Gluttony Facts

Gluttony is the desire to gain pleasure from something to a greater degree than what is typical or proper. It is a misconception to think that gluttony refers only to the desire of food for pleasure. In actuality, it refers to any situation where someone can get pleasure from something in excess. This includes sex, computer games, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and any other vice.

Significance

The Catholic church has deemed gluttony one of the seven deadly sins. That's in addition to lust, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. While there is no mention of the seven deadly sins under that term in the Bible, God had much to say about each of these, including gluttony. The Biblical view of gluttony is made clear in many of the Proverbs. Proverbs 23:20-21 states, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 28:7 warns, "He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." And Proverbs 23:2 says, "Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony."

Identification

Gluttony is derived from the Latin word 'gluttire' which means to gulp down. This is reference to the fact that gluttony is considered anything that is swallowed to the point of waste.

Effects

With respect to gluttony as it pertains to food. In lean times, gluttony is a sign of pride in the fact that you have more than the next person. In times of plenty, it can be considered a lack of self-control. Either way, gluttony is viewed as sinful. In a non-religious view of gluttony, it can at the least lead to health problems including obesity. In many cultures, the love of food and gluttony has caused a great number of citizens to grow fat.

Considerations

St. Gregory pointed out five ways to be tempted into gluttony. Eating at all times of the day--even before meals--can be a danger sign. So can eating food of better quality than necessary. Eating food prepared in a special manner--or with special ingredients--is another way. Eating more than necessary is a big warning sign, and so is eating with too great an enthusiasm.

Theories/Speculation

Beelzebub is the demon that the German bishop Peter Binsfield paired with the sin of gluttony in 1589. This demon is said to be the specific tempter for this type of sin.

Prevention/Solution

The best prevention from falling into gluttony is to practice self-control.