Is it mortal sin to drink underage

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Do you guys believe that drinking underage is a mortal sin in the USA?
 
In my opinion, no. I think in situations where a minor seeks alcohol without an adult figure like a parent or family is probably seeking to use alcohol for nefarious purposes like getting drunk, which is sinful. But, drinking underage in and of itself is not.
 
We are bound under penalty of sin to obey just laws.

I’ve yet to find a credible argument that drinking age laws are morally unjust.
 
If it’s against the law in your state, then I believe the answer is yes, it would be a sin. The drinking isn’t a sin in itself, but the lawbreaking is.
 
So those receiving communion at a young age are being sinful for receiving our lord? What about at family functions where a 16 year old can have a beer with their dad and uncles? Surely that is no sin.
 
Yes it is sacred blood but does the state recognize it as such?
 
There are some states in the U.S. where the laws about drinking make no sense at all. Are Catholics still required to obey those laws? As far as I know, I believe the answer is yes, we are.
 
That seems bizarre to me. If there is no moral basis for morality which these types of laws do not have, then how could be a sin? If a law exists where you cannot wear the color green but do, what moral basis does this violate? Do you or anyone have a CCC or canon law section on this?
 
Interesting… what basis does the Church have that the laws of man have morality tied to it. Obviously God’s law will always trump the laws of man (i.e. abortion) but what is the reasoning behind laws that God has no say on. These politicians are not ordained by God so why should what they say matter?
 
WA_Catholic said:
So those receiving communion at a young age are being sinful for receiving our lord?
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No, because state liquor laws have religious practice exceptions.

In WA State:

“(5) This section does not apply to liquor given to a person under the age of twenty-one years when such liquor is being used in connection with religious services and the amount consumed is the minimal amount necessary for the religious service.”
WA_Catholic said:
What about at family functions where a 16 year old can have a beer with their dad and uncles?
Click to expand...
Again, Washington State:

(4) This section does not apply to liquor given for medicinal purposes to a person under the age of twenty-one years by a parent, guardian, physician, or dentist.

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=66.44.270
 
Depends. If the underage person met the three necessary elements for mortal sin, could be.
The person needs to ask their confessor about it and see what he says.
 
Except for part two, if I wanted to give my 16 year old son a beer for non-medicinal purposes, that would be sinful?
 
To say that such is a mortal sin is to say that 17-year old boy cadging a beer from his older brother deserves the same eternal punishment as a doctor who has performed 1,000 abortions. Seems a little extreme to me.
 
If I’m just drinking with my freinds but not to drunkenness would you consider that mortal? Also at what point is drunkenss a mortal sin? Like how do I know if I’m feeling effect of the drink or drunk?
 
Is it sinful? Sure.

Is it a mortal sin? Therein lies the question. I’m inclined to say no, it’s not a mortal sin in itself. I don’t think such a thing would constitute grave matter.
 
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I don’t personally think so. I know others disagree with me in this, but as important as it is to obey laws, it’s crucial to use the logic and reason God blessed us with in determining whether it’s sinful to break a law. A parent giving their child a taste of alcohol simply can’t be sinful imo. I say follow the spirit of the law. The reason laws prohibiting underage drinking even exist is to protect us. A parent giving their child a sip of alcohol isn’t going to harm them.
Now if you’re referring to getting drunk, that’s obviously completely different and is a mortal sin.
 
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