Stop Calling it Gluttony

Can we talk about the term “gluttony” for a minute?

Historically, the church has been very vocal regarding the concept of “gluttony” and deeming it a cardinal sin. And by “gluttony” I mean the idea that “excessive eating” and being "fat” in the body as a result is sinful. While today we may not use the exact term “gluttony” as often, it is still extremely common for the church to talk about those who are assumed to be “eating in excess” or those who are objectively in a larger body as living in sin.

I have a problem with this in our modern context. Biblically and historically speaking, when you look at the term “gluttony” in context, it is almost always used in reference to those with wealth, those in positions of power or privilege, or those wanting to exert some type of power over another person. A person who was referred to as “gluttonous” was often eating in excess to the harm of those around them (withholding wealth and resources) and purposefully existing in a larger body to externally communicate to others that they were in a position of power, had wealth, and thought themselves superior to others. You know what our reality is today? NOT THAT. Instead, it is the exact opposite. "Healthy" eating, wellness, thinness, etc. is associated with power, wealth, privilege, and a sense of pride. And often “eating in excess” (I use that phrase very loosely) and/or residing in a larger body is a result of things like trauma, lack of access to nutrient dense food, poverty, mental health struggles, eating disorders, oppression, physical disabilities, illness, and more.

Literally no one in our society walks around eating in excess and showing off their larger bodies as a power play. No one. And instead, we are much more likely to walk around flaunting our thinner bodies, pridefully discussing our wellness endeavors, and pouring a ridiculous amount of money into "health" food, supplements, and exercise programs all while judging and oppressing those who do not have the access or ability to achieve the same type of "wellness" in their bodies. I don’t think we typically see the sin of gluttony in its original context anymore (at least not in western cultures). So, I think it's important to pay attention: If the real “sin” in gluttony was eating in excess as a way to hoard resources and wealth and to exert power, authority, and a sense of superiority over others, then in our modern day context: THE DIET AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY NOW FUELS AND FLAUNTS THIS BEHAVIOR. And, as a result, I think the church is now targeting and speaking against the wrong issue. I think the church is further oppressing the marginalized and suffering while elevating the privileged and prideful. All in the name of Jesus. I’m frustrated by it. And quite frankly, I'm over it. When Jesus was surrounded with those exerting their power and authority, walking in pride, or flaunting and hoarding their resources – He called it SIN and Shut. It. Down. But when Jesus was surrounded with those who were oppressed, hurt, suffering, neglected, and in pain – He showed grace and compassion and offered to shepherd them into the healing. That is my heart. Today, if a person truly struggles with over-eating, I do not believe for a second they are simply “gluttonous” as the church has taught me. And I immediately become curious about where the areas of loss, suffering, grief, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, oppression, or perhaps simply just the brainwashing of diet culture has influenced that person and misdirected their pain and need for healing. Today, if a person is residing in an objectively larger body, I do NOT assume this is simply a result of their choices with food and movement. It is almost assuredly more complex than that.

But, today, if a person is promoting and flaunting their "healthy lifestyle", I tend to want to simultaneously rage and weep. Church - it's time we drastically change the way we understand and discuss these things. People are being harmed.