Accomplice in Grave Sin

[clarkpm2]

I was talking to a friend of mine recently about drinking. We are both under the legal age in America (Which is 21 for all those in the civilized Western world who scratch their heads at the strange laws of the USA). He recently joined a career fraternity at the University we attend and has just started drinking alcohol.

We talked about different kinds of drinks, but then he talked about getting drunk. I’ll enjoy a few beers here and there to get buzzed or tipsy or just because I enjoy the taste, but never enough to lose my mental faculties. I mentioned that I don’t drink to get intoxicated, and he said he doesn’t either, but our definition of intoxicated seems to be different as he doesn’t hold the Catholic definition of crossing the line on grave sins (He is a Protestant). He mentioned he was going to a party that night where he would be drinking to some extent. After we talked, I felt as though I had encouraged him to commit grave sin (Thus being guilty of mortal sin myself).

I think this may only be a venial matter but I am not sure. Any insight?

 

[hxcCatholic413]

I was talking to a friend of mine recently about drinking. We are both under the legal age in America (Which is 21 for all those in the civilized Western world who scratch their heads at the strange laws of the USA). He recently joined a career fraternity at the University we attend and has just started drinking alcohol.

We talked about different kinds of drinks, but then he talked about getting drunk. I’ll enjoy a few beers here and there to get buzzed or tipsy or just because I enjoy the taste, but never enough to lose my mental faculties. I mentioned that I don’t drink to get intoxicated, and he said he doesn’t either, but our definition of intoxicated seems to be different as he doesn’t hold the Catholic definition of crossing the line on grave sins (He is a Protestant). He mentioned he was going to a party that night where he would be drinking to some extent. After we talked, I felt as though I had encouraged him to commit grave sin (Thus being guilty of mortal sin myself).

I think this may only be a venial matter but I am not sure. Any insight?

Don’t worry about it…no grave sins happened…your fine

 

[Vico]

I was talking to a friend of mine recently about drinking. We are both under the legal age in America (Which is 21 for all those in the civilized Western world who scratch their heads at the strange laws of the USA). He recently joined a career fraternity at the University we attend and has just started drinking alcohol.

We talked about different kinds of drinks, but then he talked about getting drunk. I’ll enjoy a few beers here and there to get buzzed or tipsy or just because I enjoy the taste, but never enough to lose my mental faculties. I mentioned that I don’t drink to get intoxicated, and he said he doesn’t either, but our definition of intoxicated seems to be different as he doesn’t hold the Catholic definition of crossing the line on grave sins (He is a Protestant). He mentioned he was going to a party that night where he would be drinking to some extent. After we talked, I felt as though I had encouraged him to commit grave sin (Thus being guilty of mortal sin myself).

I think this may only be a venial matter but I am not sure. Any insight?

It is venial sin at least, not honoring the parents, since it is scandal to not obey the laws, and also to encourage others in the same. It may also be uncharitible. As to mortal, only you can know if you intentionally defied God and tried to get your friend to sin.

 

[PJD1987]

Agreed that you shouldn’t beat yourself up about this. I would like to add, however, that

Romans 13:1-3 says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”

Also, Jesus paid the Temple tax Matthew 17:24-27, even though He was exempt from it as a subject of the Kingdom of Heaven. Overall, as stupid as some laws may seem or be, Jesus and St. Paul implore us to respect authority. Now I know that’s hard in a college setting, and sometimes we must mess up and learn from our mistakes, but we must try our hardest to follow the teaching of our Savior, and this is one thing He was clear on.

God Bless,
Paul

 

[MisterSomebody]

Hello there,

i think you should ask one of the apologists on this site

 

[Sum_Fidelis]

Don’t worry,You have not done anything really bad. I often think I have committed a sin,and I feel lousy,and that has make me thinking that even if something is not a [official] sin but make You feel bad,it is a sin. Others may see it as a small thing,but if You feel bad,confess. God bless You.

 

[caeli0]

Sounds like an exchange of opinions. You gave yours, that is all.

With a reminder of the scripture against allowing oneself to become “intoxicated”. And a warning against putting oneself in danger with civil authorities over an “alcoholic beverage”.

Agreed that you shouldn’t beat yourself up about this. I would like to add, however, that

Romans 13:1-3 says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”

Also, Jesus paid the Temple tax Matthew 17:24-27, even though He was exempt from it as a subject of the Kingdom of Heaven. Overall, as stupid as some laws may seem or be, Jesus and St. Paul implore us to respect authority. Now I know that’s hard in a college setting, and sometimes we must mess up and learn from our mistakes, but we must try our hardest to follow the teaching of our Savior, and this is one thing He was clear on.

God Bless,
Paul

“Temple Tax”, His Father’s house…

He would also pay the tax that covers abortions/birth control as well?!!!

And that which would slam an M-16 into an 18 year olds hands yet not allow him “free will” (something He, Himself gave) to choose whether to have an alcoholic beverage or not? etc…

Hmm…

 

[PJD1987]

He would also pay the tax that covers abortions/birth control as well?!!!

And that which would slam an M-16 into an 18 year olds hands yet not allow him “free will” (something He, Himself gave) to choose whether to have an alcoholic beverage or not? etc…

Hmm…

He paid the Temple Tax, even though He didn’t have to so as “not to offend,” (Mt. 17:27) and according to the NAB, this example was set for the rest of the disciples. Given that, I believe that yes, He would pay the taxes, but that’s pure conjecture. And the law defining the age limit for drinking does not negate the free will one has to partake in underage drinking, one can still drink. The question still rests on respect of authority; as Christ said, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above,” (Jn. 19:11). All authority is granted by God, and in the great Mystery of His Divine Plan all happens for a reason. Thus, the power of government to (in Jesus’ case) execute, (in this case) tax, is ultimately derived from God, and by respecting government and law we are respecting God.

Again, this is all pure conjecture, but based upon what is put forth in the Gospels, it is my humble opinion. :twocents: