Can a Christian be a teetotaler?

[MoreCoffee]

Can a Christian be a teetotaler? completely abstaining from all alcoholic beverages including communion wine?

I can understand a former alcoholic being weary of wine in communion but exposure to a tiny sip ought not cause a relapse into heavy drinking. And I can understand some folk objecting to drunkenness. But what is a truly biblical and valid objection to receiving wine in communion?

 

[psalms 91]

None but some need to avoid it altogether, alcholics as you pointed out is one. Most places I know use grape juice or offer a choice

 

[MoreCoffee]

None but some need to avoid it altogether, alcholics as you pointed out is one. Most places I know use grape juice or offer a choice

At mass the wine is wine - not grape juice.

 

[Rens]

Can a Christian be a teetotaler? completely abstaining from all alcoholic beverages including communion wine?

I can understand a former alcoholic being weary of wine in communion but exposure to a tiny sip ought not cause a relapse into heavy drinking. And I can understand some folk objecting to drunkenness. But what is a truly biblical and valid objection to receiving wine in communion?

We have grape juice for the former addicts. Sure you can be a teetolar. If you can't handle one sip better not do it.

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

If any objection is raised, I think it usually comes from those who may have had issues in the past. I'm abstinent for that reason. The first time I had wine at communion was after I was sober, so it was a bit of a shock to the system (sort of like taking a drink of water, forgetting you poured a glass of milk). Afterward, I recognized that it was for a different purpose, so it's not any concern now.

I'll never forget that I used to be part of a Pentecostal church that used wine. They were frequented by a number of folks in recovery, and I was an addictions counsellor at that time. I recall once that as the wine was being passed, some of them drank it and looked utterly shocked. They spoke to me afterward, and I reassured them that it was okay, and they hadn't 'relapsed'.

That's part of the issue, I think. Some are so indoctrinated with the idea that any amount is "bad", that it becomes an 'evil' that must be avoided at all costs.

 

[psalms 91]

If any objection is raised, I think it usually comes from those who may have had issues in the past. I'm abstinent for that reason. The first time I had wine at communion was after I was sober, so it was a bit of a shock to the system (sort of like taking a drink of water, forgetting you poured a glass of milk). Afterward, I recognized that it was for a different purpose, so it's not any concern now.

I'll never forget that I used to be part of a Pentecostal church that used wine. They were frequented by a number of folks in recovery, and I was an addictions counsellor at that time. I recall once that as the wine was being passed, some of them drank it and looked utterly shocked. They spoke to me afterward, and I reassured them that it was okay, and they hadn't 'relapsed'.

That's part of the issue, I think. Some are so indoctrinated with the idea that any amount is "bad", that it becomes an 'evil' that must be avoided at all costs.

If it is a trigger it shopuld be avoided and as addiction counselor I would think that you would know that for some it would be, isnt worth the chance if you want sobriety

 

[MoreCoffee]

In a Catholic church one need not take the wine. Communion in one kind is completely valid.

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

If it is a trigger it shopuld be avoided and as addiction counselor I would think that you would know that for some it would be, isnt worth the chance if you want sobriety

Perhaps. it's best left to the conscience of the person. I won't fear monger, though. If one is afraid to take communion because of the wine, then the person may need counsel on the purpose of the wine in the first place. Its significance is a different matter than what it was used for in the past for them. But, I believe that the communion rite is more than a 'memorial' or 'remembrance', so perhaps I see it differently.