What does the word "gluttony" mean? It consists of two parts. The first of these is the “womb”. This is an obsolete book word that means the same as the stomach. And also it is used in a figurative meaning, in high-sounding speech, referring to the inside of something.
The second part - “pleasing” - is also an obsolete word that was used in colloquial terms and in this case denoted the beneficial, positive side of something, that which can be useful. What is gluttony, what kind of sin is it in Orthodoxy, and how to resist it? This topic is dedicated to the proposed review.
The concept of sin
What does the sin of gluttony mean? To understand this issue, we first consider the very concept of sin. It is most often understood as a thought or action associated with a deviation from the norms of a righteous life. It can be either direct or indirect. And also this is a violation of religious commandments, that is, the instructions and precepts given by God.
Less often they say about sin when dominant moral and ethical rules, norms and traditions established in society are violated. The opposite of it is virtue, and in another understanding - faith. At the same time, eight deadly sins stand out in Orthodoxy, followed by the loss of soul salvation in the absence of repentance.
One of these is gluttony. What does it mean in Christianity? We begin the answer to this question by formulating this concept.
Definition and types
At its core, gluttony is gluttony, a strong addiction of a person, experienced in them abundant, tasty, junk food. As well as non-compliance with posts. This passion is the main of the eight basic sins. It is also called “indigenous”. At the same time, this refers not only to food intake per se. It is:
- about union (union);
- laryngobesia (passionate delight in taste, gourmet; eating unauthorized foods in the post);
- addiction;
- drunkenness;
- smoking;
- secretive eating.
Violation of the second commandment
Since gluttones exceed the value of sensual pleasures, then, according to the idea set forth by the apostle Paul in the Epistle to the Philippians, their womb is their god. That is, they elevate him to the level of an idol, an idol.
Thus, gluttony is a kind of idolatry, and thereby violates the second commandment of God, which calls not to create an idol. The opposite of sin under consideration is abstinence.
Studying the question of what gluttony means, let us consider in more detail its form.
Varieties
Among them stand out such as:
- Addiction to the use of unjustified in terms of physiology, a large amount of food.
- Increased passion for various food delights, that is, gourmet food.
- Excessive attachment to certain foods - sweet, baked, chocolate, carbonated drinks.
- The desire for frequent feasts and feasts.
- Excessive passion for alcohol, that is, drunkenness.
- Violation of the rules of fasting.
- Secretive eating (for example, eating food at night).
Arguing about gluttony, it will be necessary to say about its harmful consequences.
Possible harm
The consequences of the described sin can affect both the physical and spiritual health of a person. He is mortal, as it may cause other passions, for example, such as fornication and despondency.
Such a variety as drunkenness can condone the commission of various crimes directed against God, as well as his neighbor. It is:
- about lies;
- foul language;
- sacrilege;
- blasphemy;
- contention;
- enmity;
- theft;
- violence
- robbery;
- robbery;
- killing.
Without being calmed, the passion of gluttony can reduce a person to the stage of idolatry, as the apostle Paul spoke about this. An example of such a fall is revealed by Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy on the example of Israel. It says that the latter became fat, fat, fattened, he became stubborn and forgot God, who created him, thereby despising the stronghold of his salvation.
As for the physical component, here gluttony can lead to noticeable disorders of systems and organs, important body functions, and serious illnesses. Thus, in the Holy Scriptures it is one of the most harmful sins related to the carnal.
Bible on the need for abstinence
The Book of Exodus states that attachment to the hearty and tasty food of the sons of Israel greatly eclipsed their minds. When they once lost the opportunity to eat their fill, they not only dared to grumble, but began to sigh about the godless, slavish life in Egypt, which was well-fed.
In the book of the prophet Ezekiel, gluttony is put on a par with idleness and pride. Jesus, the son of Sirach, notes that abdominal cramps, insomnia, and cholera occur from abuse of food. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Christ directly points out to the apostles the need to refrain from eating and drinking.
How to deal with gluttony?
On this occasion, the church fathers give the following advice. They suggest the use of spiritual, ascetic, and psychological means. Since any sin is overcome with the help of God, repentance and prayer come first. In addition, you must try to mobilize will and humility, as well as self-discipline and work pleasing to God.
Among private receptions can be distinguished such as:
- Adhere to a balanced diet as much as possible. That is, eat simple food.
- Finish your meal before it is full.
- Make a diet and try to follow it.
- Do not participate in extra feasts.
- Observe the posts established by the church.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol.
Considering what gluttony means, it should be said about such a method of dealing with it as fasting.
The impact of another world
It is believed that fasting enhances the influence of higher forces on man. He shakes his physical well-being, and a person becomes more accessible to the effects of another world, his spiritual fulfillment takes place. The goal of the post is not the gastronomic component. It is only a means leading to a proper spiritual life, which is based on prayer and the sacraments of repentance and communion. Without prayer, fasting becomes simple dieting.
By it is necessary to understand not only abstinence in food, but the complex of all ascetic means used in resisting passions. Its first step is not to consume a certain composition of food, to abandon its abundance, not to eat sweets. Further steps are related to internal tasks, consisting in abstaining from any filth in general.
This truth stems from selfless experience. Therefore, one cannot exist without the other. You can not limit yourself to the fact that you stop being angry, do not offend anyone, or envy anyone. At the same time, it is also necessary not to eat a patient.
Before the great holidays, the church has four multi-day fasts. They help a person by preparing him for spiritual renewal, just as nature itself is renewed four times a year. This custom originated with ancient Christians and helps to feel the greatness of the holiday. Even the natural human needs for food recede before him.
Concluding the consideration of what gluttony means, it is necessary to say about the observance of rationality in the fight against it.
Do not go too far
When fighting gluttony, you need to remember that, as in any business, it is important to observe reasonable limits. You can not starve yourself and faint. This is especially true for children, sick people and pregnant women. It must be borne in mind that, like any passion, gluttony is based on natural human needs.
Man, by his nature, needs food and drink. Using them, we not only supply nutrients to the body, but also thank the Creator for this. At the same time, a feast is also an opportunity to communicate with friends and relatives, it will unite people. Therefore, struggling with the described sin, it is not necessary to go too far.
Gluttony Demon
Such a concept exists in mythology. This is a Hippopotamus, regarded as a negatively colored spiritual being, arousing carnal desires. This is especially true of gluttony. In the works of various authors, this creature has different interpretations. Here are some examples:
- With Pierre de Lancre, the medieval inquisitor judge (16-17th c.), The Hippopotamus is a demon that can take the form of any of the large animals, such as an elephant. And also a wolf, a fox, a dog, a cat.
- The law professor Jean Boden (16th century) in the book Demonomania regarded him as a hellish parallel to the Egyptian pharaoh who persecuted the Jews.
- The German monk Heinrich Kramer (15-16th century) wrote in Witch's Hammer that he is a demon that instills animal inclinations in people.
- The German occultist Johann Weier (16th century) believed that he attacks people using the seduction of voluptuousness felt in the navel and loins. It can take the image of a woman with the aim of introducing into the temptation. Hippopotamus calls people to blasphemy and profanity. Staying at the court of Satan, he is the main keeper of the cup, heads feasts and appears as a night watchman in hell. He is revered by modern idolaters as a great butler. According to medieval evidence, he is seen as a cruel executioner of hell, before whom sinners tremble when they hear his trumpet.
- In one of the miniatures dating back to the 15th century, a hippopotamus is riding astride Leviathan. He has an additional face on his chest, which is explained by a legend dating back to medieval bestiaries. She says that this mythical creature comes from a race that lived in India and had a head on his chest, not on his shoulders.
The word "hippopotamus" came from "behem", which in Hebrew in the plural means "animal". It was originally mentioned in the Bible, which described an animal that God told the righteous Job about. In the Book of Job, the Hippopotamus was not negatively colored and was not a spiritual mythical creature. In the Bible, translated into Church Slavonic, this word is used in the meaning of "beast."