Coffee, tea and Christians

When they arrive in Poland at 10 in the morning, it is the turn of the śniadanie addict. Coffee gossip is almost a ritual in Germany at 4 in the afternoon. Who in England could imagine skipping "tea time"? And in the United States, the "coffee break" is deeply rooted in the morning or afternoon. Yes, people all over the world have a habit of taking a break for a cup of coffee or tea.

As these customs are popular, however, serious doubts or objections to the wisdom of drinking tea or coffee sometimes arise. These questions arise especially among Christians who are trying to live their lives according to the wise counsel and principles of God's word. The objections are centered on two main points:

Some people, even non-Christians, think it is unwise to drink these drinks because they contain caffeine. They point out that caffeine is a drug and claim that it is addictive, just like cocaine, heroin and nicotine (produced from tobacco). If a Christian has the right to avoid the abuse of these other drugs, should he not also avoid caffeine in coffee and tea?

The other major objection to these drinks is the claim that they are unhealthy. Heart disease, ulcers and bladder cancer are some of the problems associated with coffee and tea. Because a Christian devotes his life and body to God, he must avoid doing things that would harm him unnecessarily.

Given the myriad statements, how can you make a balanced decision? Biblical counsel can help you to do that.

A drug

Caffeine is a stimulant drug found in "foods" such as coffee, tea and chocolate. A cup of coffee contains between 100 and 150 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of tea 90 milligrams, a bottle of 40 to 72 milligrams of cola, a cup of cocoa 50 milligrams and a bar (85 grams; 3 ounces) of sweet chocolate. bitter about 75 milligrams.

In most people, caffeine stimulates the heart and kidneys, speeds up reaction times and promotes alertness. But caffeine seems to help some older people relax. Caffeine is also sometimes used to treat headaches because it affects the blood vessels in the brain. Yes, caffeine affects the human body.

But does the Bible condemn eating or drinking things that contain natural substances that can stimulate or relax you?

It will help us to get the right answer by examining what the Bible says about alcoholic beverages, because alcohol is also a drug that calms the brain or acts as a depressant.

There is no doubt that God's word is against drinking so much wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages that we become drunk. Christians are warned about "too much wine, parties, games." And we read: "Wine is ridiculous, intoxicating alcohol makes noise and anyone who gets lost in it is not wise." —Proverbs 20: 1.

How about drinking moderately with these things? Although the Bible does not specifically encourage all people to drink alcohol, it does not say that this is moderately wrong just because it is a medicine. In biblical times, wine was a common drink with the meals. Everyone should drink fluids. And there is simply no biblical prohibition against making wine, beer or similar parts of your regular fluid intake. Jesus did it.

The Bible acknowledges that alcoholic beverages can harm a person's body or soul. Psalm 104: 15 lists "the wine that gladdens the heart of mortal man" as one of God's ordinances. Consequently, the word of God often associates wine with joy and gladness. And the ability of alcohol to calm or suppress the nervous system of someone in need is also mentioned in the Bible without disapproval.

Do you understand the importance of this? Because the Bible does not forbid a Christian to include alcoholic beverages in his fluid intake, because it can honestly be said that coffee and tea, because they contain caffeine, are not biblical, consume or even use these beverages for their stimulating or calming effects. ?

"But" some may argue, "do not coffee and tea drinks become addicted to caffeine?" In relation to drugs, society and human behavior, Professor R. S. Oakley comments:

"Caffeine addiction is real, and a proven symptom of withdrawal is headache, which normal users usually experience ... After about 18 hours of abstinence. Some reports suggest that nausea and lethargy may precede a real one. pain. Head. "

In contrast, in an article on coffee, Science Digest quotes Dr. M. Seevers, of the University of Michigan, as saying: "There is no physical dependence on psychomotor stimulants" like coffee. .

But even though addiction or a mild form of "addiction" to caffeine in coffee or tea is possible, from a purely biblical point of view that does not mean that a Christian should avoid it. Almost everyone knows that a person can become dependent on alcohol and have severe withdrawal symptoms if they are deprived of it. However, the Bible does not forbid moderate consumption.

The fact that some tea and coffee drinkers seem "hooked" and "forced" to consume their usual dose of caffeine should make a person hesitate. What if you find that you are nervous, a little sick or even irritable after drinking coffee or tea so as not to manifest "fruit of the spirit"? Okay.

Caffeine and your health

Many people have reconsidered their coffee and tea consumption after reading reports that these drinks can be harmful to their health. To be fair, these dangers have also been reported, which suggests that moderate tea or coffee consumption is not a significant risk for most people. Dr. Jean Mayer, a former professor of management at Harvard University, examined both sides in an article in June 1976. He summarized some of his comments:

Heart disease: A study from a drug control program "found that people who drink one to five cups of coffee a day are 60% more likely to have a heart attack." Another long-standing and highly regarded study "found no statistical association between coffee and any form of heart disease."

Cancer: "Two studies from the Harvard School of Public Health have shown a statistical association between coffee and a higher incidence of bladder and urinary tract cancer." But "a Canadian study failed to find this relationship."

Wounds: Coffee stimulates the secretion of stomach acid. A student study found that men who drink a cup or two a day have a 150% higher risk of developing ulcers later. . . . Contrary to these findings, a large, long-term study conducted by [a health program] found no association between coffee consumption and the development of gastric ulcers. ""

Many other health issues related to caffeine consumption can be taken into account. However, note the conclusion of the Science Digest article cited above:

"Most medical experts today agree that there is no clear evidence that coffee itself can cause fatal illnesses."

This should not be overlooked: even if a potential risk is identified, it may not depend on how much and how often a person drinks coffee or tea. And can the “risk” be related to a person's state of health?

What the Bible says about alcoholic beverages can be listed here. Who does not know that their abundance can be harmful to health? And isn't it clear that some people shouldn't drink because of their health or previous experience with alcoholic beverages? However, the Creator, who has seen more effects of alcoholic beverages than anyone else, does not categorically condemn its moderate use. Wouldn't it be the same for coffee and tea?

As another biblical example, consider honey. Some people think that refined sugar is bad for their health and prefer to use honey as a sweetener. However, the Bible says, “Is this love that you have found? Eat enough for yourself so that you don't over drink and vomit. Eating too much honey is not good for you. "Prov. 25:16, 27.

Yes, you can harm your health by consuming too much honey, too much sugar, salt, fat, milk, alcohol or caffeinated foods or beverages. And there are certainly some people who should avoid sugar, alcohol or the like altogether. But other people may think they can or want to eat or drink these things in moderation. And when it comes to consuming these things, we can not ignore the fact that a person does something that is basically normal and necessary to eat or drink. It is not like forcing the body into an unnatural, unmistakably dirty and harmful process, like putting smoke in the lungs to satisfy the addiction to nicotine.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to be aware of what can pose a health risk when eating and drinking. Whether honey, salt, fat, milk, an alcoholic beverage or a caffeinated beverage, you can think of factors such as: the condition of the body and any tendency to certain diseases that you have; the amount and regularity of eating or drinking the "food"; Your situation and what is available to eat or drink; And finally, what have you learned about the health effects of this "food" from other people who have eaten it over the years?

conclusion

While "moderation" is an important word when it comes to coffee and tea, "understanding" is just as important. Whether you drink or not, try to understand those who do the opposite.

Since there is no biblical basis for categorically excluding all consumption of coffee or tea, let others make their own decisions without criticism. And they should treat you the same way. From a biblical point of view, drinking coffee or tea in moderation is a personal matter for the Christian.