TEMPERANCE IN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of Temperance

By Edward Matulanya 

Learn the Catholic teaching on Temperance with comprehensive explanations, examples, lessons, and citations from Scripture and the Catechism.

Introduction

Temperance is one of the four Cardinal Virtues in Catholic moral theology and plays a central role in guiding human desires toward the good. The Catholic Church teaches that temperance moderates attraction to pleasures and ensures balance in the use of created goods, thereby safeguarding human dignity and spiritual freedom (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, no. 1809).

1. Definition of Temperance in Catholic Moral Theology

Temperance is the moral virtue that regulates bodily appetites and passions so that they remain under the guidance of reason and faith (CCC, 1997). It integrates body and soul according to God’s design. For example; moderation in eating and drinking, emotional self-control, balanced leisure. The lesson is; Holiness requires the proper ordering of desires, not their elimination.

2. Temperance in the Catechism of the Catholic Church Explained

The Catechism teaches that temperance ensures mastery of the will over instincts and prevents enslavement to passions (CCC, 1997). For example; avoiding addictive behaviors, resisting excess encouraged by society. The lesson is; Self-mastery protects human dignity.

3. Temperance as a Gift Strengthened by Grace

Temperance is acquired by practice but strengthened by grace through prayer and the sacraments (John Paul II, 1993). For example; growth in discipline through Confession and Eucharist. The lesson is; Virtue matures through cooperation with grace.

4. Relationship Between Temperance and Free Will

Temperance frees the will from domination by passions, enabling moral choices guided by reason (Aquinas, trans. 1981). For examples; choosing restraint over impulse. The lesson is; true freedom is choosing the good.

5. Temperance and Natural Law

Temperance aligns behavior with natural law, reflecting God’s wisdom in creation (Aquinas, trans. 1981). For examples; respecting physical limits, avoiding harmful excess. The lesson is; moderation respects human nature.

6. Temperance in the Bible

Scripture presents self-control as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22–23, NRSV-CE). For examples; Biblical fasting had disciplined Christian living. The lesson is; Temperance is a sign of spiritual maturity.

7. Teachings of Jesus Christ on Moderation

Jesus warned against excess and attachment to possessions (Lk 12:15, NRSV-CE). For example; Simple living and generosity. The lesson is; Detachment opens the heart to God.

8. Saint Paul’s Teaching on Temperance

Saint Paul compared Christian life to disciplined training (1 Cor 9:25, NRSV-CE). For example and Sacrifice for spiritual goals. The lesson is; discipline leads to eternal reward.

9. Temperance in the Early Church Fathers

The Fathers taught moderation as essential to holiness (Augustine, trans. 1998). For example; ascetic practices led to simplicity. The lesson is; Self-restraint purifies the soul.

10. Temperance in Catholic Tradition

The Church promotes moderation through liturgical seasons and spiritual discipline (CCC, 1997). For examples; Lenten fasting and Advent preparation. The lesson; Restraint prepares the soul for God.

11. How Temperance Supports the Other Cardinal Virtues

Temperance strengthens prudence, justice, and fortitude by moderating passions (CCC, 1997). For example; calm judgment; balanced courage. The lesson; Virtues work together harmoniously.

12. Temperance and the Struggle Against Sin

Many sins arise from excess; temperance orders desires toward good (CCC, 1997). For example; Avoiding gluttony or lust. The lesson is; moderation guards against sin.

13. Connection Between Temperance and Chastity

Chastity depends on self-mastery rooted in temperance (CCC, 1997). For examples; respectful relationships. The lesson is: love requires discipline.

14. Temperance, Humility, and Obedience

Temperance fosters humility and obedience to God’s will (Benedict XVI, 2007). For example; Accepting limits patiently. The lesson is; humility grows through restraint.

15. Temperance and the Formation of Conscience

Temperance clarifies conscience by reducing emotional excess (CCC, 1997). For example; Thoughtful moral decisions. The lesson is; self-control sharpens moral judgment.

16. Temperance in Food and Drink

The Church condemns gluttony and promotes respect for the body (CCC, 1997). For example; balanced eating and fasting. The lesson is; the body is a gift from God.

17. Temperance and Fasting & Abstinence

Fasting and abstinence train the will and unite believers with Christ’s sacrifice (CCC, 1997). For example; lenten fasting. The lesson is; sacrifice strengthens spiritual freedom.

18. Temperance and Media & Technology

The Church encourages moderation in media use to protect moral health (Pontifical Council for Social Communications, 2000). For example; limiting screen time. The lesson is; technology must serve human dignity.

19. Temperance in Speech, Emotions, and Behavior

Temperance governs emotional responses and speech (CCC, 1997). For example; calm communication. The lesson is; Self-control reflects Christian maturity.

20. Temperance in Recreation and Leisure

Recreation should refresh without dominating life (CCC, 1997). For example; balanced entertainment. The lesson is; rest should renew, not enslave.

21. Temperance and Consumerism

The Church warns against materialism (Francis, 2015). For example; Simple living led to generosity. The lesson is; possessions should not possess us.

22. Temperance in a Culture of Instant Gratification

Temperance resists impatience and promotes perseverance (Francis, 2015). For example; delayed gratification. The lesson; Virtue requires patience.

23. Temperance and Mental Discipline

Temperance orders thoughts and imagination (CCC, 1997). For example; avoiding harmful media. The lesson is; ordered thoughts shape holy lives.

24. The Role of Temperance in Building Strong Families

Temperance fosters harmony and patience within families (CCC, 1997). For example; balanced routines. The lesson is; Virtue strengthens family life.

25. Temperance and Social Responsibility

Moderation promotes justice and care for the common good (CCC, 1997). For example; avoiding waste; helping the needy. The lesson is; temperance serves society.

26. Teaching Temperance in Catholic Schools and Catechesis

Catholic education forms moral character alongside intellect (Congregation for Catholic Education, 1988). For example; moral discipline in schools. The lesson is; education shapes the whole person.

27. Temperance in Youth Formation

Young people need discipline to resist harmful influences (John Paul II, 1995). For example; Healthy routines. The lesson is; early formation builds strong character.

28. How Parents Can Model Temperance

Parents are primary educators of virtue (CCC, 1997). Parents should start teaching their children Virtue from the womb as children starts leaning from the womb. For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy (Luke 1:44). Also; training virtue first before any thing enables children to store in long term memory in which will have long term effect. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). For example; Moderation in family life. The lesson is; children learn by example.

29. Temperance and Character Formation

Repeated acts of moderation form stable character (Aquinas, trans. 1981). For example; responsible decision-making. The lesson is; Virtue grows through habit.

30. Forming the Virtue of Temperance Through Habit and Prayer

Prayer strengthens the will and supports virtuous habits (CCC, 1997). For example; Daily prayer discipline. The lesson is; Holiness grows gradually.

31. Temperance and Growth in Holiness

Saints demonstrate that temperance leads to sanctity (Benedict XVI, 2007). For example; Simple living of saints. The lesson is; ordered love leads to holiness.

32. Temperance as a Path to Inner Peace

Balanced desires bring peace of soul (Augustine, trans. 1998). For example; contentment. The lesson is; peace flows from self-mastery.

33. How Temperance Prepares the Soul for Prayer

A disciplined life reduces distractions in prayer (CCC, 1997). For example; focused worship. The lesson is; order supports communion with God.

34. Temperance and Detachment in the Spiritual Life

Detachment frees the heart for God alone (John of the Cross, trans. 1991). For example; letting go of excess. The lesson is; God alone satisfies the heart.

35. Temperance and Eternal Life in Catholic Teaching

Temperance prepares the soul for heaven by ordering love rightly (CCC, 1997). For example; living for eternal values. The lesson is; earthly discipline leads to eternal joy.

References

Aquinas, T. (1981). Summa theologiae (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Christian Classics. (Original work published 13th century)

Augustine. (1998). Confessions (H. Chadwick, Trans.). Oxford University Press.

Benedict XVI. (2007). Spe salvi [Encyclical letter]. Vatican Press.

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Congregation for Catholic Education. (1988). The religious dimension of education in a Catholic school. Vatican Press.

Francis. (2013). Evangelii gaudium [Apostolic exhortation]. Vatican Press.

Francis. (2015). Laudato si’ [Encyclical letter]. Vatican Press.

John of the Cross. (1991). The ascent of Mount Carmel (K. Kavanaugh & O. Rodriguez, Trans.). ICS Publications.

John Paul II. (1981). Familiaris consortio [Apostolic exhortation]. Vatican Press.

John Paul II. (1993). Veritatis splendor [Encyclical letter]. Vatican Press.

John Paul II. (1995). Evangelium vitae [Encyclical letter]. Vatican Press.

Paul VI. (1965). Gaudium et spes [Pastoral constitution]. Vatican Press.

Pontifical Council for Social Communications. (2000). Ethics in Internet. Vatican Press.

Second Vatican Council. (1963). Sacrosanctum concilium [Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy]. Vatican Press.

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Bible. (1993). Catholic Bible Press.