Theology in the Raw What Does the Bible Actually Say about Alcohol? Dr. John Anthony Dunne
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Dec 29, 2025 Join Dr. John Anthony Dunne, an Associate Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary and author of "The Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine," as he explores the complex relationship between the Bible and alcohol. Discover whether ancient wines were stronger, the meaning of 'new wine,' and the cultural status of beer versus wine. John dispels myths about dilution, discusses biblical views on drunkenness, and addresses the pastoral concerns surrounding alcohol consumption. His insights bring a fresh perspective on a timely topic.
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Allow Diverse Church Practices
- Expect diversity in church alcohol practices and allow both abstainers and imbibers as legitimate.
- Use festival cycles and fasts to shape communal practices rather than enforcing a single rule.
Ancient Wine Had Natural ABV Limits
- Ancient fermentation naturally caps around ~15% ABV, making extremely high ancient wines unlikely.
- Wines were often still fermenting and more variable than modern stabilized wines.
New Wine Means Freshly Fermenting Wine
- 'New wine' signifies fresh fermenting wine, not unfermented grape juice; fermentation begins immediately after crushing.
- Ancient storage practices (resins, vessels) affected taste and preservation.
