Alcohol and Violence During Covid

It goes without saying that women and children are more inclined to be subjected to violence than males. Adding fuel to this tendency is alcohol, say pundits and government officials. Alcohol is a destructive beverage. But research shows this propensity for violence with regard to alcohol to be untrue. Indeed, the banning of alcohol leads to increased violence when people are locked down.

For the record

I am not a drinker. Like the ancients of old, who did not have bacteria free water, I may drink a bottle of wine cooler once a year for my stomach, and usually only a half bottle at a time. I've never been drunk. Never. I don't even drink during #Christmas or #New Year's. Furthermore, I do not begrudge drinking, as it can be helpful when people are ailing. At the same time, I am against drunkenness. But to each his/her own. I am not the final arbiter of what people may or may not do.

The pandemic and alcohol responses

I won't linger long regarding the pandemic, as most of us are steadfast with respect to what we believe about it. But it is a fact that every country in the world either banned or temporarily restricted alcohol from being sold at one point or another when the coronavirus swept the world.

One of the foremost reasons for these bans was the concept behind social distancing. Here the reasoning is faulty, at best. Allow me to explain.

If indeed social distancing was effective, why do we not observe superspreader events at sporting or concert venues, large protests, in shopping malls and supermarkets, in retail outlets, and among homeless camps, etc? Because restrictions and social distancing are a deceptive ploy to by governments to condition us to be less social, that's why. That said, I am and have never been fond of large crowds, but I do continue to socialize with friends and family despite the admonishments by governments. I refuse to be a social pariah; I am not nor will I ever be a slave to government.

Research

We have been told by our respective governments that alcohol breeds violence, and this is certainly true, but to what extent? Is it worse during a pandemic when people are confined to their homes? Harvard researchers have determined that violence actually increases when alcohol bans are in place.

"Jeffrey Miron, an economist at Harvard University, says that alcohol bans often end up causing more problems, especially as they so often drive alcohol use and trade underground" (Butler & Lane, 2021).

Additionally, "Prohibition-style remedies bring more issues than solutions" (Miller, 2021). One cannot simply legislate morality, especially during an epidemic.

"And as far as banning booze to curb violence, Miron says that doesn’t work, either" (Butler & Lane, 2021).

The pandemic has revealed the fact that people are more likely to have increased anxiety when locked down, bored or worried about the incessant government scaremongering. This intentional fear is able to light the proverbial fuse to the point that violence becomes an outlet, and violence is typically inflicted on vulnerable women and children.

Turning to God's word

The Bible offers multiple warnings as it concerns alcohol. Drunkenness is a sin.

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18, ESV).

"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1, NIV).

And again:

"Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21, ESV).

You may drink alcohol

A critical exegesis of the principle of alcohol use in God's word is necessary. To vehemently state that nobody should consume alcoholic beverages is legalism, the likes of which are actually forbidden. It is Pharisaical.

And nowhere is the Bible is alcohol taboo or forbidden! Paul advised his convert Timothy: "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (1 Timothy 5:23, ESV).

And again:

"Let beer be for those who are perishing,
    wine for those who are in anguish!" (Proverbs 30:6, NIV).

Nightcap

Restrictions are a form of legalism. Human law is not always just, because the human species is prone to error. But God's law is just.

Whether or not people should consume alcohol or not is up to the individual. When it is consumed it should not lead to drunkenness. And when governments impose bans or restrictions on alcohol for "our safety," they are in all reality making us less safer. In fact, they are being tyrannical and demonstrating the antithesis of safety, since violence increases during disasters and pandemics. The research and history reveal this to be true.

References

Butler, E. & Lane, E. (2021). The impact of banning alcohol during Covid-19. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200917-the-impact-of-banning-alcohol-during-covid-19

Miller, K. (2021). Why Countries Are Still Banning Alcohol as a COVID-19 Safety Measure. Inside Hook. Retrieved from https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/booze/covid-19-alcohol-bans-south-africa-japan