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.. Just like oil and bread, it comes from the fruits that grow on the same ground that provides us with food. Drinking alcohol becomes a sin when you abuse it to the point that you are no longer yourself, and is incapable of making conscious decisions. He not only approved of drinking wine but he, himself, drank wine on several occasions. Is it a sin to drink alcohol? - GotQuestions.blog 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. Christians should always be sober-minded and watchful: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. And ten minutes later, ka-BOOM, it hit me and I was on the floor. Another possible explanation for the apparent acceptability of alcohol consumption in the Bible is that the wine back then most likely contained lower levels of alcohol and was therefore less intoxicating. 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. However, in trying to convince Catholic minors not to drink in a party atmosphere arguments like this need to be used. Drinking alcohol becomes a sin when you abuse it to the point that you are no longer yourself, and is incapable of making conscious decisions. Other examples of abusing good things include overdosing on medicine, neglecting your health and family because of work, and even eating too much chocolate cake. Caller: Yes, and I guess the one last thing is: if you are an addict and have a history of problems with that, to even just have one or two, does that matter? There are lots of bible verses about drinking and drunkenness. This means that the drinker no longer has the freedom necessary to deliberate responsibly about what he should do or not do. So there are some things that maybe are a sin for me but not for you, say, for example. 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. But for Catholics, drinking alcohol may also have moral and religious implications. At any rate, speeding also does not have the aspect of scandal attached to it, as does underage drinking (see below). Here is another traffic example. To legalistically use the State to reinforce sin does not help matters. Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. Is drinking a sin? What Freedom From Sin Looks Like in This Life. This is why combining drinking alcohol with the operation of any kind of machinery, including a motor vehicle, is so dangerous. 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. 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). Of course, in order to be a grave sin the excessive drinking has to be deliberate, not simplya surprise based on lack of foresight. In fact, the Bible says. There is very good reason to detach young people from giving such over reaching authority to the State. 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. So you see, drinking alcohol is not a mortal sin. It continually warns against addiction and drunkenness. Fasting means taking a break from it for a time to grow closer to God. 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! But is it a sin? Drinking is a sin when done in excess. But drink because you do not need it, for this is irrational drinking, and the ancient health of the world.. Any grave sins arising from that state are also mortal sins. The Church teaches that drunkenness, i.e., the abuse of alcohol, is a sin but not moderate consumption (CCC 2290). We know this from what the Bible says and from historians who have studied alcohol during this time period. Please consider supporting RCSpirituality with a donation today. 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. Even Scripture praises God for having made wine to gladden their hearts (Psalm 104:15) that is, the hearts of men. As interpreted by most Catholic theologists, its not against the Bible to take alcoholic drinks like wine, but getting drunk goes against the Word of God. 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. It may be imprudent or a scandal to others, but in itself, just because the State says it is illegal, does not make it a sin. Is drinking a sin? What does the Bible say about drinking? 31:45). When youre drunk, you wont have full control of your faculties. Very early in the morning, stopped at a desolate intersection, after stopping, I have run through a red light, thus breaking the law. So is it a sin to drink alcohol? So, you know, God deals with us as individuals. However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. In other places, it is regarded as something bad and unworthy. Commercials, advertisements, social media, movies, and television heavily promote beer, wine, and liquor as means to having a fun and active social life. Which view is correct? Can Catholics Enjoy Alcohol?| National Catholic Register ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. Current scientific evidence points to the fact that there is no safe amount of tobacco. On one hand it talks about how it can a blessing. There are certain lines that aregoing out and committing adultery, theres no question about that. Jesus drank wine during his time on earth. The only thing thats clear is the abuse of alcohol through drunkenness or addiction is a sin. Dont forget to share your thoughts! aspect of ones life over which Christ is not king and Lord. Then they go on to define drunkenness as setting in only when one blacks out. 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. But abusing alcoholic beverages can lead one to sin. 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. But for Catholics, drinking alcohol may also have moral and religious implications. Drinking should be a time of joyful celebration and fellowship! People go to weddings and special events and see those in attendance lifting glasses of champagne in celebration. Even in during Mass, the priests use wine to symbolize the blood of Christ. A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life. The problem, however, comes when one abuses alcohol. Just because something CAN lead to abuse doesnt mean it has to be avoided. In the New Testament, Jesus not only turned water into wine. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. People drink for various reasons. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. Thats why Paul said,I will become all things to all people so that I may win a few.(1 Corinthians 9:19-23). No. But the problem is that is not substantiated in Scripture. It can cause us to lose control of our free will and reason when we drink to excess. But for the most part drinking in moderation will not hurt your witness in western societies. For this reason, in order for the analogy to hold, one would have to compare underage drinking to something like going twenty miles per hour over the speed limit. What if the State forbid celebrating Mass (Saudi Arabia)? But there are a few things we can know about alcohol in the Bible. This can have disastrous consequences. 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. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isn't a sin, but overindulging in it can be. But in the first century there were certain benefits to light drinking. Similar to drinking alcohol, the Catholic Church does not prohibit smoking. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. So when I was in Spain, I ordered a Sangria. Not only has it not been condemned, but beer and wine have played a role in church tradition. Heres Ephesians 5:18. St. Paul is very serious here: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1; see 13:1-7). We should not be made to feel that drinking is a sin ( 1 Corinthians 10:30 ), although, at times, it may be inappropriate ( 1 . If they are dulled, then the overall spiritual ethos of campus goes way down. Some drink to escape their situation, while others drink to celebrate. Here, he instructs us to, . Is Getting Drunk a Mortal Sin? St. Mary's Catholic Center Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercianon our website. 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: Drunkenness, however, was always considered sinful based upon the clear biblical teaching about it. Others get drunk on just one bottle. For instance Ecclesiastes 9:7. However, sins of priests and bishops that were not crimes were easily overlooked. Alcohol is not, in and of itself, tainted by sin. The Church does teach that drunkenness is a form of gluttony, and a grave sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2290). is it a sin to get drunk? 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. Instead, let it bring you together with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. What does the Bible say about drinking? 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. To see sin as simply breaking a law is not much better. That said, there is no direct command from God that prohibits the consumption of wine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes in the United States each year. 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. Jesus said, If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away (Matthew 5:30). 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). So moderate consumption of alcohol is not a sin. That is, Jesus was not with sinners. Please log in again. If you enjoy alcohol, try fasting from it for a time. Why would a State that allows 19 year old people go to war, have abortions, smoke marijuana, have a sex change operation, marry and divorce, not allow 19 year old people to have a drink at a bar? Sunday April 30, 2023 - Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. | Sunday Catholic Daily Mass - Daily TV Mass - April 22, 2023 - Facebook Thosewho choose to drink alcoholic beverages must always do so responsiblydoing no harm to others or themselves. 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. But for the sake of those weaker in faith, do not do itbecause those weaker in faith may see their brethren eating food sacrificed to idols and it may unwittingly lead them into idolatry. Alcohol is complicated, and today many dont know what the Catholic Church teaches about it. But on the other hand it warns of the damaging effects it can have if its abused. What would happen if we went all in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? Heres a few of the most commonly used Bible verses about alcohol: Ephesians 5:18, Numbers 28:7-10, Proverbs 20:1, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 5:23, Proverbs 23:20-21, Romans 14:21, Isaiah 5:22, Leviticus 10:9, Ecclesiastes 9:7, 1 Timothy 3:8, Proverbs 31:6-7, Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:14, The above list is far from exhaustive, but it gives us a solid picture of alcohol in the Bible. 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. Lets take an absurd case. Drunkenness is indeed a grave sin. Get notified of future Ask a Priest answers via email. 10:31). If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). 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! Sinful. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. 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. Getting drunk can be caused by different situations and some of them may or may not be a sin. Nor will we be deserving to inherit Gods kingdom. 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. In reality, the exact opposite is true. So what about praying while feeling the effects? 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. Theres simply nothing in the Bible that says all drinking is a sin. We should keep a close eye to make sure nothing takes the place of God in our life. 97, a. What if the State (Sweden) forbid spanking your child, would it be sin to pooch your five year old in the behind? And many of us drink without knowing our limits. Inevitably, students point to the fact that they can go to war and vote at eighteen. But anyone who wants to claim drinking is a sin has to face the sometimes positive light the Bible talks about alcohol in. If ever in doubt about whether you crossed the line, then just go to confession and put it behind you and resolve not to cross the line again. If on a lonely country road in the flat land of Illinois I drive on the wrong side of the road in order see over the left side of a bridge am I breaking the law? This means that when one starts to feel it, its time to slow down or back off. Some people claim drinking is a sin because it hurts your testimony. In fact, alcohol is inherently good. Is Drinking A Sin? (what the Bible REALLY says) - Rethink What does the Bible say about drinking? This leads you to do things that you wont otherwise do when youre sober such as brawling and excessive cursing. 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. It is illegal to run a red light. Some Christians think it is perfectly fine to drink alcohol, while others believe it is sinful to partake. St. Paul explains: Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. 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). What Happens If A Catholic Eats Meat On Friday? Not only is it not, but among Greek-speakers, the Lenten discipline of abstinence from wine is relaxed on Sundays. Lets dive in a bit deeper to find out! In my experience, underage drinking tends to go hand-in-hand with a culture of lukewarmness, a general lowering of zeal, and a subtle openness to other forms of sin. Excessive use of alcohol can lead to many short and long-term health problems as well. Who would readily believe such a thing? But whether its a venial sin or a mortal sin depends on the circumstances. However, that doesn't mean that Catholics can't drink at all. Is drinking alcohol a sin? - The Irish Catholic But in moderation, it is encouraged. For an upperclassmen to lead an underage underclassmen into sineither by encouragement or examplefits Jesus words exactly. 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. If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (. "Ask a Priest: How Much Beer Is OK to Drink?" - RC Spirituality In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women.
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