ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 179

“The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages”

Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,

Retired Professor of Theology and Church History,

Andrews University

INDEX OF TOPICS OF THIS NEWSLETTER

* How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe

* A New Outreach Book entitled Popular Unbiblical Beliefs

* A New DVD Album: Abundant Life Seminar

"The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages"

(The Essay of this Newsletter)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF SERVICES & PRODUCTS

* First Time Special offer on the Package of 10 DVD/

CD albums, containing all the recordings of Prof. Jon

Paulien, Prof, Graeme Bradford, and Prof. Bacchiocchi.

The package includes also the newly released Abundant Life

DVD album.

* Introductory offer on Prof. Jon Paulien’s DVD album

on Simply Revelation

* Special offer on the new edition of Prof. Bradford

More than a Prophet, together with a free DVD album.

* Upcoming seminars for August, and September

* Incredible Offer on the new Hitachi 3000 Lumens Projector

Only $1395.00

* The Smallest and most Powerful Remote Presenter

* Does your church or School Need a Screen?

* Bed and Breakfast in London, England

* TAGNET new Web-hosting offer

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE AND UNSUBSCRIBE

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A PROPOSED NEW OUTREACH BOOK ENTITLED POPULAR UNBIBLICAL BELIEFS

In the last newsletter no. 178, I mentioned the encouragement I received from several subscribers to publish a book that exposes the unbiblical teachings of Catholic and Protestant churches, while affirming the biblical beliefs of the Adventist church. I suggested as a possible title POPULAR HERESIES.

The responses I received show an overwhelming support for this project. The major complaint regards the title POPULAR HERESIES which is perceived to be too confrontations. After further reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the observation is valid. What do you think of the title: POPULAR UNBIBLICAL BELIEFS? Your suggestions for a suitable title are greatly appreciated as I am struggling to find an attractive title.

The sponsors of this project are willing to cover most of the expenses for researching and printing 100,000 copies of Popular Unbiblical Beliefs. The idea is to offer the book to churches at a minimum cost of only $2.00 or 3.00, primarily to cover the mailing expenses. The regular price for this 320 pages book would be $25.00. On August 17, 2007, when I fly to Los Angeles to speak at the White Memorial Church, I am scheduled to have breakfast with the coordinator of this project to discuss some of the details.

What do you think of this project? Do you feel that we badly need for our witnessing outreach a book exposing the unbiblical beliefs of our times? Are you willing to pass out this book to your friends? Would you consider contributing financially to the realization of this project? Your input is greatly appreciated. Let me know what you think.

Personally I feel that we urgently need a book to help our Catholic and Protestant friends understand why some of their cherished beliefs are unbiblical. The ultimate goat of the book is not merely to expose the flaws of some popular beliefs, but to help people appreciate the biblical validity and timeliness of our Adventist beliefs. To my knowledge our Adventist church has never published a substantive book that helps people to understand the difference between our Adventist beliefs and those Catholic/Protestant churches. We can hardly expect people to accept our Adventist beliefs, if we do not show them first why their beliefs are unbiblical.

Popular Unbiblical Beliefs will examine the historical origin and the biblical flaws of a dozen popular beliefs such as Papal Primacy, Immortality of the Soul, Sunday Sacredness, the Eucharist, Intercession of Mary and the Saints, Indulgences, Eternal Torment in Hell, Once Saved Always Saved, the Rapture, Speaking in Tongues, Infant Baptism, the Sacraments, Mary's Immaculate Conception and Ascension to Heaven, the Use of Icons as an Aid to Worship, the Use of Alcoholic Beverages, etc. Feel free to suggest any additional belief that should be included.

My intent is to write the book in a confessional, rather than confrontational way. The style will be popular but profound. I plan to share the findings of my research, not subjective feelings against other churches. Its ultimate goal is to help people of all faiths to understand and accept fundamental Bible truths God has called us to proclaim. We believe that the time has come to sound God's final call to mankind: "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins" (Rev 18:4).

NEWLY RELEASED DVD ALBUM CALLED ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR

At the request of the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a special video taping was professionally done at Andrews University last August 8, 2007, of my powerpoint lecture on The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages. The lecture summarizes the highlights of my book Wine in the Bible. With the help of 125 powerpoint slides, I share the findings of my research which shows that the Bible clearly teaches total abstinence, and not moderation.

This lecture will be delivered live at the International Convention of the World Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WWCTU)–an organization to which Ellen White actively supported. The President, Sarah Ward, has already invited me on two previous occasions. This year the International WWCTU is held in Indianapolis from September 14-16, 2007, and brings together Temperance Leaders from different parts of the world.

The delegates are eager to obtain the live video recording of my lecture on The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages, in order for them to show it to their congregations back home. For the benefit of our subscribers who will not be able to attend the convention, I decided to post in this newsletter a transcript of the lecture. As you will soon discover, the lecture covers a lot of material.

If you live in Indianapolis, you are welcomed to attend the convention. I am scheduled to deliver my lecture The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages on Sabbath morning, September 15, at 10:00 a. m. The convention is held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, 2544 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241. The hotel phone number is: (317) 248-2481. For directions and further detailed information, contact Sarah R. Ward, WWCTU President, at (765) 345-2306

In order to make full use of the DVD disk, we video taped on the same evening a second powerpoint lecture entitled How to Build a Happy and Lasting Marriage. This is one of my favorite sermon that I have presented in many parts of the world. In this sermon I share the highlights of my book The Marriage Covenant, by presenting 10 biblical principles for building a happy and lasting marriage. I use 100 powerpoint slides to deliver this practical lecture, which has been warmly received by congregations in different parts of the world.

The DVD album with both of these lectures, is entitled ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR and is ready for distribution. At this time we offer this ABUNDANT LIFE DVD album at the special introductory offer of only $50.00, instead of the regular price of $100.00. The price includes the AIRMAILING to any foreign country.

You can order this timely DVD album online by clicking at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=102

If you have a problem ordering online, feel free to call us at (269) 471-2915 and we will take your order by phone. Thank you for sharing these timely messages with your friends and congregation.

SPECIAL FIRST TIME OFFER OF 10 DVD/CD ALBUMS FOR ONLY $150.00, INSTEAD OF THE REGULAR PRICE OF $950.00

For the first time I am offering together as a package all the DVD/CD recordings of Prof. Jon Paulien, Prof. Graeme Bradford, and my own. Note that the package includes also the newly recorded ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR DVD album. If you were to purchase online all these recordings separately it would cost you $950.00. But to make it possible for many to benefit from all these timely messages, I have decided to offer them together as a package for only $150.00, instead of the regular price of $950.00.

The package consists of 10 DVD/CD albums, containing a total of 22 live DVD lectures and 6 CD disks with publications and articles. For a detailed description and picture of each album click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/albumoffer.htm

Further information is provided at the end of this newsletter in the Announcements of Services and Products.

“The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages”

Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,

Retired Professor of Theology and Church History,

Andrews University

Editorial Note

Every Endtime Issues Newsletter has a story behind. This one is no exception. The story began with a letter (dated January 22, 2007) I received from Sarah Ward, the President of the World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WWCTU). She invited me to deliver the keynote address at their international convention to be held in Indianapolis on September 14-16, 2007. The WWCTU is an international organization committed to promote total abstinence as a biblical, moral imperative.

Ellen White was very active in this temperance society which she promoted through her speeches and writings. Eventually this led to the establishment of Temperance Societies in our Adventist Churches which have survived until the early 1980s. At that time the Temperance Societies ceased to exist, partly because the Temperance Department was replaced with the Health Ministry Department of the GC. The latter promotes abstinence primarily as a health benefit, rather than as a biblical, moral imperative.

On two previous occasions, I have been invited to share the highlights of my book Wine in the Bible at national conventions of the WWCTU. The forthcoming convention is international, bringing together temperance leaders from about 30 countries. I have been asked to produce a video taping of the lecture to make available to the participants at the convention. This will make it possible for them to share this research in their respective countries.

During the past few weeks I have spent countless hours preparing this powerpoint lecture entitled The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages. I deliver this lecture with the help of 125 powerpoint slides, which illustrate the highlights of my book Wine in the Bible. The video taping was professional done on Wednesday evening, August 8, 2007. In order to make full use of the DVD disk, we taped also my lecture entitled How to Build a Happy and Lasting Marriage. The DVD album with the two lectures is called ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR and is now available for distribution. Below you will find the order information.

This newsletter is largely the expanded transcript of the powerpoint lecture on The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages. You will soon discover that this is a lengthy essay because it addresses many vital aspects of this subject. If you find this study informative and inspiring, feel free to print it and give it, especially to people who have a drinking problem. Even better, you may wish to share the live video lecture, which people can watch on their TV.

It is my fervent hope that this study, the fruit of dedicated research, may help many Christians of all denominations to better understand and accept the fact that drinking alcoholic beverages is not only physically harmful, but also Biblically and morally wrong. It represents the violation of a principle God has given us to ensure our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

THE CHRISTIAN AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

A Look at the Drinking Problem

The use of alcoholic beverages is a most critical area of Christian living in the world today. In America, according to a recent Gallup Poll (July 6-8, 2006), 64 per cent of Americans (about 200 million) drink alcoholic beverages. Many of the drinkers are Christians who believe that the Bible sanctions the moderate use of alcoholic beverages.

In American Colleges drinking has reached alarming proportions. The US National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, reports the following sobering alcohol-related incidents for the year 2002 among college students:

Deaths: 1,400

Injuries: 5,000

Assaults: 600,000 students assaulted by students who had been drinking

Sexual Assaults: 70,000 victims of alcohol related sexual assaults or date rape

Sex: 100,000 said they were too drunk to know if the consented to having sex

Driving: 2.1 million drove under the influence of alcohol.

The consumption of alcohol affects not only the social behavior of students, but also their academic performance. A study sponsored by the Florida Atlantic University Center for Alcohol and Drug Prevention, shows the relationship that exists between the average number of drinks consumed per week and the grade point average. These are the figures shown in the colorful chart used in the powerpoint lecture.

3.6 Drinks = A

5.5 Drinks = B

7.6 Drinks = C

10.6 Drinks = D/F

The reason alcohol consumption affects academic performance, is simply because alcohol impairs the functioning of the brain. Today, with the help of sophisticated brain scanner, called Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI), scientists can see that the brain of drinkers is less active and responsive to memory tasks than the brain of non-drinkers (Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, Feb. 14, 2001). In the powerpoint presentation you can see in bright colors the impressive image of the brain response of drinkers and non-drinkers. (http://health.ucsd.edu/news/2001/02_09_fMRI.html).

The harmful effects of alcoholic beverages extend beyond the brain, to all the major organs of the human body. They can cause blurred vision, blurred speech, bleeding throat, breathing problems, irregular heart beat, stomach ulcers, liver diseases, intestinal cancer, impotence in men, infertility in women, and osteoporosis. These harmful effects are graphically illustrated in a most colorful image found at www.thelivercentre.com.au/development/alcohol/default.htm and included in the powerpoint presentation.

A Gallup Poll indicates that 1 out of every 4 American families (about 70 million) is affected by alcohol-related problems such as divorce, retarded children, violence in the home, crime, sickness and death. These problems are even more intense in Eastern European countries and Russia, where vodka is cheap and readily available.

Social analysts informs us that the use of alcoholic beverages has become America’s number-one public enemy, costing over $117 billion a year and claiming at least 100,000 American lives per year, 25 times as many as all illegal drugs combined.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not a unique American problem. It is present in most developed and developing countries. For example, France has the highest consumption of wine in the world as well as the highest mortality rate of cirrhosis of the liver: about 30,000 every year. The real human cost of alcohol transcends any statistical estimate of deaths, disabilities or dollar figures.

A Christian Responsibility

Christian churches bear considerable responsibility for the alcohol epidemic raging in America today, because through their beliefs, teachings and preaching they are able to influence the moral values and practices of society more than any other institution. What pastors preach from their pulpits on the subject of drinking determines to a large extent the stand Christians take toward alcoholic beverages. A majority of the 200 million drinkers in America today are churchgoers who have been taught that the Bible sanctions a moderate use of alcoholic beverages. Moderate drinking has led million of Americans to become immoderate drinkers, because alcohol is a habit-forming narcotic that weakens one’s capacity for self-control.

Temperance Societies

A century ago most churches actively promoted total abstinence through Temperance Societies. Several temperance societies were established such as the American Temperance Society in 1826, the American Temperance Union in 1836, the National Prohibition Party in 1869, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1874, and the politically oriented Anti-Saloon League in 1893.

The history of the temperance movement in America indicates that the cause of total abstinence was most enthusiastically embraced and promoted by those evangelical churches which stood for total abstinence such as the Baptist, Methodist, Congregationalist, New School Presbyterian, Salvation Army, some holiness movements and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their fervor was inspired by the conviction that Scripture teaches abstinence from intoxicating beverages rather than moderation in their use.

These movements eventually achieved Prohibition by the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States on January 16, 1919. This Amendment outlawed the “manufacture, sale or transportation” of alcoholic beverages.

Prohibition came to an end on December 5, 1933 with the adoption of the Twenty-first Amendment to the Constitution, which legalized the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Since then most churches have abandoned their stand for total abstinence, promoting instead moderation. As a result, the drinking levels of Americans have risen again, bringing with them a trail of sickness, poverty, crime and death.

From Abstinence to Moderation

The increased consumption of alcoholic beverages, is partly due to the failure of church leaders to uphold biblical moral principles. The concern of evangelical preachers is to teach people how to be saved, rather than to explain how to live the new life in Christ. For most preachers drinking is not a moral issue because they believe the Bible teaches moderation, not abstinence.

The situation was much different in the 18th and 19th centuries when most churches, and influential preachers like John Wesley, boldly taught total abstinence as a biblical, moral imperative. The same was true also in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Ellen White served as a powerful champion of total abstinence. She wrote: “The Lord has given special directions in His Word in reference to the use of wine and strong drink. He has forbidden their use and enforced His prohibition with strong warnings and threatenings” (Temperance 42, Emphasis supplied).

The strong stand for total abstinence, promoted by Ellen White and by popular preachers of her time, has gradually been abandoned by Evangelical Churches, which have adopted instead a moderationist position toward alcohol use. A major factor which has contributed to this trend has been a weakening of the conviction that total abstinence is a clear biblical and moral principle to be respected like other God-given principles.

Billy Graham expressed this view when he said: “I do not believe that the Bible teaches teetotalism . . . Jesus drank wine. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast. That wasn’t grape juice as some of them try to claim” (Miami Herald, December 26, 1976, section A, p. 18). This popular belief has affected also the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Contrary to Ellen White’s bold stand for total abstinence as a biblical imperative, the Adventist Church today believes that “Total abstinence is but one of a number of areas where the Bible gives no explicit directives” (Adventist Review, Feb 22, 1982).

No longer having a compelling Biblical and moral conviction to remain or become abstinent, more and more Christian are giving in to the social pressure of drinking alcohol. This is happening also in our Seventh-day Adventist church, long known as a champion of temperance and abstinence. I have been made forcibly aware of this trend by such things as: frequent pleas for help from pastors and members facing drinking problems in their own congregations; published surveys in our church paper, Adventist Review, indicating that 58 percent of Adventist youth are experimenting with alcohol and 17 percent of Adventist College students are habitual drinkers (Adventist Review, October 29, 1987, pp. 6-7); lectures given on our college campuses on alcohol recovery by visiting non-SDA experts; classes on substance abuse taught on our campuses; counseling centers set up on our campuses specifically to help students with drinking problems.

My Decision to Write Wine in the Bible

When I became aware of the gradual change in the Evangelical and Adventist positions on the biblical teachings on drinking and of the alarming drinking problems in our society, I decided to devote a leave-of-absence from my teaching at Andrews University to conduct an in-depth study of what the Bible has to say on the use of alcoholic beverages. The results of this research has been published in Wine in the Bible: A Biblical Study on the Use of Alcoholic Beverages (300 pages, 1989).

The book has been favorably reviewed by over one hundred scholars and church leaders of different denominations. You can read a sampling of their comments by clicking at this link: www.biblicalperspectives.com/comments/ This essay represents a nutshell summary of the highlights of this research, which I presented with 125 slides in the newly recorded DVD album entitled ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR.

An Apparent Contradiction

When I began reading all the biblical reference to wine, it soon became evident that the Bible speaks about wine in an apparent contradictory way.

As I began reading what Scripture teaches about the use of wine, it soon became evident that the Bible speaks on this subject in an apparent contradictory way. On the one hand, the Bible unreservedly disapproves of use of wine (Lev 10:8-11; Judg 13:3, 4; Prov 31:4, 5; 23:31; 20:1; Hab 2:5; Eph 5:18; 1 Tim 3:2, 3). “Do not look at w