Wine, Worship, and Craftsmanship: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol (John Dunne) Ep #206

Was wine in the Bible just a calorie source—or something far richer? In this fascinating conversation, Dr. John Anthony Dunne, author of The Mountain Shall Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol, joins Dru Johnson to explore how wine and alcohol shaped ancient Israel’s culture, theology, and imagination.

Dr. Dunne traces how biblical wine reflected not only the scarcity and agricultural hopes of ancient life, but also a tradition of craftsmanship, connoisseurship, and divine blessing. Together they unpack why biblical wine wasn’t just functional—it was symbolic of abundance, peace, and God’s favor.

From fermentation methods and ancient storage to the surprising case for white wine at the wedding at Cana, this episode challenges modern assumptions about alcohol in Scripture. Dunne explores why the biblical world viewed wine as inherently miraculous, why production was tied to the land promise, and how modern communion links us to Canaan’s terroir in unexpected ways.

We are listener supported. Give to the cause here:
https://hebraicthought.org/give

For more articles:
https://thebiblicalmind.org/

Social Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought
Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought
X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org