Theology on Tap: Exploring Alcohol in Biblical Tradition with Dr. John Dunne (part one)

In this episode of Ask a Theologian, I talk with Dr. John Anthony Dunn, associate professor at Bethany Seminary, about his new book, “Let the Mountains Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol.” John explains he’s been working on it since signing the contract in 2013, aiming for a comprehensive biblical theology rather than a proof-text battle over whether Christians should drink. We discuss how Scripture presents alcohol as both blessing and danger, including Noah’s intoxication and wider biblical warnings about vulnerability, exploitation, and judgment. John also challenges the claim that biblical “wine” was unfermented grape juice, noting that fermentation happens quickly without refrigeration and that Passover timing implies the cup would have been wine. We briefly digress into modern winemaking, including Minnesota-grown varietals. More in part two.