Nowhere does God forbid wine or alcoholic drink. And the Catholic Church asists upon justice. It is unjust to forbid all men to drink even in moderation ecause a few take it to excess. This is an unjust interference with individual iberty. And in any case you cannot force people to be virtuous. The failure of be American experiment has shown that. If a man cannot take drink moderately be Church advises him to take the pledge and practice total abstinence. But prohibition is like abolishing table knives because some men have used those implements for purposes of murder and suicide.
Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty
Historical language and viewpoints in the original collection are preserved. For current official teaching, consult the Catechism and the Holy See.
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