Theological Guidance: John Piper on Alcohol and Spiritual Clarity
In a recent discussion on pursuing spiritual clarity, theologian John Piper addressed the question of alcohol consumption among Christians, particularly young believers. He advised against seeking how close one can get to indulgence without sinning, urging instead for a focus on spiritual fulfillment through the Holy Spirit.
During an episode of his “Ask Pastor John” podcast, Piper responded to a query from a Christian teen about the sinfulness of occasional mild drunkenness. The teenager expressed a desire for God’s guidance, while maintaining control and avoiding reckless behavior when consuming alcohol.
Piper expressed encouragement by the teen’s spiritual curiosity: “The most encouraging thing about this question is that this young man says, ‘I’m a Christian teenager trying to get closer to God.’ That’s encouraging because the Bible says, ‘Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you’ (James 4:8).” Yet, Piper challenged whether engaging in such behavior truly aligns with seeking God.
He emphasized that Christianity does not recognize intoxication as a legitimate means of spiritual closeness, contrasting this with other traditions that may use substances for spiritual practices. Citing Ephesians 5:18, Piper highlighted the contrast between drunkenness and being filled with the Spirit, which promotes alertness and wisdom.
“The Holy Spirit is precisely the power of God in you to make you wakeful, and alive, and careful in your observations, and alert in your senses, and wise in your judgments,” Piper stated. He underscored that spiritual fulfillment involves being full of the Spirit rather than dulled by alcohol.
He further pointed out the societal consequences of alcohol misuse, acknowledging its impact on families and communities. However, his primary focus remained on the spiritual implications of choosing intoxication over spiritual clarity.
Reframing the teen’s question, Piper suggested that instead of wondering about the permissibility of sin, Christians should ask, “How full can I be of the Holy Spirit?” He illustrated this point with Galatians 5:19–21, warning against the “works of the flesh” and emphasizing the importance of pursuing spiritual growth.
While perspectives on alcohol vary among Christians, Piper’s message aligns with the broader biblical stance that condemns drunkenness but not the moderate consumption of alcohol. Evangelist Greg Laurie and Patrick Nelson, president of Dort Theological Seminary, have previously echoed this sentiment, advocating for responsible living aligned with spiritual goals.
Laurie noted in a 2012 blog post that while Christians may have the liberty to drink, avoiding intoxication ensures one remains under the influence of Christ alone. Patrick Nelson reinforced that while Jesus consumed wine, he warned against drunkenness due to its potential for spiritual and personal harm.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
