Bishop Winans Gets Pushback For Calling Drinking Wine A Sin

Bishop Winans has sparked debate among Christians after a recent sermon in which he declared that drinking wine is a sin. His remarks, delivered before a congregation that responded with a mixture of agreement and hesitation, have reignited a long-standing discussion within Christianity about alcohol consumption, biblical interpretation, and personal holiness.

During the sermon, Bishop Winans shared a personal story about attending an event hosted by a wealthy acquaintance. The hosts politely asked whether he was a Christian who objected to drinking alcohol, explaining that they did not want to offend him. Winans responded that others were free to make their own choices, but emphasized that he personally does not drink.

“I don’t drink because it’s just a choice,” he told the congregation. “I don’t drink because it’s sin.”

The statement immediately set the tone for a message that challenged modern Christian attitudes toward alcohol. Winans suggested that many believers today have become comfortable with practices that previous generations of Christians viewed as incompatible with a holy lifestyle. He noted that there was once a time when a declaration against drinking would have received much stronger support from church audiences.

To support his position, Winans turned to Proverbs 20:1, which states: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” He argued that the passage warns believers about the deceptive nature of alcohol and its ability to lead people astray.

According to Winans, the biblical description of wine should be understood carefully because the word “wine” in Scripture can refer to different substances. He claimed that ancient Hebrew lacked a separate word for what modern readers would call grape juice, resulting in the same term sometimes being used for both fermented and unfermented grape products.

The bishop further explained that fermentation is the process that transforms grape juice into alcoholic wine. In his interpretation, the negative biblical warnings about wine primarily concern fermented beverages that possess intoxicating effects.

Expanding on the verse, Winans discussed the Hebrew meaning of the word translated as “mocker,” arguing that it conveys the idea of deception, scoffing, or making a fool of someone. He maintained that alcohol tricks people into believing they remain in control while impairing judgment and decision-making.

The sermon became particularly controversial when Winans addressed one of the most frequently cited arguments in Christian discussions about alcohol: Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

Anticipating objections from listeners, he urged the congregation to remain patient before drawing conclusions. Winans stated that he does not believe Jesus created fermented wine during the miracle described in the Gospel of John. According to his interpretation, Christ would not provide a substance capable of leading people into intoxication because doing so would contradict His own teachings.

“That’s the reason God did not, when He turned the water into wine, turn it into fermented wine,” Winans said. “I am absolutely sure of it because Jesus doesn’t work against Himself. He’s not trying to get you high.”

The statement drew applause and enthusiastic responses from some members of the congregation, while critics online later questioned the theological basis for the claim. Many argued that the traditional understanding of the passage throughout church history has been that Jesus transformed water into actual wine, although scholars and denominations continue to debate the exact nature of the beverage.

Winans also referenced Proverbs 31:4, which states: “It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.” He interpreted the verse as a warning against intoxication among leaders and individuals entrusted with responsibility.

According to the bishop, the passage demonstrates a broader biblical principle that God expects His people, especially those in positions of influence, to avoid substances that can impair judgment. He argued that alcohol consumption opens the door to moral compromise and weakens spiritual vigilance.

The sermon has generated significant discussion across social media and Christian communities. Supporters praised Winans for taking a firm stand on what they believe is a neglected issue in modern churches. They argue that alcohol abuse continues to damage families, careers, and ministries, making complete abstinence the wisest course for believers.

Critics, however, contend that the Bible condemns drunkenness rather than moderate alcohol consumption. They point to passages where wine appears in religious celebrations, cultural gatherings, and even certain ceremonial contexts. Some theologians maintain that Scripture consistently warns against excess while stopping short of imposing a universal prohibition on drinking.

The disagreement highlights a broader divide among Christian traditions. Some denominations strongly encourage abstinence from alcohol, while others permit moderate consumption as a matter of personal conscience. As a result, discussions surrounding wine, biblical interpretation, and Christian conduct remain subjects of ongoing debate.

Regardless of where individuals stand on the issue, Bishop Winans’ comments have succeeded in drawing attention to an important theological question that has been debated for centuries. His sermon serves as a reminder that interpretations of Scripture can vary widely, even among people who share the same faith, and that conversations about personal holiness and Christian liberty continue to shape religious life today.