Why do some Catholics get drunk and preach?

Question

I have a few relatives who, once they get a bit of firewater in them, turn into priests and nuns, lecturing me about my evil life. All the while they're slurring their words and stumbling around. Drunkeness goes against the 5th commandment, yet I've noticed that Catholics especially, have a lax attitude when it comes to drunkeness. No one wants to hear a drunk idiot preaching about God. Is it because Catholics know that all they have to do is go to confession and all is forgiven?

This was one of the reasons why Martin Luther had a problem with Catholicism. He would see the men of his parish in the taverns on Saturday night, and in the confessional lines on Sunday morning.

Answer 1

Interesting that you have gained such profound insights into the lives of over a billion people by watching a few relatives with an obvious drinking problem. The Catholic Church does not take a lax attitude toward drunkenness, but clearly condemns it. Which is why such condemnation is also expressed in the Bible, the Holy Book compiled by the Catholic Church.
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Answer 2

First, that wasnt Luther's problem. He had a problem with the papacy.

Second, be careful of generalizations, it'll get you into trouble one day

Third, I've never actually experienced what you are talking about with Catholics and am constantly around many Catholics.

Fourth, please remember the people have "free will". It is their choice if they get drunk or not, and isnt related to a particual faith like the Catholic Church. Again, if it is thier will to preach then i guess they are going to do it, of course it is also your free will to tell them to stop, leave, or give them some coffee.

Perhaps you have had a very negative experience with these few people who happen to be Catholic. If i were you I would study up on the Catholic faith, and your own, whatever it may be and refute them, or perhaps sober them up.

This seems like more of a family problem than one of faiths. I know many of my family members (who happen to be protestant) like telling me whatever they want to about myself, even though it might not be right or can be hurtful, and then blaming it on something other than themselves. Its a "its better to ask forgiveness than permission" attitude that a lot of people like to take because they think it takes away any blame on them. It's a shame but does happen, and I am sorry for it, but it does not reflect on thier religion, just thier personalities.

Answer 3

I actually worry more about those who are straight sober and preach even when you want them to shut up.

And Martin Luther was no saint, either. He had his own, er, unusual proclivities. All of them do, honey. He also had a horrendous lifelong battle with severe constipation. Maybe a drink would've helped.

BTW, the 5th commandment is "Thou shalt not kill". I don't remember a "Thou shalt not get drunk" commandment. But I was raised Catholic, so maybe they glossed over that one.

Answer 4

It is an old Irish Catholic tradition. Let them shoot their mouths off. Remember if is a drunken Mohamedin, get away from him as when they shoot their mouths off, they REALLY shoot their mouths OFF.