Pijaństwo jako problem moralny i duszpasterski u św. Augustyna

Abstract

The abuse of wine (and alcohol in general), excessive feasting and drunkenness is not only a moral but also a priestly issue. The Bishop of Hippo, St. Augustine, undertook this problem, in his homilies and letters, not only broadly, but designating the specific issues and problems that concern his municipality. Inebriety was a part of arranged feasts on the occasion of religious celebrations, overshadowing their true meaning. The most important issue was the drunkenness of neophytes immediately after the obtainment of the sacraments of initiation and drunken feasts associated with the celebrations in honor of the dead at their graves. Augustine opposed them referring to the biblical arguments and liturgical traditions of the universal Church, and ordinary human dignity. He tried to reclaim the distorted apprehension of the effects of alcohol abusing, assimilated to the action of the Holy Spirit . The article presents the pastoral sensitivity of the bishop who tries to establish the religious activity of the faithful on the right track.