the best one. The author gives four "crucial considerations" on the drinking issue:
1. Fermentation of grape juice was unavoidable
2. Modern alcoholic beverages are far more intoxicating [than what people were drinking in both OT and NT times]
3. Scripture warns about the danger of alcohol
4. Christian liberty has limits

He goes on to give a detailed examination of what people were drinking in OT and NT days, what the NT teaches about drinking, and what we can learn from church history. Along with a medical doctor, he gives the medical perspective on alcohol, and closes with the most important chapter, on how drinking is incompatible with holiness.

I highly recommend this book!