I am sure this will step on some toes, and believe me, I though long and hard about asking this .... but from what I am hearing, in my most-recent
poll on drinking, and from past OPs and polls on drinking .... it is quite clear to me, that Catholics and Baptists are not against social drinking.
Of course, that comparison can be said about most of the Protestant churches today! Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, etc., are not opposed to social drinking!
The only thing that separates these main-stream
churches from the Baptist is that the Baptist organization has not yet allowed alcohol to be sold on the premises of the church.
Nevertheless, if the mind-set of Baptist continues going in the direction, it is headed regarding social drinking, I do not see drinking on the very premises they are also sitting on, can't be too far behind!
So, what do you think? Is it only a matter of time before social drinking manifests itself at church functions?
Your in put and feedback are appreciated! Actually, besides the once saved, always saved doctine, what I liked about the Baptist church I attended, and it is waht caused me to become a SBC follower, was their stand, against drinking! Maye I was in a straight laced church, don't know, but, I attended and worked for several more conference churches ath practiced no drinking too! Just sayin'!
Regardless of how people feel on whether or not drinking is a sin, I think most of us are in agreement that we should not cause a brother/sister to stumble.
As a result, I highly doubt we will have even wine at communion at a true Baptist church as it would make things difficult for people who have, and are recovering from, drinking problems.
I am in the drinking is not a sin, alcoholism is the problem, camp and I would be strongly opposed to alcohol in the church.
Even to the point I would probably leave any church that did such a thing.
Pretty sure churches, as non-profit entities, are not allowed to have a liquor license!
1 Cor. 11:18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,
19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.
21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?
That shouldn't be a hindrance.
Elks lodges, Moose lodges, and country clubs are all non-profit and they all have liquor licenses, unless they happen to be in a dry county.
FWIW, there are two churches in my community where alcohol is served--Catholic and Episcopal.
I don't know if they have licenses or if the members simply bring it in.
"As a result, I highly doubt we will have even wine at communion at a true Baptist church..."
Just for information's sake.
I have been to an SBC church in which wine was offered at communion, along side grape juice for those who did not want wine.
That's a sword that cuts both ways on this issue.
I have seen stumbling over
prohibition against drinking (either charges of hypocrisy or legalistically following man made doctrine).
Personally, I believe it an issue between the believer and God (a matter of conscience) and abstinence a safer bet.
To answer the OP, I do think some local Baptist churches may allow social drinking at church functions, but I don't think that as a denomination it will be a distinctive.
Perhaps he did just mispeak and I hope so. But with some of the attitudes on this board and the comments made, one is left to wonder if a lot have confused following a group or organization with following Christ.
Thanks REV .... Zaac is once again trying to read between the lines and get into the heads of us holy sinners, as he sets himself up as the one and only judge of moral character here on the board.
He knows quite well what I meant. In fact he knows from previous discussions that I love the Lord and not anyone denomination. He also knows that what I said was it was a SBC church that gor me interested in knowing more about Jesus, and from their I accepted and recieved Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I do know one thing for sure, I recieved Jesus as Savior and I follow Him, not anyone who sets themself up as the judge of mankind.
I wasn't going to give Zaac the pleasure of responding to such a ridiculous attempt to smear my witness for Jesus, but since you brought it up to defend what I REALLY said, I am responding to you to let others know how right on you are!
There you again running off at the mouth. If you didn't mean it, you shouldn't have said it. And given your funky attitude all the time, I'm still inclined to believe you meant just what you said.:wavey: