Nuns And Beer: A Curious Combination

Whether nuns are allowed to drink alcohol is dependent on the vows they take at ordination. While some nuns may choose to abstain from alcohol, others may consume it in moderation. For example, during feast days or when entertaining guests, nuns may indulge in wine or other spirits as long as it is done socially and in moderation. In the Middle Ages, nearly all monks and nuns drank alcoholic beverages, especially ales, as they were more common than drinking water. Today, some nuns may even have their own mini-bar and offer whiskey to their visitors. Ultimately, whether nuns drink beer or not depends on the specific congregation and the individual nun's vows or choices.

Nuns are not encouraged to drink beer, but it is not considered sinful in moderation

Drinking alcohol is not encouraged for nuns, who are expected to maintain a clear mind and avoid any substance that could affect their mental state. However, it is not considered sinful when consumed in moderation. Ultimately, it depends on the vows taken by each nun or monk and the congregation they belong to.

Historically, monks and nuns played a significant role in the creation of various alcoholic beverages, including different types of beer and wine. During the Middle Ages, alcoholic drinks like ales were commonly consumed, and they were often seen as more nourishing than water. Even during Lent, some monastic congregations requested permission from Rome to drink heavy beer while fasting from food.

In modern times, nuns and monks may indulge in wine or other spirits during feast days or when entertaining guests, as long as it is done socially and in moderation. While smoking is generally discouraged due to its addictive nature, drinking in small quantities is not inherently forbidden.

The consumption of alcohol by nuns is not universally accepted, and it may vary depending on the specific congregation and the vows taken. Some nuns may choose to abstain from alcohol completely as a gift to God, while others may consume it in moderation without considering it a sin.

Nuns may drink alcohol during feast days or when being entertained by guests

Whether nuns can drink alcohol depends on the specific orders and vows they have taken. In Buddhism, for example, monks and nuns abstain from intoxicating substances as these are believed to hinder enlightenment. In Catholicism, nuns are generally not encouraged to drink alcohol, but it is not considered sinful when consumed in moderation.

That being said, during feast days or when being entertained by guests, nuns may drink alcohol. This is in line with the idea that, in moderation, social drinking is acceptable. This is also supported by Sister Ruth, a nun at the Abbey of St. Gertrud in Kloster-Alexanderdorf, who states that "pardonable sins, like eating too many sweets or drinking beer, are fine. God isn't that strict."

The consumption of alcohol by nuns ultimately depends on the individual congregation and the specific vows taken by each nun. While some nuns may choose to abstain from alcohol completely, others may allow themselves to drink on special occasions or in social settings.

Nuns take a vow of poverty, so they do not have money to buy beer

Nuns, or "sisters", take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which are the three evangelical counsels of perfection in Christianity. These vows are based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth in the Canonical gospels, who stated that these counsels are for those who desire to become "perfect". When nuns take a vow of poverty, they give up all their worldly possessions, including property, estates, endowments, and inheritances. This means that they do not have money to spend on beer or other non-essential items.

The vow of poverty is about more than just giving up possessions, it is about living a life of simplicity and not becoming attached to material things. Nuns typically live communally and share their possessions with the community. Any money they earn is given to the church and the community. They may receive a small stipend or salary, but this is usually very modest and is intended to cover only basic needs.

For example, Amy Hereford, a Sister of St. Joseph, works as a lawyer and gives her earnings to the church and community. She spends about $100 a month on gardening and food. She uses any personal money she has for "books or movies or chocolate". She does not own any possessions, and any purchases she makes, such as a guitar or expensive plants, must be approved by the church.

While nuns may technically have some money, it is not theirs to spend as they wish. It is intended to support their basic needs and the needs of their community. Therefore, while it is not explicitly forbidden for nuns to drink beer, it is unlikely that they would have the means to purchase it, as it is a non-essential item.

It is important to note that there are different types of vows and orders within the Catholic Church, and the specifics of a nun's vow of poverty may vary depending on her particular order. Some nuns take solemn vows, which are perpetual and public, while others take simple vows, which can be temporary or private. However, regardless of the specific order or vow, the principle of giving up worldly possessions and living a life of simplicity remains the same.

Beer is considered a pardonable sin by some nuns

While nuns are not encouraged to drink alcohol, it is ultimately dependent on the vows they take. Some nuns consider drinking beer a pardonable sin, and it is not considered sinful when taken in moderation. For instance, Sister Ruth, a nun at the Abbey of St. Gertrud in Kloster-Alexanderdorf, considers drinking beer a pardonable sin. She states that "pardonable sins, like eating too many sweets or drinking beer, are fine. God isn't that strict."

Historically, monks and nuns invented many types of beer and other alcoholic beverages. During the Middle Ages, these beverages were common and widely consumed, even more so than drinking water. At present, during feast days or when entertaining guests, nuns may indulge in wine or other spirits, as long as it is done socially and in moderation.

It is worth noting that some congregations and individual nuns may have stricter rules or personal choices regarding alcohol consumption. Additionally, smoking is generally discouraged due to its addictive nature, which conflicts with a priest's or nun's striving to master their passions.

Nuns in teaching orders may be more likely to drink beer

Whether nuns are allowed to drink alcohol is dependent on the vows they take at ordination. While modern nuns are not encouraged to drink, it is not considered sinful when done in moderation. In fact, during feast days or when being entertained by guests, nuns may indulge in wine or other spirits as long as it is done socially.

Historically, monks and nuns invented many types of beer and alcoholic beverages, and it was common to consume these drinks during the Middle Ages. At that time, ale was consumed more frequently than drinking water, and it was not associated with the stigma that alcohol carries today.

Some orders may still require alcohol, especially those in teaching orders. Nuns in teaching orders may be more likely to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages as a way to unwind or socialize after a long day of work. It is important to note that while alcohol may be consumed, nuns are still expected to maintain self-control and not let it affect their minds or actions.

Ultimately, the decision to drink alcohol or not is a personal one for each nun, and it may depend on the specific congregation and the vows they have taken.

Frequently asked questions