By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

I love wineries. They’re peaceful and beautiful, a connection to nature and God’s creation. I’m also a fan of winery tours. Winemaking is a both an art and a science and I find it fascinating!

I also enjoy honey whiskey on the rocks, moonshine tours, and strawberry margaritas. I like having a beer with friends when we’re attending a concert or a glass of merlot with dinner. I like alcohol, socially and in moderation.

Not everyone shares my opinion on drinking. Some people choose not to drink, for various reasons. One reason I hear a lot in Christian circles is the belief that drinking is a sin.

It’s time to debunk that myth.

Water or Wine?

Drinking alcohol is not a sin. The majority of our ancestors drank alcohol of some kind, largely because it was the safest drink available. Generally, water was unsafe to drink because it was full of bacteria and disease. Alcohol, especially beer, was much safer to consume because the water used to make it was boiled during production.

There are loads of examples of drinking in the Bible. Wine was a particular favorite of the ancient Israelites. Even Jesus drank wine! Not only did He and the disciples share wine at the Last Supper, Christ’s first miracle was making water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

So if drinking itself isn’t a sin, why do so many people claim that it is?

Blame it on the Alcohol

If left unchecked, drinking can lead to drunkenness, and it’s drunkenness that the Bible condemns: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13, KJV).

The loss of inhibitions can lead to poor decision making, bad choices, regrets in the morning. It’s understandable that drunkenness is frowned upon Biblically: God wants the best for us! When we are buzzed or drunk we let loose in ways we wouldn’t when sober. We aren’t always at our best in those situations, and because of that, we may miss out on God’s best.

This is one of the reasons some Christians claim drinking alcohol is a sin. For some individuals, it’s simpler to avoid alcohol completely than to create parameters around drinking. Drinking can be a slippery slope into drunkenness. Choosing to never drink eliminates the possibility of making poor, alcohol-induced decisions that could lead to committing sins.

The Choice is Yours

Choosing to drink or not drink is a personal choice. You should never feel pressured to drink if you don’t want to. You should never feel shame if you do drink. You have permission to make the best choice for you. Both options are valid.

For those who, like me, choose to drink, my hope is that you cast off the fallacy that drinking itself is a sin. I hope you find freedom in knowing that it’s okay to indulge if you do so safely and within appropriate boundaries you have set for yourself.

(If you are struggling with alcohol please seek help, such as an anonymous support group. And please know you are not alone. You are loved.)