Just like oil and bread, it comes from the fruits that grow on the same ground that provides us with food. Some people can take several bottles of beer and they are fine. 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. No. If we indulge in these worldly pleasures, we wont be able to share in his suffering. So you see, drinking alcohol is not a mortal sin. A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life. Thus, it is possible to freely give away the gift of our freedom by abusing alcohol. So I think if someone has a propensity to alcoholism and to not being able to control it, I think it would be considered a sin to go and tempt yourself there; but I think each one of those is kind of between you and God. This just enforces that church teaching that consuming alcohol is perfectly fine. Simply put, you arent your true self when drunk. A positive criterion might be this: When you feel relaxed, that is a good time to stop drinking. 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: Jesus is our King who rules over us not in an oppressive way, but rather to care for us, protect us from harm, and grow us in holiness through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. In reality, the exact opposite is true. Because young people under 21 tend to to have a higher propensity than older people to drink, get drunk, and drive recklessly. 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 Getting Drunk A Mortal Sin? Catholics & Bible Exactly where our actions become sin. ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. Heres what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on the issue (CCC 2290). 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? To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. Drinking Alcohol is Not Intrinsically Evil | Catholic Answers Alcoholic drinks have been around since 5400BC, which means the availability of fermented beverages was around even before Jesus arrived. 31:45). He not only approved of drinking wine but he, himself, drank wine on several occasions. Whats Missing from Most Responses to the Sex Abuse Crisis, How to Determine the Morality of an Action, Whats Wrong With Underage Drinking? It is illegal to run a red light. Many will respond by pointing to the prevalence of mild speeding, say, going five miles per hour over the speed limit. In extreme cases, it can even lead to sexual harassment and murder. They drank alcohol during many social functions, including church events like ordinations. 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. This leads you to do things that you wont otherwise do when youre sober such as brawling and excessive cursing. Would I go to confession for it? 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. It can be a good and enjoyable thing. 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. But in some topics the Bible just doesnt do that. Is Being Drunk a Mortal Sin? Teaching from Paul, Augustine, and Thomas And I guess the second part: if not, is it a sin to become intoxicated? We even have patron saints of beer, wine, hangovers, and alcoholics (St. Augustine, St. Urban, St. Bibiana, and St. Monica respectively). Very early in the morning, stopped at a desolate intersection, after stopping, I have run through a red light, thus breaking the law. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Weve already touched on this a little above. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. I meanand then theres a degree, where do you draw the line? 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. Widespread and more or less universal custom takes on the authority of law. 10:9; Isa. 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? In the seminary, I came across a book of no small thickness explaining how Jesus did not use fermented wine at table. ( 1 Tim. Read on to learn more. Required fields are marked *. Heres a quick guide to clear things up. That's adding to the Bible, it doesn't say that. 11 Catholic Birthday Prayers for You and Others, 100+ Short Bible Verses You Can Easily Remember, 40+ Empowering Bible Verses About Being a Woman of God, 60+ Psalms of Encouragement to Lift Up Your Mood, 25 Powerful Bible Verses About Mothers and Daughters, 50+ Most Popular Bible Verses About Resurrection, 70+ Powerful Bible Verses About Blessings. So there are some things that maybe are a sin for me but not for you, say, for example. There is also the issue of "not causing anyone to stumble" ( 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32 ). So, you know, God deals with us as individuals. Of course that will depend on where you live, thats not universally true. Heres Ephesians 5:18. However, in trying to convince Catholic minors not to drink in a party atmosphere arguments like this need to be used. We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida. To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. People often recreationally drink without sinning, i.e., enjoying the taste and the social exchange that takes place between friends. And occasionally, these same otherwise stand-up Catholics find themselves in compromising situations, often sexuallyeither individually after a night of drinking, or with someone else. Not only is it not, but among Greek-speakers, the Lenten discipline of abstinence from wine is relaxed on Sundays. We are commanded to heed civil laws (e.g. Drinking is a sin when done in excess. If this is the case, then its safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. Sins of priest and bishops that were crimes were at times treated with great seriousness. Enjoy wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage if you so choose, but only as is honoring to Christ and your fellow human beings. Well deal with those in the next point. This means that when one starts to feel it, its time to slow down or back off. (Prov. 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. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. For the sake of the common good we drive on the right side of the road, it is illegal to drive on the left. That is, Jesus was not with sinners when they were sinning (or even came close to it). in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? Jesus said, If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away (Matthew 5:30). Thosewho choose to drink alcoholic beverages must always do so responsiblydoing no harm to others or themselves. What is the relationship between Catholics and alcohol? 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. 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. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. The people around you are more important your personal freedoms. Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol? | Core Christianity Is it only a near occasion of sin? 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. Jesus own mother, Mary, actually brought the situation to his attention (John 2:35). What Happens If A Catholic Eats Meat On Friday? Caller: Recognizing that Jesus turned water into wine, the question is: is it a sin to drink? But if you abuse it, you are no better than the people who waste their life on worldly pleasures. But, alcohol also has a second effect on us. 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. Inevitably, students point to the fact that they can go to war and vote at eighteen. It is important to remember that even if gravely wrong actions (fornication, violence, etc.) Which view is correct? But when taken in moderation, it can lead to a great time and awesome memories with friends. People go to weddings and special events and see those in attendance lifting glasses of champagne in celebration. One common argument is that wine in the Bible is really nothing more than grape juice. In the New Testament, the first miracle of Jesus was turning water into wine. Jesus said, If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away (Matthew 5:30). Ideally a Catholic should always be striving to do the best at every moment. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from ( Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12 ). Question: When is drinking alcohol a mortal sin? 13230 Evening Creek Dr S Ste 220-222 | San Diego, CA 92128. 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? So, alcohol itself is not the sin. 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. Lets look at a traffic example. In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. The Catholic Church does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Share your review! If you enjoy alcohol, try fasting from it for a time. A: It is good to hear that you have entered the Church. Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Its sort like of this: if you want to be a Jediif you want to go, in with Christthis is what it takes: for at that point, there is. Never battle alone. Complete this form to receive the weekly email and create a FREE account, which provides access to member only content. Catholic Daily Mass - Daily TV Mass - April 22, 2023 - Facebook It's forbidden. There are lots of bible verses about drinking and drunkenness. Is drinking a sin? What does the Bible say? Its a case of excusing ones own drunkenness and yet somehow still pretending to maintain the letter of the law. But on the other hand it warns of the damaging effects it can have if its abused. 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). Your example of moderate (or no) drinking can be a very powerful example to those around you. St. Paul explains: Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. 4). So by all means, alcoholic drinks are not evil. If you want to read all the verses you can find them here: List Of Bible Verses About Alcohol. There are three situations where drinking alcohol is a sin even if you dont slip into drunkenness. Theres simply nothing in the Bible that says all drinking is a sin. Paul explains that it may be all right for those who know that the idols are not real. as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. [] This appeared at Ascension Press. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. 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. Theres no standard marker that signifies when youve crossed over into the sin of drunkenness. And thats why the Bible warns against getting drunk on wine. While others see drinking as a reprehensible activity that can corrupt the soul. 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.). Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:10, 12). And many Christian celebrations often involve drinking wine and merrymaking. If you were to glance through these verses that talk about drinking you would find that the Bible never gives a straight answer. This can have disastrous consequences. 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. Help us continue providing authentic Catholic spirituality! Its up to you to make the judgment. It may sound simple but practicing temperance requires a will of steel. The Bible lives in this tension with the issue of drinking. 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. 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. To the extent that the answer is noto the extent that I insist on underage drinking just because I want toto that extent perhaps my own conversion has not yet fully taken hold. 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). And there were many monks that brewed their own beer. 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. 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? Where To Donate Catholic Religious Items. Is Drinking a Sin? | Catholic Answers The biggest reason intoxication/drunkenness is considered sinful is because it makes it easier to commit other sins. Alcohol use impairs a person's judgment, reaction time, and coordination. is it a sin to get drunk? We dont need to avoid those things just because they might do us harm. Use your judgment and maybe talk to your priest to hear their opinion. God created it for joyful celebration, as seen repeatedly in the Bible 1. With all good things, we must practice moderation. Biblical and Catholic Teaching on the Use of Alcohol Drunkenness, however, was always considered sinful based upon the clear biblical teaching about it. an unjust law. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. 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. The Bible also talks about a strong drink made with fermented barley, aka beer. 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. Gluttony can also be a sin. Father. If alcohol is not controlled in your country, then feel free to drink. The short answer is, if you are trying to get drunk on purpose, then the answer is basically "yes." That is a sin, and a grave (mortal) one. It deprives you of judgment and reason, gifts that God has given us to lead a righteous life. And in light of them what is the wisest and most loving thing for you 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? Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, Drunkenness is also mentioned in Galatians 5:19. Husband. 2023 Ascension Press. A person commits sin when they drink so much that it significantly impairs their judgement. What kinds of liquids can Catholics have while fasting? We know this from what the Bible says and from historians who have studied alcohol during this time period. Throughout most of Christian history the consumption of alcohol in moderation has been widely accepted and rarely condemned. What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for Remember that being a Christian and a Catholic means following in Christs footsteps. What Miracles Did Pope John Paul II Perform? I doubt my unbelieving friends will ever be turned away from God because they see me sipping a beer. I think we can see by now that the answer is no, drinking is not a sin. There are many good reasons not to drink, and many more good reasons for the state to forbid minors to drink. As in many things, occasional, limited drinking of alcohol is a matter between each believer and God. We regard drunkenness as a sin. If this is the case, then it's safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. Is Drinking a Sin for Catholics? - Lay Cistercians Accordingly, custom has the force of a law, abolishes law, and is the interpreter of law (ST I-IIae, q. Sinful. If we ever choose to do this, it can be gravely immoral and a mortal sin. Drinking, in itself, is not necessarily a sin. Whos around you that you can impact? Similarly, dont drink in a situation where it could lead someone else to sin. To legalistically use the State to reinforce sin does not help matters. Instead, let it bring you together with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. (Eph. On one hand it talks about how it can a blessing. Is drinking alcohol a sin? - The Irish Catholic 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. If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). Excessive eating is also gluttony, but we can still eat and enjoy good food. For instance Ecclesiastes 9:7. []. Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. Here, he instructs us to radically avoid the near occasion of sin. The Church, then does not consider consuming alcohol to be sinful, however, it does caution against drinking in excess. But all these points to the same thing: drinking is not sinful as long its in moderation. 5:23). Is it a Sin to Get Drunk? Only you can really judge what your limit should be. Is getting drunk a mortal sin? Not only are different types of alcohol different, everyone processes alcohol differently. There are all kinds of neutral grounds where one can evangelize (e.g., sports, intramurals, meals, etc.). Drinking should be a time of joyful celebration and fellowship! However we know from the Bible that the wine still had plenty of kick in it to get wasted on. that are put in place for our protection in Gods providence (Rom. Now there is some truth in that. What does the Bible say about alcohol? Sometimes evangelization is the reputed reason why some students want to engage in and permit (and even encourage) underage drinking. People drink for various reasons.