Personal Opinion

I guess it's just one thing that I won't understand unless I experience it. But, it's something that I never want to experience. Everyday I feel more and more blessed to be at a school that surrounds me with friends that will never pressure me to drink. Sometimes I scare myself by imagining the person that I would've become by going to LSU instead of MC. I'm very thankful to God for being so faithful to me during my undergraduate career in guiding me away from the things that create the typical college student.

Over the years I've remained in contact with a good number of people from back in Louisiana. Majority of them attend LSU and have changed into quite different people. The ones who still care about the God they loved back in early high school will justify their drinking while the others refuse to talk to me altogether. They feel like I judge them because I'm a Christian. And there is where the stereotype lies for Christians. All we do is point out the flaws of other people without looking at our own. Some of them will say things like, "I only go to be social," or "I never get drunk; just buzzed." Here is where I stand:

I've had life experiences that can give a huge reason for my hatred of alcohol. Right now I just want to jump on my soapbox and not talk about those, but rather, my historical stance. My main contention is this: In biblical times there existed very few beverages. The ones commonly referred to are beer, water, and wine. Wow! Two of these are alcoholic. But, even then scripture still stated that it was sinful to become drunk. By this understanding many of those who imbibe alcohol can justify themselves as not sinning due to not getting drunk. The idea of "buzzed" works. But, here's the thing. Nowadays we have MANY different beverages like soft drinks, juices, and flavored waters. So, at this point in time what is the purpose in drinking alcohol? When there are so many other options, why drink alcohol? Ah, yes. To get "loosened up and unwind." Is God not great enough to handle the smallest and greatest of problems? Is stress and decision-making not placed in your life for a reason? There are many other ways to relieve stress if necessary. Losing your inhibitions through the killing of brain cells does NOT have to be the solution.

I hear too many horror stories from the consumption of alcohol. Too many that keep me awake at night. I will forever abhor alcohol and the effects it has on those who partake in it. This is my personal opinion. You are entitled to your own.

*I am okay with wine for communion and I can tolerate champagne at a wedding, but that's about as far as I go.