“It isn’t that alcohol in and of itself is bad; Jesus drank wine…” [the Rev. James Howell] said. “We emphasize the role it plays in our lives.”
Part of that discussion, Howell and others have found, involves acknowledging a fact that some Methodists prefer not to talk about: some Methodists drink””even if many don’t like to admit it.
From teetotaling Baptists to Episcopalians who uncork champagne in the parish hall, what to do with the bottle can be a tricky question for religious groups to answer””especially during holy periods or holidays.
I developed an appreciation for wine and whiskey at Wofford College and I drank with United Methodist boys from Myers Park, both the church and the neighborhood. The UMC and the college were ambiguous about it then and now, but they let us do it.
I loved this comment in the article:”Episcopalians who uncork champagne in the parish hall…”
They don’t say “Whiskypalian” for nothing. Just remember, “Where there are four Episcopalians (or Anglicans these days), there is always a FIFTH!!”
I have always felt that the UMC (and plenty of Baptists) were hypocritical to Denounce the “Demon Rum” when they drank behind closed curtains.
Wow. This is a complete non-issue from a religious point of view. Alcohol can be a medical problem. So can fatty foods. But the invention of the temperance religious message is a faux morality. God wont like you more if you never had a sip of wine. Well, actually, he commands that we drink wine. To be scriptural about it, he made 300 gallons of extra wine for a party that was already winding down.
BTW, what’s the difference between a Catholic and a Baptist?
A: Catholics drink on the FRONT porch.
I was not aware that Methodists were not to drink alcohol. Certainly, not to excess. But I know at least one Methodist who was a professional chef and now owns and operates his own restaurant. He and his wife and their Methodist and other friends have had many a party at their home where wine and beer were available and consumed in very moderate amounts.
#4 – Similar: Being part of a Baptist congregation means you never dance, play cards or drink with your friends.
That reminds me.
The Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Protestants do not recognize the authority of the pope.
Baptist do not recognize each other at the liquor store.
I was teetotaler Baptist until I started studding scripture and realize the lack of scriptural basis, temperance. In addition, it seems to be base of a faulty idea of cause and effect; the assumption is the person innocent therefore, the object not humanities sinful nature that cases a person to get drunk.
I have left more revivals Baptist church due to my problem with the church growth movement and retuned to Anglicanism; still I enjoy the side benefit of no longer have guilt over enjoying a glass of Port or beer.