Complacent in Prosperity

A look at the seven deadly sins. (2 of 7)

#2 – [Gluttony] Italian writer Dante Alighieri famous for his work “Inferno” takes us on a journey through hell. Hell is depicted as nine concentric circles of torment located within the Earth.

The Gates

Dante pauses at the gates of hell and reads the inscription “Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate” which roughly translates to “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”

Purgatory – 3rd Circle

The sinners of each circle are punished for eternity in a fashion fitting their crimes. People who sinned, but prayed for forgiveness before their deaths are not found in hell but rather Purgatory, where they labor to earn freedom from their sins. Those in hell tried to justify their sins and would not repent.

For having a voracious appetite or overindulgence the gluttonous wallow in putrid, vile slush made by a ceaseless icy rain. here the slush reveals the true nature of sensuality – which includes not only overindulgence in food and drink, but also other kinds of addiction.

Is our appetite for life’s pleasures a measured feast or an insatiable craving?

Case in point. I myself am guilty of this sin, as for years I would pass up all the drive-thru’s and go the extra mile to land at the “cat & dog” or what you might call the Chinese restaurant.

I would then stuff as much as I could onto that plate and return at least three times for refills. And the bitch is that this was a every other day downfall.

But wait! not all gluttony is about food, other addictions fall into this category as well. Give it a thought through and you’ll see what I mean.

Sex is another addiction that is easy to overindulge in, as well as the illicit drugs I pushed into my body with abandonment, or vices such as gambling.

Various manifestations of gluttony

“Attention” – needing validation or constant attention, be it from social media, constant self promotion or public display.
“Emotional” – Constantly seeking sympathy or emotional support and sharing the struggles they go through or looking for empathy.
“Material” – Having the insatiable desire for wealth, possessions, or hording things.

Response

Weather you read the Bible or Dante’s Fire or Archie and Jughead for that matter, Gluttony is easy to achieve in our modern world, probably has been since time began and if truth be told…we all fall short on this one.

SINS 2 ME 0

until next time-