Your example of moderate (or no) drinking can be a very powerful example to those around you. Feeling the effects of alcohol is normal. Finally, a little tea, coffee, chocolate or such like beverage together with a morsel of bread or a cracker is now allowed in the morning. In fact, St. Thomas Aquinas insists that the sin of scandal itself can be a mortal sin: because [the person] has such contempt for his neighbors spiritual welfare that he declines to forego doing what he wishes to do (ST II-IIae, q. It may sound simple but practicing temperance requires a will of steel. Here at RCSpirtiuality, we develop and produce online Catholic resources to help all of us grow as Complete Christians. In the New Testament, the first miracle of Jesus was turning water into wine. As Catholics, we are required to respect the civil governing authority assuming that they are working for the common good and that the law is not unjust. 4). | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College, The Catechism: A Guide for the Christian Life, Giving the Gift of the Plenary Indulgence. Would that be sinful? But in moderation, it is encouraged. Its become a societal norm to celebrate things over food and drinks. Answer: Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. Many Christians completely abstain from consuming any alcohol, since they believe Scripture declares it to be sinful. This leads you to do things that you wont otherwise do when youre sober such as brawling and excessive cursing. Heres Ephesians 5:18. Just like in other things, if you drink alcohol too much, and you are well aware that you are drinking too much, then it becomes a sin. Help us continue providing authentic Catholic spirituality! Steve Ray: I was in bed in that hotel for 24 hours, and I said to my wife, Im never gonna get drunk again ever, that was horrible. So thats the only time Ive ever been drunk, and I didnt do it on purpose. The Bible lives in this tension with the issue of drinking. David: Yeah. Biblical and Catholic Teaching on the Use of Alcohol Please log in again. For the sake of the common good we drive on the right side of the road, it is illegal to drive on the left. Just because something CAN lead to abuse doesnt mean it has to be avoided. It is simply warning against addiction and drunkenness. But all these points to the same thing: drinking is not sinful as long its in moderation. In personal life he is a proud father of a boy and twin girls. Thats adding to the Bible, it doesnt say that. In other words we should be considerate of others struggles. Now that weve looked at what the Bible says about alcohol lets switch over to application. Which view is correct? If you enjoy alcohol, try fasting from it for a time. (Prov. We are our brothers keeper, and this is true spiritually as well. Hence, water, lemonade, soda, water, ginger ale . The reason is that in the act of drunkenness we are forfeiting two of God's greatest giftsour intellect and will. What kinds of liquids can Catholics have while fasting? Can Catholics Enjoy Alcohol?| National Catholic Register But they are put off by arbitrary rules created by Christians. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. In fact, about once a month we get an email from somebody saying that they either disapprove of us drinking on the show or how alcohol is of the devil or something like that. Names Of The Twelve Disciples {Explained!}. What would you tell religious people about alcohol consumption But the line separating celebration and intoxication is often blurred. It continually warns against addiction and drunkenness. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:10, 12). The New Testament is even more emphatic in discouraging drunkenness. Many of todays varieties use modern fermentation methods that produce higher levels of alcohol than could ever have been achieved in biblical times. I think we can see by now that the answer is no, drinking is not a sin. There are some that say drinking is a sin because theres no health benefits. 1o4:1415). He holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a masters degree in Old Testament & Semitic Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. But it is not Catholic. No. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very concise on this point, and simply says, The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. We dont need to avoid those things just because they might do us harm. Very early in the morning, stopped at a desolate intersection, after stopping, I have run through a red light, thus breaking the law. If alcohol is not controlled in your country, then feel free to drink. Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! And many of us drink without knowing our limits. Therefore Jesus nor the Biblical writers advocated for drinking. However, as my favorite Dominican priest quoting St. Thomas pointed out to me once in talking about this issue, Not all crimes are sins and not all sins are crimes. While the author here makes very good points about underage drinking having the ability to lead to laxity, scandal, and other undesirable things, we must be clear that it is not a sin for a 19 year old to have a drink. After that point there could be diminishing returns in a moral sense meaning that you are putting yourself in danger of serious sin beyond that moment. as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. Its almost as if the house party culturewhich might not be as bad as the average fraternity party at a state universitybegins to dominate the lives of otherwise serious Catholic college students. The apostle Peter reminds believers, Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: Trying to be more like Jesus each day. These are verses you will likely never hear preached on in church. Whats Missing from Most Responses to the Sex Abuse Crisis, How to Determine the Morality of an Action, Whats Wrong With Underage Drinking? Whats the wisest and most loving thing for me to do. Lets take a look: For more about reading the Bible in context: How To Read The Bible (the 5 best tips). I would recommend using the legal limit as a benchmark for drunkenness. Catholics are welcome to drink and appreciate alcohol. He not only approved of drinking wine but he, himself, drank wine on several occasions. Andrew Swafford is Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. In some states like Texas its perfectly legal to drink with parental supervision. However, in trying to convince Catholic minors not to drink in a party atmosphere arguments like this need to be used. He was no stranger to alcohol: While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. For starters, if you choose to be drunk in your own free will, then that is considered a sin. In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. Youll know when you are in danger of sinning. God created it for joyful celebration, as seen repeatedly in the Bible 1. And in so doing, it often leads us to more sin such as violence and fornication. 3). Drunkenness, however, was always considered sinful based upon the clear biblical teaching about it. Would I do so if a police car was parked on the side of the road? 1 Timothy 5: 23. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Nothing should hinder that. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. Here, he instructs us to, . In fact the benedictine monks I spent a few days with break out wine and beer after dinner on Sundays. All Rights Reserved. What does the Bible say about drinking? The reality is there isnt a single verse in the Bible that forbids drinking in moderation. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. Is it only a near occasion of sin? When one looks at the priest scandal, a curious thing arises. Not because the police officer would suddenly make me feel guilty of committing sin, but because I would not want to pay the fine. A little one here could refer to age or ones spiritual state. For example, in the Proverbs verse above, its talking about drinking too much wine because the next few verses describe things that typically happen during drunkenness like, Your eyes will see strange things and your heart utter perverse things. (Eph. The Bible describes wine as a gift from God that can make life more enjoyable. There are some topics that the Bible never gives a straight answer. But drink because you do not need it, for this is irrational drinking, and the ancient health of the world.. Of course that will depend on where you live, thats not universally true. These Catholic leaders set the spiritual tone for campus. At any rate, speeding also does not have the aspect of scandal attached to it, as does underage drinking (see below). Getting drunk can be caused by different situations and some of them may or may not be a sin. What about underage drinking? Here's What Baptists Believe about Drinking Alcohol We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What if the State (Sweden) forbid spanking your child, would it be sin to pooch your five year old in the behind? For instance, take this verse from the Old Testament: He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivatebringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. Psalm 104:14-15. 5:23). 11:1819). Caller: Recognizing that Jesus turned water into wine, the question is: is it a sin to drink? No. I have to say, Ive been drunk once in my life and I didnt realize it. The Bible holds drinking in tension. Scripture warns kings not to crave alcohol because a ruler needs a clear mind to uphold justice and protect the oppressed (Prov. St. Paul is very serious here: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1; see 13:1-7). Thats not to say theres no warnings. This means that the drinker no longer has the freedom necessary to deliberate responsibly about what he should do or not do. Thus, it is possible to freely give away the gift of our freedom by abusing alcohol. The drinking of alcoholic beverages is nothing more than making use of what God has provided and is not a sinful act. From a moral perspective, alcohol is often treated with polarity. It can cause us to lose control of our free will and reason when we drink to excess. So there are some things that maybe are a sin for me but not for you, say, for example. Here are a few of them: Romans 13:13, Galatians 5:19-21, and Ephesians 5:18. Ask a Priest: Is It OK to Go to Nightclubs?, Ask a Priest: Is It OK to Read the Bible on My Own?, Ask a Priest: What If My Friends Family Doesnt Accept My Annulment?, Spiritual Smoothie: The Christian Difference, Ask a Priest: How Do I Respond to Attacks on the Church?. Is Anger a Sin? There are three situations where drinking alcohol is a sin even if you dont slip into drunkenness. If you knowingly drink alcohol to the point of intoxication, then thats a mortal sin. God is never outdone in generosity; when we go all in, he often blows us away with blessings we could never imagine. How will your decision in these grey areas affect people in those circles? In talking with Catholic college students, Ive come to find that underage drinking is a hot topic. Catholic Prayers For Protection From Evil, 9 Catholic Saints To Pray To For Fertility, Signal Graces: What They Are and How To Spot Them, 7 Saints Considered to be the Patron of Sailors, Catholic Prayers to Restore a Childs Health. Of course, the Bible strongly warns against the overconsumption of beer. To use the argument that the State says it is illegal and thus a sin may be easier and more effective, but it does in fact stunt a students moral growth. What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for If we ever choose to do this, it can be gravely immoral and a mortal sin. But for the most part drinking in moderation will not hurt your witness in western societies. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 is trying to drive that home. Is it a sin to drink alcohol on Sundays? : r/Catholicism - Reddit And this is subtle and deceptive: while not being as bad as a typical fraternity house, these students slide into a lifestyle that they sometimes couldnt have imagined years or months prior; but it becomes the norm, and their zeal for the spiritual life is sapped. Writer. The Bible talks about alcohol in both positive and negative terms. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercianon our website. The only thing thats clear is the abuse of alcohol through drunkenness or addiction is a sin. When Is Drinking a Mortal Sin? | Catholic Answers (1 Tim. Alcohol is not evil in itself. Alcoholic drinks are a part of todays society and can be seen as something both positive and negative. Others point to the fact that Jesus not only drank wine, but he also made wine at a wedding in Cana where the host had run out of his own supply in the middle of the celebration. And thats why we generally arent nervous when driving five miles per hour over the speed limit with a policeman immediately behind us. It is illegal to run a red light. He gave them to us as a gift that gladdens human hearts. Deliberately and knowingly harming your health is a sin. Getting drunk can be caused by different situations and some of them may or may not be a sin. So you see, drinking alcohol is not a mortal sin. In extreme cases, it can even lead to sexual harassment and murder. Inevitably, students point to the fact that they can go to war and vote at eighteen. Who is St. Agnes of Rome, the Virgin and Martyr? they were sinning (or even came close to it). This has lead many to the conclusion that all drinking is a sin. The good God, our local Bishop, the State, my boss, all have different competencies and all require from me a different moral stance to their requests. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom.. But the case is different with underage drinking: in the vast majority of places across the country, one certainly would not drink underage while standing next to a police officer. But getting drunk is a sin. And ten minutes later, ka-BOOM, it hit me and I was on the floor. Also, if we were pulled over for going three miles per hour over the speed limit, we would be justifiably upsetbecause such an action would contradict nearly universal custom in terms of the enforcement of speeding laws in our country. She is exceedingly grateful for both the loving kindness of many people and the sound Christian doctrine that helped her to keep on living after her son died in a skiing accident in 2006. Its sort like of this: if you want to be a Jediif you want to go all in with Christthis is what it takes: for at that point, there is no aspect of ones life over which Christ is not king and Lord. It can . However, that is a problem because without being able to clearly and accurately articulate what chastity truly Have you ever given a gift that was meaningless to you? 97, a. So when Christians say that its a sin to drink they are adding rules to the Bible. However, the vast majority of non-christians are not put off by drinking in western culture. Just because it works for you that typically you dont get pulled over, does not make it not against the law. Some Christians think it is perfectly fine to drink alcohol, while others believe it is sinful to partake. In fact, we can see how relevant wine is even in the bible as in John 2:1-12 this is where Jesus performs his first miracle involving turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana. At a family meal, a 17 year old can have some champagne to toast her grandmothers birthday because her father is there, but if her 20-year-old cousin who happens to be visiting without her parents is there she shouldnt because it would be a sin? There is also the case to be made for the sin of entering into close proximity to the sin of drunkenness as well as the case for the sin of scandal as St. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 8. Regarding intoxication, Wikipedia gives this rather technical passage: Symptoms of alcohol intoxication include euphoria, flushed skin and decreased social inhibition at lower doses, with larger doses producing progressively severe impairments of balance, muscle coordination (ataxia), and decision-making ability (potentially leading to violent or erratic behavior) as well as nausea or vomiting from alcohols disruptive effect on the semicircular canals of the inner ear and chemical irritation of the gastric mucosa. You may live with an alcoholic or know someone who does. Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. Second, each person has a particular tolerance to alcohol, and each person has to learn his limits. You must have a strong resolve and an equally strong sense of self-discipline. Throughout most of Christian history the consumption of alcohol in moderation has been widely accepted and rarely condemned. Saint Paul answers this question clearly: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury; but be ye filled with the Holy Spirit" (Eph 5:18). To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. But its important to address this with our Catholic leaders because every year other new budding Catholic leaders (i.e., freshmen) watch their exampleand then imitate it in the ensuing years. What the bible is vehemently opposed to is drunkenness or intoxication. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isnt a sin, but overindulging in it can be. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. God even commands the Israelites to go buy beer and celebrate before the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:26). So when I was in Spain, I ordered a Sangria. Can having just one drink be a sin for some people but not for others? Jesus said, If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away (Matthew 5:30). All rights reserved. Whos around you that you can impact? Share your review! Under that logic, we should all get rid of our money to fend off materialism. For starters, Jesus drank. I once had a Methodist pastor tell me of a friend who was caught drinking at a party by one of his parishioners. If you find your reasoning and thinking beginning to get corrupted, youve gone too far. We should be okay with a little grey. Just like oil and bread, it comes from the fruits that grow on the same ground that provides us with food. The principle is clear: charity demands that we take into account how our actions affect others. aspect of ones life over which Christ is not king and Lord. Lighting up is not a sin. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. This has lead many to the conclusion that all drinking is a sin. Contact us toll-free at: (833) 843-2673. And many Christian celebrations often involve drinking wine and merrymaking. And thats why the Bible warns against getting drunk on wine. Is Drinking Alcohol Inherently a Sin? Alcohol consumption is a tough topic, because it is associated with both joyful and tragic situations. And in light of them what is the wisest and most loving thing for you to do? Adam: Yeah. People drink for various reasons. As I said, underage drinking cultivates a culture of lukewarmness, a sapping of spiritual zealits a sort of gateway to the party culture described above. Thats why Paul said,I will become all things to all people so that I may win a few.(1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Lets hear from you! Leave a comment below! However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. you had no idea the punch at the party was strong), thats a venial sin. How should we approach alcoholic drinks as Catholics? That same person might do well to skip the second or third beer if he has to drive a car afterward. One aspect of the sinfulness of drunkenness is also how it impacts your health and body. If they are dulled, then the overall spiritual ethos of campus goes way down. John Calvin had a 250-gallon wine stipend written into his church contract. With all the churchs doctrine about vices and such, its but natural to wonder: is drinking a sin? Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. I doubt my unbelieving friends will ever be turned away from God because they see me sipping a beer. If youre an alcoholic, and having a drink brings you near to the place where you are gonna lose control, that could be viewed as a sin. If I eat too much and I stuff myself like a pig, then I could say Oh my goodness, I just sinned through the sin of gluttony, and then the near occasion of that. I have no argument with the purpose of the law, and perhaps it is even a good law, but that does not necessarily make it a sin to break it. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Steve Ray discusses on Catholic Answers Live. And certainly not a low alcohol count. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. But when taken in moderation, it can lead to a great time and awesome memories with friends. It never condemns it, but it often warns against the abuse of it. Many will respond by pointing to the prevalence of mild speeding, say, going five miles per hour over the speed limit. If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (. St. Paul writes: For if anyone sees you, a man of knowledge [i.e., a mature Christian], at table in an idols temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? Psalms 104 says that wine gladdens the heart of main. In fact, alcohol is inherently good. A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life and with respect to his impact upon others. Cheers! Under these cases, it would be a sin as the person has broken a promise. I said Id take a glass of Sangria, they said, We dont make it by the glass, only by the pitcher. So they brought a pitcher of sangria, and it didnt taste like alcohol to me, it just tastes like grape juice, so I drank the whole pitcher.

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