Kelly Reed’s last blog post..Sharing an Analogy

Don’t worry about a hijack. I have a personal conviction about alcohol. I don’t drink and won’t because I don’t want to be a stumbling block to someone else. But I also don’t want to make someone stumble by saying something is a sin and then they study the Bible for themselves and find out what they have been taught was wrong.

Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Does this help our witness?

Yes, such moments can and do hurt our overall witness. Alcohol is an issue that many good and faithful Christians disagree–so it becomes a matter of conviction. It is always a greater risk to take a conviction and try to make it a mandate for others.

The minister has every right to express his displeasure and even oppose it. I pray it is done in a loving and respectful manner. I pray that the minister and those involved, even after stating their convictions will be known more by their love for Jesus than for being against alcohol.

I personally do not have a conviction against drinking. I have had wine many times at communion and will continue to do so as the opportunities arrive. I have also been known to have a drink during a meal. Since I accepted Christ as my Savior I have never become drunk as I see this as sin. I totally understand those who have a personal conviction on not having a drink. I also respect those who say that they do not purchase alcohol because it gives money and support to an industry that they have issues with. My only comment to that would be to make sure that you are consistent with that stance. There are many stores and companies that we frequent that support causes that we would not support. In the end I realize that I have a personal conviction and that it is not one that I should try to impose on others.
As far as the specific case here. I think bringing in more restaurants would be of great benefit to the community. I also think that if it is possible to reduce the number of bars here then we should look to go that route. For me the reduction in the number of bars is born out of a concern for the students and not necessarily any personal conviction on alcohol. I know students wil still get drunk. It is simply a part of their culture. My role in all of this is to try and change their individual culture and in so doing change the overall culture. It is my job to point them towards to Almighty Creator of the Universe in the hopes that they begin walking the narrow path and maybe just maybe bring someone along with them.

So here is to hoping that my opposing view to Kelly does not get me fired or something like that.

Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Does this help our witness?

I agree and my experience is similar–though I had more to drink in my college years than you did. The policy attempts to lessen the amount and impact of the alcohol that is sold. If you were faced with a local government trying to make this kind of decision, what would you do?