YOUCAT Lesson 389
YOUCAT the catechism
for Catholic youth
389 Why is it a sin to take
drugs”
Using drugs is a sin because it is an act of
self-destruction and thus an offense against the life that God has given us out
of love. [2290-2291]
fig : a worthless trifle : the least bit
:doesn’t care--Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition.
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree. The next day as they were
leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he
went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found
nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in
reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.
The Withered Fig Tree. Early in the morning, as they were walking
along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to
him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” -- Mark 11:12-14, 20-21
Every form of a person’s dependence on legal substances
(alcohol, medication, tobacco) and even more so on illegal drugs is an exchange
of freedom for slavery; it damages the health and life of the person concerned
and also does great harm to the people around him. Every time a person loses or forgets himself
by becoming intoxicated, which can also include excessive eating and drinking,
indulgence in sexual activity, or speeding with an automobile, he loses some of
his human dignity and freedom and therefore sins against God. This should be distinguished from the
reasonable, conscious, and moderate use of enjoyable things. 286
II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS
[2290-2291]
Respect for health
2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the
abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness
or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea,
or in the air. –Catechism of the
Catholic Church, Second Edition
2291 The use of drugs inflicts very
grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly
therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and
trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct
co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary
to the moral law. --CCC
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