Life's Questions - Alcohol

Over the past couple of weeks I've been asked my (Christian) opinion on several matters regarding student culture. This culminated yesterday evening in a rather long debate on whether or not God is dead, a debate preceding a recent debate at the Cambridge Union Society - the results of which I have not yet been made aware of. More of that next Friday - but the challenge facing us in clarifying certain aspects of our Christian faith is exactly that: a challenge. Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be elucidating my own thoughts on some hot topics - this week drinking/drunkenness.

The difference between having a drink and being drunk is a matter of control. Any drinking that impairs your decisions or your behaviour is excessive - and I would argue, wrong. When alcohol begins to dictate your desires, your diary and your overdraft facility, you've lost control. This is the key to Christian teaching on the 'fruit of the vine' - self-indulgence should be sacrificed for self-control. Whilst the decision to get help is a difficult one, we can rest assured that God will give us the strength and power to resist the temptation and regain control of our lives. But first we need to recognise the problem.

• Is it wrong for Christians to drink? - The Bible does not say that having a drink is wrong, but it does say that being drunk is (Eph 5:18). It's also best to avoid drinking in front of others if that causes others to stumble in their walk with God (1 Cor 8:13). Here it is best to think that helping others is more helpful than somehow proving to them that alcohol consumption doesn't make you struggle. Jesus and Paul both drank wine and gave it to others (Luke 22:20, 1 Tim 5:23). If it was absolutely wrong, like adultery for example, they would have abstained from it. The Bible also talks about Christians drinking wine on the New Earth after the second coming (Amos 9:13).

• When does drinking become wrong? - Drinking becomes wrong when it leads to drunkenness, when it influences our thoughts and actions (Prov 23:29-32), when it causes others to stumble or when it causes us to disobey or dishonour God (Ex 32:6).

• I'm addicted can God help me? - God can and does help anyone who is trapped in addiction when that person confesses their sin, calls upon him for help and follows his ways (2 Cor: 5:17). God helps by showing us to rely upon the Holy Spirit, by showing us the principles of self-control through his Word and guiding us to other believers and counsellors who can help combat the addiction (1 Cor 10:13).

Blygt.