It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isnt a sin, but overindulging in it can be. 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? But if you get drunk unknowingly (e.g. What does the Bible say about drinking? 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. 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. 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. However, that doesn't mean that Catholics can't drink at all. He gave them to us as a gift that gladdens human hearts. 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. I know this makes some uncomfortable; we like to know exactly where that line is. they were sinning (or even came close to it). Remember that being a Christian and a Catholic means following in Christs footsteps. We believe everyone should have access to this, which is why we offer so many of our resources for free. Youll know when you are in danger of sinning. Share your review! Is drinking a sin, or is just drunkenness a sin? However we know from the Bible that the wine still had plenty of kick in it to get wasted on. I would recommend using the legal limit as a benchmark for drunkenness. 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). What Freedom From Sin Looks Like in This Life. Husband. and Is Manifesting a Sin? In many states, its legal for someone to drink underage in the presence of their parentsso thats not an issue. Many Christians completely abstain from consuming any alcohol, since they believe Scripture declares it to be sinful. Something else to consider is the health effect of smoking. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Read on to learn more. I meanand then theres a degree, where do you draw the line? St. Paul explains: Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Instead of condemning them, Jesus understood, which earned Him the ire of the self-righteous Pharisees. A person who is at home and plans to stay at home might be able to have a second or third beer without any problem (read: without sin). Help us continue providing authentic Catholic spirituality! 10:31). 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. These are verses you will likely never hear preached on in church. But in moderation, it is encouraged. The law is very clear in stating the speed that is legal in that area. If this is the case, then its safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. And in so doing, it often leads us to more sin such as violence and fornication. 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? With all the churchs doctrine about vices and such, its but natural to wonder: Drinking, in itself, is not necessarily a sin. I think we can see by now that the answer is no, drinking is not a sin. Throughout the Old Testament alcohol is seen as a blessing from God. The blood alcohol limit established by law is much lower than actual gravely sinful intoxication, but it is the point at which some reflexes may be so impaired as to make driving unsafe. I think it comes from a good place. To educate our young in who they are as moral agents, the definition of conscience, and the proper goal of their actions is hard work. But is it a sin? First, a Catholic is obliged to obey the civil law. We regard drunkenness as a sin. 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?. This seems to approach relativism in my opinion. Just because it works for you that typically you dont get pulled over, does not make it not against the law. It is true that many of the wines probably had a slightly lower ABV (Alcohol by Volume) than todays wine. Only if I got mad about it! Because of course the State has every right to give me a ticket, just no right to tell me its a sin. 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. For neglect of bodily health due to drinking there has to be a grave physical danger to which the drinker is knowingly exposing himself. But other things that are licit or good things, like alcohol or foodI can be a glutton, too. To see sin as simply breaking a law is not much better. For an upperclassmen to lead an underage underclassmen into sineither by encouragement or examplefits Jesus words exactly. Sinful. Copyright 2019-2023. (1 Cor. While others see drinking as a reprehensible activity that can corrupt the soul. The problem, however, comes when one abuses alcohol. Thosewho choose to drink alcoholic beverages must always do so responsiblydoing no harm to others or themselves. Steve Ray discusses on Catholic Answers Live. We might have the freedom to do something, but that doesnt always make it the best thing for us to do. This means that the drinker no longer has the freedom necessary to deliberate responsibly about what he should do or not do. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. The ideal is that you dont want to get to the point where you feel overly giddy or lose coordination of your limbs, etc. The alcohol in the Bible did not have a lower alcohol content. What would happen if we went all in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? They drank alcohol during many social functions, including church events like ordinations. We, the Lay Cistercians of South Florida, are a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Therefore Jesus nor the Biblical writers advocated for drinking. Because young people under 21 tend to to have a higher propensity than older people to drink, get drunk, and drive recklessly. This has lead many to the conclusion that all drinking is a sin. For starters, Jesus drank. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. We should strive for unity rather then create division. But observing such a dynamic over several years, I can only conclude that rather than seriously evangelizing others, the purported evangelizers simply begin to lose their spiritual edge. Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! 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. First things first: Catholics have long considered drunkenness a mortal sin; St. Paul refers to it as a sin that excludes one from the kingdom of God (see. Widespread and more or less universal custom takes on the authority of law. However, that's not what the Bible is saying. In fact, we even have a sacramental wine or altar wine thats specifically intended for Eucharistic celebrations. Not only is it not, but among Greek-speakers, the Lenten discipline of abstinence from wine is relaxed on Sundays. Is getting drunk a mortal sin? Dont forget to share your thoughts! God created it for joyful celebration, as seen repeatedly in the Bible 1. The drinking of alcoholic beverages is nothing more than making use of what God has provided and is not a sinful act. Sam is a founder and editor of Catholics & Bible. But anyone who wants to claim drinking is a sin has to face the sometimes positive light the Bible talks about alcohol in. 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. 31:45). Just log in or create your free account. He lives with his wife Sarah and their four children in Atchison, Kansas. Our true dependence should be on God. Pastor. However, drunkenness is a big no-no both in the Church and in the Bible. 5:11; Luke 1:15). So is it a sin to drink alcohol? Can having just one drink be a sin for some people but not for others? If we indulge in these worldly pleasures, we wont be able to share in his suffering. Fasting means taking a break from it for a time to grow closer to God. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. 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. What Does The Catholic Church Say About Drinking Alcohol? There are lots of bible verses about drinking and drunkenness. In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. But drinking was such a part of peoples everyday life back then. Would that be sinful? What does the Bible say about drinking? Alcohol use impairs a person's judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Site by Mere. We should always seek to bring honor to the Lord in all our activities: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Alcoholic drinks are a part of todays society and can be seen as something both positive and negative. That is not to say that in a culture where underage drinking leads to other moral problems a strong case could not be made that a minor having a drink is hurting the common good and thus a sin. Of course an organization has every right to forbid underage drinking, or even drinking at all. But when taken in moderation, it can lead to a great time and awesome memories with friends. Everything You Need to Know About Holy Week. ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. Is it only a near occasion of sin? Church Planter. 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. And many Christian celebrations often involve drinking wine and merrymaking. Theres simply nothing in the Bible that says all drinking is a sin. (1 Tim. Should a Christian Date Someone with a History of Sexual Sin in Their Life. Not only has it not been condemned, but beer and wine have played a role in church tradition. Theres no standard marker that signifies when youve crossed over into the sin of drunkenness. Feeling the effects of alcohol is normal. in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? There is also the issue of "not causing anyone to stumble" ( 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32 ). But I would suggest the analogy does not hold for the following reason: the customary enforcement of the law is relevant with speeding. Excessive drinking, defined as "binge drinking" or. Copyright 2023 Core Christianity. In these articles that are intended to accompany The Catechism in a Year podcast, we will present a travel guide through the major themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There are three situations where drinking alcohol is a sin even if you don't slip into drunkenness. In reality, the exact opposite is true. Leave a comment below! These Catholic leaders set the spiritual tone for campus. Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Look at him! Would Jesus drink a beer with me? Whats interesting about the debate surrounding this topic is that its relatively new. Lets look at a traffic example. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes in the United States each year. What does the Bible say about drinking? Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. Drinking, in itself, is not necessarily a sin. When he pointed out to the scandalized person that Jesus also drank wine, the response was, I know, I never liked that about him. Such has been Americas somewhat abnormal relationship with liqueur. Some religious groups view alcohol as a gift from God, one that allows the spirit to enter the body. No. Catholics are welcome to drink and appreciate alcohol. Where a culture of underage drinking prevails as the norm (and especially among otherwise serious Catholics), at a point having one or two social drinks turns into three or four (or five and six and beyond); and all of a sudden, those who were steadfast against drunkennessbut who insisted that underage drinking is OKfind themselves occasionally on the brink of drunkenness (and sometimes well past that point). And there were many monks that brewed their own beer. Commercials, advertisements, social media, movies, and television heavily promote beer, wine, and liquor as means to having a fun and active social life. The Bible is clear that alcohol can be abused and that is a sin. To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. Also, wine isnt the only alcoholic drink mentioned in the Bible. He not only approved of drinking wine but he, himself, drank wine on several occasions. A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life. Jesus own mother, Mary, actually brought the situation to his attention (John 2:35). Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! And certainly not a low alcohol count. Or if you're an alcoholic, going to the bar and getting a drink and saying "I'll just have one" is a very dangerous thing and could be a near occasion for sin, or be a sin, especially if you play it out. We should be okay with a little grey. Strictly speaking, whatever may be classified under the head of liquids may be taken as drink or medicine at any time of the day or night on fasting days. That said, there is no direct command from God that prohibits the consumption of wine. Here, he instructs us to radically avoid the near occasion of sin. Only you can really judge what your limit should be. But it is not Catholic. Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. Names Of The Twelve Disciples {Explained!}. ( 1 Tim. With all the churchs doctrine about vices and such, its but natural to wonder: is drinking a sin? The Bible lives in this tension with the issue of drinking. He is author ofNature and Grace,John Paul II to Aristotle and Back Again, andSpiritual Survival in the Modern World. 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? Driving in an impaired state could be a mortal sin since it puts others as well as oneself at risk of death or serious harm. Enjoy wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage if you so choose, but only as is honoring to Christ and your fellow human beings. Sometimes you have to give up something so that you can gain influence in someones life to help them see the change they need to make. What if the Sate forbid having more than two children (China), would it be a sin to get pregnant with the third? 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. There are relationships worth holding onto. 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. Similar to drinking alcohol, the Catholic Church does not prohibit smoking. 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. It is illegal to run a red light. Part of developing into a mature Christian is recognizing that we are given both freedom and responsibility. Feeling the effects of alcohol is normal. 5:1521). In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. But I wanted to address it from the other side. Listen to Jesus words when it comes to leading others into sin, whether intentional or not: Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! St. Paul is very serious here: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, There are all kinds of neutral grounds where one can evangelize (e.g., sports, intramurals, meals, etc.). To legalistically use the State to reinforce sin does not help matters. St. Paul is very serious here: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1; see 13:1-7). Then they go on to define drunkenness as setting in only when one blacks out. The Guinness family created their famous Irish Stout as an act of worship to God. So moderate consumption of alcohol is not a sin. That same person might do well to skip the second or third beer if he has to drive a car afterward. Heres what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on the issue (CCC 2290). There are other aspects of drinking that may be sinful;for example, its impact on the health of the body. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But getting drunk is a sin. If this is the case, then it's safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. And lets not forget that Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine And no it wasnt grape juice. Would saying Mass in a hotel room be a sin? as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. Exactly where our actions become sin. For the sake of the common good we drive on the right side of the road, it is illegal to drive on the left. This does have its good points, a people who slavishly follow the laws of the State make for a well ordered society, and it does help keep people from being lax and disregarding State law as unimportant. 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. You need to go to confession. For starters, if you choose to be drunk in your own free will, then that is considered a sin. In fact, Paul tells Timothy, Drink a little wine for your stomachs sake. I think Timothy was nervous and shy, and hed get, like, his stomach would get sick, and so Paul said Have a few glasses of wine and relax.. Trying to be more like Jesus each day. Drinking is a sin when done in excess. And many of us drink without knowing our limits. No. It is important to remember that even if gravely wrong actions (fornication, violence, etc.) You will never leave an impact on anyone if you just hold onto your freedoms and do what you want.
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