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Theology / Ethics

Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

Should Christians engage with this content?
60
/100
MIXED
Our assessment for Christian viewers
Theology / EthicsReviewed by Michael KrynskiLuke 12 Two FoundationUpdated Aug 17, 2026
The Bottom Line

Bible clearly prohibits drunkenness. Does not prohibit moderate consumption — wine appears throughout Scripture positively including at the Lord's Supper. Two defensible positions: total abstinence (wisdom) and moderate consumption (liberty). Neither is required by Scripture.

⚠️
Main Concern
Generally appropriate with parental awareness of noted concerns
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What Christians Should Know
Bible clearly prohibits drunkenness. Does not prohibit moderate consumption — wine appears throughout Scripture positively including at the Lord's Supper. Two defensible positions:
What It Gets Right
Some positive elements , see rating breakdown below for what this content does well.
Biblical Lens
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 -- "Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... therefore honor God with your bodies." Sobriety and self-control are gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
Why GodlyScore Gives This Rating
Positive Factors
See detailed review for the full reasoning behind this score
Concerns
See detailed review for the full reasoning behind this score
Ratings reflect content, context, and impact compared to biblical standards.
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Detailed Review

What Scripture Says

Clear prohibition: Ephesians 5:18 — "Do not get drunk on wine." Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness as a work of the flesh. Proverbs 20:1 warns against being led astray by wine.

Neutral or positive: John 2 — Jesus's first miracle was turning water into wine. 1 Timothy 5:23 — Paul tells Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach. Psalm 104:15 — wine gladdens the heart of man. The Lord's Supper uses wine.

Two Positions

Total abstinence (Baptist, many evangelical traditions) — wisdom-based, not directly required by Scripture. Moderate consumption (Reformed, Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic traditions) — liberty within biblical limits. Neither is uniquely biblical. Three questions before drinking: Am I at risk for addiction? Will my liberty be a stumbling block (Romans 14:21)? Am I drinking to be filled with something other than the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)?

For a thorough evangelical treatment: Gospel Coalition on alcohol.

The GodlyScore Discernment Framework

GodlyScore evaluates media and public figures across nine biblical signal categories: profanity (Ephesians 4:29), sexual content (1 Corinthians 6:18), violence (Psalm 11:5), LGBT normalization (Romans 1:26-27), spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5:11), glorification of sin (Romans 1:32), deception mechanics (Proverbs 12:22), virtue strength (Philippians 4:8), and redemption arc. The score reflects not just whether content is present but how it's framed. Score: 60/100 Mixed.

Further Resources

See our Biblical Discernment Guide for the complete methodology. GotQuestions and the Gospel Coalition provide thorough evangelical analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions
Should Christians drink alcohol? +
Two defensible positions: total abstinence (wisdom-based, not commanded) and moderate consumption (Christian liberty within clear limits). Drunkenness is unambiguously prohibited. Christians can disagree as a disputable matter (Romans 14).
Is drinking alcohol a sin? +
Drunkenness is a sin — clearly condemned in Scripture. Moderate alcohol consumption is not prohibited by Scripture. Whether to drink is a matter of Christian liberty and wisdom, not categorical sin.
At a Glance
Content TypeTheology / Ethics
Rating / SeverityNot Rated
AudienceAll Ages (mature discussion)
GodlyScore60/100 , Mixed
Reviewed ByMichael Krynski - Luke 12 Two Foundation
Last UpdatedAug 17, 2026
Our Verdict
60
/100
MIXED
Use discernment based on your faith and convictions.
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