Expert: John of AllFaith - 1/19/2010

Question
Having been raised from birth in the Baptist faith, I have long been taught, instructed, etc. that the Baptist church has a policy of total abstinence in this regard.  In the past couple of years, I have been so upset by the Southern Baptist churches in my area that I have begun to search for other places to worship.  While I remain a member of a local Southern Baptist church, my family and I have begun to visit other denominations and find them increasingly more welcoming which is simply not the case in the Baptist churches.  We have found the area Baptist churches so incredibly COLD and disengaging and very little accountability of staff.  I am particularly miffed by the Youth Pastor's mediocre performance.  Anyway, I am off the point already.  What I am discovering in some of the churches, and particularly the Presbyterian, that a personal choice is more the decision factor than anything else.  I am feeling that it is neither sanctioned yes or no, just to do so in moderation.  What scriptures or other advice can i be provided to help in this matter.  I am almost conflictual in my thoughts just now.  I thank you for your hell

Answer
Hi Jerry,

Baptist churches generally demand total abstinence, there are some exceptions. The argument centers around the idea that the word wine in the Bible was used for fermented and non-fermented drinks. The assumption being that they did not drink. That's an assumption. Frankly I believe you are correct.

At the Wedding Feast it seems clear the wine was alcoholic.  

Joh 2:9  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
Joh 2:10  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

Likewise:

1 Timothy 5:23  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Seems to be referring to fermented wine to me.

I believe, as you, that the biblical command is for moderation in all things.

Rom 14:13  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Rom 14:14  I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:16  Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Personally this is not an issue I would break fellowship over, but I assume there is more to this than wine.

In seeking a new church home there are more important issues to consider. Not all denominations teach the same thing, for instance, the Baptist Faith stresses the priesthood of all Believers (a very good and empowering doctrine), the doctrine of Eternal Security (another important belief), Solo Scriptura, Baptists reject Predestination and Cavinism and so on.

If you decide to change denominations my advise is to take your time and try and find one that you believe is scripturally solid. Also remember that the Southern Baptists are by no means the only Baptist sect.

May God guide your steps,
~ John of AllFaith