In this topic, I’d like to go on with some history of alcohol, its religious standpoints, negative and positive aspects, and some of my own personal experiences with it. Alcohol has been around just about as long as culture itself, going as far back as Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Ancient Egyptians would use the beer and wine for offerings to their gods, as well as other rituals. It would also be used in festive occasions or stored with the mummified in their burials.
The Norse religions would use ales and meads as an important part of various religious festivals such as Midsummer and Yule, and even in christening or ritual sacrifices that they called Blóts. Mesopotamian cultures also had various gods dedicated to wine. Now there are a few good verses in religion related to alcohol such as Psalms 104:15 which states that wine gladdens human hearts. A verse in Deuteronomy also states 'spend the money for whatever you wish—oxen, sheep, wine, strong drink, or whatever you desire. And you shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your household rejoicing together.'
However, a large number of religions are against consumption at all. Within the Surat 9:51 it specifically states “Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?” Many Pentecost Christians, Methodists, and Baptists believe in abstaining from this “pleasure” and in Mormonism ,it is prohibited completely.
Haiti has a Voodoo faith that uses rum, and in their belief ,this consumption allows spirits which they refer to as Iwa to enter their bodies. Though this is to help motivate them through their lives, practice with spirits is not something that God permits.
Jainism is completely against alcohol, as it goes against their beliefs. They preach on vegetarianism and nonviolence and as most people have their stories while being drunk, a lot of people can turn violent. While the fermentation process depends on microorganisms which for them will make alcohol non-vegetarian. Buddhists as well will avoid alcohol consumption as it violates the 5th of the Five Precepts. For those who don’t know that is their code of ethics, and this in itself can disrupt their mindfulness, disturbing the progress of the Noble Eightfold Path in their religion.
Most all religions will have their dos and don’ts, but with everything comes moderation. If you’re at the point you’re doing things you would normally never do, saying things you wouldn’t say, or completely blacking out, you’re abusing. You might have witnessed it yourself, sometimes a person who you know very well can totally morph into a different person right in front of your eyes, all because of alcohol. Some of the most mild-mannered people can turn into an absolute horror after a few drinks. My personal standpoint since starting service under the Lord has been to stay away from it completely. And lately away from anyone under its influence.
In my own experience, causing me for many years suicidal thoughts or sexual advances I’d never make on my own, even with people I wasn’t remotely interested in, I just want nothing to do with it. But that is my own experience. With me, if there’s alcohol involved you can probably count me out from your party list. But as stated moderation if anything. Once you begin to fall into those dark places, bad habits, or actions you would never commit normally, it’s time to stop. If you can’t stop yourself it should lay to those who are around you to stop you from harming yourself. That only then becomes a burden to them. Of course aside from the studies and facts, these are my own personal opinions. If you're good in moderation then have a blast.
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Thank you for sharing your perspective. Where did you find all of your information regarding religious perspectives on alcohol? I am very interested in learning about this myself.
Just a quick google search, I had found way too much and had only picked out a few that stood out to me. To do an in depth write up would have been a lot longer lol
Oh I gotcha haha. Still very interesting!
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Be your brother's keeper and lead by example
My step-dad almost died from drinking too much.... After he went into the hospital and almost died... i prayed for him and he lived.... guess what.. he is back to drinking 3 bottles of Absolute vodka a week and doesn't come out of his room. He is literally gonna kill himself because of his alcohalism.....
Thanks for sharing your perspective!