“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…”

Drunkenness is not a situation accepted by many cultures and faiths. In the ancient world, the German tribes in Northern Europe mocked the Romans for drinking wine and getting drunk, because this transformed their personalities, leading them into doing crazy and non-manly things. Other religions do not permit alcohol at all, one example being Islam. Christianity on the other hand has no alcohol ban, as we can see from instances as the miracle Jesus first miracle, at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11). However, the biggest paradigm for accepting wine consumption is the Last Supper, where the wine symbolises the Blood of Jesus Christ (This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many). Therefore consuming alcohol is allowed. What, on the other hand, is not permitted is getting drunk, as described by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians (5:18). We Christians should not fill our bodies with wine, which leads to un-holy acts. The goal of the Christian is salvation, and to reach that objective every faithful need to fill their body and soul with the Holy Spirit, in order to make their body the ‘Church of the Spirit’.

In the Old Testament we read that, “wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat” (Proverb 23:20). Drunkenness is seen as a bad habit. In the Epistle to the Romans we read, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy” (Romans 13:13).  Let us, therefore be careful when drinking alcohol. The ancient Greeks believed in moderation. Therefore, let us maintain this moderation when it comes down to consuming alcohol. Let us fill our hearts with the Spirit of God.