Drinking Underage: Catholic Sin Or Secular Law?

Drinking alcohol is a hot topic among Catholic college students, especially those under the legal drinking age. While the Bible never refers to underage drinking specifically, it does condemn drunkenness and its effects. The Catechism considers drunkenness a mortal sin, and Catholics are obliged to obey civil law unless it is clearly unjust. Therefore, drinking underage is considered a sin, but opinions vary on its severity. Some consider it a venial sin, while others believe it to be a mortal sin, especially if it leads to other forms of sin or compromises one's spiritual growth.

Drinking underage is a sin because it breaks a just, civil law

In the Bible, St. Paul is very serious about the need to obey the governing authorities. He writes: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1; see 13:1-7). This means that Catholics are obliged to obey the civil law. Outright disobedience to the civil law must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community" (CCC 2242).

Therefore, if a law is clearly unjust, such as with Martin Luther King Jr.'s disobedience of segregation laws, then it should be disobeyed. However, an inconvenient law, such as the drinking age, is not an unjust law.

In many U.S. states, it is legal for someone to drink underage in the presence of their parents, so that is not an issue. Additionally, in some states, it is permissible for parents to give their children alcohol, even in public. However, drinking underage while standing next to a police officer would be breaking the law and therefore considered a sin.

The Bible specifically condemns drunkenness and its effects (Proverbs 23:29-35). Christians are also commanded not to allow anything to control them (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Scripture further forbids a Christian from doing anything that might offend other Christians or encourage them to sin against their conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9-13).

Drinking underage is considered a sin because it breaks a just, civil law. Catholics are obliged to obey civil laws unless they contradict Church teachings, and drinking laws do not contradict Church teachings. Additionally, drinking in excess is considered a sin for anyone, and excessive drinking is common among underage drinkers.

Drinking in excess is always a sin

The Bible does not refer to underage drinking specifically, but it does condemn drunkenness and its effects. The Bible also commands Christians not to allow anything to control them. Drinking in excess is a sin because it means forfeiting two of God's greatest gifts: our intellect and will. In drunkenness, we willingly defile our rational nature. It also lends itself to a host of other sins, notably sexual ones, by weakening our inhibitions.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Catholics are obliged to obey civil law. Disobedience to civil law must be treated with the utmost seriousness. St. Paul is very serious on this point: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1; see 13:1-7). Therefore, drinking in excess is always a sin, regardless of age.

However, it is important to note that the legal drinking age varies across the world. In some places, it is legal for minors to drink alcohol in certain situations, such as when they are with their parents or in specific cultural contexts. In these cases, drinking in moderation and with parental consent would not be considered a sin.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the intention behind drinking is also important. If a minor is drinking with the intention of getting drunk or disobeying their parents, it would be considered a more serious sin.

Overall, while drinking in excess is always a sin, the sinfulness of underage drinking depends on various factors, including local laws, parental consent, and the intention behind the act.

Drinking laws don't contradict Church teachings, so it would be sinful to willfully break them

Drinking alcohol is not considered a sin in Catholicism, but drunkenness is. The Bible never refers to underage drinking specifically, but it does condemn drunkenness and its effects. The Bible also commands Christians to obey the government and the laws of the land, unless those laws contradict God's law.

Drinking laws do not contradict Church teachings, so it would be sinful to willfully break them. However, there are some exceptions to drinking laws, such as when parents provide alcohol to their underage children in certain states. In these cases, drinking would not be considered a sin.

Additionally, Catholics are obliged to obey civil law and treat disobedience to it with the utmost seriousness. Breaking an inconvenient law, such as the drinking age, is not the same as breaking an unjust law. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of obeying governing authorities.

While underage drinking itself may not be considered a sin in certain contexts, it can lead to a culture of lukewarmness and a lowering of zeal among Catholics. It can also serve as a ""gateway" to other forms of sin, such as sexual sin, as it weakens inhibitions. Therefore, while drinking laws do not contradict Church teachings, Catholics should be cautious about partaking in underage drinking to avoid falling into sin.

Drinking underage can lead to a culture of lukewarmness and a lowering of zeal

Underage drinking can also lead to compromising situations, often of a sexual nature. As individuals lose their inhibitions, they become more susceptible to sexual sins. Over time, their lives may begin to revolve around a party culture, and their zeal for the spiritual life may diminish. They may still go through the Catholic motions, but the vigour and vitality that comes from knowing Jesus personally may be lost.

Additionally, underage drinking can set a negative example for younger Catholics who look up to them. These younger Catholics may be led into sin, either by encouragement or example, which can have serious consequences. Ultimately, while underage drinking may not be a sin in and of itself, it can lead to a downward spiral of sin and compromise that can be difficult to escape.

Drinking underage can lead to compromising situations, often sexually

Drinking alcohol is a sin for underage Catholics as it involves breaking a just, civil law. However, this is considered a venial sin rather than a mortal sin. While the Bible never refers to underage drinking specifically, it does condemn drunkenness and its effects. Underage drinking is associated with various negative consequences and can affect and endanger the lives of those around them.

Underage drinking increases the likelihood of young people engaging in risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and unwanted pregnancies. Alcohol impairs one's judgement and increases the risk of violence and unprotected sexual intercourse. It is also linked to an increased risk of physical and sexual assault, with underage binge drinking associated with a higher likelihood of being the victim or perpetrator of interpersonal violence.

In addition to the immediate health risks, underage drinking can also have long-term consequences on brain development and cognitive function. Research suggests that alcohol can alter brain development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function, which may lead to cognitive or learning problems and an increased vulnerability to alcohol use disorder.

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