Is drinking alcohol permissible for a Jesus Youth, especially for a person who is in a leadership position?

In a general sense, the question of drinking has to do with respect for the body and the 5th Commandment. Respect for the body and one’s health is treated by the Catechism in sections 2288-2291.

While the Catechism explicitly condemns any use of drugs, it does not condemn alcohol in the same way. CCC 2290 states (bold for emphasis): “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.”

Alcohol in itself is not immoral, only the abuse of alcohol (that is, getting drunk- especially if it endangers one’s own life and another’s life). 

Sometimes the question of alcohol can be confusing because there are also cultural factors at work. Some countries or communities might drink often and not see anything wrong with it. For other cultures, the idea of “casual drinking” might seem strange or unacceptable.

Some examples may help… In some countries of Latin America, many people drink in order to get drunk (which is sinful). Because of this, the common perception is that anyone who drinks is a drunkard, and so many Christians in those places refrain from drinking because it is perceived in such an unhealthy manner. However, in other countries like the United States, England, or Germany, drinking “casually” is commonplace even among Christians. “Casual” here means that people might only have one or two drinks–for instance, with a meal or for a celebration. The goal is not to get drunk. Enjoying alcohol without getting drunk (that is, in a responsible manner) is completely acceptable. Cultural differences contribute to different attitudes toward drinking.

As far as the Church is concerned, alcohol is neutral. One’s attitude, intentions, habits, and responsibility towards alcohol is what is most important. The laws around drinking and alcohol need to be respected. Underage drinking (in addition to being unhealthy) is disrespecting the law, which is wrong. 

Now since the question is specifically about the use of alcohol among the Jesus Youth members, it is good to consider a few factors. As members of the Jesus Youth movement, we have willfully chosen to lead a lifestyle that helps us to grow and mature into the very likeness of Jesus himself. Our aim has always been to be the “saints of the new millennium,” echoing the exhortation of St. John Paul II. Since our inception, we have never failed to encourage abstinence among members when it comes to consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. We have a beautiful culture in Jesus Youth that has always believed that in the Holy Spirit we get “spiritually high!” We have more fun in the Lord than we could have done under the influence of alcohol. This is why we do not see drinks served in any of our meetings or social functions. We remain “teetotalers” because we know that alcohol does not help achieve our higher goals. 

That being said, if a leader in Jesus Youth chooses to drink occasionally and moderately, that is his/her personal choice. He/she may do so in a manner which does not set a bad example for others. When St. Paul talks about the freedom of every believer, he says: “I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Cor 10:23-24). Temperance and prudence are important virtues a JY leader should consciously try to develop, since our choice to drink or abstain not only influences our own spiritual progress but others’ too.

(Special thanks to Jacob Jose for his input!)