Hmm...well in the past I didn't do so well in this category, but I hope that my comments are delivered in an unaffected way. First of all I would like to say that I am not in the camp that says, "once an alcoholic always an alcoholic....you are sick with an incurable disease". I know a Savior that heals, restores, and gives life to the dead all of the time. Why not this?? I'm thankful for that power. I also would be mindful that we should not "put God to the test". But, living in bondage of something that God freed you from could be seen as denying the power of what He did for you. I am aware that it may be the will of God for some to never drink at all. I pray that we could all be very sensitive to God's direction when deciding if we should begin to drink alcohol OR continue after undesirable experiences. Also, those of us who CAN drink "normally" should be very sensitive to the needs of those around us. This is of the utmost importance.

I go to a church that has a college group study called, "Theology on Tap". A group of young adults led by church staff (one of which is a former drug addict/alcoholic) get together once a week and have theological discussion over beers. I have a problem with this for a couple of reasons. 1. It is not available to anyone that may want to attend because some people cannot be around alcohol period. 2. When Paul speaks of "putting off all appearances of evil" I think that this would fit the bill. Drinking in our society is seen in a predominantly negative light. I hope that we would all be courageous and disciplined enough to look beyond ourselves and carefully consider how our actions reflect Christ to others in our communities.

So I said all of that to say this:

I do not think that drinking is a sin as long as it is done in careful moderation and in great consideration and love for others.