The Bible does not rule out a Christian’s
consuming coffee, tea, chocolate, maté, and sodas that contain caffeine. However,
the Scriptures do provide principles that can help us to make wise decisions.
Let us first consider why some people avoid beverages and foods that contain
caffeine.
One major reason is that caffeine might be
considered to be a mood-altering drug, having a stimulating effect on the mind.
It can also be addictive. A standard reference book for pharmacists states: “Prolonged,
high intake of caffeine may produce tolerance, habituation, and psychological
dependence. Physical signs of withdrawal such as headaches, irritation,
nervousness, anxiety, and dizziness may occur upon abrupt discontinuation of
the stimulant.” The caffeine-withdrawal syndrome has been considered for
inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
along with other drug withdrawal. Hence, it is understandable that some
Christians may have concerns because they want to avoid any dependency and they
desire to display self-control.—Galatians 5:23.
Some believe that caffeine can affect a
person’s health or that of an unborn child. Christians must love God ‘with
their whole soul,’ so they do not practice anything that will shorten their
life. And since they are also commanded to love their neighbor, they stay away
from things that might harm an unborn child.—Luke 10:25-27.
Are such health concerns warranted? There is
controversy about a link between various diseases and caffeine consumption.
Some researchers even report that coffee is healthful. In 2006, Time
magazine reported: “Initial studies suggested [that caffeine] might lead to
bladder cancer, high blood pressure and other ills. More recent research has
not only refuted most of those claims but also come up with some significant
benefits. Caffeine appears to have some protective effect against liver damage,
Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, gallstones, depression and maybe
even some forms of cancer.” On the use of caffeine, a newsmagazine reported: “The
key—no surprise—is moderation.”
Each Christian should make a personal
decision based on his understanding of the information currently available
about caffeine and on the Bible principles that seem to be involved. For
example, a Christian who is an expectant mother may choose to refrain from
taking in caffeine during her pregnancy if she concludes that it could affect
her unborn child. If a Christian finds that being deprived of a regular intake
of caffeine makes him irritable or somewhat ill, he might be advised to abstain
from caffeine, at least temporarily. (2 Peter 1:5, 6) Other
Christians should respect such a decision, not pressing their view.
Whatever decision you make regarding
beverages and foods containing caffeine, keep in mind Paul’s admonition: “Whether
you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s
glory.”—1 Corinthians 10:31.
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