Christians’ views about alcohol consumption have remained steady over the last 10 years. This is according to a new study by Nashville-based LifeWay Research.
Out of 1000 Protestant churchgoers, 41% said they drink alcohol, while 59% said they don’t. Back in 2007, the survey showed that 39% of Protestant churchgoers said they consume alcohol, while 61% said they don’t. According to LifeWay Research Executive Director Scott McConnell, “While alcohol consumption continues be seen as mainstream in the United States, churchgoers’ attitudes about drinking haven’t changed much in the past decade.”
Compared to 2007 results wherein 82% of churchgoers agree that the Scripture says people should not get drunk, the new survey revealed an increase, as almost nine in 10 respondents (87%) agree to the statement. However, when it comes to total abstinence, 23% of Protestant churchgoers believe that the Scripture indicates that people should not consume alcohol, while 71% disagree.
The survey also found a decrease in the share of churchgoers who believe that the Scripture teaches against any form of alcohol consumption over the last 10 years. In 2007, only 29% said the Scripture teaches people not to consume alcohol, while 68% said otherwise.
More than half of survey respondents said the Scripture indicates that all types of beverages including alcohol can be consumed without sin. Likewise, 54% said Biblical liberty is exercised when consuming alcohol in reasonable amounts.
Demographic factors such as age, geography, and denominational affiliation affect the attitudes and behaviors related to drinking alcohol. For instance, survey reveals that male churchgoers (48%) are more likely