Grace Thompson
The consumption of broth by Catholics on days of abstinence has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it constitutes a violation of the law of abstinence. According to Canon 1250 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law, the law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals. This has led to discussions about whether broth, which is made from meat but does not contain meat, is permitted on days of abstinence. Some argue that the deletion of the phrase ius ex carne in the Constitution Paenitemini allows for the consumption of meat broth, while others maintain that it should still be considered forbidden. The interpretation of this law has varied across regions and cultures, with non-English-speaking countries typically consuming thinner broth-like soups that may not be captured by the law's restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Canon Law | Canon 1250 |
| Year | 1917 |
| Description | "The law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals." |
| Broth | Forbidden |
| Bouillon | Forbidden |
| Meat juices | Forbidden |
| Lard | Forbidden |
| Soup cubes made from meat products | Forbidden |
| Gelatine made from animal products | Allowed |
| Meat extracts that have lost the taste of meat | Allowed |
| Seasoning with animal fats | Allowed |
| Alcoholic drinks | Allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Broth is considered meat
The Catholic Church has strict rules regarding what constitutes meat, especially during Lent. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstinence laws consider meat to come only from land animals such as chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs. Birds are also included in this definition. However, meat juices and liquid foods made from meat, such as broths, consommés, meat gravies, and sauces, are not considered meat and are therefore allowed.
Historically, the definition of meat for Catholics has evolved. In the early Church, abstinence involved refraining from all animal products. Over time, exceptions were made for certain types of animal flesh, such as fish, which Catholics were allowed to consume during periods of abstinence. In the 17th century, beaver meat was permitted for First Nations peoples of Quebec who relied on it as a staple food.
The Code of Canon Law has also undergone changes. The 1917 Code, Canon 1250, stated that the law of abstinence "prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals." However, the 1983 Code of Canon Law takes a different approach, stating that abstinence from meat or alternative foods, as determined by the Episcopal Conference, should be observed on Fridays unless it is a solemnity.
Despite these clarifications, some confusion remains. Moral theologians have traditionally taught that Catholics should abstain from all animal-derived products during Lent, except for those without a meat taste, such as gelatin, butter, cheese, and eggs. This interpretation is supported by Rev. Winfrid Herbst, who comments on Canon 1250, stating that "soup or broth made of meat is forbidden on days of abstinence." However, he also notes that the same Canon Law permits the seasoning of food with animal fats, which can include lard and other animal-derived fats.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church's definition of meat has evolved and adapted to different contexts and circumstances, broth is generally considered meat according to Canon Law and the teachings of theologians. However, the specific type of broth and the presence of meat juices or flavours can impact its classification, and exceptions have been made in specific cultural and historical contexts.
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Broth is forbidden on Fridays
The Catholic Church has strict rules regarding what can and cannot be consumed on Fridays, which is a day of abstinence. Canon 1250 of the Code of Canon Law states that "the law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals". This means that meat broth is forbidden on Fridays.
The early Church's abstinence involved abstaining from all animal products. Over time, the rules have relaxed, and now abstinence refers to the prohibition of flesh meat from mammals and fowl. This includes the consumption of broth and lard, unless a specific dispensation exists.
Some have argued that the prohibition of meat soups on Fridays has been revoked by the Constitution Paenitemini. However, this interpretation is disputed. It is clear that the law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat, but eggs, milk products, and condiments made from animal fat are allowed.
The confusion around whether broth is permitted stems from the fact that the definition of "meat" is not clear. Some argue that broth is made from meat and bones and does not contain meat itself, so it should be allowed. However, others argue that broth is still considered meat and is therefore forbidden on Fridays.
It is important to note that the Church considers willfully ignoring the law of abstinence on Fridays a mortal sin. This was made clear by Pope Innocent III in the 13th century and Pope Alexander VII in the 17th century.
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Broth is allowed on Ash Wednesday
The Catholic Church designates certain days as days of abstinence, during which Catholics are expected to abstain from consuming meat. This law of abstinence is considered to be a mortal sin if knowingly and willfully ignored.
The Code of Canon Law has undergone several revisions, with the 1917 Code stating that abstinence prohibits "meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals". This included meat broth and bouillon, which were considered to be made from meat.
However, the interpretation of what constitutes 'meat' has evolved over time. The Shaftesbury Catholic Church suggests that the prohibition of meat soups on Fridays has been revoked, allowing meat broth that contains no solid meat. This interpretation is supported by the USCCB's distinction between meat and meat juices or liquid foods made from meat, which would include meat broth.
Therefore, it can be concluded that broth is allowed on Ash Wednesday, as long as it does not contain solid meat. However, it is important to note that Catholics who observe the law of abstinence may choose to refrain from consuming any meat products, including broth, out of love for God and obedience to the Church's laws.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church's Canon Law on abstinence has undergone changes, the current understanding is that broth without solid meat is allowed on Ash Wednesday.
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Broth is allowed if it's made from bones
According to Catholic Canon Law, meat is defined as coming from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep, or pigs, all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence laws refer to the prohibition of flesh meat from mammals and fowl, which includes meat broth and lard.
However, abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Therefore, foods such as chicken broth, consommé, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies, sauces, and condiments made from animal fat are not forbidden.
The 1917 Code, Canon 1250, states: "The law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milk, and other condiments, even if taken from animals." Rev. Winfrid Herbst clarifies this, stating:
> Canon 1250 of the Code of Canon Law states that soup or broth made of meat is forbidden on days of abstinence. The same Canon Law allows the seasoning of food with animal fats. In all animals, we find layers of tissue or lumps of fat distinct from the flesh itself. Out of these, lard and other animal fats are gained. The white flesh of animals, which is also called fat, is flesh just the same as the lean or muscular tissues. When meat is fried (especially if it contains layers of the white or fatty flesh, e.g., in bacon), grease flows from it, usually called drippings.
Some have interpreted this to mean that broth made from meat and bones is allowed. However, it is important to note that moral theologians have traditionally taught that Catholics should abstain from all animal-derived products during fasting, except for foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese, and eggs, which do not have any meat taste.
In recent years, bone broth has become a popular topic in the context of intermittent fasting. Some sources state that bone broth is allowed during intermittent fasting, as it is relatively low in calories and may provide potential health benefits, such as immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. However, others argue that bone broth contains calorie-containing macronutrients like protein and fat, which would technically break the fast.
There is also a specific bone broth diet that combines the bone broth with a paleo diet and allows for bone broth to be consumed during fasting days.
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Broth is allowed if it's thin
The consumption of broth has been a topic of debate in the Catholic Church, with different interpretations of Canon Law and traditions. The Code of Canon Law, specifically Canon 1250 from the 1917 Code, stated that "the law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milk, and other condiments, even if taken from animals." This included broth and soups made from meat, which were forbidden on days of abstinence.
However, there have been discussions and interpretations that suggest a distinction between meat soups and meat broths. Some argue that while meat soups with chunks of meat are prohibited, thin meat broths that no longer contain solid meat may be allowed. This interpretation is based on the idea that the prohibition of "meat soups" in Canon Law refers specifically to the presence of meat in the soup, rather than just the flavour or essence of meat.
The distinction between meat soups and meat broths is further supported by the interpretation of the Constitution Paenitemini, which revoked the prohibition of meat soups on Fridays. It is argued that this revocation includes meat broth, as it is made from meat but no longer contains meat. This interpretation is strengthened by cultural differences, as many non-English countries have much thinner broth-like soups, which are distinct from thicker, chunkier meat soups.
Additionally, the USCCB's (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Questions and Answers About Lenten Practices state that "abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep, or pigs—all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat." This statement suggests that while solid meat is prohibited during abstinence, liquid foods made from meat, such as meat juices and thin broths, may be allowed.
While the interpretation of Canon Law regarding broth consumption has evolved, it is important to note that the overall intention is to encourage penance, fasting, and abstinence among Catholics. The Church's teachings guide followers to make sacrifices and refrain from certain indulgences as a form of spiritual discipline.
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Frequently asked questions
No, according to Canon 1250 of the 1917 Code, broth made from meat is forbidden on Fridays.
Yes, the 1917 Code states that meat includes "flesh meat of mammals and fowl" and "broth and lard".
Consuming broth on Fridays is considered a violation of the law of abstinence and is considered a mortal sin.
The prohibition of broth consumption on Fridays is not absolute. Some have argued that meat juices and liquid foods made from meat, such as chicken broth, are allowed.
Yes, there are no specific prohibitions against consuming broth on days other than Fridays. However, during fasting periods such as Good Friday and Ash Wednesday, liquids with a nutritive effect, such as broth, are restricted.
