Student Question

Why do Christians consume wine, but Muslims do not?

Quick answer:

Christians consume wine as it is permitted in the Bible, provided it is in moderation, as drunkenness is condemned. Some Christian denominations, however, avoid alcohol due to its potential harm and addictive nature. Conversely, most Muslims refrain from alcohol as they interpret the Quran to forbid it, prioritizing caution in religious observance. Both religions emphasize the body's sanctity and the importance of avoiding behaviors that might harm oneself or others.

Expert Answers

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I have done a little research on this for you and I find that many Muslims disagree on what the Quran teaches about alcohol consumption. Most Muslims seem to prefer to err on the side of safety, however, so they do refrain from drinking alcohol because they believe the Quran forbids it.

The Bible, however, teaches that Christians are permitted all things, even though all things are not profitable for them. Christians are taught to refrain from anything that causes a brother to stumble. So, alchol is permitted, but drunkenness is not. Drunkenness is condemned many places in the Bible. Also, the negative results of drinking are put in the Bible as a lesson against drinking to excess. Alcohol is OK if it is consumed in moderation.

That said, there are several Christian denominations that also believe that alcohol should not be consumed at all. These groups believe that alcohol is dangerous and can be addictive and so therefore should be avoided. The Bible teaches that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, so anything that harms the body is a sin against God. That would include smoking, drinking, drugs, eating to excess, etc.

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