08 Jun '07 09:26>
Originally posted by twhiteheadGood point. However I don't think communion itself would be the excuse, more that fact that Jesus clearly didn't have a problem with alcohol. I know Catholics who have given up alcohol for lent, but if you ask them whether they are still taking communion wine, they get all offeneded: 'It's the Blood of Christ!' They really don't view it as substantially wine, and therefore wouldn't use it as an excuse for drinking. But yeah, like I said, the Bible said Jesus used wine at the last supper so that would be excuse enough.
The problem is that Christians who do like to drink can always use communion as an excuse, as an example to show that drinking alcohol cant be all bad. Also the story about Jesus turning water into wine comes in handy too. Clearly Jesus thought that a party isn't a party without some of the hard stuff.
Of course I think you have to distinguish between excessive drinking and drinking in moderation. Plenty of people who speak out against alchol are really speaking out about drunkneness or alcholism. I'd say the vast majority don't have a problem with a couple of drinks. Unless it's a wedding and Jesus says its ok to get smashed.