I watched a TV programme last week about Jesus and was rather surprised to see somebody interviewed who claimed that "Jesus had not turned water into wine but into unfermented grape juice." He went on to 'prove' his point by saying Jesus condemned 'drunkenness'. (Also note: Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.)
The gentleman made a classic non sequitur.
I have heard Rechabites and those Christians who abstain from alcohol in the Church make this unsubstantiated claim on other occasions. They do the Faith no favours by making a dishonest point.
Romans 14:3 " ... and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4) Who are you to pass judgement on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall."
1 Timothy 5 (New International Version).
23) "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."
Incidentally, the word 'temperance' means 'moderation' and not 'abstaining'.
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