The Bible is clear that alcohol can be abused and that is a sin. However, that doesn't mean that Catholics can't drink at all. If you want to read all the verses you can find them here: List Of Bible Verses About Alcohol. He gave them to us as a gift that gladdens human hearts. Heres what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on the issue (CCC 2290). The Bible is clear that alcohol can be abused and that is a sin. Exactly where our actions become sin. Second, each person has a particular tolerance to alcohol, and each person has to learn his limits. 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! Of course, in order to be a grave sin the excessive drinking has to be deliberate, not simplya surprise based on lack of foresight. This is true both in the Old and New Testament. 14:21). It is one of Gods good gifts that can beand often isabused (Psa. No. This seems to approach relativism in my opinion. Dont let it leave you empty inside. What does the Bible have to say about the topic of alcohol use? Even though these actions were done out of your own free will because of your drunkenness, you are still held responsible for them, as you chose to be in the state of intoxication deliberately. 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? or altar wine thats specifically intended for Eucharistic celebrations. 20:1), Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Even Scripture praises God for having made wine to gladden their hearts (Psalm 104:15) that is, the hearts of men. Is it only a near occasion of sin? And thats why we generally arent nervous when driving five miles per hour over the speed limit with a policeman immediately behind us. As in many things, occasional, limited drinking of alcohol is a matter between each believer and God. It had no part to play in it, I drank wine before I was Catholic. It also lends itself to a host of other sins, notably sexual ones by weakening our inhibitions. 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. The biggest reason intoxication/drunkenness is considered sinful is because it makes it easier to commit other sins. In drunkenness, we willingly defile our rational nature. The Bible describes wine as a gift from God that can make life more enjoyable. One common argument is that wine in the Bible is really nothing more than grape juice. I think the scripture has this, near occasion for sin. I once had a Methodist pastor tell me of a friend who was caught drinking at a party by one of his parishioners. I disagree that you can be justifiably upset for getting pulled over at 3 over the speed limit. 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? The Litany of Humility: What Is It and Where Did It. Alcohol is not evil in itself. Even in light of the many biblical warnings regarding the abuse of alcohol, Christians have the liberty to enjoy this gift from God within the boundaries of Gods moral law. Alcohol is a funny guy. 10:9; Isa. This has lead many to the conclusion that all drinking is a sin. What would happen if we went all in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? Answer: Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Often times the word that is translated as drunkenness also carries with it the connotation of a perpetual state of being drunk. No. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. No. I would recommend using the legal limit as a benchmark for drunkenness. Widespread and more or less universal custom takes on the authority of law. In some cultures drinking will hurt your ability to reach those around you. Church Planter. Feeling the effects of alcohol is normal. The Bible holds drinking in tension. as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. We might have the freedom to do something, but that doesnt always make it the best thing for us to do. Weve already touched on this a little above. For example, dont drink when hanging out with a friend who struggles with alcohol. Some verses warn about the dangers of alcohol while others talk about it as a blessing. Gluttony can also be a sin. A: It is good to hear that you have entered the Church. Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Le Ann is managing editor of Beautiful Christian Life. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! Alcoholic drinks, specifically wine, is mentioned many times in the Old and New Testaments. Many years ago it was not uncommon for a Diocese to ask their newly ordained priests not to drink for the first five years or so of their priesthood. If we consume so much that we cannot properly make decisions, we go too far. Some drink to escape their situation, while others drink to celebrate. Your decision-making and critical thinking abilities are significantly impaired. 11:1819). For one thing, that word is all-too-often used when people are talking about abstinence and or celibacy. 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). 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? The Church does teach that drunkenness is a form of gluttony, and a grave sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2290). Learn how your comment data is processed. Leave a comment below! After logging in you can close it and return to this page. John Calvin had a 250-gallon wine stipend written into his church contract. aspect of ones life over which Christ is not king and Lord. The Pilgrims brought 7,500 gallons of alcohol on their journey across the Atlantic. 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? Under these cases, it would be a sin as the person has broken a promise. Theres no standard marker that signifies when youve crossed over into the sin of drunkenness. In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. by Dr. Andrew Swafford | Sep 12, 2018 | Formation | 4 comments. People drink for various reasons. The law is very clear in stating the speed that is legal in that area. In reality, the exact opposite is true. Like the one we are asking, is drinking a sin? Ive heard serious Catholics nod their heads in agreement that drunkenness is a mortal 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. Alcoholic drinks have been around since 5400BC, which means the availability of fermented beverages was around even before Jesus arrived. A positive criterion might be this: When you feel relaxed, that is a good time to stop drinking. Or are we kind of beating a dead horse here? Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. Thus, it is possible to freely give away the gift of our freedom by abusing alcohol. But on the other hand it warns of the damaging effects it can have if its abused. Throughout the Old Testament alcohol is seen as a blessing from God. When one looks at the priest scandal, a curious thing arises. 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. I personally have experienced both of these situations. But I think that its a matter of being moderate about things. There is very good reason to detach young people from giving such over reaching authority to the State. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 31:45). Im just kidding! 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. The reality is there isnt a single verse in the Bible that forbids drinking in moderation. What Miracles Did Pope John Paul II Perform? Drinking in moderation is not a sin. He was no stranger to alcohol: While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Not because the police officer would suddenly make me feel guilty of committing sin, but because I would not want to pay the fine. Question: When is drinking alcohol a mortal sin? 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. There are clearly more verses in the Bible warning about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption than there are verses extolling its virtues. But the reality is the Bible teaches that alcohol can be a good and enjoyable thing. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. Especially as we continue to face a State that is becoming more draconian in its laws. (Eph. Paul told Timothy, Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness (1 Timothy 5:23). Then they go on to define drunkenness as setting in only when one blacks out. Does that mean that even an occasional cigar is a sin? While wine may not have contained as much alcohol in ancient times as it does today, fermented beverages in biblical times clearly had the capacity to make people drunk. Paul explains that it may be all right for those who know that the idols are not real. Psalms 104 says that wine gladdens the heart of main. 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. There are three situations where drinking alcohol is a sin even if you dont slip into drunkenness. I hope that helps a little bit. 5:23). Sola Media Group is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Federal ID # 27-0565982. Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. Would I be upset with a fine? One aspect of the sinfulness of drunkenness is also how it impacts your health and body. But if you get drunk unknowingly (e.g. Many times the Bible says that drunkenness is a sin (Ephesians 5:6, Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3 to name a few). You will never leave an impact on anyone if you just hold onto your freedoms and do what you want. In the seminary, I came across a book of no small thickness explaining how Jesus did not use fermented wine at table. 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. Some people point out that wine drinking combated the problem of poor water quality in biblical times as the ingredients in wine killed harmful microorganisms present in raw water. In drunkenness, we willingly defile our rational nature. Its up to you to make the judgment. Some religious groups view alcohol as a gift from God, one that allows the spirit to enter the body. Drinking should be a time of joyful celebration and fellowship! 4). 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. ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. In other words we should be considerate of others struggles. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercianon our website. The primary mission of Christians is to tell those around us about what Jesus has done (Matthew 28). You can order it in a restaurant, or a bar, and even buy it from your local grocery shop. So when Christians say that its a sin to drink they are adding rules to the Bible. 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? It is illegal to run a red light. So, you know, God deals with us as individuals. Something else to consider is the health effect of smoking. However, that's not what the Bible is saying. 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. 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.. Getting drunk can be caused by different situations and some of them may or may not be a sin. This has lead many to the conclusion that all drinking is a sin. Similarly, dont drink in a situation where it could lead someone else to sin. We believe everyone should have access to this, which is why we offer so many of our resources for free. 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. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. Outright disobedience to the civil law must be treated with the utmost seriousness. And does it matter in which methods you use, or is it just a sin? One Bible verse that clearly supports the intake of alcohol is the apostle Paul's 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. But getting drunk is a sin. The Guinness family created their famous Irish Stout as an act of worship to God. Its become a societal norm to celebrate things over food and drinks. The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Here are a few of them: Romans 13:13, Galatians 5:19-21, and Ephesians 5:18. But is it a sin? For starters, Jesus drank. People go to weddings and special events and see those in attendance lifting glasses of champagne in celebration. What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? Thats adding to the Bible, it doesnt say that. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from ( Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12 ). It's forbidden. (Prov. that are put in place for our protection in Gods providence (Rom. Get notified of future Ask a Priest answers via email. 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. 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. is it a sin to get drunk? This leads you to do things that you wont otherwise do when youre sober such as brawling and excessive cursing. For me to go to a bar and have a drink wouldn't be a sin. 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. Whats the wisest and most loving thing for me to do. What about underage drinking? The sinfulness of those effects might depend on circumstances. But drinking was such a part of peoples everyday life back then. 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? Others get drunk on just one bottle. In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. Required fields are marked *. It helps strengthen our control over our bodily desires and avoid unhealthy attachment to the material world. What does the Bible say about drinking? The Bible says that we should consider how our actions effect those around us (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8). Nor will we be deserving to inherit Gods kingdom. Our true dependence should be on God. Alcoholic drinks are accessible and available everywhere. In some places, it is described as a bringer of joy and a signifier of Gods blessings. 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. Jesus own mother, Mary, actually brought the situation to his attention (John 2:35). 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. Jesus drank wine and was falsely accused of being a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). The login page will open in a new tab. Further, there are the requirements of civil law. If you become dependent on alcohol, seek help. 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. 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. Enjoy wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage if you so choose, but only as is honoring to Christ and your fellow human beings. Trevor creates content for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) in Denver, CO. Before that he served as a FOCUS missionary. Some people think that its a necessary evil and that celebrations arent complete without alcohol. And thats why the Bible warns against getting drunk on wine. We got one recently saying how someone was shocked we were promoting the consumption of poison on our show. 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. Problems arise when alcohol is abused through drunkenness. Please read our PRIVACY POLICY. God is never outdone in generosity; when we go all in, he often blows us away with blessings we could never imagine. 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. What if the State (Sweden) forbid spanking your child, would it be sin to pooch your five year old in the behind? Some people claim drinking is a sin because it hurts your testimony. RC Spirituality is a service of Regnum Christi that creates life changing Catholic formation materials in many media formats. The apostle Peter reminds believers, Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. Steve Ray: Okay, just a short answer. Lets take an absurd case. These days, chastity seems to be so misunderstood! How should we approach alcoholic drinks as Catholics? Or it was so diluted with water it doesnt really count as alcohol. 5:23) Jesus had the following to say regarding people who criticized him for drinking alcohol: Each person is in a unique situation and will have to determine this themselves. Sports teams, some religious orders, and many other organizations all have forbidden drinking alcohol. Andrew Swafford is Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. 1o4:1415). 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. Its a case of excusing ones own drunkenness and yet somehow still pretending to maintain the letter of the law. | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College, The Catechism: A Guide for the Christian Life, Giving the Gift of the Plenary Indulgence. He not only approved of drinking wine but he, himself, drank wine on several occasions. We know this from what the Bible says and from historians who have studied alcohol during this time period. But in some topics the Bible just doesnt do that. 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. 10:31). 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. 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. However, as per the virtue of temperance in CCC 2290, excessive use of tobacco is sinful. Who would readily believe such a thing? Alcohol is complicated, and today many dont know what the Catholic Church teaches about it. Dont forget to share your thoughts! I doubt my unbelieving friends will ever be turned away from God because they see me sipping a beer. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. But if you abuse it, you are no better than the people who waste their life on worldly pleasures. What Happens If A Catholic Eats Meat On Friday? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. But in the first century there were certain benefits to light drinking. Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. If you enjoy alcohol, try fasting from it for a time. This can be in situations wherein your primary intention for drinking isnt for relaxation, or socialization but for intoxication. In some cases there are benefits to drinking. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 is trying to drive that home. A person commits sin when they drink so much that it significantly impairs their judgement. Is drinking a sin? In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. As the popes have pointed out many times, the modern age has lost its sense of sin. Why? If your drinking hinders someone coming to know Jesus than we should abstain. Thats why Jesus was accused of being drunk on wine (Luke 7:34). What does the Bible say about drinking? There are lots of bible verses about drinking and drunkenness. Yet despite all the content, I have seen very little clarity on this question, is drinking a sin? There is also the issue of "not causing anyone to stumble" ( 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32 ). The New Testament is even more emphatic in discouraging drunkenness. But whether its a venial sin or a mortal sin depends on the circumstances. Under that logic, we should all get rid of our money to fend off materialism. So why in the world can they not enjoy a beer? To make things very concrete, drunkenness has set in when you cannot (or should not) drive a car. A little one here could refer to age or ones spiritual state. Is getting drunk a mortal 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. This shows how alcoholic drinks are not evil, God allowed alcoholic drinks to be made and be part of our lives, as it is something that belongs to a celebration. What the bible is vehemently opposed to is drunkenness or intoxication. 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). 5:11; Luke 1:15). A radical conversiona person set on fire for Jesus Christdoes this with respect to his own life. In many states, its legal for someone to drink underage in the presence of their parentsso thats not an issue. The early Christians in America ranged in their views on drinking alcohol. 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. Vice. What does the Bible say about drinking? 1 Timothy 5: 23. There are some that say drinking is a sin because theres no health benefits. In other words the Bible is warning of the damage that being addicted to alcohol can bring. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isnt a sin, but overindulging in it can be. In short, I have found that this is often the last step in a radical conversionmuch like modesty for many women. To use the argument that the State says it is illegal and thus a sin may be easier and more effective, but it does in fact stunt a students moral growth. For starters, if you choose to be drunk in your own free will, then that is considered a sin. But the problem is that is not substantiated in Scripture. And certainly not a low alcohol count. For an upperclassmen to lead an underage underclassmen into sineither by encouragement or examplefits Jesus words exactly. Excessive eating is also gluttony, but we can still eat and enjoy good food. It is important to remember that even if gravely wrong actions (fornication, violence, etc.) Father. We dont need to avoid those things just because they might do us harm. That includes sharing in His sufferings. The Church teaches that drunkenness, i.e., the abuse of alcohol, is a sin but not moderate consumption (CCC 2290). In personal life he is a proud father of a boy and twin girls. 97, a. Believers who feel it is safer not to drink any alcohol have the freedom to abstain. Not only are different types of alcohol different, everyone processes alcohol differently. It means that we should act cautiously. St. Thomas defines temperance as the disposition of the mind which binds the passions. Ive seen numerous articles written on this topic. As we mentioned above, drinking alcohol isn't a sin, but overindulging in it can be. Would that be sinful? In State laws that are meant to protect the common good it would be a sin only if the action does in fact hurt the common good.

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