Do you have to be Christian to be Abstinent?

Answer 1

Since abstinence is basically denying yourself of certain things (e.g. drugs, alcohol, sex), I would think anyone can be abstinent if they so choose. Probably the major reason abstinence and Christian faith are connected is that the New Testament encourages it and many Christians promote it. Others either don't consider it necessary or don't promote it so actively. Further to all this, abstinence may in some cases require more than just human willpower and the Christian faith provides a source of power to achieve it.

The following are a number of verses, all from the New Testament, relating specifically to abstinence:

# Acts 15:20

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

# Acts 15:29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

# 1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

# 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

# 1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with Thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

# 1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;