Dr. Danny Akin On Alcohol . . . And A Response from Joe Thorn

Dr. Daniel Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has written an article in favor of the famous Resolution #5. Joe Thorn, who recently wrote an article called "Drinking with Jesus" chimed in with his thoughts. Here are two different strands of thought in the SBC. Where do I stand? With Jesus. I have had a lengthy discussion over at SBF about this issue. I don't write this to debate the issue of alcohol. It is being addressed all over the Internet. Really, there are more important issues which must not be overshadowed such as the resolution Tom Ascol put together on integrity in church membership/discipline. Don't get me wrong--legalism is a BIG problem today, and even worse the idea that being a conservative somehow is analogous with contemporary Pharisaism behooves me. Concluding his remarks, Joe writes:

No one is saying abstinence is a bad choice for an individual. But arguing, as Dr. Akin has, that the wisest choice, the best way to follow Jesus, is to reject the example of Jesus and what God has given us because of potential abuse disregards the history of the church, as well as the other bible-believing evangelicals in other countries and denominations who chose to drink in moderation. If you spend some time in Germany, Canada, or England you will find godly, evangelical, pastor/theologians enjoying the gift of alcohol without abuse. There is an elitism common among Southern Baptists; a triumphalism that says God’s greatest work in the history of redemption has been carried out through the SBC. I have to disagree. I love the SBC, but believe we are still in need of a lot of repentance, reformation and revival. My hope for the SBC is the glory of God in the gospel of Christ, the power of his Spirit bringing about change through his word, and the sufficiency of Scripture to govern us in all faith and practice. I am hopeful a few will take Dr. Akin up on his challenge and submit their response in writing to BP.