Am Catholic but i find church's stance on alcohol consumption VAGUE!!!!!
2007-10-09 10:00:17 · 13 answers · asked by V 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yeah, it is vague.
What I was taught was that the Church doesn't mind alcohol comsumption, but does mind (greatly) inebriation.
So, I guess the rule of thumb is, like everything, moderation.
2007-10-09 10:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The Catholic Church does not prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. What it does prohibit is abuse, deliberate drunkenness, loss of personal moral and rational control and presenting a danger to others. It's not about the substance but what you do with it. If you use it to escape the problems of life (to the point that the problems become worse as a consequence), that's abuse. If you find yourself unable to control your abuse of alcohol, damaging your life and the life of others, then you need to take steps to avoid the "near occasion of sin".
Some churches provide alcohol at some of their social functions, usually beer or wine, but these require permits from the relevant civil authority, just like any public banquet or restaurant. It's the host's decision, with the permission of the church and the state. It's not church policy to promote alcohol consumption. It's acknowledging the culture.
2007-10-09 10:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consuming alcohol is considered much the same as gambling and other activities that can become vices. If done responsibly and in moderation then there is no problem. If not done in moderation then you can be in big trouble.
Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, ... (John 2:7-9)
Wine is used throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The first recorded miracle of Jesus was to turn water in wine at the wedding in Cana.
It is true that we should not become drunk but used in moderation, wine is a biblically acceptable beverage.
Go, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart, because it is now that God favors your works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
What would Jesus do? Jesus had a cup of wine with dinner.
If some people wish to totally forego alcohol to eliminate the temptation to over indulge, that's fine. But I don't think they should force that unbiblical practice onto others.
With love in Christ.
2007-10-09 17:44:03 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does the consumption lead to anything that isn't accepted by the Catholic Church? It's not the consumption that anyone cares about, it's what you do because of it.
2007-10-09 10:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by Inigo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. 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.
I think that clearly explains the difference between moderate use and abuse.
2007-10-10 05:44:50 · answer #5 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church calls for temperence and moral conduct on alcohol, it is considered morally wrong to consume so much as to be incapable of sensible thought and action, and points out the danger that this could lead to sinful conduct.
It is not sinful to drink for social enjoyment so it is best to take it easy.
2007-10-09 10:07:48 · answer #6 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics believe that over-indulgence in anything can lead to wrong. Gluttony for example. There is nothing wrong with eating, but when you eat so much that you aren't serving hunger and just serving yourself becomes gluttony. There is nothing wrong with having drinks every now and then, but if you are getting drunk every night and that leads you to neglect family, thats when it becomes a problem.
2007-10-10 08:21:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you can find an answer to your question by looking in the Cathecism of the Catolic Church, published in the lifetime of the late Pope.
"the protection of security and health, especially with respect to dangers like drugs, pornography, alcoholism, etc.;"
2007-10-09 10:11:17 · answer #8 · answered by neshama 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told by the clergy that providing beer at their functions was perfectly alright, but if we wanted anything stronger, we would have to bring it in ourselves. Go figure.
2007-10-09 10:06:08 · answer #9 · answered by michael m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drinking and smoking are considered "vices" rather than "sins"... from what I understand. Vices are also frowned upon though.
Peace be with you.
2007-10-09 10:05:53 · answer #10 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋