This is why I could never be a Southern Baptist again. It was fresh on mind as a part of the sermon at our church yesterday and then I ran across this article via Bob.
The weaker brother/stumbling block argument comes up and then a fantastic question is asked down in the comments. Why couldn't teetotalism be a stumbling block itself? If I am completely honest, I am personally very uncomfortable around teetolalers when this stuff is being discussed. Even when they are being fair and not imposing their belief on me. There have been times that I truly think it was a stumbling block for me because I am made to think that I am bad for drinking beer and not as spiritual as they are. I'm one of THOSE Christians and they are not. EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T MEAN IT THAT WAY.
This question was also asked and I wonder if there is a good, fair answer for it: Why did Jesus not refrain from drinking alcohol if it is an obvious "stumbling block" to our "weaker brothers"? Surely all the bad stuff that comes along with alcohol and it's abuse was around in the first century as well...
Link: the evangelical outpost: What Would Jesus Drink?:
Alcohol, Ethics, and Christian Liberty.
Good post. I put this topic in the whole category of things to be UN-learned from when I was taught growing up in some churches that shall remain nameless...haha.
I did get caught up in some pretty good banter on the two website whose links you have provided. When you really think about it, it seems that too many people who call themselves Christians contort and change Bible scriptures to cater to their own beliefs, and I really think that is dangerous and ignorant.
On another note, I started reading "The Message" yesterday. I am blown away at this plain language translation of the Bible; it's like reading a good novel that you can't put down. Thanks for hooking me up.
Posted by: Clint | May 25, 2007 at 08:52 AM