Pakistani Christian Teetotalers
Re: Storm in a te(quil)a cup?: Christian priests call for ban on liquor permits
The article deserves a thorough Fisking. First, the use of the word "priest" in the title is wrong; it is about Protestants and Evangelicals, not Catholics or Orthodox. Now, to the article:
I understand it is common practice in many Islamic countries that only Christians are allowed to buy and sell alcohol. We should be thankful to Muslim leaders that they do not impose their religious strictures on their non-Muslim subjects.
Where does the Bible forbid the drinking of liquor? (I write this while enjoying a nice afternoon martini.) Our Lord's first miracle was turning water into wine. The Bible calls for moderation in drink, and calls us to avoid drunkenness, but it never calls for total abstinence. How is it that folks who believe in literal interpretation of the Bible fail to see this?
It is telling to note the denominations of the "clerics" mentioned above. Many American and other Anglophone missionaries from these denominations ventured into Asia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They brought with them the cause of their day, teetotalism, as an article of faith. C.S. Lewis was correct (and catholic) to point out that Islam, not Christianity, is the teetoler religion.
The "clerics" seem to have a point here. There should be one law for all, shouldn't there?
Maybe not. When I lived in Malaysia, it was common during Ramadan for the Religious Police to check the i.d.'s of those eating during the daylight hours. If they were non-Muslims, no problem. If Muslims have determined that the State has the authority to regulate religious practice, who are Christians to say they are wrong? It is much to the credit of Muslim rulers in places like Northern Nigeria where sharia law is practiced that it is only applicable to Muslims.
I very much doubt that the Catholic Church and the Church of Pakistan (Anglican) were in agreement with the Protestants and Evangelicals on this issue. The Catholic Church mandates the use of wine, not grape juice, at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which occurs every day of the year (except Good Friday)! Banning alcohol completely would make this very difficult.
The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists here in Korea tend to be teetotalers as well, or they imbibe in secret. Smoking is verboten as well. As a Catholic, I find it very refreshing to see a priest light up a cigarette after Mass, or to see cases of soju supplied for the parishioners after Mass on Christmas or Easter.
We Catholics can and do enjoy life!
Re: Storm in a te(quil)a cup?: Christian priests call for ban on liquor permits
The article deserves a thorough Fisking. First, the use of the word "priest" in the title is wrong; it is about Protestants and Evangelicals, not Catholics or Orthodox. Now, to the article:
"LAHORE: Representatives of different churches in the city demanded on Friday that a ban be imposed on issuing liquor permits to Christians."
I understand it is common practice in many Islamic countries that only Christians are allowed to buy and sell alcohol. We should be thankful to Muslim leaders that they do not impose their religious strictures on their non-Muslim subjects.
"The demand was raised at a seminar entitled 'The Bible forbids the drinking of liquor', which was held at the Lahore Press Club. Clerics of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, the Full Gospel Assemblies, the Seven Day Adventists and the Baptist Church attended the seminar."
Where does the Bible forbid the drinking of liquor? (I write this while enjoying a nice afternoon martini.) Our Lord's first miracle was turning water into wine. The Bible calls for moderation in drink, and calls us to avoid drunkenness, but it never calls for total abstinence. How is it that folks who believe in literal interpretation of the Bible fail to see this?
It is telling to note the denominations of the "clerics" mentioned above. Many American and other Anglophone missionaries from these denominations ventured into Asia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They brought with them the cause of their day, teetotalism, as an article of faith. C.S. Lewis was correct (and catholic) to point out that Islam, not Christianity, is the teetoler religion.
"'The Holy Bible forbids the drinking of liquor and spirits in the Old and New Testaments,' said the clerics. 'If anybody drinks, it is his or her personal act. Issuing liquor permits to Christians is an insult to the faith.' The speakers said that if necessary, the supply of liquor should be open and legalised for all and not only for Christians."
The "clerics" seem to have a point here. There should be one law for all, shouldn't there?
Maybe not. When I lived in Malaysia, it was common during Ramadan for the Religious Police to check the i.d.'s of those eating during the daylight hours. If they were non-Muslims, no problem. If Muslims have determined that the State has the authority to regulate religious practice, who are Christians to say they are wrong? It is much to the credit of Muslim rulers in places like Northern Nigeria where sharia law is practiced that it is only applicable to Muslims.
"They claimed that the other churches in the city – the Catholic Church, the Church of Pakistan and the Salvation Army - also agreed with them on this issue."
I very much doubt that the Catholic Church and the Church of Pakistan (Anglican) were in agreement with the Protestants and Evangelicals on this issue. The Catholic Church mandates the use of wine, not grape juice, at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which occurs every day of the year (except Good Friday)! Banning alcohol completely would make this very difficult.
The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists here in Korea tend to be teetotalers as well, or they imbibe in secret. Smoking is verboten as well. As a Catholic, I find it very refreshing to see a priest light up a cigarette after Mass, or to see cases of soju supplied for the parishioners after Mass on Christmas or Easter.
We Catholics can and do enjoy life!
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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