Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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TOTAL ABSTINENCE

Complete abstention from alchoholic beverages. The practice was strongly advocated by a number of Protestant leaders; notably John Wesley (1703-91), for whom the drinking of alchohol in any form was a sin. The Catholic Church does not forbid drinking in moderation, but total abstinence may be the only solution for a person with a chronic problem of alcoholism.