Some people say that Communion should only be taken with real wine, and that by using grape juice we are desecrating the holiness of Jesus' sacrifice. Should we as Christians be taking communion with alcoholic wine?

I believe this issue falls into the "opinion matter" category. While I would be personally more comfortable with wine, the scriptural term "fruit of the vine" could refer to fermented or unfermented grape juice. Some congregations, in deference and sensitivity to those who may have a drinking problem, serve only unfermented drink, or offer both on the communion tray. Others use wine only. I think the mixture of wine and grape juice is a good compromise, provided they aren't the same colour (confusion)!

Again, I prefer wine; others feel strongly this is wrong or unwise. A compromise is not a bad solution, as no doctrine of scripture seems affected by which we choose. Let those who choose act in a spirit of charity. (And maybe reread Romans 14!)

This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2003. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.