Monday, August 17, 2020

Sobering Thoughts

 The drinking of alcoholic beverages can be controversial. Many Traditionalists will be looked down upon by certain evangelical Protestants who claim any consumption of alcohol is sinful. Some Protestant sects use grape juice instead of wine at their "Lord's Supper" services, claiming that Christ changed the water into grape juice at Cana, and He used grape juice at the Last Supper. They base this false idea on the argument that the correct translation of the Biblical words mean "grape juice" and not alcoholic drink (wine). On the other hand, there are some Traditionalists who see nothing wrong with drinking at all. As long as you are not "falling down drunk," they opine that the use of intoxicating drinks is fine, and some will even look with suspicion upon those who do not drink as  "holier-than-thou" killjoys. 

I grew up in a very poor section of New York City. There was a disproportionately high number of alcoholics. Almost everyone I knew (except for my parents) drank heavily. By the time I was 19 years old, I had identified two bodies of my neighbors for the police. I'll never forget the day that an incredible stench came forth from the apartment next to us. The neighbors all congregated in the hallway with us because everybody smelled it. The man who lived in the apartment wouldn't answer and no one had seen him for days. The police were called. The building superintendent used his pass key to let them in and everybody started to vomit as soon as the door opened. 

The man who lived there drank all day, and he had died in the living room some days earlier with the bottle of gin still in his decaying hands. The police needed two identifying witnesses. For a reason I can't understand, the cops came out and asked me (as I was standing in the hallway with the others), if I would know the man if I saw him. When I replied that I would know him, they asked me if I could be the second witness along with the building super (lucky me!). My parents told me it was my duty to help the police and I went in with them. I was only 13 at the time. Six years later, the exact same thing happened with a lady on the other end of the hall. I will never forget what I saw either time. 

 The purpose of this post is to lay out the teaching of the Church on drinking alcohol, and to offer my reasons why I believe drinking should be avoided. Please note that Church teaching must be followed, not my opinions. I have no Magisterial authority, and I have never claimed to be a theologian or canonist. Follow what the Church teaches, but my opinion is just that--a layman's opinion, with which you may agree or not.

The Teaching of the Church on the Consumption of Alcoholic Drinks
According to theologian Prummer, "Sobriety is the virtue regulating man's desire for and his use of intoxicating drink. It is a distinct virtue since it has its own object which is most necessary for an upright moral life, viz. the moderate use of alcoholic drink." (See Handbook of Moral Theology, [1957], pg. 228). He describes the moral evil as follows:

The moral evil of drunkenness:
1. Complete drunkenness is a grave sin, which admits of slight matter. This is the most common opinion today. The reason given is that it is seriously contrary to right reason, (a) for a man to deprive himself knowingly and willingly of the use of his reason for the sake of gratifying his desire for intoxicants for no sufficient reasons of health; (b) for a man to expose himself to a grave danger of sin through his manner of acting; (3) for a man to expose himself to many other dangers as the result of drunkenness, such as ill-health, domestic troubles, damage to property. 

2. Any state short of complete drunkenness is of itself venially sinful.  

Note: A man is responsible for the sins committed in a state of complete intoxication to the extent that he could and ought to have seen them.  (Ibid, pg. 229). 

In the discussion on intoxicants, theologians McHugh and Callan have teachings that can be condensed as follows:

Drunkenness is sinful only if it involves the immoderate use of alcohol.  The state of intoxication may be divided into three cases:

1. If one drinks alcohol and is completely unaware that one is doing so to excess or that the drink is intoxicating, the consequential drunkenness is not culpable.  That is, the complete inadvertence excludes sin.

2.  If while drinking, one is conscious of an excessive intake of alcohol, but is sincerely unaware that drunkenness could follow, there is venial sin.

3. If one is perfectly aware of drinking in an excessive fashion and willingly accepts that drunkenness can follow, there is therefore a grave or mortal sin.  In this case the deliberation and consent are complete and entire.

Why is culpable drunkenness condemned? Because it robs a person of the use of reason. To deliberately lose the use of reason reduces humans to a level lower than that of animals because animals benefit from the instinct of self-preservation which the drunken person has lost. Moreover, it exposes people to the danger of committing a wide variety of evils, since reason no longer is there to control human actions. (See Moral Theology: A Complete Course  [1930] 2:495-502). 

Drinking in Moderation is Permissible
Drinking alcohol is not intrinsically wrong. Christ did not change water into grape juice, but into wine. This is the unanimous teaching of the Church Fathers, the theologians, and the proper understanding of Bible texts. According to the Greek text, the word used here is oinos, a wine derived from grapes; there is no evidence that wine is to be translated "grape juice." Christ changed water into wine at Cana, and He changed wine into His Precious Blood at the Last Supper. (See St. John 2:1-12, and St. Luke 22:7-39; respectively). 

In the  Old Testament, wine was a symbol of joy and blessing. Psalm 104:15 reads, "wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts." Wine was used as a part of the offering to God, "With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering." (Exodus 29:40). St. Paul recommended to Timothy that a little wine was good for the stomach and your frequent ailments, "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." (1 Timothy 5:23; N.B., St. Paul uses the word "little" as to the amount). 

Finally, Our Lord Jesus Christ drank wine at the Last Supper prior to Transubstantiation, and He turned the water at the wedding in Cana to "good wine" (St. John 2:10). Therefore, it cannot possibly be wrong to drink in moderation, because if it were evil per se to drink intoxicants, Jesus Christ would not (indeed could not) do so for He is God Incarnate. Hence, because voluntary drunkenness is condemned, it does not follow that the drinking of alcohol is absolutely forbidden. However, moderation is necessary in drinking if we want to avoid sin.  Such is the object of the virtue of sobriety.  The word sobriety comes in fact from a Latin word, "bria," which means moderation, and one is called sober who maintains moderation. Ecclesiasticus 31:37-38, states, "Sober drinking is health to soul and body.  Wine drunken with excess raiseth quarrels and wrath and many ruins."

The Evils Drinking Can Cause
The Church teaches that drunkenness is sinful, and Sacred Scripture supports this most vividly.

"Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, Nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners, shall possess the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Emphasis mine). 

As a matter of fact, the Bible specifically recognizes several evils that can come from excessive drinking (drunkenness):

1. It leads to poverty. "Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich." (Proverbs 21:17)

2. It results in depression. "Therefore I will lament with the weeping of Jazer the vineyard of Sabama: I will water thee with my tears, O Hesebon, and Eleale: for the voice of the treaders hath rushed in upon thy vintage, and upon thy harvest. And gladness and joy shall be taken away from Carmel, and there shall be no rejoicing nor shouting in the vineyards. He shall not tread out wine in the press that was wont to tread it out: the voice of the treaders I have taken away." (Isaiah 16:9-10).

3. It leads to immorality. "And they have cast lots upon my people: and the boy they have put in the stews, and the girl they have sold for wine, that they might drink" (Joel 3:3). 

4. It encourages sexual perversion. "Woe to him that giveth drink to his friend, and presenteth his gall, and maketh him drunk, that he may behold his nakedness." (Habakkuk 2:15)

5.  It causes injuries. "And thou shalt say: They have beaten me, but I was not sensible of pain: they drew me, and I felt not: when shall I awake, and find wine again?" (Proverbs 23:35)

6.  It causes sickness. "And thou shalt say to them: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Drink ye, and be drunken, and vomit: and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword, which I shall send among you." (Jeremiah 25:27).

7. It is associated with selfishness. "And as wine deceiveth him that drinketh it: so shall the proud man be, and he shall not be honored..."(Habakkuk 2:5). 

The Statistics on Alcohol and The Misery It Brings

Alcohol Use Disorder (aka "AUD" or alcoholism):
  • 14.4 million adults ages 18 and older (5.8 percent of this age group) had AUD. This includes 9.2 million men (7.6 percent of men in this age group) and 5.3 million women (4.1 percent of women in this age group).
  • An estimated 88,0005 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
  • In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the United States $249.0 billion dollars
  • In 2012, 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9 percent of all global deaths (7.6 percent for men and 4.0 percent for women), were attributable to alcohol consumption
  • Globally, alcohol misuse was the fifth leading risk factor for premature death and disability in 2010. Among people between the ages of 15 and 49, it is the first. In the age group 20–39 years, approximately 25 percent of the total deaths are alcohol attributable.
  • More than 10 percent of U.S. children live with a parent with alcohol problems, according to a 2012 study
  • In 2018, of the 83,517 liver disease deaths among individuals ages 12 and older, 47.8 percent involved alcohol
  • Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast
(See https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics#:~:text=Prevalence%20of%20Drinking%3A%20According%20to,drank%20in%20the%20past%20month.). 

Conclusion
The moderate use of alcohol is permissible. Certain Protestants and other sects are wrong that complete abstinence is required and/or make the claim that Christ didn't use and make wine. Nevertheless, why would anyone choose to use alcohol? Yes, it can calm the nerves, etc, but so can drinking certain teas. Keep in mind that the Vatican II sect didn't develop overnight. Similarly, a notorious mortal sinner doesn't start out that way. No one leading a decent life suddenly wakes up one day and decides to become an alcoholic or rob a bank. Semi-deliberate venial sins, if not checked, can lead to deliberate ones. As you get desensitized to venial sin, you fall into mortal sin. Mortal sins can become habitual and lead to worse and worse deadly sins. Suddenly, that good Traditionalist Catholic is gone, replaced by a life of sin and soon will find himself a practical atheist---if not an actual one. Morals and faith go hand in glove; lose the one and the other leaves with it.

Begin drinking and you might find yourself going down that sinful, wide road that leads to perdition. Most of the people who drank in my neighborhood growing up moved on to drugs. Many who did not progress to narcotics still lost their jobs, broke up their marriages, inflicted abuse upon their children, and even turned to crime leading to prison. Alcoholics are made over time. Just as the journey of 10,000 miles begins with a single step, so too does an alcoholic begin with the first drink. After seeing so much destruction caused by drinking, I pledged on my twenty-first birthday never to drink except for a very special occasion. Since that time (34 years ago), I have taken exactly two drinks; a glass of Champagne when I toasted my best friend at his wedding, and several years later when he toasted me at my wedding. I never regretted my decision. I'm sure alcoholics can't say the same about their decision to drink. Don't let alcohol become your cup of tea.  

92 comments:

  1. I keep my old parents at home. My mother has had a drinking problem for a few years. I manage to control her abuse by emptying her bottles which she hides in the house and which I always find but that does not stop her from drinking. I have consulted with organizations that help alcoholics and have been told that she has to stop on her own or I cannot stop her. His alcoholism causes me many worries because of all the health problems it can cause, especially for a person of my mother's age (81) and the risk for her salvation.

    I don't drink. I tasted beer when I was young but I didn't like it. And I very rarely drank alcohol, only a sip on some occasions but never a full glass or a bottle. I went to a wedding last winter, there was alcohol served but I only drank water. I even swore to never drink alcohol again because of my mother's situation. I would rather go without alcohol than not being able to stop and be a problem for others. In my life, I have fallen into another vice, porn, but I am gradually getting out of it with the help of the Most Holy Rosary. Prayer is a great way to escape vices of all kinds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both M + F are suffering from porn addiction because of smart phones & free porn.
      Add to that a dying dysfunctional empire in which the nuclear family is decimated and traditional Sex roles have laid asunder too,and you have a perfect storm leading to porn addiction.
      God bless
      -Andrew

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    2. Simon,
      Extra prayers for you my friend. That’s a tough situation with your mom. You give good testimony as to why alcohol should be avoided. Keep up the good fight and I have every confidence Christ and His Mother will give you victory over the porn addiction.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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    3. Andrew,
      Yes, the Internet brought with it many evils to an already messed-up culture.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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    4. Thanks Introïbo, Andrew and everyone. In the present situation, we must listen to the Lord's warnings, stay awake, pray at all times and not waste our time in disorderly pleasures.

      Delete
    5. Simon, most people do bad things in the dark of the night or behind closed doors because they know what they are doing is wrong and they are ashamed if others knew. There is a lot of good in that feeling of shame. A key teaching to ponder as a Catholic is the Community of Saints. Someone is always watching. Once you see this truth fully, you will immediately stop the illicit and morally corrupt behavior cold turkey. Yes, your Mother (BVM) is watching, at least to some degree, as with your guardian angel. Although, the angels often flee from such impurity, so I am not sure they stick around for the show.

      I am with Intoibo and will pray for you and your mother.

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    6. CM7:

      It's true, when I watched porn, I closed the door to my room so that I couldn't be seen, because I knew it was wrong, but I was being watched anyway; I imagined that there were angels around me who hid their faces so that they wouldn't see those horrible pictures that I was looking at. And God sees all of our actions.

      But there is one thing that can be done in private and which is good, it is to pray, as the Lord says (Mattew 6, 6) Not to pray like the Muslims who block the streets of certain Western cities to mark their territory but pray to our Father in secret, who will return it to us.

      Delete
  2. Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want;whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich." (Proverbs 21:17)
    What is Oil?
    -Andrew

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    1. What do you mean what is oil?

      Delete
    2. Andrew,
      Oil was a precious unguent used at feasts to anoint guests, and it was very expensive.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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  3. You are absolutely right. I grew up with alcoholic parents, and every one of my mom' s brothers eventually went to AA. My dad hasn't had a drink for over 40 years, and said the smartest thing he ever did was to quit drinking. The dumbest thing he ever did was to start drinking.

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    1. Richard P,
      Your dad is a wise man! Hopefully, many will learn from his example.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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  4. "Note: A man is responsible for the sins committed in a state of complete intoxication to the extent that he could and ought to have seen them. (Ibid, pg. 229). "

    In relation to the above, I would be very interested in your thoughts on sins of addiction. Every moral theologian I have read teaches that people who have an addiction lessen their culpability in that particular offense, but I don't see how the allowance of the addiction or immoderate behavior can be overlooked. My thought is that the sin committed in the addiction is lessened due to the weakening of the will, but the acts that preceded such a state are not. Otherwise, one would have to admit that it is morally better to make a sin into an addiction.

    Good article. Thanks.

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    1. CM7,
      You write, “ My thought is that the sin committed in the addiction is lessened due to the weakening of the will, but the acts that preceded such a state are not”

      You basically explain it well. Without getting into greater detail, your sentence is essentially correct.

      Glad you liked my post!

      —-Introibo

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    2. I can't tell you the amount of people that have told me that they quit drinking and smoke pot instead. They have just exchanged the alcohol for the pot. Since pot is now legal in alot of States these people think they are doing something noble by giving up alcohol to replace it with pot. They are in no way sober but in a self-deception.

      JoAnn

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    3. Joann,
      That’s trading one poison for another!

      —-Introibo

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  5. Is small wine really good for some ailments?

    Interesting that the Holy Ghost places health tips in Scripture itself, anyway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @anon8:09
      Yes, it is true that small wine is good for some ailments. It can help with insomnia and digestion. According to one report:
      “A team of Portuguese researchers found that specific polyphenols in red wine trigger the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the stomach wall, helping to optimize digestion.”

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  6. As someone who drank heavily for 17 yrs and stopped cold turkey on my own at the age of 32 yrs but was told by people I needed to go to AA for support or I would drink again. Not knowing anything about AA or the 12 steps I obediently went. Going to AA was one of the biggest mistakes I made in my life! However, I got an education and hard lessons learned regarding the Masonic 12 Step Programs. First off they tell you to get a "higher power" of your choosing. The higher power could be Mohammad, or the light in the ceiling just as long as it is something outside yourself. Then they tell you to get a sponsor and do the steps. One of the steps has you confess all your sins and wrongdoings to your sponsor. The sponsor upon knowing all the sins you have committed will more than likely use them against you as there are many unsrupulous people in AA. I could go on and on regarding the reasons to stay away from AA, but please, please do not attend AA or any 12 Step Program. They are dangerous, Masonic and demonic. All you need to quit drinking is the will to quit and you can do it no matter what the AA's say. I have been sober for 34 yrs, quit cold turkey on my own and have stayed sober. AA is wrong when they claim that their 12 Step Program is needed to stay sober. In my opinion, AA is a cult.

    JoAnn

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    1. Joann,
      Yes it is Masonic. See my post:

      http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2017/01/addicted-to-masonry.html?m=1

      —-Introibo

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  7. Don’t forget TV!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. @anon3:09
      Are you referring to the positive portrayal of alcohol on television?

      —-Introibo

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    2. Nay, but that is a good point.

      I am referring to it being the tabernacle of satan. Netflix has a series called “warrior nun” in which a girl wakes up one day belonging to a sect of warrior nuns.

      The satanic series 13 Reasons Why was supposedly about “how u shouldn’t bully other ppl” and “how u should seek help when suffering”. Now it is about high school students reproducing and killing each other, like Elite and Riverdale.

      Even kids movies are unsafe, Frozen 2 was a feministic, environmentalist madhouse promoting tribal shamanism and attacking colonialism.

      Delete
    3. @anon5:14
      I agree! I did a post on “13 Reasons Why”
      http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2017/05/suicide-solution.html?m=1

      —-Introibo

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    4. What do you mean by Frozen 2 attacking colonialism?

      And why would colonialism be right in general (I mean, I do believe some are legitimate)

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    5. Colonialism brought Catholicism to the pagans.
      That alone proves it was just.
      Yes there were tragedies like Bizarro and the Congo but the same thing was happening amongst the Aztecs who sacrificed other Indians.
      God bless
      Andrew

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  8. Another great article, Introibo. I'm a non-drinker as well, and surprisingly enough, there are fellow Traditionalists who assume that if you *don't drink* you're being "puritanical" or "Jansensistic"---both terms are non-sequitors, and have no theological foundation ---Catholic or heretical. In my own case, I don't think that I could have formed and grown my business as I have if I were a drinker.

    Like our Holy Mother Church, I don't condemn drinking outright; in moderation, it's OK. Yet, I would challenge a single person to point to someone, for example, a father, or any man--and say he became a BETTER father as a RESULT of drinking. It's not going to happen. But you'll find of testimonies about the benefit of quitting drinking.

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    1. @anon6:59
      You are so right! What you wrote reminded me of an old joke from a stand-up comedian. The comedian didn’t drink and couldn’t understand why people decided to drink. He went to a party and saw a man acting out and being loud; he was drinking. The comedian went up and asked him, “Why do you drink?” The man said, “Because it enhances my personality.” The comedian then asked, “Why would a jerk want to do that?”

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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  9. Introibo,
    The AMA claims Alcoholism is a disease and, I believe, drug addiction is classified as a disease. Isn't this just the medical profession taking the responsibility off the person for their actions of abusing the alcohol or drugs away and negating it, therefore, the person has no responsibility for the consequences of their abuse of the substance. AA claims that people are "powerless" over their Alcoholism which takes all responsibility off the person for their actions as well. Drinking and abusing drugs is a choice made by an individual. Naturally, habitual abusers will develop tolerance and require more of the substance, but that in no way makes it a disease such as diabetes. Why must alcoholics and drug addicts be pampered, coddled and placated? Why are they sent off to rehab and told they are powerless over a disease that doesn't exist? It just doesn't make any sense to me.

    JoAnn

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    1. Joann,
      For some time now there has been a flight from personal responsibility. No one is a sinner, everyone has a sickness and needs pity not penance. Here in NY, former Governor Eliot Spitzer was getting $4,000 call girls and had to resign. Former Congressman Anthony Weiner was sexting pics of his crotch to women across the country while he was married—-the last “woman” was 15 and landed him time in jail. Did either of them say they had sinned, asked God’s forgiveness, and would do penance?? NO!! They’re “sex addicts” who couldn’t help themselves and have no control! They didn’t do anything wrong. They don’t need God. They went to “Sex Addicts Anonymous.” Seriously. See https://saa-recovery.org/.

      Why should we expect anything different with alcoholics? The ones who recover are the ones who repent and turn to God.

      —-Introibo

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    2. Introibo,
      It has been my experience that there are very who truly recover from Alcoholism. Most use "I have a disease" as an excuse to keep "relapsing". Therefore, the disease concept only furthers their excuse to keep using and relapsing. Of course, the revolving doors of the rehabs is big business for the medical profession who deemed Alcoholism as a disease to begin with.

      JoAnn

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    3. And then, true illnesses are not considered diseases.
      Aspergers aren’t ill or socially handicapped, they are “neurodiverse” and the others are “neurotypicals”, with the implication that we are somehow “superior” and it is the fault of the neurotypicals who are too social and inferior to understand us, therefore we are victims of the system.

      Meanwhile, most of us experience suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, fell victims of any kind of abuse due to our innocence and our marriages are nuts. What is the point of having a talent if you jump from a cliff?

      Delete
    4. @anon7:56
      You make a valid point. Thank you for commenting.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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  10. Introibo,

    Suppose you have a close acquaintance who is not of the Catholic faith (or rather, he is largely secular in outlook; let's just say he's a work in progress). On the subject of drinking, he is of the opinion that raging alcoholism and intentional drunkenness is wrong; however, he is also of the opinion that getting "buzzed" among close friends or family in a place of safety (such as at home) can be a very "freeing" experience, because it allows one to drop their pretensions and be more honest for a short time. To paraphrase his overall point, it is that "getting drunk" among friends is acceptable so long as it doesn't get to the point where you become a sloppy or raging mess (notwithstanding the fact that alcoholism is something that's present both in his family and mine).

    He wouldn't care for reasons that ultimately devolve to "because the Church says so" as for why I don't want to do it (because that's one of his hang-ups with religion in general, in that he doesn't want his choices to be restricted for "arbitrary" reasons). What particular responses do you think would be most effective on such a mindset as to why even his seemingly innocuous idea is still wrong?

    Sincerely,

    A Simple Man

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simple Man,
      Use a secular line of argumentation. No alcoholic starts out that way. There are many recovered alcoholics who thought they could “just get tipsy” and never progress and further.

      Alcohol is a drug and like all drugs the body develops a tolerance. It will require more and more alcohol to attain that feeling. You are impairing you’re thought processes and may make very bad decisions. As you drink more to get tipsy, even if it does not lead to full blown alcoholism, you put your health at risk. Then use that stats above on the dangers of AUD.

      I hope this helped!

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

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  11. Why does it seem Trad's are generally less friendly and sociable compared to the Protestants, Evangelicals, etc?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I dont any Trads personally.
      Everyone around me is either a literal freemason,atheist,agnostic,and a few seem to be outright satanic,literally.
      Trad Catholics are an extremely small group.
      Are you trolling or did you have a run in with 1 of the few Trad Catholics left in the World?
      -Andrew

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    2. Though Jesus was the most loving person ever, He was not always "nice", and as we read in Scripture, He openly rebukes falsehood with strong words (like "white-washed walls", "serpents"), contrary to what modern freemasonic society teaches, where love equals toleration of all things, including error and falsehood. We all need to be "nice".

      Delete
    3. If that's what you meant by not being "friendly" and "sociable"

      Delete
    4. Andrew-
      Not a troll. Just someone who has gone to Trad Chapels and the people are unfriendly.

      Delete
    5. @anon5:27 @Andrew
      I know many Traditionalists, and I must admit, in many cases, they are more keeping to themselves. In some cases it’s because the distance they need to travel is so far, they really can’t socialize like local Protestantism having people nearby.

      Traditionalists are also prone to infighting over various issues. Ten years ago, I had breakfast after Mass in an SSPV chapel. Two grown men started arguing over a point of theology and they (literally) started screaming at each other. I had to step in so it wouldn’t become a fist fight!

      —-Introibo

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    6. Im living + working around Freemasons and they are an extremely hateful rude sarcastic misreable bunch.
      Been to 5 trad chapels in my life.
      Only 1 was outright rude odd weird etc felt like a cult.
      The other 4 were normal but I'm used to being anonymous so it didn't bother me that no one had rolled out the red carpet for me.
      Life sucks nowadays and it's pretty much guaranteed to not get any better.
      People are in the dumps and our country imploding only ads to it.
      God bless
      Andrew

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    7. Andrew,
      Glad you saw the good in 4 of 5 Chapels! The Faith and sacraments are what matters. Don’t be in the dumps because GOD IS IN CONTROL! You are so blessed to have the true Faith!

      —-Introibo

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    8. I'm a Traditionalist and although I really work hard to be fair and equitable, I'm far from friendly or warm; I'm just not. I think that for whatever reason, it comes with the territory. Some of it, I think, comes from posturing: We had to fight tooth and nail against our family, friends, the Establishment church, and others, to get where we are. There is, consequently, a certain level of defensiveness.

      On another score, I think to be a traditionalist you have to be ---in a certain sense---well, like Donald Trump, in at least one respect: combative. Friendly, warm, 'go along to get along' just doesn't cut it. Going against the grain is in our nature. None of this is to argue against charity, of course, for to be saved our justice must exceed the Pharisees, but still, as St. Jerome once remarked 'Don't talk to me about being nice, because being nice is not virtue.'

      Actually, if you look at the Latin root of the word 'nice', it means something a lot closer to being: Stupid. But I digress.

      Finally, I'll say this which kind of relates tangentially. If you lived 700 years ago in a thoroughly Catholic society --the government, the culture, the media ---such as it was then, all the influencers in society, essentially--- and you were genuinely "saintly" --- even back then you would have been regarded as an oddball and you would have stuck out from your neighbors. Even back then people would have thought of you as "different".

      Delete
    9. Andrew,
      People at Chapels don't need to "roll out the red carpet" but I find them truly lacking in hospitality. If Trad's can't be hospitable to their own how on earth can they be hospitable to outsiders and those that are lost? I believe there is a verse in the Bible that says "This is how they know that you are my disciples, that you love one another".

      JoAnn

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    10. Anon 5:45,
      People don't need to be "nice" but what is wrong with common courtesy to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? What is wrong with a greeting such as "hello", "good to see you", etc? Perhaps there is just too much "self righteousness" among Trad's to be cordial to one another in their Chapels?

      JoAnn

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    11. I'm simply used to people not speaking to me.
      No one at any traditional chapel has been rude to me except one I attended a few times.
      Other than that it was normal at the other 4 I attended.
      Maybe I'm just used to living in a city where people don't speak to strangers...
      -Andrew

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    12. @JoAnn
      It would be good if people were friendly but I've had to accept that is gone and not coming back.
      Living in isolation is not good but there's nothing I can do about it.
      If folks at traditional chapels dont speak to me there's nothing I can do but accept it.
      If you took offense i apologise.
      God bless
      -Andrew

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    13. Andrew,
      I live in a City also and am used to people not speaking to me. However, when I go to Church I would think it should be different than on the streets on this God forsaken City.

      JoAnn

      Delete
    14. You are right, Andrew, we are less friendly and less social. I can tell you why that is true in the case of my husband and me, but I don't speak for all Traditional Catholics.
      We decided years ago when we joined our Latin Mass parish that we would avoid all socializing with people from church because Latin Mass parishes are few and far between here in Texas. If we said or did anything that offended someone (especially the ladies at church), it would become uncomfortable to attend. And there really is no plan-B church. Unlike Protestants and Novus Ordo "Catholics" (who are crypto-protestants), we can't just drive down the block to change churches. So we speak to no one for fear we would offend them. Don't want to poison the well.
      Plus we were never able to have kids (no, we never used contraception, there were other medical reasons), so there is always that feeling of judgement from other Catholics. Especially as a woman - I would never try to befriend a Traditional Catholic lady because she would never accept that I don't have children. So that's why we are unsociable at church. Self preservation.

      Delete
    15. Milkbone,
      I never had children either do to medical problems. I understand where you are coming from by stating you would never be accepted for that reason. I also have had the same fear. Let me clarify my statement about being "social". I don't necessarily mean become friends with others at Church. What I was trying to communicate was a "hello", "nice to see you", "have a good day", or a smile would be nice. I get enough of the cold shoulder in the City where I live. I just think Christians should be warm and welcoming to one another. You don't have to be friends and socialize but what is wrong with being cordial?

      Delete
    16. I've gone so long without friends and having people in my life that I can talk to,that it's now second nature.
      Trad Chapels are fine so long as no one is being outright rude or trying to intimidate me.
      God bless -Andrew-

      Delete
    17. Andrew,
      Please consider me your friend in Christ.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    18. Trads are "unfriendly and unwelcoming" because they are often extremely PRIDEFUL....which begets coldness to others, along with a lack of humour.

      Delete
  12. Can I ask as to what's with this anti-mask spirit among sedevacantists?

    Other than it's mostly an american phenomenon, where's obedience to authority?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think for most Americans it comes down to the arbitrariness of it all, where fines and other penalties are being assessed on a matter that has not been legitimately legislated, as well as a matter where the scientific and medical rationale for wearing a mask has not been sufficiently proven in the least.

      Consider also the draconian measures instigated against those who aren't wearing a mask, as seen recently in Australia, where a woman nearly got choked out in public by a police officer for not wearing a mask outside, or car windows being broken open so officers can inquire as to why people who are driving aren't wearing a mask.

      The same rationale applies in terms of inconsistency, as we see where crowds and large gatherings are condemned (churches, restaurants, etc)...unless you have the correct politics (see BLM, the Portland riots, etc).

      Speaking as someone who does wear a mask when entering other establishments (mostly to not be a hassle, because for me it's a minor inconvenience), I think most of the discontent comes from the legitimate authorities acting in a capricious and unlawful manner.

      Sincerely,

      A Simple Man

      Delete
    2. What do you mean by science not yet proving that masks work? There's evidences.

      And when authorities are doing unlawful behaviour to those not wearing a mask, what's the reason then you won't be wearing one?

      Delete
  13. Anonymous 7:03 AM

    Can I ask as to what's with this anti-mask spirit among sedevacantists?

    Answer: Because they don't work as seen by real scientific studies here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wegZJI6NvpU Because they don't protect you by somebody else wearing it, proof here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_iQM5x9wF8 Because Dr. Fauci said people shouldn't be walking around with masks on during an outbreak back in March here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLNBw7XCM4Q and then changes his mind later.

    Other than it's mostly an american phenomenon, where's obedience to authority?

    Answer: Is it okay to obey sin? Where is the sin you ask? The sin of acquiescence to a lie. The globalist and those like Bill Gates don't care about our health. The wearing of the mask is a compliant step in the direction towards being like Communist controlled China. Communism is condemned by the Church. Australia has gotten so bad that according the Covid 19 Emergency Response Act of 2020 it states in section 25A: —Removal of children:
    (1) Without derogating from section 25, an authorised officer may, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with any direction under that section, remove a child from any premises, place, vehicle or vessel to a place of residence of the child or to a hospital or quarantine facility, as the authorised officer thinks fit (and may, in doing so, use such force as is reasonably necessary). A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

    Lee

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    Replies
    1. Interesting... I don't see how wearing a mask leads to communism. I've worn a mask. Saw no problem with it. Neither did my brother who was under 18.

      What defines a "real" scientific study? As far as I know, the evidences that masks work is much larger.

      Many sede chapels even have masks for people to wear. (Ex: some chapels of CMRI)

      The quote you got from the Act, what was it referring to? Remove a child for what? I don't get it.

      Delete
    2. Lee,
      I truly don't know how people who work are supposed to wear a mask for hours without suffocating. When I have to put a mask on to go into a store I feel like I can't breathe. These masks also harbor bacteria especially the longer one has to wear it. They are not healthy. I think they want to make people sick in this Country!

      JoAnn

      Delete
    3. The below link shows the total absurdity of the mask police enforcing mandatory mask wearing for a 2 yr old on a plane!

      https://www.infowars.com/passengers-revolt-as-airline-removes-family-who-had-trouble-masking-2-year-old/

      JoAnn

      Delete
    4. Anonymous 5:16 PM

      Watch the top video which explains how randomized controlled studies were done on N-95 respirators and how according to a Hong Kong study the improper use can cause more problems. It also explains a study from 2015 that talked about how the use of cloth mask can make you more at risk for catching the virus because of the poor filtration. It also explained the studies which showed how health workers received headaches due to hypoxia which is a lack of oxygen if worn for several hours. At the end he nailed it. It's not about our health but submission.

      The second video shows how a doctor used a cigar and showed how the vapors went right through any kind of mask proving that it doesn't protect you from me if I were to wear a mask.

      The third video show how Dr. Fauci (Fraudci) said in March that wearing a mask shouldn't be used in an outbreak. Now how he not only says it's a symbol of what we all should be doing but that we should listen and follow professional (shysters) like him without question.

      What is the "evidence" that is much larger? I know there is much more media controlled favor of them based on opinion but they never show any good study or evidence with proof that they work.

      Some CMRI chapels may have them because of fear of getting closed down by health departments, depending on what state they are in if they don't provide them. I don't necessarily agree with that but it could be that many parishioners are buying into the hoax that surrounds this virus (I believe the virus is real) and they could be providing them for that reason.

      The quote is from the Covid emergency Act of 2020 from section 25 A in Australia. If people test positive for Covid-19, their government has authorized police force of children to be removed from their home however they see fit. On top of that, they are using drones in Melbourne checking to see if people are wearing masks and if they catch anybody not wearing one they could be arrested or fined. They also have check points in Melbourne for taking a Covid test.

      This whole thing is geared for government (global) control and they are trying to get people used to as "the new normal." The next thing they will push is a vaccine with technology encryption. If people stand up now and don't put up with it, which is starting to happen, then it's possible these things may not happen as soon as planned. Of course we need to pray and prepare accordingly. We'll see what happens.

      Lee

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    5. Lee, those are some real logical gymnastics to make obeying a mask law sinful. The Catholic Church followed the mask mandates of the 1918 period and also obeyed the civil authority in closing churches temporarily. Each citizen cannot simply ignore any law they wish because they don’t find the justification for it correct. Each citizen is not the competent authority on all matters. We are to obey even our atheist leaders unless they are ordering us to sin. Wearing a mask when you don’t agree with it and don’t want to is a perfect opportunity to strengthen our virtue.

      Delete
  14. JoAnn,

    Thank you for the link. It's getting ridiculous more and more as time passes. Just stay as close to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael, and all the saints as you can. Consider what Our Lady said to St. Bernadette. "I cannot promise you happiness in this life, only in the next."

    Lee

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    Replies
    1. I am probably commenting too much. Just wanted to add that all this mask wearing, lockdown, etc., is isolating people from each other. Talking through a mask is not conducive to much of any conversations. I think that the powers to be want us silenced and not conversing. The lockdown was nonsense except for the vulnerable with pre-existing conditions. The masking, lockdown, social distancing is to instill fear and paranoia among the general population. It is all about control and power. See who has risen to power during this pandemic and exerting control - Black Lives Matter who are spreading their Marxism under the guise of racism. We have lost freedoms in this Country as a result and it is going to get worse. When people are traumatized through fear of the virus the defenses get lowered and people become easy to manipulate and control. Therefore, Black Lives Matter and their Communist agenda has risen to power. I personally think the virus and the Communist takeover of this Country are linked. Welcome to the “New Abnormal”!!

      JoAnn

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    2. Joann,
      There is no limit to the number of times a reader of my blog may contribute. The “New Abnormal”—-I like it!

      Delete
    3. When I saw the topic of this article, the thought that went immediately through my mind was the covid-caused shut-downs and restrictions placed on church-going, on recreation activities, and on many retail businesses, but not on "necessary" things like the abortion mills, liquor stores, and cannabis shops. Might it be that the officials meant to contribute even more to a demoralized, depressed, self-medicated society?

      And I like "the New Abnormal", too! Best way I've heard yet to send that creepy Orwellian phrase "New Normal" up in smoke.

      Thank you for citing some excellent sources here, Intro. I didn't realize there was such a depth of theological material on the subject. Very useful and informative!
      Jannie

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    4. Jannie,
      Thank you! It struck me as insane when, at the peak of COVID in NY, liquor shops stayed open. Getting drunk was considered as necessary as eating. Truly sick!

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    5. Introibo, the reason they keep liquor shops open is because when they don’t they have real medical issues with folks that are dependent. I was surprised as well until a medical friend of mine explained that.

      JoAnn, there is zero evidence they are pushing masks to cause fear. You may be surprised (as I was) that MANY americans want this and push for it harder. In my town some facebook groups people are upset the gov is not forcing it more. So it is not like the leaders are doing something 90% of people don’t want. Also this was done during Spanish Flu, nothing new here.

      Delete
    6. Anon @10:04,
      Can't please all the people all the time when it comes to mask wearing. I compliantly wear a mask when I go into a store. However, I do not know how people are expected to wear masks while working an 8 hr day. Common sense dictates that it can't be healthy. Especially since "President Fauci" said at the outset that face masks were not required and of no help. Also, how long is too long for face masks to be mandated? Who decides? "Pres. Fauci", Pres. Trump or Governors?

      Delete
    7. @Lee,
      What happened to Fr.Michael Oswalt?
      -Andrew

      Delete
    8. JoAnn, in this day in age in America we have been so weak with such soft living and continually hear about our “rights”. I think for most that have to wear a mask in a store it is a very minor inconvenience. I do agree for workers that wear them all day it must be annoying. I don’t know the answer to how long is too long before one can justify pinning it on a false motive, but it has been 5 months not 5 years and there are legal channels that should be taken to change the law if one wishes. As far as who decides our elected officials and the people they have assigned to the various public health positions are who decide. It will all blow over soon enough anyway, it is the business that were shut down that will truly suffer long term and many will not make it.

      Delete
  15. They want to keep people in an alcoholic and cannabis haze and daze in this country by deeming liquor stores and pot shops essential. Since when is getting drunk and high essential to living? The only thing essential to these businesses being operational is to keep the people blind and indifferent to the communist agenda and takeover of the country under the guise of Black Lives Matter. The killing of the unborn being deemed essential shows how depraved society has become. Victims lives matter!

    JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes...it may serve a two pronged purpose in the agenda that's planned for the future:
      first - keep getting rid of those population busting babies for as much cash as possible, including the hefty profits from the "human product" that is marketed from their bodies; and second - keep the people in a substance-induced haze so that they might give up on using their God given intellects. Encourage them to look for relief in a bottle, in drugs, or other vices to escape from the state sponsored "soft" terrorism we are experiencing. I'm guessing that those "necessary" businesses are a source of rich kickbacks to the state(s), too. And don't start me on the vaccines! The covid wealth transfer from the people to the oligarchy has gotten so immense it beggars belief. If not gotten under control soon, all the wealth will belong to them and all the debt will be ours.
      Following the money trail always leads to the responsible parties.

      Bishop Dolan at SGG has the most hard hitting yet inspiring sermons on this topic. I personally find that listening to them at sgg.org gives me peace, courage and the feeling I'm not alone.
      Let's trust in God and keep the Faith that we've been privileged to have...it will see us through.
      Jannie

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    2. Introibo,
      Since we are on the subject of alcohol,I was wondering what happened to the Opiod Crisis? Never hear anything about it anymore and alcohol and drug use has skyrocketed due to the virus.

      Delete
    3. Everything is going according to plan as people are still addicted and dying.
      No need to draw attention while they're trying to flood our Nation's with 3rd world illiterate savages.
      -Andrew

      Delete
  16. Great blog. As Mother always said: "When you can tell me ONE good thing that happened as a result of drinking, I'll start." But I can't be self righteous. Wine gives me a splitting headache, even half a glass with a nice meal. And the idea that alcohol kills brain cells makes me reluctant to drink. Mostly though I worry about sinning. I am bad enough sober.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Milkbone,
      To know your weaknesses makes you a strong person.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  17. 16 yr old Male in County juvenile detention center FORCED to receive Estrogen injections.
    Tucker Carlson video:
    https://youtu.be/DHzO5BXwl3I
    -Andrew-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew,
      The world grows worse each day.

      —-Introibo

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    2. Stories like this convince me we're entering the final years.
      -Andrew

      Delete
  18. Introibo, I have a question about a marriage. My sister is getting married in a non-religious wedding, with the whole covid situation they have had to re-do everything 4 times. So long story short, they are having their wedding in my parents backyard. She was baptized Novus Ordo, so she has never been a traditional Catholic, she doesnt practice any faith at all I dont think, pretty much just a protestant believer. Her fiance is protestant I believe. I'm really torn, my wife has said she is going no matter what, my brother asked a traditional priest who told him he shouldn't go since she was baptized. I feel I shouldn't go and I dont want to offend God but I dont want to drive a huge wedge between my wife and I for not attending. What are the guidelines for attending weddings for Catholics again?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @anon7:24,

      This e-pamphlet from Donald F. Miller of the Redemptorists might offer some clarity, on how Catholics should deal with invalid marriages: https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cts/untitled-204.shtml

      Sincerely,

      A Simple Man

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    2. @anon7:24
      I’m sorry for this tough situation. Here is the general rule. If neither has been married, there is no scandal of giving witness to adultery. According to Theologians McHugh and Callan if the service is non-religious or entirely civil, you may PASSIVELY participate by merely watching and no more. (See Moral Theology:A Complete Course, [1929], 1: 371-383).

      As members of the V2 sect are not Catholic, the reason to participate in the wedding passively need not be very serious as long as scandal is avoided.

      I’ll be praying for you and your family.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    3. Thank you both for the replies. That has been my understanding of it, they wouldn't be subject to canon law since they are not really Catholics, so the normal obligations wouldn't apply. Father Baumberger I believe was the priest my brother talked to which said he shouldn't go because they would be subject to the obligation of the Church. I just want to make sure I do right by God and my family second.

      Delete
  19. My Dad rarely was falling down drunk, but every night he drank til he was impaired. We never ever really bonded.
    Towards end of life, i gave him choice of Brown Scapular or Miraculous Medal. (Of course, i wanted him to take both).
    I didn't know how aware he was.... his eyes bulged, he went for Brown Scapular like a drowning man grabbing a rope.
    Startled me... but why? He was conservative novos ordo botn in 1931...
    Given info on sedevacantism, might have become one... he asked me after aug 2013 first interview of jorge, shaken badly, is he a heretic?
    Of course!
    We both were dismissed from novos ordo ccd volunteer teaching . John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John,
      To be dismissed from the Vatican II sect is a badge of honor! Glad you followed God’s call to his One True Church!

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  20. Intro,
    I am a reader who comments regularly here. This post was something of an inspiration to me and I'll tell you why.
    Though not a heavy drinker, over the years I noticed my consumption of alcohol increasing steadily to having a couple (or three) drinks daily or every other day. Doesn't sound too bad to some, but more alarming was that I became so desirous of that first drink that I started watching the clock for an "acceptable" time to begin. It started to worry me!
    When I read this article some switch turned on inside my head and I believed somehow I was just not going to have another drink. Here it is, almost 4 weeks later and I haven't; neither do I care to ever again.
    Thank you for this post that helped me find the disposition of mind and soul to quit alcohol altogether. Because I may have become that person who one day finds themselves a drunk and is amazed at how it happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @anon3:03
      Your comment made my day!!

      God Bless you abundantly!

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  21. Wine and other alcoholic drinks are wonderful enhancements to human life. It is wrong to fixate on it OR fear it. It is something that requires practise in learning how to handle it and to acquire a healthy view of it, something latin cultures are good at inculcating. Drunkards lack self control, and choose to blame an inanimate object for their woes, but I would not let evil people deprive you of something God Himself honoured and approved of. It just understanding and maturity.

    ReplyDelete