YOUCAT Catechism +
Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 389
Ave Maria series
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]
Byzantine icon of the cursing of the fig tree. ….. 389 Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 10th
edition, partially defines “fig” in human terms as “a worthless trifle; the
least bit; or doesn’t care”.
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. –Mark 11:12-13 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: 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
[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
JT Control of Nature
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