Gluttony: Understanding and Overcoming a Temptation

暴食--认知并克服诱惑

文:Melantha Yu余芹

Within Christian teachings, the seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, stand as a grouping and classification of vices that oppose the seven capital virtues. Among these vices, we find gluttony in this article, we shall explore the concept of gluttony and its significance.as well as ways to overcome this temptation.

在基督教教义中,七宗罪也被称为"大罪"或"重罪",是与七种美德相对立的恶习的组合和分类。暴食/贪食是其中之一。在本文中,我们将探讨暴食的概念及其意义,以及克服这种诱惑的方法。

1. The Origin of Gluttony ( or any other sin )1.暴食(或其他罪)的起源

CS Lewis,in his book "Mere Christianity"raises an interesting perspective: And do you now beg to see why Christianity has always said that the devil is a fallen angel? That is not a mere story for the children. It is a real recognition of the fact that evil is a parasite, not an original thing. The powers which enable evil to carry on are powers given it by goodness. All the things which enable a bad man to be effectively bad are in themselves good things-resolution, cleverness, good looks, existence itself

CS Lewis 在他的《返璞归真:纯粹的基督教》一书中提出了一个有趣的观点: 你现在明白为什么基督教总是说魔鬼是堕落的天使了吗?这不仅仅是给孩子们讲的故事。它真正承认了一个事实:邪恶是一种寄生虫,而不是一种愿始的东西。使邪恶得以继续的力量是善良赋予它的力量。使坏人能够切实变坏的所有东西本身都是好东西--决心、聪明、美丽、存在本身。

Although CS Lewis was trying to prove why Dualism might not work, it does provide us with an insight on our sins. Certain natural faculties, like eating and drinking, are not inherently bad. However, when we fall into the temptation of excess, they can become sinful.

尽管 CS Lewis 在这里是为了证明为什么二元论不正确,但它确实为我们提供了认知罪的新角度。某些自然行为,比如吃喝,本质上并不坏。然而,当我们陷入过度的诱惑时,它们就会变成罪。

2. Defining Gluttony2.暴食的定义

While Protestants may not categorize sins in the same way as Catholics,it is widely acknowledged that certain sins are foundational.laying the groundwork for other transgressions. Gluttony, like anger leading to murder or lust to adultery, can be a root for various sins.

我们新教徒可能不会像天主教徒那样对罪进行分类,但基督徒普遍认为某些罪是更加根本的,为其他罪奠定了基础。暴食可以成为其他罪的根源,就像愤怒导致谋杀或淫欲导致通奸一样。

Gluttony is the act of eating or drinking immoderately, contrary to reason.It opposes the virtue of temperance, representing excessive indulgence in the pleasures of food or drink. lt extends beyond mere over consumption and can include drunkenness, which is the excessive indulgence in intoxicating drinks.

暴食是一种违背理性的暴饮暴食行为。它与节制的美德背道而驰，代表着过度沉溺于食物或饮料的乐趣。它不仅仅是过度饮食,还包括醉酒,过度饮酒。

There are five ways in which gluttony can manifest:暴食有五种表现形式:

Hastily: Eating or drinking too rapidly, neglecting the subtleties and delights of a meal, which should be savored and appreciated. Rapid consumption often leads to overindulgence.

慌张: 吃得太快或喝得太多,忽略了一餐饭中应该细细品味和欣赏的美味。快速吞咽往往会导致纵欲过度。

Sumptuously: Preferring rich, unhealthy foods over more moderate options, such as sweets and fatty foods over fruits and vegetables. or fine wines over water.

奢靡: 偏爱丰盛、不健康的食物,而不是适量的选择。如偏爱甜食和油腻食物而不是水果和蔬菜,或偏爱酒而不是白开水。

Excessively:Habitual over consumption, frequently consuming more than necessary.

过度:习惯性过度吃喝,经常超过必要的数量。

Greedily: Demanding specific food or drink when and how you want it often refusing to share or insisting on separate servings.

贪婪:想吃什么就吃什么,想怎么吃就怎么吃,经常拒绝与人分享或坚持分开食用。

Daintily: Insisting on exacting standards of appearance or taste in food preparation

挑剔:对于食物的制作坚持严格的外观或口味标准。

3. Sins Resulting from Gluttony3.暴食导致的罪过

St. Thomas Aquinas identified five "daughters" of gluttony:

圣托马斯-阿奎那指出了暴食的五个"女儿":

Unseemly Joy: Resulting from excessive drinking, it can also emerge from eating too much, leading to levity beyond what is reasonable.

不体面的欢乐:因饮酒过度而产生,也可因吃得太多而产生,导致超出合理范围的欢愉。

Scurrility (Foolish Talking): Extended meals can foster gossip and imprudent speech.Alcohol can exacerbate unruly and flippant conversation.

胡言乱语: 长时间进餐会助长闲言碎语和轻率言语。酒精会加剧无序和轻率的谈话。

Uncleanness:Some may induce vomiting to make room for more consumption or vomit due to overindulgence, sometimes passing out.

头脑昏沉:大量进食或过量饮酒会导致呆、闲倦和抑制力下降,阻碍清晰的思维。

Loquaciousness: Talking excessively.

话多:说话过量。

Dullness of Mind: Heavy food or excessive drinking can lead to sluggishness, sleepiness, and lowered inhibitions, hindering clear thinking.

不洁:有些人可能会催吐,为更多的进食腾出空间,或因吃得过多而呕吐,有时会昏倒。

4. The Seriousness of Gluttony4.暴食的严重性

While not the gravest of sins, gluttony can be regarded as one of the more disgraceful sins due to its effect on the intellect. It can become serious in sever always:

暴食虽然不是最严重的罪过，但由于其对智力的影响，可以被视为更可耻的罪过之一。它的严重性表现在以下几个方面:

Drunkenness: A form of gluttony, with evident consequences for one's physical and mental well-being.

醉酒:暴食的一种形式,对人的身心健康有明显的影响。

Addiction: Gluttony can become an addictive behavior, which can be a significant problem.

上瘾:贪吃会成为一种成瘾行为,这可能是一个严重的问题。

Folly:Seeking to satisfy inner emptiness with worldly indulgence reflects a deep folly.

愚蠢:以世俗的放纵来满足内心的空虚,反映了一种深深的愚蠢。

Connections to Other Sins: Gluttony is closely linked to avarice and lust.

与其他罪的联系:暴食与贪婪和淫欲密切相关。

5.Overcoming Gluttony5.战胜暴食

To combat gluttony, we should focus on cultivating virtues such as joy,zeal for heavenly pursuits, attitude, temperance, and moderation. It's essential to understand that "less is more" when it comes to food and drink，true enjoyment often lies in moderation.要战胜暴食，我们应着重培养喜乐、热衷于天国的追求、感恩和节制等美德。在饮食方面，我们必须明白"少即是多"的道理:真正的享受往往在于节制)!

Additional strategies include embracing shame over excess,nurturing an interest in physical fitness, and displaying charity by valuing the company during meals as much as the food or drink.

其他策略还包括:对过量饮食感到羞耻、培养对健身的兴趣,以及在进餐时像对待食物或饮料一样珍视同伴,从而表现出慈善之心。

The battle against gluttony is pronounced in modern times, given our environment, the prevalence of hidden sugars, and the elimination of famine in most parts of our country. lt is easier to fall into gluttony in today's world, and individuals should seek understanding, support, and spiritual growth as they navigate this challenge.

鉴于我们所处的环境、无处不在的糖以及我国大部分地区已消除饥荒，现代人与暴食的斗争显得尤为突出。在当今世界，人们更容易陷入暴食的泥潭,个人在应对这一挑战时应寻求理解、支持和精神成长。

In closing, allow me to share a verse from 1 Corinthians 3:16-17:"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.'

最后，请允许我分享《哥林多前书》3:16-17 中的一段经文:"难道不知你们是神的殿，神的灵住在你们里面吗?若有人毁坏神的殿，神一定要毁灭那人。因为神的殿是圣洁的,这殿就是你们。

Let us always hold in our hearts the knowledge that our bodies are sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit. God has entrusted us with these precious vessels, and in doing so, has bestowed upon us the divine task of glorifying Him through their care, It is, indeed, our sacred duty to tend to these earthly temples, for it is the desire of our Creator.

让我们时刻铭记,我们的身体是圣灵的圣殿。上帝将这些珍贵的器皿托付给我们,并赋予我们通过爱护它们来荣耀上帝的神圣使命。事实上,照顾好这些尘世的殿堂是我们的神圣职责,因为这是造物主的愿望。

Notes from the writer:作者注:

Gluttony is not just some abstract concept to me, It's a path I've walked. A struggle I've known intimately. Beneath my seemingly healthy exterior, there's been this hidden battle, an ongoing wrestling match with eating disorder.

对我来说，"暴食"不仅仅是一个抽象的概念。它是我走过的一条路，是我亲身经历过的一场斗争。在我看似健康的外表下，一直隐藏着一场战斗,一场与饮食失调的持续搏斗。

It was by a Christian YouTube video that discussed the concept of gluttony that a realization unfurled within me, it became clear that my predicament extended beyond a mere inclination or behavioral misstep. Lt was a moral tangle, a sin that had woven its threads into the fabric of my life.

正是通过 YouTube 上一个讨论暴食概念的基督教视频,我的内心才萌生了一种觉悟。我清楚地意识到,我的困境不仅仅是一种倾向或行为上的失误。是有关品性的挣扎,是和我的生活交织起来的罪。

To those who, like me, grapple with similar challenges, I extend my heartfelt empathy and understanding. In writing this article. I do not cast judgment upon readers or seek to instill fear of impending consequences.Instead, I humbly stand beside you, as one who has walked a similar path in the collective hope that we may navigate our trials with courage and grace, fortified by the divine guidance and support of God.

对于那些和我一样面临类似挑战的人,我表示由衷的同情和理解。写这篇文章,不是为了对读者进行评判,也不是试图向他们灌输对暴食后果的恐惧。相反,作为一个走过这条路的人,我谦卑地站在你们身边,共同希望我们能在上帝的神圣指引和支持下,用祂赐给我们的勇气和恩慈接受考验。