For Tipplers and Teetotalers

Whether you are an occasional tippler or a committed teetotaler, there is plenty of interesting history in “Drinking in America: A History.” This book will help you understand the social, historical and cultural roots of drinking in America, and would be a great way for people on both sides of the issue to actually have an intelligent conversation. (It is one of the many books I’m plowing through in my doctoral work at Stirling.)

For those who think Jesus was a fundamental Baptist who went to wedding parties and turned water into grape juice – you might be surprised to learn that most Christians – Baptists included, were drinkers until the middle of the 19th century. Drink was even served at ordination services for ministers – and a pastor who refused to drink with a parishioner was considered rude. You might also be surprised to know that drinking was at its highest rate in American between 1790-1820. In fact, the drinking rate was triple what it is today! This is in part what gave rise to the Temperance Movement (c. 1830s), “Maine Laws” (c. 1851), and eventual efforts to outlaw alcohol completely (c. 1920).

For those who disdain teetotalers, you might be surprised to learn that it was the abuse of alcohol and concern over its damaging effects on the life of the family and society that gave rise to “Main Laws” (1851-1855) and national prohibition. Drink came to be associated with saloons and houses of ill repute – and blue-collar workers didn’t have an occasional drink – they would drink for the purpose of getting drunk. (A complete change from 17th and 18th century attitudes toward drink.) The rise of the industrial revolution gave further pause to the potential ill-effects of operating equipment on the job after having an “elevener” during morning break.

I think I can say that I now understand a little better why my own mother had such a hard time with an occasional social drink. She grew up in a social context where drink was always associated with drunkenness, unfaithfulness and disorder in the home. My own experiences have been much different – an occasional pint with a Christian friend in a Cambridge pub! Our experiences (read “history) couldn’t be more different. When we better understand “where a person is coming from” we can understand why they may enjoy a particular liberty – or completely refrain from it altogether. In the end, it is a non-issue. As Paul reminds us the kingdom of God is more than meat or drink (I Corinthians 8). But as I meet different people both living and dead – and really listen to what they have to say – I am more tolerant of both tipplers and teetotalers. I think Jesus is the perfect example – he turned water into wine, drank with sinners and preached “Woe to you drunkards.”

Thoughts on this issue?

--Pastor Lionel