What Does The Church Say

[hopeful1]

is there anything the church says about cussing? My understanding is that it's something looked down upon b/c it is vulgar, but not nessecarily sinful unless if it's used to take God's name or the lord's name in vain, or when you're condemning another person ( ex. d*** you, persons name). is this correct?

also my understanding about drinking is that it's allowed in moderation as long as the person is of age. Drinking is fine so long as your enjoying a glass of wine or two for the sake of enjoying a glass of wine, but when you drink with the intention of getting drunk, or when you become dependent on it, that's when it becomes mortally (?) sinful? I tried to explain this to a protestant friend once, and then he asked how it was different from marijauna? Is there anything offical the church has said about that?

also i'm really confused about what it says about smoking? When i was younger i was led to believe that it was sinful because it's "killing" your body and can affect other people, but then i found out that it's not? can someone enlighten me?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
6/29 - Thirteenth Tuesday

hopeful1,

Ok...*deep breath*...here goes...

1.) Cursing is not sinful in itself, but could show a lack of prudence in certain company. For instance, when you're on a farm and you step in cow you-know-what, call it whatever you want; when meeting the bishop, don't tell him he looks <insert expletive> great. As you can see, I've eschewed the use of curses in order to comply with prudential judgment. If your parents have told you not to curse, though, then it violates the 4th commandment to do so.

2.) Drinking in moderation is completely cool. Unless someone has alcohol problems, there is no block to moderate drinking. St. Thomas Aquinas urges the scrupulous (who are able to drink) to have a glass of wine in order to loosen their nerves.

3.) Marijuana isn't cool because just a single use has the effect of weakening one's reason; that's why drunkenness is a sin. However, I must have a few drinks before it becomes sinful - marijuana is immediately sinful because its effects are immediate.

4.) Smoking tobacco isn't sinful, so long as it is done with prudence and one doesn't become addicted. Becoming addicted is really easy, so staying away may be the best choice.