It is not a sin just because it is on the list of sins. Lets look at a traffic example. The ideal is that you dont want to get to the point where you feel overly giddy or lose coordination of your limbs, etc. That said, there is no direct command from God that prohibits the consumption of wine. The principle is clear: charity demands that we take into account how our actions affect others. Church Planter. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. No. In this latter case the intoxication would be a venial sin. Everything You Need to Know About Holy Week. Dont forget to share your thoughts! (Only if a law is clearly unjustsuch as with Martin Luther King, Jr.s disobedience of segregation lawsshould a law be disobeyed). you had no idea the punch at the party was strong), thats a venial sin. What Happens If A Catholic Eats Meat On Friday? All Rights Reserved. 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. Theres also no verse that classifies exactly how many drinks you can have and exactly what drunk is. First, a Catholic is obliged to obey the civil law. Ive seen numerous articles written on this topic. Is drinking a sin? Not only are different types of alcohol different, everyone processes alcohol differently. Those claiming that all drinking is a sin dont have support from the Bible. What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? Jesus constantly reached out to sinners, but never in compromising situations. 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. What does the Bible say about drinking? But on the other hand it warns of the damaging effects it can have if its abused. Just because it works for you that typically you dont get pulled over, does not make it not against the law. Others get drunk on just one bottle. In laymans terms, it means voluntary self-restraint. But for Catholics, drinking alcohol may also have moral and religious implications. Drunkenness, however, was always considered sinful based upon the clear biblical teaching about it. 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. In extreme cases, it can even lead to sexual harassment and murder. 5:21). 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. Just because alcohol can be abused doesnt mean it needs to be avoided. So there are some things that maybe are a sin for me but not for you, say, for example. Le Ann is a writer, editor, speaker, wife, and mom who enjoys the Southern California lifestyle, including flip-flops, the beach, riding electric bicycles along the 101,and an occasional salted caramel Americano from Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach. We are our brothers keeper, and this is true spiritually as well. We try to help our readers better understand their lives; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for any professional medical guidance. Lets jump in, what does the Bible say about drinking? You know, everything in Christianity seems to be regarded as a matter of moderation, doing things in moderation. The reason is that in the act of drunkenness we are forfeiting two of Gods greatest giftsour intellect and will. Is drinking alcohol a sin? Many of todays varieties use modern fermentation methods that produce higher levels of alcohol than could ever have been achieved in biblical times. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. Alcoholic drinks are a part of todays society and can be seen as something both positive and negative. 11:1819). Some people think that its a necessary evil and that celebrations arent complete without alcohol. Jeffery Curtis Poor | March 1, 2022March 22, 2021 | Featured, What Does the Bible Say About What does the Bible say about drinking? Then they go on to define drunkenness as setting in only when one blacks out. There are certain lines that aregoing out and committing adultery, theres no question about that. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. Or if youre an alcoholic, going to the bar and getting a drink and saying Ill 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. Alcoholic drinks, specifically wine, is mentioned many times in the Old and New Testaments. Something else to consider is the health effect of smoking. Is Drinking A Sin? (what the Bible REALLY says) - Rethink Complete this form to receive the weekly email and create a FREE account, which provides access to member only content. 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. The early Christians in America ranged in their views on drinking alcohol. Christians should always be sober-minded and watchful: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Steve Ray: Okay, just a short answer. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from ( Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12 ). Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Some Christians think it is perfectly fine to drink alcohol, while others believe it is sinful to partake. I hope this post gave you some comfort if you are planning to have a drink sometime soon. As Catholics, we are required to respect the civil governing authority assuming that they are working for the common good and that the law is not unjust. Alcoholic drinks are accessible and available everywhere. It also lends itself to a host of other sins, notably sexual ones by weakening our inhibitions. Abusing intoxicating drink is a grave sin if it deprives the drinker of the use of reason. 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 ). We should also consider how it effects those around us. And as modern medicine advances theres much better options to deal with issues. Absolutely not. There are some topics that the Bible never gives a straight answer. So when I was in Spain, I ordered a Sangria. 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. 1 Timothy 5: 23. Each person is in a unique situation and will have to determine this themselves. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is my opinion that our young people will face much greater moral difficulties than we can presently imagine. Now that weve looked at what the Bible says about alcohol lets switch over to application. Whats Missing from Most Responses to the Sex Abuse Crisis, How to Determine the Morality of an Action, Whats Wrong With Underage Drinking? Very early in the morning, stopped at a desolate intersection, after stopping, I have run through a red light, thus breaking the law. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. The Bible says that we should consider how our actions effect those around us (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8). Is it a Sin to Get Drunk? But other things that are licit or good things, like alcohol or foodI can be a glutton, too. However, that doesn't mean that Catholics can't drink at all. Some verses warn about the dangers of alcohol while others talk about it as a blessing. 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. I think the scripture has this, near occasion for sin. So why in the world can they not enjoy a beer? Jesus constantly reached out to sinners, but never in compromising situations. If you were to glance through these verses that talk about drinking you would find that the Bible never gives a straight answer. 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. Would I go to confession for it? That is, Jesus was not with sinners. However, similar to the Bible, it cautions against excessiveness. So, why do so many Christians push for the abstinence of drinking when its not in the Bible? By using this website you are agreeing to our privacy policy. But it is not Catholic. This leads you to do things that you wont otherwise do when youre sober such as brawling and excessive cursing. 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? 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. But if you abuse it, you are no better than the people who waste their life on worldly pleasures. What Is the Catholic Church's View on Alcohol? - We Dare To Say But getting drunk is a sin. But there are a few things we can know about alcohol in the Bible. 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). ). God even commands the Israelites to go buy beer and celebrate before the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:26). But for the sake of those weaker in faith, do not do itbecause those weaker in faith may see their brethren eating food sacrificed to idols and it may unwittingly lead them into idolatry. But all these points to the same thing: drinking is not sinful as long its in moderation. We hope we were able to answer your question, is it a sin to get drunk? There is also the case to be made for the sin of entering into close proximity to the sin of drunkenness as well as the case for the sin of scandal as St. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 8. Heres Ephesians 5:18. No. From a moral perspective, alcohol is often treated with polarity. St. Paul explains: Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. However, that's not what the Bible is saying. This rudimentary beer contained an average ABV of 6% 12%, not too shabby for a beer. (Gal. It's forbidden. Copyright 2023 Core Christianity. If we consume so much that we cannot properly make decisions, we go too far. Some people claim drinking is a sin because it hurts your testimony. why is underage drinking a sin? : r/Catholicism The Litany of Humility: What Is It and Where Did It. The Real Catholic Teaching on Underage Drinking Few topics have been debated in Christian circles as much as drinking alcohol. Nothing should hinder that. Andrew Swafford is Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. Here is another traffic example. We are commanded to heed civil laws (e.g. 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. If you will remember, Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). Drinking alcoholic beverages needs to be approached with maturity, wisdom, restraint, and most of all, love for God and our neighbor (Mark 12:3031). So drunkenness would be a sin. The Guinness family created their famous Irish Stout as an act of worship to God. Regarding intoxication, Wikipedia gives this rather technical passage: Symptoms of alcohol intoxication include euphoria, flushed skin and decreased social inhibition at lower doses, with larger doses producing progressively severe impairments of balance, muscle coordination (ataxia), and decision-making ability (potentially leading to violent or erratic behavior) as well as nausea or vomiting from alcohols disruptive effect on the semicircular canals of the inner ear and chemical irritation of the gastric mucosa. 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. We might have the freedom to do something, but that doesnt always make it the best thing for us to do. In these articles that are intended to accompany The Catechism in a Year podcast, we will present a travel guide through the major themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Lighting up is not a sin. 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 (Luke 17:1-2). If they are dulled, then the overall spiritual ethos of campus goes way down. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth . Second, each person has a particular tolerance to alcohol, and each person has to learn his limits. Well deal with those in the next point. Alcohol is not evil in itself. 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. But theres a borderline that you cross of drunkenness. 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. Never battle alone. []. Adam: Yeah. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very concise on this point, and simply says, The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Enjoy wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage if you so choose, but only as is honoring to Christ and your fellow human beings. Just because something CAN lead to abuse doesnt mean it has to be avoided. I disagree that you can be justifiably upset for getting pulled over at 3 over the speed limit. Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come! 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. This is because excessive drinking robs us of our reason and leads us to act in destructive ways that simply are not in harmony with our own human dignity and the dignity of those around us. In some places, it is described as a bringer of joy and a signifier of Gods blessings. At any rate, speeding also does not have the aspect of scandal attached to it, as does underage drinking (see below). In fact, the Bible says. You can go to confession or pray to God for forgiveness. That tends to drag down your circle of acquaintances over time, or puts you in the wrong circles to begin with. 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. It can be a good and enjoyable thing. 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. 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. The sinfulness of those effects might depend on circumstances. Sometimes evangelization is the reputed reason why some students want to engage in and permit (and even encourage) underage drinking. Of course, in order to be a grave sin the excessive drinking has to be deliberate, not simplya surprise based on lack of foresight. Sometimes. What ever other benefits a higher drinking age might bring, that is the purpose of the law. What does the New Testament have to say about all of this? One Bible verse that clearly supports the intake of alcohol is the apostle Pauls 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. What the bible is vehemently opposed to is drunkenness or intoxication. As the popes have pointed out many times, the modern age has lost its sense of sin. Your email address will not be published. They then proceed to draw a moral equivalence between this and underage drinking. One aspect of the sinfulness of drunkenness is also how it impacts your health and body. In fact, we even have a sacramental wine or altar wine thats specifically intended for Eucharistic celebrations. You may have the conviction that it is allowable to drink alcohol in moderation. Here, he instructs us to radically avoid the near occasion of sin. What would happen if we went all in for Christ, in every single aspect of our lives? Is drinking a sin? Names Of The Twelve Disciples {Explained!}. As interpreted by most Catholic theologists, its not against the Bible to take alcoholic drinks like wine, but getting drunk goes against the Word of God. Its a grey area of the Bible. Please consider supporting RCSpirituality with a donation today. In some cultures drinking will hurt your ability to reach those around you. In the majority of cases drinking will not hurt your witness in America.