Y'know Starman, stories like this abound everywhere and I hope you didn't mean to imply that such behavior would be exclusive to Catholics.
Rob Evans a.k.a. The Donut Man has given testimony on his conversion to Catholicism after 30 +/- years as a Bible Christian.
Late For Supper
Something that he noted when I heard him speaking his testimony, although I didn't find it at first glance at his website, was that he was kicked out of his Bible church because he liked to drink wine. He was told by the pastor that drinking and Christianity were incompatible and he was not welcome if he was going to insist on drinking.
So, while the story of your parents' experience is regretable, it is not appropriate to base the truth of a church's doctrine on the behaviors of some individuals.
Hi libby,
Do you know Rob Evans' complete story? Did he go to church with alcohol on his breath? Did he show up to services a bit tipsy? Did he actually say?
Yes, indeed there are many Evangelical/Bible churches who insist that drinking is a form of worldly pleasure and should not be indulged in. Admittedly, I have a glass of wine or two with a restaurant meal on occasion but there are limits that must be considered. Was Mr. Evans just a regular church member or was he a church leader at the time he was asked to leave his church?
I realize that the Catholic Church accepts drinking wine, and some priests have become alcoholics and even given liturgy while under the influence. I know because my boss was a former altar boy and had many bad experiences that caused him to leave the Catholic Church. I see excess drunkeness at local fairs sponsored by the Catholic Church and the church is the one that has the beer and wine booths set up! Do you find that acceptable, libby, and would you find that an exemplary way for a church leader to show people how to serve God?
The difference between Rob Evans' experience and that of my parents is that Rob Evans was asked to leave because of his inability to follow a church regulation pertaining to drinking.
On the other hand, my parents had willingly withdrawn from a Catholic church whose doctrine disagreed with the New Testament teachings and for that they were forced to leave their community by members of the local parish.
The Holy Bible has instructions of how members and church leaders of all positions are responsible for setting the example to the flock of living a life that is pleasing to God.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:15-18)
1 Timothy, Chapter 3 verses:
1: This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3:
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5: (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6: Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7: Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8: Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9: Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10: And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11: Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12: Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13: For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
libby, this is not to judge an individual who drinks
in moderation but to state that the Holy Bible makes the suggestion that it is best not get carried away with drunkeness. As for church leaders, it is suggested that they not be given over to strong drink at all.
(1 Corinthians 5:11-13) (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) (Galatians 5:19-26)