What does the Bible have to say about the topic of alcohol use? Lets take an absurd case. 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. What does the Bible say about alcohol? No. Of course an organization has every right to forbid underage drinking, or even drinking at all. Is it a sin to drink alcohol? - GotQuestions.blog 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? ( 1 Tim. Just because it works for you that typically you dont get pulled over, does not make it not against the law. I would recommend using the legal limit as a benchmark for drunkenness. For me to go to a bar and have a drink wouldn't be a sin. The same is true if one travels overseas, where the drinking age in Europe is generally eighteen. But I would suggest the analogy does not hold for the following reason: the customary enforcement of the law is relevant with speeding. Jesus drank wine and was falsely accused of being a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). So when Christians say that its a sin to drink they are adding rules to the Bible. Here is another traffic example. Is It Okay For Christians to Drink Alcohol? There are other aspects of drinking that may be sinful;for example, its impact on the health of the body. 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? 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.. In some cultures drinking will hurt your ability to reach those around you. 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. Some drink to escape their situation, while others drink to celebrate. In personal life he is a proud father of a boy and twin girls. But I think that its a matter of being moderate about things. I want to deal with two common misconceptions I see spread all the time about alcohol in the Bible. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. Licit things, doing licit things like drinking wine is fine in moderation, but not too much, not to become drunk. 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 means that when one starts to feel it, its time to slow down or back off. Steve Ray: Okay, just a short answer. 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. You will never leave an impact on anyone if you just hold onto your freedoms and do what you want. To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. Commercials, advertisements, social media, movies, and television heavily promote beer, wine, and liquor as means to having a fun and active social life. However, in trying to convince Catholic minors not to drink in a party atmosphere arguments like this need to be used. 13:1). Try finding a Super Bowl party where alcohol isnt part of the festivities. Sins of priest and bishops that were crimes were at times treated with great seriousness. It might seem that up to this point that as long as you dont get drunk or become addicted its okay for Christians to drink. It helps strengthen our control over our bodily desires and avoid unhealthy attachment to the material world. Catholic Daily Mass - Daily TV Mass - April 22, 2023 - Facebook In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. Ideally a Catholic should always be striving to do the best at every moment. The same teaching shows up in 1 Corinthians 8, where the issue is whether or not Christians can eat meat sacrificed to idols. Not because the police officer would suddenly make me feel guilty of committing sin, but because I would not want to pay the fine. But if you abuse it, you are no better than the people who waste their life on worldly pleasures. In the seminary, I came across a book of no small thickness explaining how Jesus did not use fermented wine at table. Husband. 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 are all kinds of neutral grounds where one can evangelize (e.g., sports, intramurals, meals, etc.). A positive criterion might be this: When you feel relaxed, that is a good time to stop drinking. The Catholic Church does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol. If you want to read all the verses you can find them here: List Of Bible Verses About Alcohol. So moderate consumption of alcohol is not a sin. We might have the freedom to do something, but that doesnt always make it the best thing for us to do. Thats why Paul said,I will become all things to all people so that I may win a few.(1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The Bible lives in this tension with the issue of drinking. 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. Can a Christian Drink? | Catholic Answers This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. But all these points to the same thing: drinking is not sinful as long its in moderation. If we indulge in these worldly pleasures, we wont be able to share in his suffering. Inevitably, students point to the fact that they can go to war and vote at eighteen. But in moderation, it is encouraged. May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. No, I think that youre correct. David: Yeah. Its absolutely acceptable and normal. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isn't a sin, but overindulging in it can be. The problem, however, comes when one abuses alcohol. We are commanded to heed civil laws (e.g. Obviously, the Son of Man isnt a drunkard. No. If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (. And lets not forget the focus of Jesus first miracle at Cana (see John 2:1-11). It is not a sin just because it is on the list of sins. Father. A hard lesson for us to learn is that while we may have the freedom to do something, it still has a consequence. 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. Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol? | Core Christianity This teaching is echoed in the New Testament . What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for 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 drinking was such a part of peoples everyday life back then. 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. Should a Christian Date Someone with a History of Sexual Sin in Their Life. (1 Tim. Just log in or create your free account. Harmful to body, mind and soul. But if you get drunk unknowingly (e.g. Sometimes. The only thing thats clear is the abuse of alcohol through drunkenness or addiction is a sin. Steve Ray discusses on Catholic Answers Live. Especially as we continue to face a State that is becoming more draconian in its laws. Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. For starters, Jesus drank. What the bible is vehemently opposed to is drunkenness or intoxication. Trevor creates content for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) in Denver, CO. Before that he served as a FOCUS missionary. Their presence has been around for years and years and has been really ingrained in society. Second, each person has a particular tolerance to alcohol, and each person has to learn his limits. 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. It wasnt until recently that Christians started to ask, is drinking a sin? Alcohol is complicated, and today many dont know what the Catholic Church teaches about it. Rather, it is on the list of sins because it is contrary to our dignity and damaging to the constructive use of our freedom that is essential to our friendship with God. The alcohol in the Bible did not have a lower alcohol content. 10:9; Isa. While others see drinking as a reprehensible activity that can corrupt the soul. However, if you find yourself in an instance where you got drunk because someone drugged your drink, or someone forced you to drink without any of your knowledge and consent, that is not a sin. The reality is there isnt a single verse in the Bible that forbids drinking in moderation. Widespread and more or less universal custom takes on the authority of law. Similarly, dont drink in a situation where it could lead someone else to sin. And ten minutes later, ka-BOOM, it hit me and I was on the floor. Yet despite all the content, I have seen very little clarity on this question, is drinking a sin? why is underage drinking a sin? : r/Catholicism Thats why Jesus was accused of being drunk on wine (Luke 7:34). What does the Bible say about drinking? But anyone who wants to claim drinking is a sin has to face the sometimes positive light the Bible talks about alcohol in. However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. Nor will we be deserving to inherit Gods kingdom. I once had a Methodist pastor tell me of a friend who was caught drinking at a party by one of his parishioners. Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:14 says that wine is a blessing from God and a few chapters later it says having no wine is a curse (Deuteronomy 28:38, 51). Its a case of excusing ones own drunkenness and yet somehow still pretending to maintain the letter of the law. Here at RCSpirtiuality, we develop and produce online Catholic resources to help all of us grow as Complete Christians. The other aspect that is typically almost entirely missing in this discussion is the charity we owe to our brothers and sisters and the recognition that our actions affect others. 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 Galatians 5:21 ). Jesus constantly reached out to sinners, but never in compromising situations. Sola Media Group is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Federal ID # 27-0565982. At any rate, speeding also does not have the aspect of scandal attached to it, as does underage drinking (see below). 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? 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. Also, check out our posts on The Sacrament of Reconciliation. We even have patron saints of beer, wine, hangovers, and alcoholics (St. Augustine, St. Urban, St. Bibiana, and St. Monica respectively). What if the State (Sweden) forbid spanking your child, would it be sin to pooch your five year old in the behind? Lets hear from you! Similar to drinking alcohol, the Catholic Church does not prohibit smoking. For neglect of bodily health due to drinking there has to be a grave physical danger to which the drinker is knowingly exposing himself. Thats adding to the Bible, it doesnt say that. Does giving a meaningless gift give you more or less joy than giving a meaningful gift? For example, waiting a few more years to drink in America (21 years old) compared to Spain (16 years old) is not unjust. 1 Timothy 5: 23. Is drinking alcohol a sin? Many Christians completely abstain from consuming any alcohol, since they believe Scripture declares it to be sinful. 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). Some verses warn about the dangers of alcohol while others talk about it as a blessing. You can order it in a restaurant, or a bar, and even buy it from your local grocery shop. So, why do so many Christians push for the abstinence of drinking when its not in the Bible? God gave us a community to help us strive for holiness. 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. Who is St. Agnes of Rome, the Virgin and Martyr? There is also the issue of "not causing anyone to stumble" ( 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32 ). That same person might do well to skip the second or third beer if he has to drive a car afterward. Note, however, that you dont always have to get drunk for it to become a sin. For an upperclassmen to lead an underage underclassmen into sineither by encouragement or examplefits Jesus words exactly. Alcohol is simply a gift, not our end goal. So why in the world can they not enjoy a beer? Is drinking a sin? Here, he instructs us to, . There are clearly more verses in the Bible warning about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption than there are verses extolling its virtues. With all the churchs doctrine about vices and such, its but natural to wonder: is drinking a sin? There are numerous Bible verses that extol alcohol and ones that give dire warnings regarding its intake. Writer. For me to go to a bar and have a drink wouldnt be a sin. All rights reserved. That includes sharing in His sufferings. Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. An inconvenient law (i.e., the drinking age) is not an unjust law. In some places, it is described as a bringer of joy and a signifier of Gods blessings. A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds. (Matt. In the middle of the 19th Century, alcoholism was wide spread in America and thus there were many successful attempts to limit its use by pointing out its moral deficiency. Feeling the effects of alcohol is not the same as outright drunkenness. From a moral perspective, alcohol is often treated with polarity. There is very good reason to detach young people from giving such over reaching authority to the State. What if the Sate forbid having more than two children (China), would it be a sin to get pregnant with the third? 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. That same person might do well to skip the second or third beer if he has to drive a car afterward. We should not be made to feel that drinking is a sin ( 1 Corinthians 10:30 ), although, at times, it may be inappropriate ( 1 . No, dont quote me, Im just kidding. Underage drinking is not the issue I start with in talking to your average college student; for many, the problems are much more severe (habitual unchastity, drunkenness, etc.). The Bible also talks about a strong drink made with fermented barley, aka beer. Something else to consider is the health effect of smoking. We may lose influence because of the choices we make. All Rights Reserved. Is drinking a sin catholic - St. Anthony's Catholic Church Gluttony can also be a sin. This seems to approach relativism in my opinion. 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. The apostle Peter reminds believers, Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. That said, there is no direct command from God that prohibits the consumption of wine. Alcohol consumption is a tough topic, because it is associated with both joyful and tragic situations. If you were to glance through these verses that talk about drinking you would find that the Bible never gives a straight answer. It might actually help your witness to have a beer with your neighbor and break down some of the misconceptions about Christianity. 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. In this state, not only does the drinker pose a risk to themselves but also to others. The lack of a law being enforced does not somehow make it right. 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. Church Planter. 5:21). Alcoholic drinks are accessible and available everywhere. Alcoholic drinks are a part of todays society and can be seen as something both positive and negative. On the other hand, everyone reading this most likely knows someone who has been hurt in some way because of alcohol. Is it a Sin to Get Drunk? ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. Is drinking a sin? Fasting means taking a break from it for a time to grow closer to God. Your example of moderate (or no) drinking can be a very powerful example to those around you. Also, wine isnt the only alcoholic drink mentioned in the Bible. But abusing alcoholic beverages can lead one to sin. If you will remember, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). Theres also no verse that classifies exactly how many drinks you can have and exactly what drunk is. 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). Le Ann is managing editor of Beautiful Christian Life. Exactly where our actions become sin. Alcohol is bad when abused. The login page will open in a new tab. This can be in situations wherein your primary intention for drinking isnt for relaxation, or socialization but for intoxication. And such a habit will spare you a lot of grief throughout your life. The Bible says that we should consider how our actions effect those around us (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8). If youre interested to know more about the depths of sin and how it is part of our daily lives, and how we can overcome it, we suggest for you to check out our posts on Is it a Sin to Overeat? If this is the case, then its safe to say that alcohol is not inherently immoral. In other words the Bible is warning of the damage that being addicted to alcohol can bring. 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. Some religious groups view alcohol as a gift from God, one that allows the spirit to enter the body. 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! Here are two Bible verses that warn against excessive use of alcohol: Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 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. 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. You may have the conviction that it is allowable to drink alcohol in moderation. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. I personally have experienced both of these situations. Jesus constantly reached out to sinners, but never in compromising situations. God is never outdone in generosity; when we go all in, he often blows us away with blessings we could never imagine. And many Christian celebrations often involve drinking wine and merrymaking. In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. What does the Bible say about drinking? Paul told Timothy, Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness (1 Timothy 5:23). This is why so many Scripture passages warn against excessive consumption of wine and strong drink (a beverage containing a significant amount of alcohol; some Bible verses that mention "strong drink" include Lev. What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? Just like oil and bread, it comes from the fruits that grow on the same ground that provides us with food. St. Thomas defines temperance as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. 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. And lets not forget that Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine And no it wasnt grape juice. Its a case of excusing ones own drunkenness and yet somehow still pretending to maintain the letter of the law. 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. To see sin as simply breaking a law is not much better. Drinking in moderation is not a sin. Copyright 2019-2023. 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. What Is the Catholic Church's View on Alcohol? - We Dare To Say Nothing should hinder that. Vice. Under these cases, it would be a sin as the person has broken a promise. In talking with Catholic college students, Ive come to find that underage drinking is a hot topic. 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 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. Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal sin. These days, chastity seems to be so misunderstood! The reason is that in the act of drunkenness we are forfeiting two of God's greatest giftsour intellect and will. Part of developing into a mature Christian is recognizing that we are given both freedom and responsibility. Is drinking a sin, or is just drunkenness a sin? 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: I would say also the same with sports. You know, everything in Christianity seems to be regarded as a matter of moderation, doing things in moderation. What if the State forbid celebrating Mass (Saudi Arabia)? Where To Donate Catholic Religious Items. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 is trying to drive that home. To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. But theres a borderline that you cross of drunkenness. In other words, some might assume Catholics can't have funor can't enjoy alcohol. Drinking Alcohol is Not Intrinsically Evil | Catholic Answers What Freedom From Sin Looks Like in This Life. Cheers! Lighting up is not a sin. And thats why we generally arent nervous when driving five miles per hour over the speed limit with a policeman immediately behind us. The Bible is clear that alcohol can be abused and that is a sin. For starters, if you choose to be drunk in your own free will, then that is considered a sin. 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. If you find your reasoning and thinking beginning to get corrupted, youve gone too far. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. For instance, Proverbs 21:17. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. [] This appeared at Ascension Press. 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. Biblical and Catholic Teaching on the Use of Alcohol Names Of The Twelve Disciples {Explained!}. He gave them to us as a gift that gladdens human hearts. is it a sin to get drunk? The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. It never condemns it, but it often warns against the abuse of it. That is, Jesus was not with sinners when they were sinning (or even came close to it). Under that logic, we should all get rid of our money to fend off materialism. Some Christians think it is perfectly fine to drink alcohol, while others believe it is sinful to partake. 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. In some states like Texas its perfectly legal to drink with parental supervision. Pastor. But the problem is that is not substantiated in Scripture. There are certain lines that aregoing out and committing adultery, theres no question about that. The ideal is that you dont want to get to the point where you feel overly giddy or lose coordination of your limbs, etc. Can Catholics Enjoy Alcohol?| National Catholic Register If you become dependent on alcohol, seek help. Not only has it not been condemned, but beer and wine have played a role in church tradition. It is not a sin to drink alcohol in moderation. you had no idea the punch at the party was strong), thats a venial sin. 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.
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