Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
TOTAL ABSTINENCE
Complete abstention from alchoholic beverages. The practice was trongly 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.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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