tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777750410141759635.post-27832759004666783422007-09-04T14:44:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:44:00.000-04:002007-09-04T14:44:00.000-04:00Seems to me that there are several issues embedded in the dilema Tony raises. The question of whether one should consume alcohol or not is one question and the answer may have much or little to do with "Christian" ethics or scripture. Tony has presented good arguments from our own particular moment in history that should be considered seriously, namely the potentially deadly effects alcohol can have on someone with access to a car (not a problem throughout most Xtian history). One would be hard pressed to argue against the use of alcohol by simply turning to Christian tradition and scripture. But what about the influence of alcohol and other mind altering substances in our own day and culture - a culture saturated with easily attainable handguns where few depend upon anything other than a automobile for transportation. When compared to the rest of the world, we Americans seem fixated on cars and guns. I think the combination of what influence a substance can have and what potential weapons are available is very important for all in our society to consider, Christian or not. Serious gun control and accessable public transportation are goals in most industrialized countries, and the collective benefits speak for themselves. I can't imagine a conversation in this country where they are not seen as limiting one's rights and restricting individualism. Alcohol has a peculiar history of violence in relationship to cars and guns in the US (just consider the roots of NASCAR.) <BR/><BR/>Another issue is the motive behind these theological brew fests. I may be wrong, but they seem to reveal a desperation on the part of the church to be relevant in a world where Christian belief continues to demonstrate in its efforts to purify the fold, utter irrelevance to most of the world. Why not consider more constructive ways to engage persons in and out of the church to make the larger communities we share richer places to live?Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03317613721196432992noreply@blogger.com