Doctrine of the Church on Drunkenness

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 28 March 1907, Page 30

Doctrine of the Church on Drunkenness

Here is the doctrine of the" Catholic Churcft on the ' subject of drunkenness (says the Wisconsin ♦ St. Mary's Annual '). It is so clear, in such accord with conunon sense, that.it requires no explanation. A simple statement will suffice :—: — - *- ' 1. Whosoever drinks deliberately "to such an extent as to lose his reason commits a mortal sin. 2. Whosoever knows by past -experience that when drunk he is accustomed to blaspheme or utter other improper language, or to injure others about him, be^ sides the sin of drunkenness, is' guilty of those other crimes committed during the state of intoxication. ' 3. Whosoever does not* adopt the proper means for the correction of. his vicious habit of drunkenness remains in a continual state of sin. 4. Whosoever entices or urges another to excess in drinking, whom ' foresees will be intoxicated, commits a mortal siri. 5. Any seller of liquor who continues to "" supply drink to any individual that; he knows will become intoxicated thereby' commits a mortal sin, because .he deliberately co-operates in the grievous sin of another. ' • .

6. Whosoever is guilty of excess in drinking, though notf to" intoxication, in. such a way as to cause distress to his family by squandering that which is needed for their support, commits a mortal sin against charity and justice. In like manner, whosoever thus renders himself unable to pay his lawful- debts,- al--though he may not drink to intoxication, commits a mortal sin. . mm^mmmmm^mmm^^immmmm