You might also like: What The Bible REALLY Says About Tattoos. Your email address will not be published. At any rate, speeding also does not have the aspect of scandal attached to it, as does underage drinking (see below). Who is St. Agnes of Rome, the Virgin and Martyr? In talking with Catholic college students, Ive come to find that underage drinking is a hot topic. Drinking of wine and alcohol is fine, its one of the reasons I became Catholic. There are three situations where drinking alcohol is a sin even if you don't slip into drunkenness. sin - According to Catholicism, is it sinful to drink alcohol in order Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. All rights reserved. []. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. In fact the benedictine monks I spent a few days with break out wine and beer after dinner on Sundays. In the majority of cases drinking will not hurt your witness in America. If this is the case, then its safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. Or even more important and moral, I would not want to put the police officer in the awkward position of feeling obligated to chase me down for something that hurt no one if in fact he thought he actually had a moral responsibility to do such a trivial thing. Is Drinking Alcohol Inherently a Sin? That it is always a sin to break a law of the State is believed by the majority of Catholics because, as the late Cardinal George once said, American Catholics are Puritans who go to Mass on Sunday. In the moral realm Americans tend to adopt toward State law a puritanical thinking sometimes mixed with small amounts Jansenism. Exactly where our actions become sin. However, thats not what the Bible is saying. For neglect of bodily health due to drinking there has to be a grave physical danger to which the drinker is knowingly exposing himself. More on that later. Its a case of excusing ones own drunkenness and yet somehow still pretending to maintain the letter of the law. This is absurd. What does the Bible have to say about the topic of alcohol use? It is one of Gods good gifts that can beand often isabused (Psa. Just like oil and bread, it comes from the fruits that grow on the same ground that provides us with food. How will your decision in these grey areas affect people in those circles? You will never leave an impact on anyone if you just hold onto your freedoms and do what you want. For example, waiting a few more years to drink in America (21 years old) compared to Spain (16 years old) is not unjust. 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: If you are in a country where you have to be above a certain age in order to legally consume alcohol, then it is sinful to break the law. What does the Bible say about drinking? The same is true if one travels overseas, where the drinking age in Europe is generally eighteen. All Rights Reserved. Heres what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on the issue (CCC 2290). Getting drunk can be caused by different situations and some of them may or may not be a sin. Its up to you to make the judgment. Drunkenness, however, was always considered sinful based upon the clear biblical teaching about it. 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. Catholics & Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Paul also exhorts Christians to abstain from drinking alcohol in situations where doing so could cause their brothers or sisters in Christ to stumble (Rom. Is it a Sin to Get Drunk? Never drink when you are wretched without it, or you will be like the grey-faced gin-drinker in the slum; but drink when you would be happy without it, and you will be like the laughing peasant of Italy. Feeling the effects of alcohol is not the same as outright drunkenness. But for Catholics, drinking alcohol may also have moral and religious implications. A positive criterion might be this: When you feel relaxed, that is a good time to stop drinking. Just because alcohol can be abused doesnt mean it needs to be avoided. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. Under these cases, it would be a sin as the person has broken a promise. ( 1 Tim. However, that doesn't mean that Catholics can't drink at all. For instance, Proverbs 21:17. There are many good reasons not to drink, and many more good reasons for the state to forbid minors to drink. 97, a. Current scientific evidence points to the fact that there is no safe amount of tobacco. 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. In other words we should be considerate of others struggles. That is, Jesus was not with sinners. In some places, it is described as a bringer of joy and a signifier of Gods blessings. From a moral perspective, alcohol is often treated with polarity. 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? Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. Is it only a near occasion of sin? We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida. First, a Catholic is obliged to obey the civil law. The reason is that in the act of drunkenness we are forfeiting two of God's greatest giftsour intellect and will. Alcoholic drinks have been around since 5400BC, which means the availability of fermented beverages was around even before Jesus arrived. If Jesus is really Lord of my entire life, then the question is simply this: am I willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of the Gospel? Over time and as such a culture becomes predominantagain, amidst otherwise serious Catholicsthe general temperature of their zeal for holiness begins to go down; they often still go through the Catholic motions, but the vigor and vitality that comes from knowing Jesus personallyto the point where one gives him their entire lifesubsides. Dont let it leave you empty inside. Licit things, doing licit things like drinking wine is fine in moderation, but not too much, not to become drunk. Should a Christian Date Someone with a History of Sexual Sin in Their Life. 4). What does the Bible say about drinking? Some people claim drinking is a sin because it hurts your testimony. 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. Jesus constantly reached out to sinners, but never in compromising situations. 441 views, 5 likes, 2 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church: Sunday April 30, 2023 - Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. But in some topics the Bible just doesnt do that. Thats not to say theres no warnings. A little one here could refer to age or ones spiritual state. Like the one we are asking, is drinking a sin? I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Thosewho choose to drink alcoholic beverages must always do so responsiblydoing no harm to others or themselves. In the New Testament, Jesus not only turned water into wine. Of course an organization has every right to forbid underage drinking, or even drinking at all. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. A: It is good to hear that you have entered the Church. Im just kidding! To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. Therefore Jesus nor the Biblical writers advocated for drinking. Or it was so diluted with water it doesnt really count as alcohol. Does giving a meaningless gift give you more or less joy than giving a meaningful gift? Are we even allowed to drink? 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. Rather we should see them as they are intended and not elevate them to an unhealthy level. When youre drunk, you wont have full control of your faculties. But if you abuse it, you are no better than the people who waste their life on worldly pleasures. Theres also no verse that classifies exactly how many drinks you can have and exactly what drunk is. Is drinking a sin? and Is Manifesting a Sin? Whats interesting about the debate surrounding this topic is that its relatively new. The Church teaches that drunkenness, i.e., the abuse of alcohol, is a sin but not moderate consumption (CCC 2290). To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. It is simply warning against addiction and drunkenness. But, alcohol also has a second effect on us. We may lose influence because of the choices we make. The Bible keeps this issue in the grey, up for each Christian to decide whats the wisest and most loving thing for them to do. In order to pass through this threshold, one has to move beyond simply asking: At what point have I done something wrong? in a minimalistic way, to asking: Are these actionsthese movies, these parties, etc.taking me toward or away from my ultimate end? And further, one asks this same question with respect to those who may be influenced by my actionseither by knowing me directly or by reputation: am I helping or hindering their pursuit of their ultimate end? Its become a societal norm to celebrate things over food and drinks. We hope we were able to answer your question, is it a sin to get drunk? I personally have experienced both of these situations. Sunday April 30, 2023 - Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. | Sunday 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. you had no idea the punch at the party was strong), thats a venial sin. The Church does teach that drunkenness is a form of gluttony, and a grave sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2290). The Catechism of the Catholic Church condemns drunken excess and illegal drugs in #2290-2291: The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess:. If we indulge in these worldly pleasures, we wont be able to share in his suffering. Some people can take several bottles of beer and they are fine. However, we do advise that it is a must for you to always follow the legal drinking age. Lets take an absurd case. The Powerful Meaning Of Psalm 121 (my help comes from the Lord), How To Know When To Leave A Church (and 5 things to do before changing churches), The REAL Philippians 4:13 Meaning (I can do all things through Christ). Andrew Swafford is Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. The login page will open in a new tab. Paul explains that it may be all right for those who know that the idols are not real. Site by Mere. 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. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth . It is not a sin to drink alcohol in moderation. Ignoring these laws can easily be grave matter also, even if the driver is not strictly speaking drunk. ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. I have to say, Ive been drunk once in my life and I didnt realize it. [] This appeared at Ascension Press. But anyone who wants to claim drinking is a sin has to face the sometimes positive light the Bible talks about alcohol in. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isn't a sin, but overindulging in it can be. What Does The Catholic Church Say About Drinking Alcohol? To be morally mature one must distinguish between State laws that exist because they protect the natural law, and State laws that exist only to protect the common good. And this, according to St. Peter, isnt the true mark of a Christian: For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to doliving in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 1 Peter 4:3. It may be imprudent on my part to suggest this example; but underage students use this excuse in spades and I dont think theyre on the same level (that is, underage drinking and going 3 mph over the speed limit). You can go to confession or pray to God for forgiveness. Similarly, dont drink in a situation where it could lead someone else to sin. For centuries, monks have brewed beer to support their monasteries. Some drink to escape their situation, while others drink to celebrate. 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. As the State divorces itself more and more from the natural law we will want to increase our young peoples ability to detach from the State as a moral gate keeper while still giving the State its rightful place to regulate the common good. To see sin as simply breaking a law is not much better. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. But in the first century there were certain benefits to light drinking. He is author ofNature and Grace,John Paul II to Aristotle and Back Again, andSpiritual Survival in the Modern World. It is my opinion that our young people will face much greater moral difficulties than we can presently imagine. What does the Bible say about drinking? In fact, alcohol is inherently good. If this is the case, then it's safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit. Whether that be alcohol, money, sex, pride, our desires, or even our own family. Ideally a Catholic should always be striving to do the best at every moment. In fact, the Bible says. For starters, Jesus drank. Lighting up is not a sin. You must have a strong resolve and an equally strong sense of self-discipline. How should we approach alcoholic drinks as Catholics? It never condemns it, but it often warns against the abuse of it. (1 Tim. Le Ann is a writer, editor, speaker, wife, and mom who enjoys the Southern California lifestyle, including flip-flops, the beach, riding electric bicycles along the 101,and an occasional salted caramel Americano from Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach. Weve already touched on this a little above. 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. Drinking, in itself, is not necessarily a sin. Alcoholic drinks are a part of todays society and can be seen as something both positive and negative. And in Ecclesiastes 9:7, the prophet is clear that we should enjoy alcohol as a gift from God: Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago. And then there is the Proverb: "Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise" (Prov 21:1). Gluttony can also be a sin. from my ultimate end? And further, one asks this same question with respect to those who may be influenced by my actionseither by knowing me directly or by reputation: am I helping or hindering their pursuit of their ultimate end? Jesus drank wine and was falsely accused of being a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). Thats not a matter of moderation. Is drinking alcohol a sin? - The Irish Catholic One common argument is that wine in the Bible is really nothing more than grape juice. Being drunk is certainly a sin. But getting drunk is a sin. When you are in a state of drunkenness, your ability to make more conscious and informed decisions tend to get blurred and resort to more slow or poor judgment. Is drinking a sin? Hence, water, lemonade, soda, water, ginger ale . It deprives you of judgment and reason, gifts that God has given us to lead a righteous life. Many Christians completely abstain from consuming any alcohol, since they believe Scripture declares it to be sinful. By using this website you are agreeing to our privacy policy. The principle is clear: charity demands that we take into account how our actions affect others. She holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Westminster Seminary California. In this latter case the intoxication would be a venial sin. But abusing alcoholic beverages can lead one to sin. they were sinning (or even came close to it). One Bible verse that clearly supports the intake of alcohol is the apostle Pauls admonition to Timothy to drink wine for health reasons: No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. No, I think that youre correct. Commercials, advertisements, social media, movies, and television heavily promote beer, wine, and liquor as means to having a fun and active social life. I disagree that you can be justifiably upset for getting pulled over at 3 over the speed limit. 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. What Freedom From Sin Looks Like in This Life. 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.. Also, check out our posts on The Sacrament of Reconciliation. aspect of ones life over which Christ is not king and Lord. There are clearly more verses in the Bible warning about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption than there are verses extolling its virtues. Cheers! Theres always something left for us to turn over to the Lord; and as I said, for many college students, underage drinking is the last thing to go. 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. In many states, its legal for someone to drink underage in the presence of their parentsso thats not an issue. If we make it seem like this is ok, its very easy for people to start being lax in other laws, natural or civil, that work for them or that people dont enforce. But I would suggest the analogy does not hold for the following reason: the customary enforcement of the law is relevant with speeding. The early Christians in America ranged in their views on drinking alcohol. 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. Alcohol is not, in and of itself, tainted by sin. Try finding a Super Bowl party where alcohol isnt part of the festivities. However, that's not what the Bible is saying. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat. RC Spirituality is a service of Regnum Christi that creates life changing Catholic formation materials in many media formats. Excessive eating is also . 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. The Real Catholic Teaching on Underage Drinking In fact, I would wager that I have almost never (if ever) seen a student involved in underage drinking who is totally on fire for Jesus. The reason is that in the act of drunkenness we are forfeiting two of Gods greatest giftsour intellect and will. Our true dependence should be on God. 14:21). No. 10:31). Drinking, in itself, is not necessarily a sin. Only you can really judge what your limit should be. What kinds of liquids can Catholics have while fasting? by Dr. Andrew Swafford | Sep 12, 2018 | Formation | 4 comments. "Ask a Priest: How Much Beer Is OK to Drink?" - RC Spirituality The biggest reason intoxication/drunkenness is considered sinful is because it makes it easier to commit other sins. However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. What does the Bible say about drinking? The sinfulness of those effects might depend on circumstances. Alcohol is complicated, and today many dont know what the Catholic Church teaches about it. Fasting means taking a break from it for a time to grow closer to God. Throughout the Old Testament alcohol is seen as a blessing from God. Ive drank too much in my life, but Ive only been drunk once in my life, and that was when I had heard that you had to try Sangria, its really good. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. Similar to drinking alcohol, the Catholic Church does not prohibit smoking. Sola Media Group is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Federal ID # 27-0565982. And thats why we generally arent nervous when driving five miles per hour over the speed limit with a policeman immediately behind us. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.. However we know from the Bible that the wine still had plenty of kick in it to get wasted on. Drunkenness is indeed a grave sin. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. It can . As the popes have pointed out many times, the modern age has lost its sense of sin. In the New Testament, the first miracle of Jesus was turning water into wine. Although we do advise you to get help as soon as you can from your local authorities, drugging someone or spiking someones drink is illegal. And such a habit will spare you a lot of grief throughout your life. For the sake of the common good we drive on the right side of the road, it is illegal to drive on the left. There are some that say drinking is a sin because theres no health benefits. Some religious groups view alcohol as a gift from God, one that allows the spirit to enter the body. So, what I want to do is take a look at what the Bible says about alcohol and then look if Christians should drink. A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life.
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