The Hebrews had slaves. Period.
The Hebrews divorced. Period.
The Hebrews could have more than one wife. Period.
Is this a valid argument?

In this case, yes. I see you completely misunderstand the thrust of the arguement.

What is the thrust of the argument?
The simple fact that the Hebrews did something is not a valid argument, because God tolerated certain practices and even regulated them until His people reached a higher level of spiritual maturity. Not to mention that in certain passages it's not possible to determine with certainty whether the Bible is speaking about wine or grape juice.
The argument that alcohol has benefits also isn't valid because this isn't true for most people - just for males over 40. Besides, even for these, no study has yet been made about the benefits of alcohol vis-a-vis its risks.
Then what are the arguments in favor of the consumption of alcohol?

I'm not suprised that you ask this.

Going back to Daryl's initial question, "Is it OK for a Christian to drink alcohol?" my opinion is that from a theological perspective, yes; Scripture does not prohibit drinking alcohol, but it does speak against habitual drunkeness. Nobody on this forum has shown me any evidence to the contrary.

Do you consume alcohol JAK?

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JAK, this was a rhetorical question. I meant, What is the thrust of an invalid argument?


Since the Scripture does not prohibit slavery, then would you say that slavery is OK?

The rules for one situation do not always apply directly to another situation. It would be narrow minded and dull to think so. A man having sex with his daughter is not specifically prohibited by Scripture. (Noah and Lot come to mind...) Does that mean it is OK?

We're talking about alcohol, not slavery, incest, the drug trade, or smoking, or anything else. And, I assume, we are talking about salvation. So, from a salvation perspective, yes, it is OK to own slaves. (I'm sure somebody on this forum is going to twist this.) Many Biblical patriarchs owned slaves, right up to the time of Paul.

Why don't we apply these same prohibitions to sex? Look at all the emotional problems and ruined lives cause by incest, date rape, and sex abuse. (RC priests come to mind) Because a few people cannot control their twisted sex drives let's all just ban sex entirely and make sex of any kind a sin.

It sounds like you are saying slavery, incest, etc. you consider wrong, but alcohol use, you do not consider wrong. Someone else may choose and pick another.


Good arguments. But, not necessarily for the case you're making.

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I'd be careful suggesting there are studies which say alcohol is beneficial. Most deal with the flavonoids which would still be beneficial if all the alcohol was evaporated and used for cleaning solutions or fuel. I have yet seen anyone advocating the health benefits of drinking distilled wine.

Noah? What are you talking about?


Sorry, I didn't get it.


This doesn't apply at all. I'm not speaking about drunkenness, but about the moderate consumption of alcohol. Science has already shown that the moderate consumption of alcohol is harmful to females of any age and to males under 40, and its "benefits" for males over 40 have not yet been proved to be greater than its risks.