In this video, Dr. Sproul addresses an issue that has bothered me for years. Namely, that many abstentionist Christians turn Romans 14 into a means of manipulating their brethren into abstinence against their own conscience, and against their understanding of Scripture. It is nothing less than a form of arm-twisting and religious bullying. “I know that you are free in your conscience to drink, but would you please abstain for your brothers’ sake.” This ‘brother’ is often imaginary. Usually, none are referenced, but you do not know that a weaker brother won’t walk into a restaurant and see you with a glass of wine, “…so just in case, please abstain.”
If the Christian, who is free to partake before the Lord, refuses, he is accused of being heartless, insubordinate, insolent, or not walking in love.
In our day – and in Luther’s, it seems – abstentionist brethren have turned Romans 14 on its head. They have corrupted the Scripture, and used it as a club to browbeat other believers. The bully pulpit is amongst us.
Here is my response:
Forged Reason 