Another question from a United Methodist

[Onesimus85]

I am currently taking a "History of the Wesleyan Church" course at a Wesleyan University. Recently, the question was asked "What did Wesley believe when it came to alcohol?"

The Wesleyan stance is complete abstinence.

The UM do not encourage the consumption of alcohol, but will allow it in moderation. However, a UM is not allowed to be a member and sell alcohol.

So, what do the Anglicans believe in regard to the consumption of alcohol? I see where John Wesley stood, but what about the church that he was a part of?

 

[Fish and Bread]

So, what do the Anglicans believe in regard to the consumption of alcohol? I see where John Wesley stood, but what about the church that he was a part of?

Generally speaking, I think Anglicans abscribe to what we believe the scripture sets out in broad strokes on the issue of alcohol. Since it is heavily implied that Jesus himself drank wine, it seems to us that it is not a sin in and of itself. Even one of the Psalms says more or less that wine was created to give us joyful hearts. The scripture is very clear that drunkenness is sinful, though, so I would venture to say that most Anglicans are against drunkenness. So, for most of us, alcohol use falls under the axium "Moderation in all things".

 

[PaladinValer]

We can sell alcohol (lawfully only, of course) and drink it in moderation.

 

[ContraMundum]

The Wesleyan stance is complete abstinence.

Of course, that is a membership requirement, but we would argue that such a requirement is beyond the boundaries of scripture and tradition and that the Holiness movement, not Methodism per se influenced the Wesleyan churches towards total abstinance. The 19th Century introduced a lot of innovations into Methodism, that was one of them.

Interesting to note that the wine at the Last Supper (Passover meal) would have been alcoholic. This was necessitated because the wine would have gone sour by the time of passover (the harvest being many months before) and thus it would have to be preserved and the result of the preservative is alcohol.

So, what do the Anglicans believe in regard to the consumption of alcohol? I see where John Wesley stood, but what about the church that he was a part of?

It is a matter of personal choice and conscience. However, we always warn (as does the Bible) against the dangers of drunkeness. This is a lifestyle we would stand against.

But, we do not allow (normally, officially) the use of grape juice at Holy Communion, as this is considered to invalidate the sacrament. John Wesley of course complied on this, as did his brother Charles and the earliest Methodists.

However, in defence of abstinance, the old comment of Luther springs to mind, "where the battle rages is where the soldier is proven". These days with so much drug and alcohol abuse perhaps the stance of abstinance is the wisest and a great sacrifice and witness for Christ and the lifestyle of holy living. (Not in Holy Communion, of course).

 

[Thomas2618]

Wow we actually agree quite a bit here, ContraMundum. I agree that as Anglicans we usually adhere to the idea of moderation. The only thing that I would add to that is that taking a stance of complete abstinence is somewhat extreme (especially for Anglicans)...I would only suggest it to someone who has struggled with alcoholism...or to someone who just feels called to abstain from it for whatever reason. All I have to say is that when I turn 21, I'm going out wine tasting.