Nate Scott writes:

Subject: to drink or not to drink

Excellent article. I attend a conservative baptist church and the majority of my beliefs line up with the church.

But,... I agree that too much emphasis is placed on things in the bible that are not listed as sins, but as possible vices. Woe to the woman who wears shorts or the couple who share a wine. Hellfire to the man who enjoys a good cigar! Anything that could possibly cause a snare to a believer is automatically put into the category of "SIN". Undoubtedly it is excellent advice to avoid things that could lead you away from God or create an unhealthy addiction. Abstinence is a good thing in these areas. But, not everyone will smoke 3 packs a day and not everyone will eat at 3 buffets a day either. Prudence is the key, and if you are prudent and have no difficulty controlling your excessive urges than these "sinful" things are NOT sin for you. Be careful that you are not creating an obstacle for a brother or sister. If your liberty is a vice for another believer than you need to be cautious in their presence. For this reason alone I choose to not drink alcohol or smoke on the chance that my choices may lead another to become an alcoholic or a chain smoker.

Too many people believe we need to spread the rules of christian living, thereby missing out on spreading the love of a compassionate forgiving Savior.