Discussing
‘Cloudy’ with a chance of gluttony

It is interesting that you mention manna. I am reminded of the story of how when the Israelites were travelling through the desert, and the Israelites were told to only collect as much manna as they needed for that day (setting aside the sabbath). There was actually a problem with some of them collecting too much, hoarding it - either because they weren't satisfied or because they weren't sure that the manna would continue, I can't recall offhand. It seems like a story worth remembering these days, though.

I believe that God filled the earth with good things for us, and that includes good things to eat. We are meant to enjoy this world God has created for us. But not just enjoy it; we are supposed to look beyond our own needs and desires and become good stewards before we become good consumers.

(Btw - I sometimes think that food gluttony is a bit of a cop-out. It is a problem facing many areas of life. While the obese certainly aren't blameless, they also are an easy target in our society.)

Thoughtful perspective, Josh. Growing up in the South, I've can honestly say I've never heard a pastor give a sermon on gluttony. :) Why is it that we fool ourselves into thinking some sins are worse than others when in reality that there is none righteous, no not one?

God gave me taste buds so that I would know what is good for me, and they have never led me astray.

Get a life. It is a great book loved by children and those adults who read to them. It is fiction. A book of imagination. The movie just brings to life the creative imagination of the author.

"Gluttony" is the overlooked sin, the fashionable one. When was the last time you saw Fred Phelp, or anyone for that matter, standing in the street with a sign that read, "God hates gluttons"? Never, wouldn't happen.
What really kills me is pictures of fat American "missionaries" surrounded by skinny, starving native children.
I understand part of it is our diet, and some may be medicine or genetic related, but the biggest reason for America's obesity is lack of self control.

I've said for quite a while now that I'm sick of seeing pastors who can't see past their stomachs to their toes attempt to convict other people of their personal sins.

It is definitely an overlooked issue, I'd say. More food for thought (unintentional pun there)? Gluttony-- for food, for items, etc. often leads to idolatry of said things.

I think the film was a very creative, if subtle, commentary on the sins of excess, including gluttony. Also a good message on relationships...

Again, it's a children's story, so we must be careful not to dissect it too much (e.g. surely the people on the island could have imported food other than sardines to solve their "problem"). But it's nice to see a morality tale done in such a fun way.

By the way, I am obese. It's a combination of medical and self-control problems, and I've battled it all my life. Our pastor has successfully lost a lot of weight, and kindly includes exhortation concerning the stewardship of our bodies in his preaching.

It is a national as well as a personal problem. Pray for those of us attempting to fight the good fight in this area...

coolmom9,

"What really kills me is pictures of fat American "missionaries" surrounded by skinny, starving native children."

Why did you put the word missionaries in quotes? You are implying that overweight missionaries are not "real" missionaries because they aren't perfect? Well, if that's the case, Christians should forget trying to share the gospel with anyone because none of us are perfect. Obviously, that is a ridiculous statement. You need to check your judgement. These people are actively doing God's work. I admire anyone who does that! Perhaps you need to focus on what you're doing.

“When was the last time you saw Fred Phelp, or anyone for that matter, standing in the street with a sign that read, "God hates gluttons"?”

Um...maybe because the word is not in the Bible? Pope Gregory during the dark ages concocted a list of 7 deadly sins which included "Lust", "Gluttony", "Greed", "Sloth", "Wrath", "Envy", and "Pride". You’ll be happy to note that gluttony, a word not found in the Bible, is classified a Venial sin, rather than a mortal sin by Catholic Theologians. In fact, St Aquinas went so far as to prepare a list of six ways to commit gluttony, including:
Praepropere - eating too soon.
Laute - eating too expensively (washedly).
Nimis - eating too much.
Ardenter - eating too eagerly (burningly).
Studiose - eating too daintily (keenly).
Forente - eating wildly (boringly).

So for those of you that need to find some more sins to hand out, there’s a lot of good material in the Summa Theologica. A good remedy for gluttony in the Middle ages was the hair shirt, as a means of bodily mortification and as an aid to the wearer in resisting temptations of the flesh. It served as an unostentatious antidote for the outward luxury and comfort of their lives.

I agree with Jessica.

Gluttony is in fact in the bible. And more then once, you might have a poorly translated version.

References to the word Gluttony:
King James: 0
New American Standard: 0
Amplified; 0
English Standard version: 0
Young's Literal Translation : 0
NIV: 1
A. "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive) this verse is about being careful when dining with a king. The new Living translation says "don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you."

New Living Translation: 2
A. Numbers 11:34 So that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah (which means “graves of gluttony”) because there they buried the people who had craved meat from Egypt.
The sin here was not trusting God for their sustenance. The NIV says "But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. They had sinned before they ever consumed the meat.
B. "Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door." New American Standard, which is generally considered the most literal of all translations says "she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy." Sodom's sin was having more than enough food and not sharing.