http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/Controversies/Alcohol-Blue-Laws.html
Religion, Morality, and Blue Laws
Sunday Alcohol Sales an Affront to Moral Values
The town of Henderson in Kentucky will vote on whether or not to permit restaurants to serve alcohol beverages with meals on Sundays.
Support for maintaining the colonial-era Blue Law prohibitions against the sale of alcohol on Sundays is largely based on the religious beliefs held by some Christians. A typical letter to the editor of the town's newspaper asserts that even discussing such an option is thrusting "an immoral sword" deep into Henderson.
The letter explains that "We believe the church plays a critical role in our nation, therefore we do not believe the historical documents of this country, our state, or our local government teach anywhere of a separation of church and state"
It continues that "We are opposed to Sunday alcohol sales because it is Biblical to do so; it is the fourth commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."
Opposition to Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages is frequently, if not usually, based on religious beliefs.
Separate Personal Opinion from Biblical Teachings on Alcohol, Says Minister
Some communities are voting on whether or not to allow Sunday alcohol sales or on whether to overturn old laws prohibiting any sale of alcohol. In virtually all news reports, opposition to such change is organized by a local minister who contends that drinking is prohibited by the Bible or otherwise against the will of God.
The Rev. Dr. Bob LeFavi, the founding pastor at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Rincon, Georgia, expresses concern that people in such communities are only hearing from local religious leaders who oppose alcohol sales or alcohol sales on Sundays and are coming to the conclusion that such an issues is one of Christians against non-Christians.
Dr. LeFavi says that what he sees as vital to these debates "is a clear separation between Holy Scripture and personal opinion." The Bible makes it clear that Jesus drank wine (Matthew 15:11; Luke 7:33-35) and approved of its moderate consumption (Matthew 15:11). Rev. LeFavi says the Bible makes clear that alcohol beverage is neither good nor bad in itself.
Sunday Alcohol Sales Bans: Blue Laws Indefensible
An editorial in South Carolina's Independent-Mail notes that much of the opposition to Sunday alcohol sales uses religion as its justification. However, it notes that "Nowhere in the Bible does it say, 'Thou shalt not drink alcohol on Sunday.'"
http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/InTheNews/Etc/1133288995.html
“Sunday Alcohol Sales an Affront to Moral Values”
The town of Henderson in Kentucky will vote on whether or not to permit restaurants to serve alcohol beverages with meals on Sundays.
Support for maintaining the colonial-era Blue Law prohibitions against the sale of alcohol on Sundays is largely based on the religious beliefs held by some Christians. A typical letter to the editor of the town’s newspaper asserts that even discussing such an option is thrusting “an immoral sword” deep into Henderson.
The letter explains that “We believe the church plays a critical role in our nation, therefore we do not believe the historical documents of this country, our state, or our local government teach anywhere of a separation of church and state”
It continues that “We are opposed to Sunday alcohol sales because it is Biblical to do so; it is the fourth commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.”
Opposition to Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages is frequently, if not usually, based on religious beliefs.