What Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics, Muslims say about 'bad' habits

Here is what Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics, Muslims say about these particular habits.

Jehovah’s Witness

This organization prides itself as one that holds the Bible as the standard for everything.

Hence, the group allows members take alcohol, as long as it is done moderately (See Proverbs 3:21, 22, Romans 12:1 and Titus 2:3).

Meanwhile, masturbation is seen as a “form of uncleanness” that “fosters attitudes that can be mentally corrupting” while smoking is prohibited.

This ban began in 1973. Reasons include that the habit is harmful to your body and others.

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For Catholics

Unlike most Christian denominations, the Roman Catholic church does not have a rigid stance on drinking.

This church is cool with drinking because alcohol is not seen as evil. This is backed by various scriptures. One of them is Psalm 104:15, which refers to wine as one of God’s gifts “to gladden the hearts of men”.

The problem for the church is when there is an abuse of alcohol. This is what is regarded as an immoral and a mortal sin.

According to the Catechism: “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” (2290)

St. John Chrysostom adds, “The drunken man is a living corpse.”

The Catholic church says the same thing about smoking. Like drinking, it is allowed, as long as moderation is practiced.

Fun Fact — Catholic priests are officially allowed to drink and smoke.

Concerning masturbation, the church teaches that this habit is morally wrong.

The church believes that this act causes harm, denies the meaning of sex and makes the person less human.

According to the Catechism, “Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action."

“The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose. For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of “the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved.”

Beginningcatholic.com adds that this stance is based on chastity, which is also one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

ALSO READ: 10 deadly sins, according to Lords Chosen's Pastor Mouka

Islam

For Muslims, alcohol is a big no-no. According to the Quran, it is a haram (sin).

Allaah says: “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab, and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful” [al-Maa’idah 5:90].

Things are different when it comes to masturbation as there are varying opinions on the issue.

Some consider it a haram while others say it is allowed if it keeps the person from adultery. When it happens, bathing is compulsory.

On smoking, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University, Sheikh Gadul Haq Ali Gadul Haq says: “It has become abundantly clear that, sooner or later, smoking, in whichever form and by whichever means, causes extensive health and financial damage to smokers."

“It is also the cause of a variety of diseases. Consequently, and on this evidence alone, smoking would be forbidden and should in no way be practiced by Muslims. Furthermore, the obligation to preserve one’s health and wealth, as well as that of society as a whole, and medical evidence now available on the dangers of smoking, further support this view.”

The habit is generally frowned upon but there is still some debate on the issue.