Is underage drinking a sin?

[Brendan_64]

in 500 years the untied states will not be here

What makes you think that? 500 years isn’t a very long time in terms of the life of a nation.

but Jesus and his church will be

That is certainly true.

It is true that we are called to obey civil laws (unless they are unjust laws, which this one isn’t) however I do think that some people over-emphasise the seriousness of breaking certain civil laws and under-emphasise the seriousness of others. The Church itself does not have a law regarding under-age drinking, therefore breaking civil law regarding under-age drinking would in itself most likely be a venial sin, a bit like breaking a parking restriction law, or driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit. Just because alcohol is involved, doesn’t make it grave matter. Although getting drunk, though not gave matter in itself can lead to other sins that are grave matter (and a persons diminished state due to alcohol consumption does not in any way reduce personal culpability). The more I post on these forums, the more I perceive (in my opinion) a puritanical streak amongst many American posters when it comes to alcohol (this tendency is, in my opinion, a cultural issue, not a faith-based issue).

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

So if the United States told us we all needed to cut out our eyes and kill our first born we should because the United States told us to. I refuse to bow down to a man made organization that has let me down when the only thing that saved my life is the church that jesus founded in 500 years the untied states will not be here but jesus and his church will be

Did you read the portion of the CCC posted? You do not have to obey unjust laws. That law would be unjust. You do have to obey just laws. Like the drinking age.

I feel like everyone on here has had one too many! Geesh!

 

[Joie_de_Vivre]

I understand that it is okay to drink alcohol as long as it is not in excess, but is it a sin no matter what if you are under 21? (because it is a law in the US)

It can be sinful, but is not necessarily sinful.

No one is talking about drinking with parents here.

In every state I have lived drunk or not when a party gets busted consumption tickets are given out.

The OP asked “is it a sin no matter what if you are under 21?”, this question also includes situations such as drinking a glass of wine with family at dinner.

The Church is not bound true. But you might want to reference the CCC quoted above.

If what you are saying is true then one could break all sorts of laws with no spiritual implications.

As Catholics we are bound to follow just laws. This has always been the case. You can get into really dicey territory here. Like age of consent for marriage etc. Think about the implications of your position.

If you all want to make the case for high schoolers to morally drink, then I guess nothing the Law or the Church says will make a difference. All I know is there are a lot of underage drinking confessions at the ol youth retreats.

Such as jaywalking, driving 67 MPH in the fast lane when the sign says 65, etc.

Did you read the portion of the CCC posted? You do not have to obey unjust laws. That law would be unjust. You do have to obey just laws. Like the drinking age.

I feel like everyone on here has had one too many! Geesh!

It is clearly sinful for a woman to drive her children to school while wearing a housecoat, that covers more than enough to preserve modesty, in California.

 

[Seml]

It is against the law, end of story. Please remember, you have to take responsibility here on earth BEFORE you get judged in heaven