Bible.com (not a full analysis in any way)
So I am reading a section of their "Bible Q and A" and I've noticed something. It is what has seemed to breach into alot of Christian circles. I'm speaking of how we take our personal worldviews and force them into a Biblical or True Worldview. In this particular instance the issue was drinking. Their initial take seemed to be good, that there are numerous Biblical instances of drinking and the condemnation of drinking TOO much.
"There are many other references to wine throughout the Bible showing that it is actually an alcoholic drink. Now with this scriptural evidence, comes the next question. Is it sinful to drink wine? The answer to this question is that the wine itself is not sinful, because sin is in the heart of man and does not exist in any object of itself. It is the drunkenness and intoxication that comes about when a man drinks too much that causes him sin. The Bible teaches discipline and moderation; even eating too much food is a sin and is called the sin of gluttony in the Bible."
That right there is good. It is Biblical and it does not step outside of scripture. Yet in a following paragraph, we see where the thinking begins to take a turn.
"Although, a Christian may be free to drink moderately as long as they do not become drunk, is that the highest thing we should do? Paul stated in the New Testament that he would not allow his liberty to be a license to sin, nor would he do anything that would cause a brother to stumble."
Its hard not to notice any personal views in this. Yet, notice the way it is written. They present the question in a way that makes on ask doubt themselves, instead of providing a clear biblical outline. Now see their next line of thinking
"In the Old Testament there was a group of people known as Nazarites that took a vow to separate themselves unto the Lord and therefore they would not drink any wine or alcoholic beverages."
Whoa...
"We must all give an account of ourselves before our Lord. What would please Him? Would it not be pleasing to Him if we loved others enough to give up those things we could have, for a greater cause? Would it not be a more powerful witness to others in our age to stand out as one who did not drink alcoholic beverages because we had no need to do so. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, His spirit gives us the joy and release that many are seeking by drinking. May we instead desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have no need for "spirits."
In this paragraph, there are a few things that they assume.
1) Its obvious you are drinking alcohol to be intoxicated
2) Drinking alcohol is selfish.
3) Not drinking is Christian
4) To drink is to be less filled with God's spirit.
The sad thing is exists in nearly everyone of their q and a articles. They proclaim themselves as a study center for scripture, yet their "pastoring moments" attempt to put their personal worldviews into the Bible. Sadly, most Christians do this.
Sigh. I think I'm going to write an actual essay on this, find out how correct I am....yay!
----
in other news, I love Whitney Byrd. She is, like, so cool.
heh. ok, see ya later Andy. :-D
"There are many other references to wine throughout the Bible showing that it is actually an alcoholic drink. Now with this scriptural evidence, comes the next question. Is it sinful to drink wine? The answer to this question is that the wine itself is not sinful, because sin is in the heart of man and does not exist in any object of itself. It is the drunkenness and intoxication that comes about when a man drinks too much that causes him sin. The Bible teaches discipline and moderation; even eating too much food is a sin and is called the sin of gluttony in the Bible."
That right there is good. It is Biblical and it does not step outside of scripture. Yet in a following paragraph, we see where the thinking begins to take a turn.
"Although, a Christian may be free to drink moderately as long as they do not become drunk, is that the highest thing we should do? Paul stated in the New Testament that he would not allow his liberty to be a license to sin, nor would he do anything that would cause a brother to stumble."
Its hard not to notice any personal views in this. Yet, notice the way it is written. They present the question in a way that makes on ask doubt themselves, instead of providing a clear biblical outline. Now see their next line of thinking
"In the Old Testament there was a group of people known as Nazarites that took a vow to separate themselves unto the Lord and therefore they would not drink any wine or alcoholic beverages."
Whoa...
"We must all give an account of ourselves before our Lord. What would please Him? Would it not be pleasing to Him if we loved others enough to give up those things we could have, for a greater cause? Would it not be a more powerful witness to others in our age to stand out as one who did not drink alcoholic beverages because we had no need to do so. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, His spirit gives us the joy and release that many are seeking by drinking. May we instead desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have no need for "spirits."
In this paragraph, there are a few things that they assume.
1) Its obvious you are drinking alcohol to be intoxicated
2) Drinking alcohol is selfish.
3) Not drinking is Christian
4) To drink is to be less filled with God's spirit.
The sad thing is exists in nearly everyone of their q and a articles. They proclaim themselves as a study center for scripture, yet their "pastoring moments" attempt to put their personal worldviews into the Bible. Sadly, most Christians do this.
Sigh. I think I'm going to write an actual essay on this, find out how correct I am....yay!
----
in other news, I love Whitney Byrd. She is, like, so cool.
heh. ok, see ya later Andy. :-D