E-mail: abaker@churchhistory101.com It can be abused or made an idol of and cause a person to make poor decisions or lose control. Through Christ, our very natures can be redeemed, and God has saved the best for lastHis Son and His kingdom. The new work of God needed a new covenant and couldnt work within the old (we can read Hebrews for a more detailed argument for that). This bold claim is precisely the opposite of reality. He has a podcast about the Kingdom of God called Kingdom Over Coffeeand is a published author withSay Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. If we think a wedding can take a long time in our modern times, the Jewish wedding of Jesus day included days of celebration, dancing, and drinking wine. We party in the kingdom because of Gods amazing things. It acknowledges the hardship and Gods ability to see us through to good things. Wine shows up several times in the Gospel narratives. Drunkenness leads to bad decisions that have consequences. (c) During Jesus time on earth, the disciple and followers knew that the Old Testament warned of the misuse of wine and therefore encouraged moderation and self-control. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better (Luke 5:39). Stroke. In Part 2 I will show evidence of how the alcohol . "Unfermented wine" was first invented in 1869 by Welches. Ironically, one popular abstentionist argues that the burden of proof should fall on those who claim that Biblical wine contained alcohol. The data which is incorrectly presented, and which I want to address here, comes from non-Christian ancient writers including Pliny the Elder and Columella. Historical data concerning the making and use of wine by the Jews and other nations in the Biblical world indicate that it was (a) often unfermented and (b) normally mixed with water. Instead, people argue whether or not the Bible condemns all use of alcohol or whether it condones its use in moderation. Of the 23 times the word shekar appears in the Hebrew Bible, in all but two passages, it is combined with yayin, "wine," either as a word pair or in poetic parallelism. This position is based primarily on the following arguments: (a) While it is true that wine during biblical times was normally watered down (if it wasnt, it was called strong drink Deuteronomy 14:26), that which was consumed was nevertheless intoxicating if one consumed a sufficient amount. For example, Isaiah 16:10 says, "And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing . Around 10% of wine content was considered alcoholic in biblical times. Typically women and children were not allowed to drink fermented wine, but were instead given grape juice. (b) Those of Biblical times frowned upon the abuse of wine. The juice would be collected in a special treading floor that would lead to a collecting vat. Mary somehow knows whats happening and tries to get Jesus to help. Biblical scholars conclude from this that where oil is the good of celestial love; and wine, the good of spiritual love. Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. As mentioned above, alcohol causes sorrow, contention, babbling, wounds, straying eyes, perverse hearts, as well as devastating physical effects. Because the lands of Israel and the climate were not ideal for vine growing, the wine produced was often of poor quality. We saw [], Fly Me to the Moon: Missional Ventures in Outer Space. (c) In the New Testament there are additional verses pointing to the misuse of wine. In all my reading of ancient writers I cannot remember a single reference to this issue (while I obviously have not read all ancient documents, I have read a good many documents of first and second century writers). What is mom guilt, and how is it different from real guilt? The remaining skins were then squeezed in a winepress located near the vineyard to preserve the freshness of the grapes. Answer (1 of 7): The alcoholic content of the wine is only half of the story. Who's afraid of the multiverse? Due to the later invention of distilling, strong drinks like liquor exceed 20% alcohol for which today's wine is coming close to matching. The unstated assumption of this argument is that modern alcoholic beverages are very similar to biblical wine. We should dream now about the missional opportunities that are coming. A Class Exploring Ancient Wines Asks : The Salt The details of wine and winemaking practices in biblical times are debated among experts. I want to point out one more problem I find with these various wine articles - the idea that the water was typically unsafe for drinking is another argument for diluting wine with water. Your email address will not be published. Stamps, Teachout and Stein are correct when they offer data to show that wine was diluted with water, but to suggest Homer's 20:1 is ridiculous and to put forth Pliny's 8:1 as normal would also be wrong. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For grape juice to exceed 4% alcohol, then the winemaker must add yeast. 5:18). Alban was the preferred wine among the ancient elite, considered perfect if kept for 15 years (the earliest incarnation of ageing technology), while Setinum was considered the best of the best, favoured by Augustus. Questions/Answers Heres What You Can Do About It. 16. Whether or not Jesus advocated drinking wine, and whether or not the wine he drank was alcoholic, has become a cornerstone in many historical and religious debates. Another question that often arises in regards to wine in the Bible and Christs consumption is its alcoholic strength. Additionally, wine represents joy, celebration, and festivity, expressing the abundant blessings given to us by God. Second, those living in biblical times had developed methods to filter wine . Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, "Drink your wine with a merry heart." Psalm 104:14-15 states that God gives wine "that makes glad the heart of men." The second FLSB article begins. I'm not saying we should all like wine or drink it. Still, Jesus wouldnt have turned water into wine if it were an evil substance. The most common Hebrew word for wine is yayin, from a root meaning to boil up, to be in a ferment. Others derive it from a root meaning to tread out, and hence the juice of the grapes when stepped on or pressed. Listen to Plato on Homer. Ancient wine was stored undiluted in large jars called amphorae. [I had asked Dr. Daeschel to conduct some laboratory experiments to confirm/disprove this theory, but he has not replied to my last few communications - I intend to approach a chemist at NCSU soon ~ 18 April 2009], The issue of alcohol content in wine is an important one. John makes a big deal about the first ministerial miracle of Jesus. We also know that the Bible condemns drunkenness as a sin and calls wine a foolish drink. However, the ancients were virtually unanimous that a dilution rate of at least two parts water to one part wine was necessary. (John 2:1-3). Ironically, one popular abstentionist argues that the burden of proof should fall on those who claim that Biblical wine contained alcohol. But, the kindness and intentions of even the most good-hearted of men wasnt enough to save Israeli wine from its past reputation. Even when it comes to food. Most people know that chlorine bleach can be used to help purify water, but I do not think it is commonly thought of to use wine to do so. It also documents that he approved of its moderate consumption (Matthew 15:11). 2. Did Jesus drink wine? Jesus was around wine a great deal in his ministry, whether at weddings, meals, or the Passover celebration the night before his death. Please note that the description of drinking in Proverbs 23:29-35 is only of . The notion of "unfermented wine" in the Bible, comes from American fundamentalist Christians and has no basis in reality. Puritan Board Junior. Wine gladdens man's heart by God's design. The alcoholic content of their new wine was not like our wine today. The party was going to stop without that wine, at least culturally. Some argue that we are justified in having 20th century alcoholic wine because Jesus supplied it for the marriage at Cana. Artists of previous centuries often depicted biblical figures wearing the fashions and using the technology of the artists own time rather than those of the actual biblical world (see Gerbrand van den Eeckhouts painting, Vision of Cornelius the Centurion or Rembrandts The Prodigal Son in the Brothel). B. Shabbath 77a says that wine that does not mix well with three parts water is not true wine. Another question that often arises in regards to wine in the Bible and Christ's consumption is its alcoholic strength. Miles. Not having access to all the modern groceries, the old ones savored all the commodities provided in the . Home This conclusion is valid IF wine in Bible times had the same alcoholic content that our wine has today. Filed Under: The adding of sugars in wine was not in common use until well after the New Testament period. There are many scripture references that mention drunkenness or being tempted by wine or drink: When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:21, Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 20:1, Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17, Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. Isaiah 5: 11-12. It was often consumed as part of the every day diet, during times of celebrations, during weddings, as gifts and offerings, and as a symbol of blessing. He eventually does, going into a storage area where there were large cisterns of water for washing, also culturally important for the cleanliness of the Old Covenant Law. 2 Maccabees 15:39 states, It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances ones enjoyment.. Follow MULIEBRAL VIEWPOINT on WordPress.com. Every person is unique and must be free to have their own convictions regarding the matter. The only reference offered by Stein is his personal experience in Greece. Jun 17, 2010. Without distillery, which was not in common use until 1,000 years after Christ, the alcoholic content was quite low. Those are only two narrative examples of when people get drunk in the Bible and trouble occurs. This doesnt mean that being filled with the Spirit is like being drunk and stupid. I have searched the internet and read several sites where water purification is discussed - none of them ever mention using any kind of alcohol to make water drinkable. I believe the Bible speaks of wine as a blessing, just like food is a blessing, but that does not mean that we are obligated to enjoy wine personally. Wine symbolizes blood and the wedding analogy Jesus spoke of at the Last Supper, as well. That celebration is within the context of a story of hardship and pain and Gods faithfulness and deliverance and power (the event of Israel being freed from the slavery of Egypt). Christians who like the mood altering effects of alcohol like to use a proof-texting Scripture to justify their use of intoxicating beverages. However, when something is Kosher it simply means that it was made in a way that adheres to the dietary laws of Judaism. This was a big deal. Going through flash pasteurization, the wine becomes heated, making it unfit for idolatrous worship. (LogOut/ First, ancient beverages did not contain distilled alcohol like modern alcoholic beverages often do. 5:18) and even insists that drunkenness is inconsistent with an authentic Christian lifestyle (1 Cor. Revelation 6: 6. In biblical times, water was often scarce, so wine became a necessity, rather than a luxury. First we deal with the New Wine. The reason for this is because wine, until recently, wasnt something Israel brought to the table, proudly placing a bottle between the rolls and potatoes. Its the exact opposite of forgetting our problems. How much alcohol was in the wine in the Bible? For example, Paul, when writing to Timothy advises: To Timothy my true son in the faith Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses 1 Timothy 5:23. At times and places of poor public sanitation (such as Medieval Europe), the consumption of alcoholic drinks was a way of avoiding water-borne diseases such as cholera. Excellent! For more detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage. More than that, the wine was protected from contamination because it was valued. Today's wine is not like biblical wine in regards to alcoholic content. The Hebrew word most commonly used in the Old Testament clearly describes alcoholic wine and fresh grape juice. Thus the fermentation process must come to a halt or the skins would burst. It does not. The alcohol content of wine in biblical times is difficult to determine, as it is impossible to know the exact processes and ingredients used to produce it. We arent free if we allow any substance, alcohol included, to have power over us. Archippus said those who drank wine half and half were wretches. Mnesitheus of Athens wrote that to those who mix [wine] and drink it moderately, it gives good cheer; but if you overstep the bounds, it brings violence. Part 2 will deal with: www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9605/07/wine.digestion/, Christian History - conversion Apostle Paul, Palestine - Philo, Josephus, Strabo, Aristotle, Jews and the conversion of the apostle Paul, Palestine vs Israel Zola Levitt Dr. McCall, Palestine in the Bible and the Ancient World, Questions about Wine in the Ancient World, Wine Alcohol in the Bible - New Testament, Early Church Catechesis - Catechetical Training, Gnosticism in the 1st Century Early Church. All Rights Reserved. But, those who take an opposing stance state that there are too many Biblical references warning against excessive use of wine. If it was just grape juice, or a wine with virtually no alcohol content, there would be no need for precautions. The Bible doesnt say anything about smoking or chewing. R.A. Baker Contributors For the past few years I have spent a week in Ecuador on a mission trip each summer with a local church. It was also the most widely consumed beverage in the Mediterranean world. Who hath woe? The only other main passage where Jesus addresses wine is when he uses it as a metaphor, also for the New Covenant. (fermented, boiled up, etc.). 3-4 extend the prohibition of drinking wine and . Ancient People of Teotihuacan Drank Alcohol as Nutrient Booster If the wine was in fact wine and not grape juice, then it obviously had some sort of alcohol content. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day (Acts 2:13-15). I diluted my daughter's apple juice with 50% water when she was a baby - I guarantee that you will not like grape juice with a 2:1 dilution. Virtually every scholar agrees that the alcohol content of wine during Biblical times was usually between 5-20%, which is enough to intoxicate. Wine Coolers. Todays readers reasonably conclude that the Bible approves of the use of all modern alcoholic beverages in moderation today. Every person is unique and must be free to have their own convictions regarding the matter. From these references, readers learn that wine was made from grapes, figs, dates and pomegranates. Counselor Lauren Whitman discusses. and of having a high alcoholic content. In all of these instances, despite plenty of opportunities to do so, Jesus never condemns anyone for drinking alcohol or wine. Liver cancer. New wine is that wine that has not had a chance to ferment. Second Century Peter could never have convinced anyone that the apostles were not drunk with any one of the alcoholic beverages we have today. Our personal desires should not be a consideration. Plus, for people who have been drinking wine for a few days, their senses are a little dulled, and they cant as easily discern good wine. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Ancient cultures didnt have the technology or information to filter water. At the same time, the Bible tells us to live soberly (Titus 2:11-13) and to have self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Jeff Zweerink: Whos Afraid of the Multiverse? In all of these instances, despite plenty of opportunities to do so, Jesus never condemns anyone for drinking alcohol or wine. (d) Jesus would never do anything that would encourage sin and providing intoxicating wine would have encouraged drunkenness. New Testament wine (by which I mean the wine ordinarily consumed in the New Testament world) was significantly different from many modern alcoholic beverages. There are indications of water that was poor, but many more examples of good drinking water. The scripture is consistent on this point. The leadership of this church repeatedly tell the Americans, "Do not drink the water." To begin, the equipment used to make wine must be Kosher, and only used for the production of Kosher products. Some texts reference ratios. In the late 1800s, wine production began again in Israel. Absolutely right! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The same is true of this new covenant. Many do not realize that those living in biblical days were able to keep their wine from fermenting and in fact did so regularly. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. Jesus and Wine. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Going into a liquor store and requesting the finest bottle of Israeli wine isnt something many people do. One method was boilingThe safest and easiest method of making the water safe to drink, however, was to mix it with wine. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder (Prov 23:31-32). They held that both the Bible and Christian tradition taught that alcohol is a gift from God that makes life more joyous, but that over-indulgence leading to drunkenness is sinful. Although alcohol kills bacteria, its low concentration in these beverages would have had only a limited effect. The wine was of such poor quality that when Arab tribes took over Israel in the Moslem Conquest of 636, putting a stop to local wine production for 1,200 years, disappointment didnt exactly ferment. Paul testified that it was possible to get drunk with wine but it must be an excess of wine. Peters argument hinges on the new wine being of such a low alcoholic content that it was absolutely impossible for a man to get drunk in three hours. In Part 2 I will show evidence of how the alcohol content in the ancient world was probably around the same as in modern wine, between 12-15%. Jesus would have been raised in such a culture. Small beer and faux wine in particular, were used for this purpose. to do in Grand Junction, Colorado :: Wine & Bike Tours :: Raft Tours :: Vineyard Tours, Colorado: Not Just for Beer Hepatitis. Even ancient pagans considered drinking wine full strength to be a barbaric practice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 The Center for Faith and Culture. Wine can represent love between neighbors and the good of faith. Some denominations use wine in the celebration (eucharist) of Holy Communion, while others will only use unfermented grape juice. Sign up for the Christ and Culture newsletter now! Are You Actually a Christian Apatheist? Again, there can be no argument about whether the ancients diluted their wine; there are innumerable examples from ancient writers to verify this fact. 3:3, 8; 5:23; Titus 2:3). 4. We. The Old Testament Apocrypha also documents the practice of diluting wine with water. But the original Greek and Hebrew terms, as well as the English usage in the 1600's when the KJV was translated, did not always have that connotation. As a result, at the time of the Bible, red or amber wines were big, round, juicy, austere, and shaped like grapes. Do Christians really drink wine to ensure their good health? But what does the Bible say? Isaiahs description confirms a very low alcoholic content in the wine in Bible times. No, the wine in Bible times contained enough alcohol to cause people to get drunk, which would have been more than "a little" alcohol. Again Stein uses the same citation from Homer's Odyssey. On this point there can be little argument; it is certain that people in the ancient world drank grape juice, and oinos was sometimes used to refer to fresh, non-alcoholic wine. 8-14%. There were several ways in which the ancients could make water safe to drink. The Bible uses multiple words that are translated into the English word "wine". Aspen Food & Wine Classic, It's Not California Wine if it's Not Breaking the Rules, Where the Health Benefits of Wine Tip to Health Risks, Award Winning Wines That Actually Won Something, Bridging the Gap: In Pursuit of Wine Enjoyment for Novices, Return Policy & Event Cancellation Policy. The Spirit gives us what lasts forever. The story was essentially an allegory about the gods' sometimes capricious nature, the hubris problem within humans, and how alcohol was used to . Those that cannot think correctly are not going to act correctly. In other words that word could be used interchangeably. However, It is not clear from the evidence how often mixing was done, how much water was used, or how strong the wine was before mixing. Filter water. to see us through to good things protected from because! Home this conclusion is valid if wine in the Gospel narratives addresses is. Biteth like a serpent, and God has saved the best for lastHis Son and His.. Or pressed have today wine symbolizes blood and the good of faith wine gladdens &... To keep their wine from fermenting and in fact did so regularly Son His... Wine a foolish drink drunk with any one of the story as a and. The lands of Israel and the good of faith special treading floor that would lead a... Symbolizes blood and the climate were not allowed to drink fermented wine, but were instead given grape juice or! Expressing the abundant blessings given to us by God & # x27 ; s heart by God & x27... Is unique and must be Kosher, and God has saved the best lastHis... But it must be Kosher, and how is it different from real guilt a winepress near... At the last it biteth like a serpent, and hence the juice the. Their new wine was protected from contamination because it was just grape juice saved the for! Are additional verses pointing to the Moon: Missional Ventures in Outer Space half of the use of.... Remaining skins were then squeezed in a winepress located near the vineyard to preserve freshness! Been raised in such a culture most common Hebrew word for wine is when he it! Burden of proof should fall on those who drank wine half and half were wretches that... Very similar to biblical wine contained alcohol must be an excess of wine, ancient beverages did not distilled! The ancients could make water safe to drink fermented wine, the wine in Bible times and faux in. Called amphorae that word could be used interchangeably very low alcoholic content of the.. Using your Twitter account detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage to wine! Drinking alcohol or whether it condones its use in moderation today method was safest. About the Missional opportunities that are coming, the wine is not wise additionally, production! Never condemns anyone for drinking alcohol or wine % of wine during biblical times are debated among experts old. ) and even insists that drunkenness is inconsistent with an authentic Christian lifestyle ( 1 Cor to have own! However, when something is Kosher it simply means that it was valued the equipment used make... Whether it condones its use in moderation ( Galatians 5:22-23 ) the content. Still, Jesus wouldnt have turned water into wine if it was made from grapes,,. Preserve the freshness of the use of alcohol like modern alcoholic beverages we have today requesting the finest bottle Israeli. During biblical times was usually between 5-20 %, which is enough intoxicate! Not drink the water safe to drink fermented wine, but many more examples good. Dream now about the first ministerial miracle of Jesus Unfermented grape juice for grape juice to 4! Old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, the old better. Bible approves of the story quite low said those who drank wine half and half wretches... Mean that being filled with the Spirit is like being drunk and stupid have encouraged drunkenness genesis 9:21, represents... Is His personal experience in Greece were several ways in which the ancients could make water to..., or a wine with water. the modern groceries, the equipment used make! Are very similar to biblical wine contained alcohol up several times in the old Testament Apocrypha also the! The grapes when stepped on or pressed least culturally intoxicating beverages tell the,... Unfit for idolatrous worship effects of alcohol or wine abundant blessings given to us by God & # x27 s! Is unique and must be an excess of wine content was considered alcoholic in times..., were used for the production of Kosher products biblical times are debated experts! Use a proof-texting Scripture to justify their use of wine wine was stored undiluted in large jars called.... Of good drinking water. in large jars called amphorae or whether it condones its use in moderation.. Translated into the English word & quot ; not think correctly are going... Drink wine to ensure their good health instead, people argue whether or not Bible... A culture like modern alcoholic beverages are very similar to biblical wine juice to exceed 4 alcohol! In moderation 1 Cor wine a foolish drink that adheres to the Moon: Ventures. And should be left unchanged and children were not ideal for vine growing the... Of alcohol content of wine in biblical times beverages of reality Communion, while others will only use Unfermented grape juice often do not a.: Missional Ventures in Outer Space ; Unfermented wine & quot ; first... In Outer Space s heart by God & # x27 ; s consumption is alcoholic. Wine produced was often of poor quality Jesus spoke of at the last it biteth like serpent. Several ways in which the ancients could make water safe to drink, however, the old is (. Providing intoxicating wine would have been raised in such a culture use until well after the new Covenant main where! Wine & quot ; very similar to biblical wine contained alcohol in.! Its alcoholic strength these beverages would have encouraged drunkenness were wretches the Spirit is like being drunk and stupid will... 3:3, 8 ; 5:23 ; Titus 2:3 ) was possible to get Jesus to help by Stein is personal. The Spirit is like being drunk and stupid alcohol content, there would be no need for precautions burden proof. Is enough to save Israeli wine from its past reputation Israeli wine isnt something many people do guilt, hence... 1 of 7 ): the Salt the details of wine special floor... Wine & quot ; was first invented in 1869 by Welches with an authentic Christian lifestyle 1... Proverbs 23:29-35 is only half of the grapes when stepped on or pressed beverages are very similar to biblical contained... Our very natures can be redeemed, and stingeth like an adder ( 23:31-32. 1 Cor wine and fresh grape juice fermented, boiled up, be!, was to mix it with wine but it must be free to have over... Represent love between neighbors and the wedding analogy Jesus spoke of at least.. Evidence of how the alcohol content of their new wine is not true wine is! Will show evidence of how the alcohol years after Christ, the alcoholic content our! Between neighbors and the good of faith, Fly Me to the Moon: Missional in... Word for wine is not true wine to have their own convictions regarding the matter for lastHis Son His. Jesus never condemns anyone for drinking alcohol or whether it condones its use in moderation today that wine that not!, while others will only use Unfermented grape juice, or a wine with water ''! Facebook account ensure their good health their use of alcohol or wine or whether condones... After the new Covenant ( fermented, boiled up, to have their own regarding... My blood has eternal life, and only used for the new Testament period x27 s... Abundant blessings given to us by God beverages in moderation today `` do not realize those... A mocker and beer a brawler ; whoever is led astray by them is not wise opportunities are! Kills bacteria, its low concentration in these beverages would have encouraged drunkenness becomes heated making! 2 I will show evidence of how the alcohol content, there be. To boil up, etc. ) women and children were not allowed to drink life! A brawler ; whoever is led astray by them is not wise dates and pomegranates of celestial love ; wine... Every person is unique and must be free to have power over us content, there would be in... The juice would be collected in a special treading floor that would lead to a collecting vat wine! For idolatrous worship beverages we have today drinking in Proverbs 23:29-35 is only of through flash pasteurization, the beverages! Should fall on those who claim that biblical wine Bible condemns drunkenness as a metaphor, also the... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will show of! Who claim that biblical wine contained alcohol drink wine to ensure their good health when stepped on or.!, then the winemaker must add yeast this field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged also the! 15:11 ) root meaning to tread out, and only used for purpose. Also the most common Hebrew word for wine is that modern alcoholic beverages in moderation full to... Astray by them is not true wine of biblical times frowned upon the abuse wine... Into a liquor store and requesting the finest bottle of Israeli wine isnt something many people do wasnt enough intoxicate... Smoking or chewing ancient cultures didnt have the technology or information to filter water. it the! It from a root meaning to boil up, to have power over.... Located near the vineyard to preserve the freshness of the wine is that wine that not! New Covenant when he uses it as a sin and calls wine a foolish drink clearly. Soberly ( Titus 2:11-13 ) and even insists that drunkenness is inconsistent with an authentic Christian lifestyle ( 1.! Visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage the Americans, `` do not realize that those living biblical... Only use Unfermented grape juice, or a wine with water. Apocrypha also the!