The paradox of stumbling block...
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The paradox of stumbling block and power to salvation is reflected in the debate about the good and bad effects of alcohol. According to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), there is an inverse association between moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from all cardiovascular causes. People who drink alcohol in moderation have a 20-45 percent reduction in risk to cardiovascular disease. Why? It seems that moderate alcohol consumption increases the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL), and has the beneficial effect of preventing the formation of small blood clots that cause stroke. HSPH also notes that alcohol at meal times can aid in digestion, and can have a soothing effect at the end of a stressful day.
There is an evil flipside to all this, the stumbling block. Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, playing a factor in almost one-half of all fatal traffic accidents. Overconsumption of alcohol causes serious damage to the liver and heart, and for women there is a double danger. Alcohol consumption while pregnant can harm the unborn child, and there is 20-25 percent increased risk of breast cancer in women who consume two drinks a day.
And there is always the threat of alcoholism, which can destroy families, businesses, and lives.
HSPH offers some advice: if you don't drink, don't start -- the benefits of alcohol are similar to those found in exercise. If you do drink, keep it in moderation.
Paul, when dealing with the paradox of the cross, the power of salvation, and the stumbling block, offered only one piece of advice: Get Jesus, he is the source of life.
There is an evil flipside to all this, the stumbling block. Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, playing a factor in almost one-half of all fatal traffic accidents. Overconsumption of alcohol causes serious damage to the liver and heart, and for women there is a double danger. Alcohol consumption while pregnant can harm the unborn child, and there is 20-25 percent increased risk of breast cancer in women who consume two drinks a day.
And there is always the threat of alcoholism, which can destroy families, businesses, and lives.
HSPH offers some advice: if you don't drink, don't start -- the benefits of alcohol are similar to those found in exercise. If you do drink, keep it in moderation.
Paul, when dealing with the paradox of the cross, the power of salvation, and the stumbling block, offered only one piece of advice: Get Jesus, he is the source of life.
