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Evelyn
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| Joined: | Fri Jan 18th, 2008 |
| Location: | Tallinn, Estonia |
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| First Name: | Evelyn | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | The Salvation Army |
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Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 09:41 am |
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| Have you heard of any Catholic groups who willingly vow to abstain from tobacco and alcohol?
____________________
Only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 12:02 pm |
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Individuals yes, Evelyn, but not groups. Example: I have always abstained from tobacco, and I made the decision to abstain from alcohol many years ago. This was a personal decision (not specifically a vow), and it did not require someone convincing me, it did not require belonging to a support group.
I know that many, especially those who are addicted to these substances, require such assistance to break free. It is supplied to Catholics mostly through non-religious (but not anti-religious) groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Catholic Church often aids their efforts by allowing them to meet in Church facilities. There is an Al-Anon chapter which meets at my parish, for instance; this is a support group for families affected by the alcohol abuse of one or more family members.
There are also clinics and halfway houses for those who need more formal help. Over the years I have donated to one, known as Guest House, which is run as an apostolate of the Church in several northern states. They deal exclusively with clergy and religious who have substance abuse problems, especially alcohol.
Finally, you will find that members of religious orders generally do not use either tobacco or alcohol. This is not their primary purpose, but it is part of their sacrifice, the clearing away of “unnecessaries” to allow them to concentrate on serving the Lord. (Note the paragraph above: if there is substance abuse in any form, those in religious orders are typically sent to such institutions for rehabilitation.)
None of this means that Catholics are in principle opposed to groups who vow to abstain. It’s just how things have worked out historically.
David
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Dave Armstrong
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| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
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Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 07:40 pm |
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I found an Irish Catholic group that abstains from alcohol.
The old Catholic Encyclopedia (1913 or so) lists "Catholic Temperance Organizations" (scroll down a bit).
Here's another, that was begun in India.
Here's an article on "American Catholic Support for Temperance, 1840-1920"
Many of these appear to have flourished in the 19th century. It's unclear how active any of them are today.
I couldn't find anything on smoking.
Last edited on Thu May 8th, 2008 07:41 pm by Dave Armstrong
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Pani Rose
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
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Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 09:15 pm |
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Also, AA was actually started by a Catholic. There are many AA groups in the Catholic Church.
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