The Body: A Temple for God

[joshvanrad]

A couple threads in here have raised some concerns to me. There has been some discussion about obesity and gluttony. I am fully aware that the two things do not always go together, but in my own observations I would say that they are linked more often than not.

I am one of the people who could spare a few pounds and I don’t eat as well as I should, sometimes I over eat, and I don’t always workout as often as I should. I am not obese but I am certainly over my ideal weight. “Ideal weight” not referring to body image, but referring to health standards.

Now the real deep stuff:
If the body is the temple of God, a vessel for His works, and a gift from God- why would you not treat it as such? Destroying that temple should be just as sinful as some of the other hot-topic sins (ie: masturbation). People overlook and under emphasize gluttony, as it would seem- one of the seven deadly sins. As a culture we have become conditioned to view this form of over indulgence as “just the way it is”.

I understand that there are certain medical conditions that can lead to obesity, and those are very very difficult situations to deal with. People with those struggles certainly deserve our prayers because they have a true illness, but for the person like me who is healthy and just falls short from time to time… are we not responsible for our own actions?

My questions here, are:
Why is it acceptable in our culture to fall into this form of sin (gluttony, lack of temperance, etc)?
Do you go to confession for your spells of overeating, or have you confessed your falling short and the abuse of The Body: A Temple for God?
Why are these sins more acceptable than those of lust and wrath and pride?

I know this is a touchy subject as many people struggle with or have watched family members struggle with obesity, but I would like this thread to remain civil. This is not a thread on body image or how people “should be rail-thin” )as portrayed by the media- it is a discussion on the lack of emphasis on the body being a gift from God, the abuse of that gift, and gluttony. I will close the thread if the discussion turns into negativity and name calling- I don’t want to see a war.

Ite in pace,
Joshua C.

 

[bunnykisses88]

idk why it is acceptable in society also cohabitation and premarital sex is more acceptable now too.
I honestly don’t overeat as much now and have been trying to cook more and drink more water but I’ve still haven’t lost anything. yeah it is something we struggle with when food tastes good and it is/was fun for us to overeat.

I’ve never confessed that…hmm it never came to mind before that I should. when I was younger the priest didn’t point that out or anything. I was always overweight/obese all my life. so like to get down to 155# seems crazy impossible to me. So has my hubby. We both look at our ideal weights and be like that’s crazy.

 

[AnneTeresa]

You have a point.

On the other hand, there are many people who “worship” their bodies, spending every last minute and tons of time and energy trying to achieve the perfect weight, the perfect body, the perfect look. I also see a lot of this where I live – people spending every available second preparing for a race or a triathalon or whatever achievement they want to make.

Neither one is good–moderation in all things.

 

[joshvanrad]

You have a point.

On the other hand, there are many people who “worship” their bodies, spending every last minute and tons of time and energy trying to achieve the perfect weight, the perfect body, the perfect look. I also see a lot of this where I live – people spending every available second preparing for a race or a triathalon or whatever achievement they want to make.

Neither one is good–moderation in all things.

Statistically though the scale tips towards the obesity side. Currently, 49.5% of the United States is obese. Obviously I don’t know how many Catholics are obese, but suppose we can attach that figure to the church. I see many people preaching against lustful lifestyles and struggles with pornography and masturbation, but I don’t see many people preaching against obesity. What’s more, I don’t see many people who are repentant about the choices that lead them towards obesity. It seems that this lifestyle has become the norm even within the church community.

Joshua C.

 

[Bitternolonger]

I am obese. I don’t feel like a glutton. I really don’t feel that I overeat, but I know that I must. It is very discouraging because you can have a great week and then in one night blow all of the progress you have made.

Yes, in my examination of conscience I have brought it before the Priest and I pray about it daily and do my very best to deal with my addiction, my cross. I am sure that I am not the only one.

I’m not making an excuse, but is my sin any worse because it has an outward sign? I can’t hide it like the functional alcoholic or sexual sin. I have tried to fill the God shaped hole in my heart with something else just like every body else.

I certainly could use your prayers if you are so inclined. Here is my prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to return this body of mine, this Temple of God, to a healthier state so that I may more fully use it to be your servant, not for my glory but for yours. Help me to turn to you and trust in you when I become stressed or anxious.

I know that the road to get here was long and the road to return will be long as well. And so I humbly pray that you be with me when I fall and encourage me when I become discouraged.

 

[GEddie]

Statistically though the scale tips towards the obesity side. Currently, 49.5% of the United States is obese. Obviously I don’t know how many Catholics are obese, but suppose we can attach that figure to the church. I see many people preaching against lustful lifestyles and struggles with pornography and masturbation, but I don’t see many people preaching against obesity. What’s more, I don’t see many people who are repentant about the choices that lead them towards obesity. It seems that this lifestyle has become the norm even within the church community.

Joshua C.

There’s a serious difference though.

One can live without behaving sexually in any way; so it is fully possible (though not easy) to avoid sexual sin. One cannot live without food, so temptation will always be there.

Also, most people are all too conscious of their sexual desires; but are far less fluent in the energy needs of their bodies. For that matter, these needs change as we age and our mitochondria cool down. One need not consciously overeat for weight gain to happen; in fact, for some bodies, without an obsessive attention to dieting (which is just as bad) it will happen naturally.

I do agree that we should be more thankful for and aware of our bodies and their needs.

ICXC NIKA

 

[houseofsaul]

A couple threads in here have raised some concerns to me. There has been some discussion about obesity and gluttony. I am fully aware that the two things do not always go together, but in my own observations I would say that they are linked more often than not.

I am one of the people who could spare a few pounds and I don’t eat as well as I should, sometimes I over eat, and I don’t always workout as often as I should. I am not obese but I am certainly over my ideal weight. “Ideal weight” not referring to body image, but referring to health standards.

Now the real deep stuff:
If the body is the temple of God, a vessel for His works, and a gift from God- why would you not treat it as such? Destroying that temple should be just as sinful as some of the other hot-topic sins (ie: masturbation). People overlook and under emphasize gluttony, as it would seem- one of the seven deadly sins. As a culture we have become conditioned to view this form of over indulgence as “just the way it is”.

I understand that there are certain medical conditions that can lead to obesity, and those are very very difficult situations to deal with. People with those struggles certainly deserve our prayers because they have a true illness, but for the person like me who is healthy and just falls short from time to time… are we not responsible for our own actions?

My questions here, are:
Why is it acceptable in our culture to fall into this form of sin (gluttony, lack of temperance, etc)?
Do you go to confession for your spells of overeating, or have you confessed your falling short and the abuse of The Body: A Temple for God?
Why are these sins more acceptable than those of lust and wrath and pride?

I know this is a touchy subject as many people struggle with or have watched family members struggle with obesity, but I would like this thread to remain civil. This is not a thread on body image or how people “should be rail-thin” )as portrayed by the media- it is a discussion on the lack of emphasis on the body being a gift from God, the abuse of that gift, and gluttony. I will close the thread if the discussion turns into negativity and name calling- I don’t want to see a war.

Ite in pace,
Joshua C.

Funny as I now attend RCIA I have been looking at the seven deadly sins. And I too wonder about gluttony (really should have stopped before that 3rd helping) and what about Sloth, ew…but I think the major reason is because so much is now accepted, like the premarital sex and cohabitation as mentioned in another post. We tend to rate sins in such a way that they become not such a sin after all. Because tolerance is preached harder than Bible these days, Just my opinion though.

 

[TrueLight]

A couple threads in here have raised some concerns to me. There has been some discussion about obesity and gluttony. I am fully aware that the two things do not always go together, but in my own observations I would say that they are linked more often than not.

I am one of the people who could spare a few pounds and I don’t eat as well as I should, sometimes I over eat, and I don’t always workout as often as I should. I am not obese but I am certainly over my ideal weight. “Ideal weight” not referring to body image, but referring to health standards.

Now the real deep stuff:
If the body is the temple of God, a vessel for His works, and a gift from God- why would you not treat it as such? Destroying that temple should be just as sinful as some of the other hot-topic sins (ie: masturbation). People overlook and under emphasize gluttony, as it would seem- one of the seven deadly sins. As a culture we have become conditioned to view this form of over indulgence as “just the way it is”.

I understand that there are certain medical conditions that can lead to obesity, and those are very very difficult situations to deal with. People with those struggles certainly deserve our prayers because they have a true illness, but for the person like me who is healthy and just falls short from time to time… are we not responsible for our own actions?

My questions here, are:
Why is it acceptable in our culture to fall into this form of sin (gluttony, lack of temperance, etc)?
Do you go to confession for your spells of overeating, or have you confessed your falling short and the abuse of The Body: A Temple for God?
Why are these sins more acceptable than those of lust and wrath and pride?

I know this is a touchy subject as many people struggle with or have watched family members struggle with obesity, but I would like this thread to remain civil. This is not a thread on body image or how people “should be rail-thin” )as portrayed by the media- it is a discussion on the lack of emphasis on the body being a gift from God, the abuse of that gift, and gluttony. I will close the thread if the discussion turns into negativity and name calling- I don’t want to see a war.

Ite in pace,
Joshua C.

Good post.

Although some folks don’t overeat and still are overweight due to medical conditions or other factors, we usually are overweight because we overeat or don’t exercise.

But it is so easy to dismiss a night of engorging ourselves to “we had a little too much”.

In fact, it is gluttony. Maybe if we put the overeating into the appropriate perspective (glutton, which is sinful), it can help with the “cross” a lot of us in the U.S. bear daily.

 

[joshvanrad]

I am obese. I don’t feel like a glutton. I really don’t feel that I overeat, but I know that I must. It is very discouraging because you can have a great week and then in one night blow all of the progress you have made.

Yes, in my examination of conscience I have brought it before the Priest and I pray about it daily and do my very best to deal with my addiction, my cross. I am sure that I am not the only one.

I’m not making an excuse, but is my sin any worse because it has an outward sign? I can’t hide it like the functional alcoholic or sexual sin. I have tried to fill the God shaped hole in my heart with something else just like every body else.

I certainly could use your prayers if you are so inclined. Here is my prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to return this body of mine, this Temple of God, to a healthier state so that I may more fully use it to be your servant, not for my glory but for yours. Help me to turn to you and trust in you when I become stressed or anxious.

I know that the road to get here was long and the road to return will be long as well. And so I humbly pray that you be with me when I fall and encourage me when I become discouraged.

Thank you for the post. This is what I was hoping to hear. That is a wonderful prayer and I hope more people pray about certain things.

I cannot claim to have great struggles with my own weight, but I have many family members who do have struggles with weight (some related to medical issues, some related to overeating) and it is sometimes tough to be a part of. It is certainly tough to watch people go through it and try to take appropriate measures to combat it.

I will certainly keep you in my prayers.

There’s a serious difference though.

One can live without behaving sexually in any way; so it is fully possible (though not easy) to avoid sexual sin. One cannot live without food, so temptation will always be there.

Also, most people are all too conscious of their sexual desires; but are far less fluent in the energy needs of their bodies. For that matter, these needs change as we age and our mitochondria cool down. One need not consciously overeat for weight gain to happen; in fact, for some bodies, without an obsessive attention to dieting (which is just as bad) it will happen naturally.

I do agree that we should be more thankful for and aware of our bodies and their needs.

ICXC NIKA

I have been drawing many parallels between sexual sin and gluttony (as I suppose is the case for all sins related to overindulgence). To love is natural and good, as is eating. It is our own disordered attachment to those things that turns them into sin. People use both as comfort mechanisms.

My point is that we should be just as conscious about our love of food as we should be of our love of people.

Funny as I now attend RCIA I have been looking at the seven deadly sins. And I too wonder about gluttony (really should have stopped before that 3rd helping) and what about Sloth, ew…but I think the major reason is because so much is now accepted, like the premarital sex and cohabitation as mentioned in another post. We tend to rate sins in such a way that they become not such a sin after all. Because tolerance is preached harder than Bible these days, Just my opinion though.

Very good post. It is very true that sin should not be rated- sin is sin, and where there is sin God cannot be.

One of the points I was making is how often we overlook our sins of overeating, spells of gluttony, or physical sloth while we tend to focus on the sins we deem more dangerous.

Joshua C.

 

[longing4Jesus]

Bitternolonger, I love your prayer; I am copying it into my prayerbook and will be using it daily. I hope you don’t mind.

I have reached a point where my weight is affecting my health. Therefore it is also affecting my vocation as a mother (for example I do not have the energy to play catch after work/school.) I really appreciate Joshvanrad starting this thread; the idea that overeating=gluttony=sin is one I have been studiously trying to avoid. But, I think naming it may help me get a handle on it.

I know for me and I have a hunch for many women, there is a self-esteem component as well. I spend all my time/energy taking care of other’s needs and neglect my own. I make healthy meals for others but I eat junk because anything sweet makes me feel better for a little while. I also neglect to get adequate rest. Almost like I am not worth healthy food and a good night’s sleep. And I am realizing that this is hurtful to God and therefore sin. He made me, and I am deliberately mistreating His creation. I think that this change of attitude may be helpful; if I look at eating a healthy meal or getting exercise as a gift to God by caring for His creation, I am more likely to do it.

I am looking forward to going to Confession this weekend and getting this weight off my chest… and then getting serious about getting the weight off other parts of me as well.

Bitternolonger, I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me as well. Anyone else who is struggling with this and would like some prayer support, please say so or PM me if you don’t feel comfortable disclosing here.

 

[houseofsaul]

Bitternolonger, I love your prayer; I am copying it into my prayerbook and will be using it daily. I hope you don’t mind.

I have reached a point where my weight is affecting my health. Therefore it is also affecting my vocation as a mother (for example I do not have the energy to play catch after work/school.) I really appreciate Joshvanrad starting this thread; the idea that overeating=gluttony=sin is one I have been studiously trying to avoid. But, I think naming it may help me get a handle on it.

I know for me and I have a hunch for many women, there is a self-esteem component as well. I spend all my time/energy taking care of other’s needs and neglect my own. I make healthy meals for others but I eat junk because anything sweet makes me feel better for a little while. I also neglect to get adequate rest. Almost like I am not worth healthy food and a good night’s sleep. And I am realizing that this is hurtful to God and therefore sin. He made me, and I am deliberately mistreating His creation. I think that this change of attitude may be helpful; if I look at eating a healthy meal or getting exercise as a gift to God by caring for His creation, I am more likely to do it.

I am looking forward to going to Confession this weekend and getting this weight off my chest… and then getting serious about getting the weight off other parts of me as well.

Bitternolonger, I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me as well. Anyone else who is struggling with this and would like some prayer support, please say so or PM me if you don’t feel comfortable disclosing here.

Add me the prayer list…one must never pass up the opportunity to pray for or have someone pray for us as well. Sending one up for you now.

 

[longing4Jesus]

**HouseOfSaul, **consider yourself prayed for!

 

[Bitternolonger]

longing4Jesus and HouseofSaul I will pray for you too. I’d like to think that I could handle my weight issue on my own, but like everything else in my life…I have made a pretty bad mess of it.

Thank you for your kinds words and prayer. God Bless

 

[Cat]

I have lost around 80 pounds over the last few years. I have gained about 15 of it back over the last year, and I’m currently trying to lose that 15 pounds.

To the OP–most people do not become obese through gluttony. **REMEMBER THIS–If someone eats 500 extra calories per day beyond what their body burns off–they will gain fifty (50) pounds in one year. **

For those who have no clue about what 500 calories is
1 piece of bread = 100 calories
1 tablespoon of peanut butter = 100 calories
1 banana = 100 calories
1 glass of milk (skim) = 80 calories
1 small candy bar = 120 calories

In other words, if you have an after-school or after work “snack” of a half-sandwich (peanut butter only, no jelly), a banana (healthy!), a glass of milk (healthy!), and later in the evening, have a small candy bar–and you don’t burn this off (over one hour of brisk walking)–you WILL be 50 pounds heavier in one year.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I certainly would not call this snack “gluttony.” To me, gluttony means scarfing down two peanut and jelly sandwiches, each using 2 slices of bread, and most of a bag of Cheetoes, and several candy bars, and a 2-liter of regular soda to wash the whole thing down.

500 calories–that’s all it takes. Not gluttony.

 

[joshvanrad]

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I certainly would not call this snack “gluttony.” To me, gluttony means scarfing down two peanut and jelly sandwiches, each using 2 slices of bread, and most of a bag of Cheetoes, and several candy bars, and a 2-liter of regular soda to wash the whole thing down.

500 calories–that’s all it takes. Not gluttony.

I have known many people to do just that. I would say that there is a great majority of people who make poor diet choices on a regular basis. It may not be a person eating an entire pizza by themselves every day, but if a person overindulges on occasion isn’t that STILL overindulgence?

 

[Mickey]

If the body is the temple of God, a vessel for His works, and a gift from God- why would you not treat it as such?

Indeed. We are called to honor God…and the body is the temple of God. We must be watchful.

As a matter of fact, Eastern Catholics and Orthodox do not believe in cremation for that very reason (also because Christ’s body was buried in the earth). The Orthodox will not have a Church funeral if the body is cremated (I don’t know about the Eastern Catholics).
I think that the Latin Catholics also had this teaching until the Second Vatican Council (not sure about that)

So even after death, the body is still honored as the temple of God until the Resurrection.

 

[bunnykisses88]

I have known many people to do just that. I would say that there is a great majority of people who make poor diet choices on a regular basis. It may not be a person eating an entire pizza by themselves every day, but if a person overindulges on occasion isn’t that STILL overindulgence?

when I was trying so hard to get down in weight and then got stuck… I got discouraged feeling like where is the fun in always eating less/ no junk and exercising so much… I guess I was like where’s the fun if you never get to overindulge ever.
but it is my problem.
then I gained the weight all back just “letting go” and hanging out with my then bf now hubby every weekend…
we both want to lose weight now.
and I am trying to substitute poor choices with healthier ones, little by little

 

[joshvanrad]

when I was trying so hard to get down in weight and then got stuck… I got discouraged feeling like where is the fun in always eating less/ no junk and exercising so much… I guess I was like where’s the fun if you never get to overindulge ever.
but it is my problem.
then I gained the weight all back just “letting go” and hanging out with my then bf now hubby every weekend…
we both want to lose weight now.
and I am trying to substitute poor choices with healthier ones, little by little

I was going to get into that in my last post, but left it out in the end.

That is maybe the hardest part to overcome… the “I give up” moments. It is tough in those times where it seems like you have an unbearable mountain to climb, but people must keep taking small steps… because eventually they will add up to big results.

That “I give up” mentality is maybe the most dangerous part in the whole equation and something I would consider sinful because it is essentially giving into despair. We are to love ourselves as God loves us, and in doing so we should respect his creation and love ourselves enough to remain in good health as best as we can. Our bodies are not our own- they are gifts, and we should treat them as such.

Keep a positive mindset, a prayerful life, and remain vigilant. In the times of trial you must try to think of the virtue of temperance and what it means to God to preserve the creation of himself in yourself.

Joshua C.