168 pp. Oakdown. Paper.

An updated and greatly expanded revision of my 1986 The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages. Defends moderate use of alcohol on the basis of biblical exegesis.. Respects the problems of various kinds of alcohol abuse. Responds to critiques of the earlier edition while carefully answering various objections to concerns about alcohol consumption. Helpful for all Christians considering the issue from either side of the question. Deals with all the major Bible passages touching on the subject.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introductory Matters
The Issue Before Us
The Bible and Christian Ethics

2. The Bible and Alcohol Abuse
Drunkenness Is Expressly Condemned in Scripture
Drunkenness Is a Curse on Man
Drunkenness Distorts One's Perception of God's World
Drunkenness Destroys One's Vocational Capacity
Drunkenness is Socially Disgusting
Drunkenness Weakens the Body
Drunkenness Corrupts Morals
Drunkenness Bars One from Church Leadership
Conclusion

3.The Old Testament and Alcohol Use
The Hebrew Term Yayin
The Hebrew Term Tirosh
The Hebrew Term Asis
The Hebrew Term Shekar
Conclusion

4.The New Testament and Alcohol Use
New Testament Terms
Jesus and Wine
Communion and Wine
Conclusion

5. Alleged Negative Passages
Leviticus 10:8-11
Numbers 6:2-6
Judges 13:4
Proverbs 20:1
Proverbs 21:17
Proverbs 23:31-32
Isaiah 5:21-22
Jeremiah 35:6
Hosea 7:5
Conclusion

6. Bible Teaching on Christian Liberty
Introduction to Romans 14
The Matter of "Weak" and "Strong" Believers
The Nature of the "Stumbling Block"
The Conduct of Christian Liberty
A Summary of Principles
Conclusion

7. Common Objections Considered
The "Potential Alcoholic"
Alcohol and Health
Alcohol and the Christian Witness
The Old Testament and Watered Wine

Scripture Index

Endorsements

"An irrefutable study that ought to put an end to the controversy. Only the severely prejudiced reader would reject Gentry's clear presentation of the Bible's teaching. Must reading!" -- The Discerning Reader

"Without losing his characteristic irenicism, Gentry does a wonderful job in demolishing the pretentions of abstentionists.... Every American pastor needs this book." -- Douglas Wilson, Credenda/Agenda

"While I don't want to offend my dear brothers who hold the anti-alcohol position, I sincerely cannot conceive of a credible refutation of Gentry's well-honed, exegetical argument." P. Andrew Sandlin