1. CHRISTIANS and ALCOHOL The Bible is against the misuse of alcohol and condemns drunkenness. There have always been Christians who have been teetotal, but there are others who think it should be used sensibly.

2.  Jesus said ‘I am the true vine’ – John ch.15. What do you think he meant by this?  Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana. What does this story mean for Christians?  Jesus told his followers to drink wine to remember him by – Luke ch.22. What does the wine stand for ?

3. CHRISTIANS and ALCOHOL  Look up these other references connected with the use of alcohol and say how they relate to our topic  1.Timothy ch.5 v 23  Proverbs ch.20 v 1  Psalm 104 v 15  1.Corinthians ch.11 v 25f

4. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL  Islam prohibits the use of all kinds of alcoholic drink, but permits all varieties of soft drink.  Water is traditionally used at meals.  The law that relates to alcohol is very strict and there are NO exceptions!

5. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL  If the slightest amount of alcohol is used in the preparation of food e.g. plum pudding; sherry trifle; fruit cake, they become unlawful (haram) for Muslims to consume.  Islam justifies its prohibition by stating that the harm done by such indulgence would be far greater than any pleasure or advantage that might be gained from it.

6. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL  The Qur’an points out that indulgence in liquor tend to create disagreements and quarrels and that people who indulge in it are liable to neglect prayer and remembrance of Allah.  Muslims take into account the harm not just done to individuals but to whole communities through alcohol.

7. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL – useful quotations  “ They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of profit for men and their sin is greater than their profit”  Surah 2; Ayat 219

8. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL – useful quotations  “O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance are only an uncleanliness, the Shaitans work; shun it therefore and you may be successful ”  Surah 5; Ayat 90

9. MUSLIMS and ALCOHOL – useful quotations  “The Shaitan only desires to cause hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you off the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you desist?”  Surah 5; Ayat 91