Biblical Answer

The Bible speaks about alcoholism in various ways, with a clear distinction between moderate drinking and drunkenness. In the Old Testament, wine and strong drink are portrayed as both a blessing from God and a potential danger. The Bible warns of the dangers of excessive drinking, but it does not explicitly forbid drinking alcoholic beverages. In fact, the Bible speaks of the benefits of wine in moderation, such as being a gift from God (Rom 14:14; Col 2:20-23; 1 Tim 4:1-5).

The Bible consistently views drunkenness as sin, never as a sickness or disease. Drunkenness is against God and His law, and it is considered a serious offense. In the New Testament, a pattern of drunkenness is listed alongside other sins, such as sexual immorality, thievery, and greed (1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21). The Bible also warns that those who are drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9). This emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation in the use of alcohol.

The Bible does not provide a comprehensive treatment of alcoholism as a modern disease. However, it does offer guidance on how to overcome the habit of drunkenness. For Christians who struggle with alcoholism, the Bible encourages them to "dry out" and learn new habits, and to walk in the Spirit (Ga 5:22). This involves repentance, forgiveness of sins, and a renewed commitment to living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that Christians should seek to live a life of self-control, moderation, and obedience to God's laws, rather than succumbing to the dangers of excessive drinking.