Gluttony and TemperanceThe Seven Deadly Sins and Healing Virtues | Part 5

Joel Thompson of the Diocese of Georgetown describes gluttony as a disordered appetite where a person habitually seeks more than necessary or prioritizes personal enjoyment over the needs of others. While the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists gluttony as a deadly sin, Thompson notes that enjoying food, feeling hunger, or having second servings are not sins in themselves.

Gluttony is most clearly expressed through excessive eating or drinking, but Thompson suggests the spiritual issue is a lack of limits. This pattern can extend to the consumption of social media, entertainment, or shopping. He explains that these behaviors can lead to impatience, ungratefulness, or an unwillingness to share with others.