History of word of wisdom

For the Pentecostal usage of this term, see word of wisdom.

The «Word of Wisdom» is the common name of an 1833 section of the Doctrine and Covenants,[1] a book considered by many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement to be a sacred text. The section defines beliefs regarding certain drugs, nutritious ingredients in general, and the counsel to eat meat sparingly; it also offers promises to those who follow the guidance of the Word of Wisdom.[2]

As practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the largest Latter Day Saint denomination, the Word of Wisdom explicitly prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, and recreational drug use, and encourages healthy practices such as nutritious eating, the sparing use of meat, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting sufficient rest.[2]

Compliance with the Word of Wisdom is necessary in the LDS Church to become a member and to participate in various church functions,[3][4] however, violation of the code is not normally cause for a church membership council.[5]

HistoryEdit

Beginnings under Joseph SmithEdit

According to Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the Word of Wisdom was received on February 27, 1833, as a revelation from God.[2] The Word of Wisdom was first published as a stand-alone broadsheet in December 1833. In 1835, it was included as Section LXXX[6] in the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. Brigham Young stated after Smith’s death that the revelation was given in response to problems encountered while conducting meetings in the Smith family home:[7]

When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet [Joseph Smith] entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.

In February 1834, Joseph Smith proposed a resolution before the high council of the church that stated, «No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with and obey it.»[8][9][10] This resolution was accepted unanimously by the council.[8] The charge of «not observing the Word of Wisdom» was later one of five leveled against David Whitmer (who was an apostle, and one of the Three Witnesses) on April 13, 1838, which led to his excommunication.[11]

Joseph Smith is however recorded at various times drinking wine,[12] beer,[13] and tea,[14] and using tobacco.[15] One account by Amasa Lyman, a member of the First Presidency under Smith, reports that Smith once finished preaching a sermon on the Word of Wisdom and immediately afterward rode through the streets smoking a cigar.[16][17] Similarly, Almon W. Babbitt stated «that he had taken the liberty to break the Word of Wisdom, from the example of President Joseph Smith, Jun., and others, but acknowledged that it was wrong» when he was brought before the church’s high council on August 19, 1835, on the charge of «not keeping the Word of Wisdom».[18] Joseph Smith had also been operating a hotel/tavern in Far West, Missouri, in 1838, and in June of that year, the high council of Far West felt compelled to remind Smith’s family that there was a ban on the sale and consumption of «ardent spirits in the place».[19]

Post-succession crisisEdit

In the LDS ChurchEdit

After Smith’s death, several factions emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement. The largest of these groups, the LDS Church, was led by Brigham Young. At a church general conference on September 9, 1851, Young called on the attendees to «leave off the use of» items mentioned in the Word of Wisdom:

The Patriarch [John Smith] again rose to speak on the Word of Wisdom, and urging on the brethren to leave off using tobacco, &c.

President Young rose to put the motion and called on all the sisters who will leave off the use of tea, coffee, &c., to manifest it by raising the right hand; seconded and carried.

And then put the following motion; calling on all the boys [sic] who were under ninety years of age who would covenant to leave off the use of tobacco, whisky, and all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, to manifest it in the same manner, which was carried unanimously.»

The Patriarch then said, may the Lord bless you and help you to keep all your covenants. Amen.

President Young amongst other things said he knew the goodness of the people, and the Lord bears with our weakness; we must serve the Lord, and those who go with me will keep the Word of Wisdom, and if the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and others will not serve the Lord, we will sever them from the Church. I will draw the line, and know who is for the Lord and who is not, and those who will not keep the Word of Wisdom, I will cut off from the Church; I throw out a challenge to all men and women.[20]

Though Young encouraged Mormons to follow the Word of Wisdom code, the church was tolerant of those who did not follow it. In 1860, Young counseled those chewing tobacco in church meetings to at least be discreet and not excessive, but did not charge users with sin.[21] By 1870, he ended the practice of chewing and spitting tobacco in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.[22]

Young also recognized a separation between using tobacco (which was discouraged), and selling it to non-Mormons as a business (which was encouraged).[23] He also owned and maintained a bar in Salt Lake City for the sale of alcoholic beverages to non-Mormon travelers, on the theory that it was better for LDS Church authorities to run such establishments than for outsiders.[24]

The modern LDS application of the Word of Wisdom has its beginnings in the presidency of Joseph F. Smith, who became LDS Church president in 1901 at a time when even notable church leaders drank alcohol and coffee. For example, George Albert Smith, apostle and later church president, «took brandy for medicinal reasons», Anthon H. Lund, First Counselor in the First Presidency, «enjoyed Danish beer and currant wine», Charles W. Penrose, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, «occasionally served wine», Matthias F. Cowley, apostle, «enjoyed Danish beer and currant wine», Brigham Young, Jr. and John Henry Smith, both apostles, argued in 1901 «that the Church ought not interdict beer, or at least not Danish beer», and Emmeline B. Wells, of the Relief Society presidency (and who was later president of the Relief Society), «drank an occasional cup of coffee». As church president, Joseph F. Smith emphasized the proscriptions on alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Adherence was still however not a prerequisite for entry into the temple, and in 1902 Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal when issuing temple recommends with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple.[25]

In 1921, LDS Church president Heber J. Grant finally made adherence to the Word of Wisdom a prerequisite for temple admission. Then, both the 1928 and 1934 editions of the Handbook — but not previous editions—listed «liquor drinking» and «bootlegging» among the «transgressions which are ordinarily such as to justify consideration by the bishop’s court.» To these the 1934 edition also added «drunkenness.»[25] Violation of the Word of Wisdom is however not currently (no longer) cause for church discipline.[5]

Popular applicationEdit

Adherence to the Word of Wisdom in the LDS Church is required for baptism[3] and participation in the church (such as entry into the temple, full-time missionary service, and attendance at church schools),[4] however the church instructs its leaders that violation of the Word of Wisdom is not normally cause for a church membership council and that church discipline «should not be [used] to discipline or threaten members who do not comply with the Word of Wisdom».[5]

A 2019 study of attitudes among Mormons within the U.S. said that a quarter to a half of such individuals interpret the Word of Wisdom in variance with the official interpretation by the LDS Church in some manner,[26] and LDS Church leaders have counseled church members that they should not have personal interpretations of, or become extreme in their observance of the Word of Wisdom. One church leader specifically warned that adding additional unauthorized requirements, emphasizing it with excess zeal, or making it a «gospel hobby» is a sign of spiritual immaturity and sometimes apostasy.[27]

AlcoholEdit

LDS Church leaders teach that consumption of any form of alcohol, including beer, violates the Word of Wisdom,[28][29][30] however, wine was used in the sacrament, and «mild drinks» (beers) were originally allowed.[25][31][32][33]

TobaccoEdit

In the LDS Church, tobacco is not allowed in any form, including smoking, chewing, or vaping. This also extends to any use of nicotine.[28]

Tea and coffeeEdit

The LDS Church prohibits tea and coffee, as interpreted from the mention of «hot drinks» in the scripture; it is also taught that it does not matter whether or not the drinks are hot.[34]

There is generally thought to be no prohibition against drinking herbal tea, coffee substitutes such as Pero and Postum, hot chocolate, malt drinks such as Ovaltine and Milo, or hot water.[35]

Definition of the term «hot drinks»Edit

«Hot drinks» is clarified for the LDS Church handbook:

The only official interpretation of «hot drinks» (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term «hot drinks» means tea and coffee.[36]

In 1842, Smith’s brother Hyrum, who was the Assistant President of the Church and its presiding patriarch, provided an interpretation of the Word of Wisdom’s proscription of «hot drinks»:

And again «hot drinks are not for the body, or belly;» there are many who wonder what this can mean; whether it refers to tea, or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea, and coffee.[37]

According to a book written by LDS missionary and hymnographer Joel H. Johnson in 1881, Joseph Smith shared Hyrum’s interpretation:

I understand that some of the people are excusing themselves in using tea and coffee, because the Lord only said «hot drinks» in the revelation of the Word of Wisdom …. Tea and coffee … are what the Lord meant when He said «hot drinks».[38][39]

Cola and other caffeinated beveragesEdit

A longstanding issue among members of the LDS Church is whether it is permissible to ingest drinks containing caffeine that are not tea or coffee. In 1918, Frederick J. Pack, a Mormon professor at the University of Utah, published an article in an official church magazine in which he reasoned that because Coca-Cola contained caffeine, which is also present in tea and coffee, Mormons should abstain from Coca-Cola in the same way that they abstain from the Word of Wisdom «hot drinks».[40] Since Pack’s article, many Mormons have come to believe that the reason tea and coffee are proscribed is the presence of caffeine in the drinks. However, the church has never stated that this is the reason for the prohibition.

The church does not have an official position on the consumption of caffeinated beverages, apart from the general statement that the Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention it. In 2012, in response to a report on Mormonism on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams, which claimed that LDS faithful were prohibited from drinking caffeine, the church wrote:

Despite what was reported, the Church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine. The Church’s health guidelines prohibits alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and «hot drinks»—taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee.[41]

In the past, a number of church leaders have discouraged the use of such products. For example, in 1922, church president Heber J. Grant counseled the Latter-day Saints:

I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola [sic] alone. There are plenty of other things you can get at the soda fountains without drinking that which is injurious. The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for itself.[42]

Two years after making this statement, Grant met with a representative of The Coca-Cola Company to discuss the church’s position on Coca-Cola; at the conclusion of their second meeting, Grant stated that he was «sure I have not the slightest desire to recommend that the people leave Coca-Cola alone if th[e] amount [of caffeine in Coca-Cola] is absolutely harmless, which they claim it is.»[25] Grant never again spoke out against the use of cola drinks.

Approximately fifty years later, the church issued an official statement which stated:

With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.[43]

Because of such statements, some adherents believe that caffeine is officially prohibited under the Word of Wisdom.[44][45] In the mid-1950s, the director of the food services for Brigham Young University, a college owned by the LDS Church, decided not to sell caffeine on campus. This changed in September 2017 when the director of BYU Dining Services announced that caffeinated beverages would be sold on campus. Wright said this was the result of a change in customer preferences.[46] Official church publications have occasionally published articles by medical practitioners that warn of the health risks of consuming caffeine.[47][48][49] However, in November 2010, the Salt Lake Tribune noted that in the 2010 church Handbook, which sets out the official position of the church on health and social issues, no position on drinking Coca-Cola or caffeinated drinks is included.[50] The Salt Lake Tribune concluded that the church «takes no official position on caffeine».[51]

MeatEdit

The Word of Wisdom states that «flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air … are to be used sparingly», and that «it is pleasing unto [God] that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.»[52]

Many LDS Church leaders have expressed their views on the subject of meat. In 1868, church president Brigham Young counseled, «Flesh should be used sparingly, in famine and in cold.»[53] In 1868, apostle George Q. Cannon said, «We are told that flesh of any kind is not suitable to man in the summer time, and ought to be eaten sparingly in the winter.»[54] From 1897 to 1901, apostle and then church president Lorenzo Snow repeatedly emphasized the importance of eating meat sparingly, teaching that church members should refrain from eating meat except in case of dire necessity, and that this should be seen in light of Smith’s teaching that animals have spirits.[25] In 1895, Snow stated, «Unless famine or extreme cold is upon us we should refrain from the use of meat.»[55] Apostle George Teasdale taught the same thing, and held that eating pork was a more serious breach of the Word of Wisdom than drinking tea or coffee.[25] When Joseph F. Smith succeeded Snow as president of the church in 1901, he preached regularly against the «unnecessary destruction of life», and emphasized kindness to animals and the important stewardship humans have toward them.[56]

Despite these statements, restricting meat consumption was not given an explicit mention for worthiness in the LDS Church as the standards for obedience to the Word of Wisdom were made increasingly central to LDS Church doctrine and practice in the early 20th century.[57] The increased emphasis on the Word of Wisdom took place during the presidency of Heber J. Grant, a long-time enthusiastic promoter of the Word of Wisdom. Although Grant did not emphasize restricting meat consumption, he continued to interpret it as part of the counsel in the Word of Wisdom. In the 1937 General Conference, at 80 years old, Grant said he worked long hours «without fatigue and without feeling the least injury». He attributed his excellent health, in part, to eating very little meat.[58]

In a 1948 LDS general conference address, apostle Joseph F. Merrill emphasized the importance of not eating meat as «freely as many Americans are doing».[59] In 1950, apostle and plant scientist John A. Widtsoe wrote, in relation to meat consumption, «they who wish to be well and gain the promised reward stated in the Word of Wisdom must obey all of the law, not just part of it as suits their whim or their appetite, or their notion of its meaning.»[60] As recently as 2012, official church spokesperson Michael Otterson stated «the church has also encouraged limiting meat consumption in favor of grains, fruits and vegetables.[61]

To this day, the LDS Church’s hymnal includes a hymn with the following lyrics:

That the children may live long / And be beautiful and strong, / Tea and coffee and tobacco they despise, / Drink no liquor, and they eat / But a very little meat; / They are seeking to be great and good and wise.[62]

A student manual published by the church has suggested that limiting the consumption of meat to the wintertime may be to some degree of the time in which the «Word of Wisdom» was delivered by Smith:

This verse has caused some to ask if meat should be eaten in the summer. Meat has more calories than fruits and vegetables, which some individuals may need fewer of in summer than winter. Also, before fruits and vegetables could be preserved, people often did not have enough other food to eat in winter. Spoiled meat can be fatal if eaten, and in former times meat spoiled more readily in summer than winter. Modern methods of refrigeration now make it possible to preserve meat in any season. The key word with respect to the use of meat is sparingly.[63]

Refined grain productsEdit

In a pamphlet written in 1930 called The Word of Wisdom, LDS Church apostle John A. Widtsoe taught that refined flour was contrary to the Word of Wisdom.[25] The church, however, has never prohibited the use of refined flour.

Other areasEdit

Speculation exists concerning the use of alcohol as a cooking ingredient or «alcohol-free» varieties of drinks.[34] The LDS Church has taken no official stance on either.

Marijuana was banned by the LDS Church in August 1915.[64] In 2019 the church clarified in New Era that medical marijuana should only be used «under the care of a competent physician.»[65]

Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician.[36]

Enstrom study regarding members of the LDS ChurchEdit

A 14-year selective study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom tracked the health of 10,000 moderately active LDS Church members in California and ended in 1987.

Of these non-smoking, monogamous non-drinkers, Enstrom concluded from the study «that LDS Church members who follow religious mandates barring smoking and drinking have one of the lowest death rates, including from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—close to half that of the general population. … Moreover, the healthiest LDS Church members enjoy a life expectancy eight to eleven years longer than that of the general white population in the United States.» For LDS high priests who exercised, had proper sleep, and never smoked cigarettes, the mortality rate was even lower.

The results were largely duplicated in a separate study of an LDS-like subgroup of white non-smoking churchgoers in Alameda County, California.[66]

See alsoEdit

  • Alcoholism
  • Christian dietary laws
  • Flexitarianism
  • Health effects of caffeine
  • Health effects of coffee
  • Health effects of tea
  • Health effects of tobacco
  • LDS Church views on cannabis
  • List of diets
  • Long-term effects of alcohol consumption
  • Substance use disorder

ReferencesEdit

  1. ^ In the edition published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is Section 89. In the edition published by the Community of Christ, it is Section 86. In older editions which are used by some other Latter Day Saint denominations, it is section 81.
  2. ^ a b c «Word of Wisdom». www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2022-04-08.
  3. ^ a b «To this day those regulations [of the Word of Wisdom] apply to every member and to everyone who seeks to join the Church. They are so compelling that no one is to be baptized into the Church without first agreeing to live by them.»: Boyd K. Packer, «The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises», Ensign, May 1996, p. 17.
  4. ^ a b LDS Church (2009). «Chapter 29: The Lord’s Law of Health», Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church) p. 167.
  5. ^ a b c «When a Membership Council Is Not Normally Necessary», General Handbook (LDS Church, 2020) § 32.6.4.
  6. ^ «Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, Page 207». www.josephsmithpapers.org. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  7. ^ «15: Holy Places». Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 September 2018. pp. 167–168. ISBN 9781629724928. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b Smith, Joseph Fielding, ed. (1938). Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book. p. 117, n. 9.
  9. ^ Hoskisson, Paul Y. (Winter 2012). «The Word of Wisdom in Its First Decade». Journal of Mormon History. University of Illinois Press. 38 (1): 131–200. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  10. ^ «Minute Book 1, Page 40». www.josephsmithpapers.org. The Joseph Smith Papers. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  11. ^ Smith, Joseph. «Chapter 2». In Roberts, B. H. (ed.). History of the Church, Volume 3. p. 18. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  12. ^ Joseph Smith (B. H. Roberts (ed.)), History of the Church (January 1836) vol. 2, 369 («Our hearts were made glad by the fruit of the vine.»; Joseph Smith (B. H. Roberts (ed.)), History of the Church (May 2, 1843) vol. 5, p. 380 («Called at the office and drank a glass of wine with Sister Jenetta Richards, made by her mother in England,…»); Joseph Smith (B. H. Roberts (ed.)), History of the Church (June 27, 1844) vol. 6, p. 616 («Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as also Brother Taylor and the doctor…»); Joseph Smith (B. H. Roberts (ed.)), History of the Church (June 27, 1844) vol. 7, p. 101 («Sometime after dinner we [John Taylor and other prisoners at Carthage Jail] sent for some wine. It has been reported by some that this was taken as a sacrament. It was no such thing; our spirits were generally dull and heavy, and it was sent for to revive us…. I believe we all drank of the wine, and gave some to one or two of the prison guards.»).
  13. ^ Millennial Star, vol. 23, no. 45 p. 720 (9 November 1861).
  14. ^ «Diary of Joseph Smith», March 11, 1843 entry
  15. ^ Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses. Vol. 12. p. 158. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  16. ^ Diary of Abraham H. Cannon, vol. 19 (October 1895 entry); cited in Gary Dean Guthrie, Joseph Smith As An Administrator, M.A. thesis, Brigham Young University, May 1969, p. 161.
  17. ^ Gary Dean Guthrie, «Joseph Smith As An Administrator», M.A. thesis, Brigham Young University, May 1969, p. 161.
  18. ^ Joseph Smith (B. H. Roberts (ed.)), History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 252.
  19. ^ Donald Q. Cannon, Lyndon W. Cook. Far West Record: Minutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830–1844, p. 191
  20. ^ «Minutes of the General Conference», Tuesday, Sep. 9, 1851, afternoon session; Millennial Star, 1 February 1852, vol. 14, p. 35.
  21. ^ Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 361.
  22. ^ Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p. 344.
  23. ^ Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, p. 35 (encouraging Mormons to raise and sell tobacco).
  24. ^ Hubert Howe Bancroft, History of Utah, p. 540, n. 44.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g Thomas G. Alexander, «The Word of Wisdom: From Principle to Requirement», Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 14:3 (1981) pp. 78–88.
  26. ^ Jana Riess (2019). The Next Mormons. Oxford University Press. pp. 158–159. ISBN 9780190938277.
  27. ^ Cook, Quentin L. (March 2003), «Looking beyond the Mark», Ensign
  28. ^ a b LDS Church (2002, 2d ed.) «Chapter 27: The Word of Wisdom», Gospel Fundamentals (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church) p. 150.
  29. ^ Gordon B. Hinckley, «The Body Is Sacred», New Era, November 2006, pp. 2–5.
  30. ^ Thomas S. Monson, «Standards of Strength», New Era, October 2008, pp. 2–5.
  31. ^ The Doctrine and Covenants Section 27 (LDS Church) or Section 26 (Community of Christ)
  32. ^ Doctrine and Covenants Section 89:5–6 (LDS Church) or Section 86:1b–1c (Community of Christ)

    «5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

    6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.»

  33. ^ Doctrine and Covenants Section 89:17 (LDS Church) or Section 86:3b (Community of Christ)

    «17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.»

  34. ^ a b What’s Not on the Mormon Menu, Dummies.com, retrieved 2009-06-19
  35. ^ «New Research Confirms: «Hot Drinks» Are Not Good for Your Body (But It’s Not About the Caffeine)». 15 June 2016.
  36. ^ a b «21.3.11 Word of Wisdom», Handbook 2: Administering the Church, LDS Church, 2010
  37. ^ Smith, Hyrum (1 June 1842). «The Word of Wisdom». Times and Seasons. 3 (15): 800–801. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  38. ^ Johnson, Joel Hills (1881). A Voice From the Mountains: Being A Testimony of the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as Revealed by the Lord to Joseph Smith, Jr. Salt Lake City, Utah: Juvenile Instructor Office. p. 12.
  39. ^ «Section 89: The Word of Wisdom». Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2002. p. 209. Archived from the original on 2012-10-07.
  40. ^ Frederick J. Pack, «Should Latter-Day Saints Drink Coca-Cola?» Improvement Era 21:5 (March 1918).
  41. ^ «Mormonism in the News: Getting It Right–August 29» (Press release). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. August 29, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  42. ^ Conference Report, April 1922, p. 165.
  43. ^ LDS Church, «Priesthood Bulletin», February 1972, p. 4; quoted in «Section 89 The Word of Wisdom», Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, 2002) p. 209.
  44. ^ Kirby, Robert (March 10, 2007). «Mitt stirs up old caffeine controversy». The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  45. ^ David A. Erickson, «Caffeine not prohibited» (letter to the editor), Deseret Morning News, 3 January 2008.
  46. ^ Herald, Shelby Slade and Braley Dodson Daily. «BYU begins selling caffeinated sodas on campus». Daily Herald. Retrieved 2017-09-21.
  47. ^ Boud, Thomas J. (December 2008). «The Energy Drink Epidemic». Ensign.
  48. ^ Stratton, Clifford J. (March 1990). «Caffeine–The Subtle Addiction». Liahona.
  49. ^ Stephenson, William T. (July 2008). «Cancer, Nutrition, and the Word of Wisdom: One Doctor’s Observations». Ensign.
  50. ^ Peggy Fletcher Stack (November 26, 2010). «LDS Church handbook on social issues available online». The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  51. ^ Peggy Fletcher Stack (September 26, 2011). «Mormons can drink caffeine? ‘Dew’ tell». The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  52. ^ Section 89:12–13
  53. ^ Brigham Young, «The True Church of Christ—the Living Testimony—Word of Wisdom», Journal of Discourses 12:209, May 10, 1868.
  54. ^ George Q. Cannon, «Word of Wisdom—Fish Culture—Dietetic», Journal of Discourses 12:221–22, April 7, 1868.
  55. ^ Dennis B. Horne, ed., An Apostle’s Record: The Journals of Abraham H. Cannon (Clearfield, Utah: Gnolaum Books, 2004) p. 424.
  56. ^ Joseph F. Smith, «Humane Day», Juvenile Instructor 53 no. 4 (April 1918):182–83.
  57. ^ Paul H. Peterson, An Historical Analysis of the Word of Wisdom (M.A. thesis, Brigham Young University, August 1972).
  58. ^ Heber J. Grant, Conference Report (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, April 1937) p. 15.
  59. ^ Joseph F. Merrill, «Eat Flesh Sparingly», Conference Report, April 1948, p. 75.
  60. ^ Widstoe, John A., The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 1950).
  61. ^ Tumulty, Karen. «Mormonism good for the body as well as the soul?», Washington Post, June 20, 2012.
  62. ^ «In Our Lovely Deseret», Hymns, no. 307.
  63. ^ «Section 89 The Word of Wisdom», Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, 2002) pp. 206–11.
  64. ^ E.J. Sanna (2 September 2014). Marijuana: Mind-Altering Weed. Mason Crest. pp. 88–. ISBN 978-1-4222-9299-0.
  65. ^ Forgie, Adam (14 August 2019). «LDS Church clarifies ‘Word of Wisdom’ on vaping, green tea, coffee, marijuana, opioids». KUTV. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  66. ^ Enstrom, 1989.

BibliographyEdit

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  • Alexander, Thomas G. (1996), «The Adoption of a New Interpretation of the Word of Wisdom», Mormonism in Transition, Urbana: University of Illinois Press, pp. 258–71, ISBN 978-0-252-06578-1.
  • Blakesley, Katie Clark (2004). ‘Sin is Creeping in Among us’: The Fight to Save the Youth and the 1921 Anti-cigarette Campaign (Thesis). Master’s thesis. Salt Lake City: University of Utah..
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  • Larson, Stan (1988), «Synoptic Minutes of a Quarterly Conference of the Twelve Apostles: The Clawson and Lund Diaries of July 9–11, 1901», Journal of Mormon History, 14: 97–119.
  • McCue, Robert J. (1981), «Did the Word of Wisdom Become a Commandment in 1851?», Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, 14 (3): 66–77, JSTOR 45224998, PMID 11614402.
  • Merrill, Ray M.; Lindsay, Gordon B.; Lyon, Joseph L. (1999), «Tobacco-Related Cancers in Utah Compared to the United States: Quantifying the Benefits of the Word of Wisdom», BYU Studies, 38 (4): 91–105.
  • Peterson, Paul H. (1972). An Historical Analysis of the Word of Wisdom (Master’s thesis). Provo, UT: Department of History, Brigham Young University..
  • Peterson, Paul H.; Walker, Ronald W. (2003), «Brigham Young’s World of Wisdom Legacy», BYU Studies, 42 (3–4): 29–64.
  • Smith, Joseph, Jr. (1833), «A Word of Wisdom», in Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Cowdery, Oliver; Rigdon, Sidney; Williams, Frederick G. (eds.), Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God, Kirtland, Ohio: F. G. Williams & Co (published 1835), pp. 207–08 (section LXXX).
  • «Special Collection: Word of Wisdom Education Committee papers (MSS 44)». archives.lib.byu.edu. L. Tom Perry Special Collections: Harold B. Lee Library. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  • Thompson, Brent G. (1983), «‘Standing between Two Fires’: Mormons and Prohibition, 1908–1917″, Journal of Mormon History, 10: 35–52, archived from the original on 2011-06-13.

External linksEdit

  • Getting into the Meat of the Word of Wisdom
Источник

AN HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

1972

Master’s Thesis by Paul H. Peterson, BYU

Nearly all classes of people were given to drinking [in the early 19th century], ministers not excepted. p. 10

James Finley: “A house could not be raised, a field of wheat cut down, nor could there be a log rolling, a husking, a quilting, a wedding, or a funeral without the aid of alcohol.” P. 10

October 6, 1830: Kirtland Temperance Society organized and by February 1833, the Kirtland Distillery closed for want of patronage, approximately one month before Word of Wisdom revelation. p. 13

“Joseph Smith and other prisoners drank liquor and whiskey in the Liberty Jail in token of friendship.” P. 25

The Quorum of the Seventy “covenanted to keep the Word of Wisdom” in 1837. P. 28

“Shortly before his death, the Prophet requested wine to drink. John Taylor described this incident as follows: ‘It has been reported by some that this was taken as a sacrament. It was no such thing: our spirits were generally dull and heavy, and it was sent for to revive us…I believe we all drank of the wine and gave some to one or two of the guards. We all of us felt unusually dull and languid, with a remarkable depression of spirits.’” P. 37-38

“It would appear that some Mormons had been influenced by the fanaticism that characterized sermons of some of the radical temperance reformers, and tended to be intolerant of those with professed Word of Wisdom weaknesses. The Prophet [Joseph], recognizing that the revelation must be seen in perspective with other matters and doctrines…urged them to be slow to judge or condemn others…reproving the speaker as Pharisaical and hypocritical.” P. 40

“In 1845…a list of desirable supplies to be taken by each family [to cross the plains to Salt Lake Valley] printed in the Nauvoo Neighbor included one pound each of tea and coffee and one gallon of alcohol…Abraham O. Smoot…recalled that the ‘camp-fire habits’ of the pioneers included the partaking of tea and coffee and the use of tobacco.’” P. 43

“In December 1850, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, and other Church leaders met in Young’s ‘upper room’ to pray. Here they concluded to ‘renew the Word of Wisdom.’” P. 44

“Observations made by four non-Mormons who traveled through Utah Territory in the 1850’s suggest that Mormons were considerably more moderate in the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, than was contemporary society.” P. 47

As apostles, Wilford Woodruff and Joseph Fielding Smith both “said that at a General Conference meeting held on September 9, 1851, Word of Wisdom observance was made obligatory upon Church members.” This was followed by a letter sent out by the First Presidency. But history does not bear it out. P. 51-52

According to witnesses, “Brigham Young himself did not strictly live the Word of Wisdom until the early 1860’s.” P. 53

“Overcoming tobacco and liquor habits was no easy thing for many Mormons, and the various difficulties and problems they encountered as they sought to overcome their undesirable habits are vividly reflected in the minutes of meetings held for the Schools of the Prophets…A typical meeting [in the late 1860’s] included among other things, a reminder of the rule necessitating Word of Wisdom observance, types of confessions and/or of rationalizations for infractions, and pious resolves.” P. 63

Wine was made by the Saints in St. George at Brigham Young’s request in the early 1860’s, mainly to be exported. Tithing could be paid in wine “and by 1887 the tithing office at St. George had over 6,000 gallons of wine on hand.” By 1900, the Church leaders decided this enterprise had been a bad idea and counseled members to dig up their vineyards. P. 64-65

In 1874, the First Presidency was still counseling Saints to grow tobacco for chewing, as well as for medicine for cattle, so they wouldn’t have to buy it from others.

Emily Dow Partridge Young written in 1877: “Do we as a people…accept [the Word of Wisdom] as the word of God unto us…Could we find fifty Latter-day Saints in the Territory who abstain from tea, coffee, whiskey and tobacco or considers that it is worthwhile to even give it a thought? Is it not high time to wake up and open our eyes and look about us. If the Lord had no purpose in giving the Word of Wisdom, why did he take the trouble to give it?” P. 66

President John Taylor received a revelation on October 13, 1882 designating the Word of Wisdom as a commandment, along with other things. This time the Quorum of the Twelve pledged to follow the example of the First Presidency and observe the Word of Wisdom in a meeting, after concluding that “we have all more or less been negligent upon that point.” P. 70-72

1883: “Considerable has been said of late—and especially during this conference—concerning the Word of Wisdom. We confess to a feeling almost akin to shame at hearing this urged upon the Priesthood at this late date. Have we not had experience enough in the benefits which flow from the observance of these wise counsels of the Lord to observe these simple laws of health?” George Q. Cannon. P. 73

1884: President Taylor said that all officers of the church were obliged to keep the Word of Wisdom. P. 76

Zeal was interrupted by persecution of polygamy.

First Presidency, 1886: “most inconsistent [for temple goers and officiators] to carry in the smell of whiskey and tobacco.” P. 77

1894: President Woodruff said leaders should resign if they cannot live the Word of Wisdom. “There may be things contrary to the Word of Wisdom that we indulge in and that we think we cannot live without; if we cannot, let us die.” P. 77 He followed this with a personal call to John Smith, the Patriarch of the Church: “If he cannot put away his tobacco and smoking, he better resign. If he thinks those things are of greater value than the Holy Spirit, Brother John Smith you better resign and we will get some one who will keep the commandments of the Lord.” P. 78

1898, meeting of First Presidency and Apostles in the temple: “President L. Snow read the revelation on the Word of Wisdom and drew special attention to that part which relates to the use of meats, which he considered as [important] as that which relates to the use of liquors and hot drinks. He also referred to the revelation which says that he [that] forbids the use of meat is not of God. He went on to state the President Taylor had expressed the view that some of the brethren talked too strongly against the drinking of tea and coffee. Brother Snow said he was convinced that the killing of animals when unnecessary was wrong and sinful, and that it was not right to neglect one part of the Word of Wisdom and be too strenuous in regard to the other parts.” P. 79

1894 President Grant expressed extreme discouragement in General Conference about how often he preached the Word of Wisdom and how so few people were following it. P. 91-92

President Grant continually pressed the Word of Wisdom upon the Saints. In October 1935 General Conference he read the Word of Wisdom and said, “It may be that it will be the 53rd time in the past 53 years [that I read it]. He said that people who were keeping the Word of Wisdom would not object to hearing it again. P. 97-98

May 1936-February 1940: The “Word of Wisdom Review” was a regular feature in the Improvement Era.

February 1941-March 1952: The “No Liquor Tobacco” section was a regular feature which “informed readers of contemporary scientific developments which substantiated the Mormon position on tobacco and liquor [and] provided testimonials from noted individuals who felt abstinence contributed to their success as athletes, pilots, scholars, etc.” P. 99

Источник

Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants is called the ‘Word of Wisdom’.  The name came from the 1st verse.  Joseph Smith announced this revelation Feb. 27, 1833.

During the early 1800’s, drinking alcoholic beverages was a common and accepted practice among Americans, including the members of the church.  A temperance movement started in 1826 and gained in popularity through the early 1830’s before fading.  In fact, in one year over 6,000 temperance organizations were formed.  This movement may have influenced Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord concerning the use of alcohol and tobacco-along with his wife’s concerns.[1]See also: An Historical Analysis of the Word of Wisdom – Paul Peterson

The School of the Prophets

The Word of Wisdom, like many revelations of the Restoration, came about as a question posed by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Speaking of this historical context, Brigham Young said the following:

Newel K. Whitney Store- upper room
Newel K. Whitney Store- upper room

I think I am as well acquainted with the circumstances which led to the giving of the Word of Wisdom as any man in the Church, although I was not present at the time to witness them.  The first school of the prophets was held in a small room situated over the Prophet Joseph’s kitchen, in a house, which belonged to Bishop Whitney, and which was attached to his store, which more probably might be about fifteen feet square.  In the rear of this building was a kitchen, probably ten by fourteen feet, containing rooms and pantries.  Over this kitchen was situated the room in which the Prophet received revelations and in which he instructed his brethren.  The brethren came to that place from hundreds of miles to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen.  When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first thing they did was to light their pipes, and while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken.  Often, when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke.  This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.[2]Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1868, Vol 12:158.

Joseph Smith 1805-1844

Occasional exceptions were noted to the total abstinence position.  It is recorded that Joseph Smith drank from the “fruit of the vine” after a wedding feast in Jan. 1836.[3] Joseph Smith, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1984], 132.  See also Leonard J. Arrington, An Economic … Continue reading   A week later the First Presidency toasted with wine the marriage of John Boynton.[4]Leonard J. Arrington, An Economic Interpretation of the Word of Wisdom, BYU Studies, vols. 1-2 (1959-1960), Number 1–winter 1959.  This behavior was consistent with the prophet’s view that the Word of Wisdom was intended to be a guideline inviting moderation and self-control versus excessive drunkenness and behavior.[5]Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, … Continue reading

The early members struggled with the interpretation and living of the Word of Wisdom.  This was a result of several factors, 1)  it was given “not by way of commandment”, 2)  it was a new thought and required people to change a physical behavior, 3)  some exceptions by church leaders were seen by members in public, 4)  other areas had fallen short of true observance, like the Law of Consecration.

When did it become a Commandment?

Several church leaders, including Wilford Woodruff and Ezra Taft Benson have stated that the Word of Wisdom became binding on members when Brigham Young called for a sustaining vote to observe the revelation at the Sept. 9, 1851 General Conference.  A letter from the First Presidency to the saints said, “The Conference voted to observe the Word of Wisdom and particularly to dispense with the use of tea, coffee, snuff, and tobacco…”[6]President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards; The conference voted to observe the word of wisdom, and particularly to dispense with the use of tea, coffee, snuff, and tobacco, and in … Continue reading

Throughout the 1860’s and 70’s observance of the Word of Wisdom was not a condition of membership in the Church.  In the early 1880’s, John Taylor as Church President, started a reform movement to increase adherence to the Word of Wisdom by church leaders which had considerable success.  Between 1885 and 1893, the church was involved with the polygamy question and the emphasis on the Word of Wisdom naturally diminished by the Church leaders.

Wilford Woodruff
Wilford Woodruff

In 1894, President Wilford Woodruff issued a strong statement.  “The Word of Wisdom applies to Wilford Woodruff, the President of the Church, and it applies to all the leaders of Israel as well as to the members of the Church; and if there are any of these leading men who cannot refrain from using tobacco or liquor in violation of the Word of Wisdom, let them resign and others take their places.  As leaders of Israel, we have no business to indulge in these things.  There may be things contrary to the Word of Wisdom that we indulge in, and that we think we cannot live without; if we cannot, let us die.”[7]Millenial Star, 11/19/1894. See also: Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses, 5 vols. [Burbank, Calif., and Woodland Hills, Ut.: B.H.S. Publishing, 1987-1992], 4.

By the time Joseph F. Smith became president in 1901, the Word of Wisdom was becoming an accepted and practical observance of church leaders and members.  President Smith refined the interpretation of ‘hot drinks’ as tea and coffee.  He also started emphasizing not issuing temple recommends to flagrant violators.  Leniency was still to be shown ‘older’ people with bad Word of Wisdom habits.

At the October, 1908 conference session, the Word of Wisdom was the theme.  Although this was a time when prohibition was a national issue, no direct reference was made to it in this conference.  In 1917 prohibition did exist in Utah.  It remained until 1933 when Utahns voted for the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution ending Prohibition nationally.

President Heber J. Grant
President Heber J. Grant

As President Heber J. Grant began his presidency, it had become the rule that compliance with the Word of Wisdom was a tenant of the faith of the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Before President Grant’s death in 1945, the status of the revelation had risen to a level where it was binding, a test to the member’s obedience, and a requirement for a temple recommend.  As President Grant said in General Conference, “Today I appeal to you, each and all, to use your influence at home and abroad, to get the people to keep the Word of Wisdom, and I am going to read it.  It may be that it will be the fifty-third time in the past fifty-three years.  I think that I have read it at least once a year if not a half a dozen times.”[8]President Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, October 1935, 8.

Since 1945, during the subsequent church presidencies, the Word of Wisdom has been accepted as a commandment of God along with other commandments.  Discussions now center over interpreting the provisions of the revelation to specific questions like the use of cola drinks, filtered cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, de-caffeinated coffee, white bread, caffeine in chocolate bars, etc.  To these inquiries, Bruce R. McConkie gave his response,…”some unstable people become cranks with reference to this law of health.  It should be understood that the Word of Wisdom is not the gospel, and the gospel is not the Word of Wisdom…”[9]Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 845.

The Word of Wisdom has become associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Stories have been told how compliance has helped protect and bless the lives of members of the Church.[10]Elder Eduardo Ayala tells the story of the neurosurgeon who faithfully kept the word of wisdom and then asked the Lord to bless him in a time of need where he was required to perform a brain surgery, … Continue reading  In addition, information from numerous non-Mormon studies involving health aspects of the Word of Wisdom has added the world’s credibility to an already established religious rule.[11]Rick Morris, 10 Surprising benefits of quitting smoking, CNN Health, April 7, 2012. See also: O’Connor, PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L and Ausiello DA, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd … Continue reading

Whether one wants to obey the principles of the Word of Wisdom from a common sense health perspective or a spiritual vantage point based on a faithful obedience, it can be unequivocally stated that the Word of Wisdom as given by the Lord was and is for the benefit of man physically as well as spiritually.  As Ezra Taft Benson has said, “The Word of Wisdom is a law-a principle with promise.  If we obey the provisions of the law, we receive the promises.  If we do not, there will be both temporal and spiritual consequences.”[12]President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April, 1983, p. 70.

“The Word of Wisdom is one of the evidences of the inspiration of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling.”[13]President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April, 1983, p. 70.

Источник

Joseph Smith, the first leader and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave to his followers as revelations from God, not only spiritual, but also temporal doctrines. Such is in keeping with his teaching that “the spirit and body are the soul of a man”, implying that anything which degenerates the body retards progress of the soul. According to this doctrine, temporal and spiritual affairs assume equal importance; and all phases of life must be included in one’s religion” (L. Weston Oaks M.D., Medical Aspects of the Latter-day Saints’ Word of Wisdom).

What is the Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a response to an inquiry. Brigham Young (second president of the Church) related some of the circumstances leading up to the reception of the revelation:

“The brethren came to that place for hundreds of miles to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen. When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, … and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean [the] floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco.” (Journal of Discourses, 12:158.)

At first this revelation was not given as a commandment. An introduction was added describing it as «a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3) This allowed time for Church members to adjust to the principles contained in the revelation.

In 1851 President Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all members formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom. His proposal was unanimously sustained by the membership of the Church, and since that day the revelation has been a binding commandment on all Church members.

The Word of Wisdom has become one of the recognized and peculiar practices of members of the Church. Many people that are not members of Church know that members in good standing abstain from tobacco, coffee, tea, and all alcoholic beverages.

Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of obeying the Word of Wisdom: in fact, Latter-day Saints have fewer incidences of heart problems, all forms of cancer, and other diseases because of their adherence to the Word of Wisdom. Many Saints live a longer life and enjoy a better quality of life than the populations in which they live. The Word of Wisdom lists numerous items which should be avoided or used. The things that are to be avoided are strong drink (liquor), tobacco, and hot drinks (tea and coffee). The Saints are then told that herbs and fruits should be used in their seasons, meat should be eaten sparingly, and that grain is the staff of life. If the Saints follow these instructions they are told that they will receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21).

What are the provisions of the Word of Wisdom?

The revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith uses the following words to define and advise against the use of harmful substances and beverages:

«Strong drinks (meaning alcoholic or other harmful beverages) are not for the belly.» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:7)
«Tobacco is not for the body…and is not good for man.» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:8)
«Hot drinks [meaning black tea and coffee] are not for the body.» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:9)

The Word of Wisdom not only admonishes against the use of harmful substances, but it also describes those foods which are good for man:

«All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
«Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;
«Flesh … of beasts and of the fowls of the air…are to be used sparingly;
«All grain is ordained for the use of man…to be the staff of life…
«All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine.» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–12, 14, 16)

The Word of Wisdom is a law and a principle with promise. When men and women obey the provisions of the law, they receive the blessings associated with those provisions. However, if they do not obey, there will be both temporal and spiritual consequences.

What does «conspiring men» refer to in the revelation about the Word of Wisdom?

President Ezra Taft Benson in one of his talks explains that there is another part of this revelation that constitutes a particularly important warning to our modern generation:

«In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation» (Doctrine and Covenants 89:4).
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, foresaw the situation of today when the desire for money would cause men to conspire to convince others to use harmful substances. We are all too familiar with advertisements which promote the use and purchase of beer, liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances. Even worse than this, an evil conspiracy in our time is enticing young people into the use of drugs. (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1983)

Does the Word of Wisdom forbid caffeine?

The text of the Word of Wisdom never mentions its reasons for avoiding hot drinks, but over time many people, including some Latter-day Saints, have come to assume that the reason the Lord forbids coffee and tea is the caffeine. This leads to criticism of Saints that drink caffeinated soft drinks. The Church has said:

With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on the matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.
Priesthood Bulletin, 1972

The spirit of the Word of Wisdom is that all healthy foods should be eaten in moderation and unhealthy foods should be avoided. The Church has scrupulously avoided giving detailed lists of approved and unapproved food. It is up to the conscience of the individual Mormon to apply this to his life. Bruce R. McConkie in Mormon Doctrine had this to say:

Some unstable people become cranks with reference to this law of health. It should be understood that the Word of Wisdom is not the gospel, and the gospel is not the Word of Wisdom. As Paul said, ‘The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost’ (Romans 14:17). There is no prohibition in Section 89, for instance, against the eating of white bread, using white flour, white sugar, cocoa, chocolate, eggs, milk, meat, or anything else, except items classified under the headings, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor. As a matter of fact those who command that men should not eat meat, are not ordained of God, such counsel being listed by Paul as evidence of apostasy.
God has created ‘meats,’ he says, ‘to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth’ (1 Timothy 4:3). If some particular food or drink disagrees with an individual, then that person should act accordingly without reference to the prohibitions in this particular law of health. [1]

More about health and the bounties of the earth can be found in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 59, which predated the Word of Wisdom:

The fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion (Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-20).

References

  1. ↑ Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd Edition, p. 846.

External Links

  • Cancer, Nutrition, and the Word of Wisdom, by William T. Stephenson, MD.
  • Utah ranked as second healthiest state

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