Any reaction to the Sword of the Lord's front page article criticizing Randy Jaeggli's book "The Christian and Drinking" published by BJU Press? Sword editor Shelton Smith says of Jaeggli, "He is an academic, and he has approached this from what he believes to be a scholarly angle. There are, however, some serious issues with his approach. . . . We believe his linguistic analysis is subject to other interpretations which would place his entire thesis in dispute. Consequently, we do not recommend Dr. Jaeggli's book for any purpose! It is, we believe, a dangerous book that will cause many to stumble. . . . He does not . . . even have one single quote by the great men of God who have thundered so loudly about the use of alcohol." Smith also says, "I . . . phoned Dr. Stephen Jones, the president of Bob Jones University, but at press time he had not returned my call." Here are some samples of the excerpts given in the article from the book: "God intended His people to view alcoholic beverages as a blessing from His hand, just as they appreciated all agricultural products from the land He had given." (p.27) "Paul does not forbid drinking wine, only drinking to excess." (p.29) "Just like the Old Testament words for alcoholic beverages, the New Testament words 'oinos' and gleukos' refer to an alcoholic beverage that must be used in moderation." (p.41) "Since the Bible does not condemn drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation, could a believer enjoy a glass of his favorite vintage in the privacy of his home and not be ensnared by worldliness? Could he drink wine with dinner at a friend's home? Could he enjoy a pitcher of beer while watching a football game with his friends at the local sports bar? Since 'the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof' (Ps. 24:1; I Cor. 10:26) why not enjoy a cold brew? These are issues that every Christian needs to settle by wisely applying biblical principles." (pp.68,69) What would Bob Jones, Sr. read more
