I was in an interview for a ministry position, years ago, and the man leading the interview leaned-in to ask an important question. His voice became softer, and I could tell it was a sensitive topic. I was ready for the worst, and he said with hesitation, barely looking-up, “Do you . . . drink alcohol?” I wasn’t sure what my answer would do for my chances there, but I put it out there, “On occasion I do enjoy a beer or glass of wine.” The tension went out of the room, and several tightened shoulders relaxed. “Good,” the guy said, “because most of us do, too.” I don’t know what they were afraid of, that I might be a temperance-preaching teetotaler, but they had obvious unease in their asking. A few years before that I was at a picnic outing with some church people, and one with hesitation brought out a bottle of white zinfandel wine. My only complaint with them having white zinfandel is that it’s way too sweet and they could have made a better wine choice, but one in the group told me later, “They were afraid you’d be offended by it.”

For some groups and in some parts of the country, enjoying an alcoholic beverage and living a Christian life are not compatible. Somehow me being a pastor brings back memories, to some, of a time when temperance and faithfulness were thought to be equals. Benedict, in chapter 40 of his Rule, addresses the same uneasiness. He says, “We read that monks should not drink wine at all, but since the monks of our day cannot be convinced of this, let us at least agree to drink moderately, and not to the point of excess.” He notes that some may choose to abstain from wine, but for most monks half a bottle of wine each day is sufficient.

Benedict offers a middle way on so many things, and here he is no different. That probably should be the rule for most of us, too, when it comes to having a drink. Some in moderation is fine, but too much is harmful, and none at all in many occasions is fine, too. I know some who live with the challenges of the disease of alcoholism, and for these no drinks is the rule. I know some who don’t drink out of concerns for health or because they just choose not to. I know some who, like me, enjoy a drink or two on the right occasion and do so responsibly. Whatever grouping you are in, be happy where you’re at and don’t throw a stone at those in the other group.