Guest: Lisa Anderson, Director of Boundless and Young Adults, Focus on the Family

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.  1 Corinthians 6:12

Take note that the program title does not say, “Why Christians SHALL NOT Drink Alcohol” but rather “Why Christians SHOULD NOT Drink Alcohol.

What’s the difference?  “Shall Not” is all-encompassing prohibition, like the 10 Commandments’ “shall nots” with regard to murder, adultery, lying, etc.  “Should Not” is an exhortation to be wise and cautious.  In other words, it is better and safer for Christians to not drink alcohol because of the spiritual, physical, and testimonial perils.

Once upon a time American Evangelical Christians steered clear of alcohol.  Today, it has become mainstream.

Lisa Anderson, director of Boundless and Young Adults for Focus on the Family and our guest this weekend on The Christian Worldview, wrote in a recent column:

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of Christians get super pumped about alcohol. I’m hearing more people talk about it, and I’m seeing more people drink it more often and in greater amounts. It’s not that alcohol is in their lives, it’s that it’s become more central to their lives; it’s a focus of many of the things they do.

Lisa cited as examples Christian moms getting together to have wine while the kids play, church events advertising pub crawls, beer and wine tastings, and Bible studies with brew, and a much greater presence and focus on alcohol at Christian gatherings.

We hope you’ll join us this weekend on The Christian Worldview as we discuss several angles to the issue of Christians and alcohol.

Short Take #1: Why has drinking alcohol become more common for Evangelical Christians?  Length: 2:38

Short Take #2: How do self-control, wisdom and idolatry relate to how Christians should view this issue?  Length: 1:40

Short Take #3: How is alcohol an enemy of a Christian’s spirit? Length: 3:31

Short Take #4: What is the most important thing for Christians to consider about alcohol? Length: 3:10