Why all the Liquor?

[Chad Williams]

I don't mean to sound all fundie but, why does it seem that everyone that leaves fundamentalism starts drinking? My church (Assemblies of God) has always been anti-liquor, mainly because of the health risks and the side effects it causes in so many cases. We know it has just as much health risks as tobacco, so why not stay away from it? I am starting to believe there is a certain amount of "rebellion". Please enlighten me. By the way if for no other reason the stuff tastes like disinfectant.

[Darrell]

Quote:why does it seem that everyone that leaves fundamentalism starts drinking

I didn't. I have personal reasons.

I know quite a few others who either tried it and didn't like it or never tried it at all.

Talking about their drinking is usually one of those things that people do when they go through the early stages of leaving fundyland and are trying to establish themselves as individuals. Once they really join the ranks of the ex-fundies they realize that nobody cares, it's not a big deal whether you do or don't (as long as you're moderate) and they cease mentioning it any more than the average person does.

[Kezebel]

For me - it's because I enjoy it and like the taste. I enjoy it more than soda, any kind of soda. Would much rather be mellow - than jacked up on caffeine.

And when I started reading the Bible for myself - I saw that drinking wasn't a sin.

[elfdream]

I didn't start drinking. It was a deliberate choice because of the alcoholism in my family but I have no problem with those who drink in moderation. The only alcohol I've had in the past few years has been communion wine.

[Katerpillar]

Yeah, I've always kinda wondered about that, too. Personally, I think drinking is a bad habit that I don't want to get caught up in. It can lead to too many health problems and other issues, that I don't want. I already struggle enough with the temptation to eat too much (gluttony), or drink soda (which is also a health risk). I'm not going to start drinking or smoking, even though I have the liberty to do so.

As Paul said, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient:"

[BASSENCO]

Because the Lord Jesus liked drinking wine. He even made wine. His opinion on anything is better than anybody else's. And I profoundly agree with Him on wine. It's great.

We also never see the Lord Jesus saying, "Personally I think this or Personally, I think that" on a public forum, where, clearly, the sentiment is anything but personal. It's public, not personal, once you make it public; and it's being used as part of persuasion. There's an honesty and clarity in what the Lord says that you don't always find in His followers.

[exIFB]

(01-06-2011 10:24 AM)Darrell Wrote:  Talking about their drinking is usually one of those things that people do when they go through the early stages of leaving fundyland and are trying to establish themselves as individuals. Once they really join the ranks of the ex-fundies they realize that nobody cares, it's not a big deal whether you do or don't (as long as you're moderate) and they cease mentioning it any more than the average person does.

This.

Except with me it was CCM and Video Games.

[mounty]

The first sip of alcohol is for a recently-ex-fundy is the same thing as growing facial hear is for the recent Fundy U grad: you do it because now you can, where before you couldn't. For a lot of folks that first sip is the last when they actually taste it. For everyone else, they wonder what the fuss was about and honor God by fully enjoying yet another of His good gifts to man.

[supernova8610]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with partaking of alcohol; the Bible doesn't forbid it, it teaches temperance. Whether or not a person chooses to drink is their own personal choice. Take me, for example... I enjoy a good drink every now and then. Just last night I made myself and Irish coffee. Very delicious!

[Naomi]

Hey Chad! I'm sure other people have the same question. I have a couple personal responses to it, that will remain my personal reactions to your question even though I'm posting them in a publicly viewable place. It's what I think, but you don't have to think the same way.

First, alcohol isn't always considered a health risk. Small quantities of alcohol high in antioxidants are correlated with better health.

Second, not all of it tastes bad! Some of it is an acquired taste that people develop, but other drinks are really tasty, despite the alcohol. Some of my favorites are dessert wines (super-sweet!) or mixed drinks like amaretto sours (also very sweet). If you're looking for good recipes, I'm sure people here would be happy to share!

Last, if I no longer believe alcohol is a sin, and I have no personal reasons discouraging me from drinking (no family history of alcoholism), why wouldn't I drink? I'd venture to guess most people are drinking fairly moderately, not getting totally wasted every weekend. It can be fun, or relaxing, or a great way to connect with friends with shared interests (microbrews, anyone?), or an excellent complement to a nice dinner. I'm sure for some, the amount of stress in our pasts just drives us to drink. Or at least helps us relax a little and focus on the big picture when we're in danger of losing sight of what's truly important to us outside of the Fundy world.