D&C 89 - Word of Wisdom: If It Is a Commandment...
If The Word of Wisdom Is a Commandment….
…are we keeping this commandment of God? By declaring the word of
wisdom a commandment, not only are we requiring people abstain from tobaccos
and certain drinks, but we are obligating people to eat healthy. That doesn’t
sound so bad, does it? But did the Lord intend for his people to be compelled
to healthy living, and are we living healthy?
If this is a commandment, what are the details of the commandment
or law we are to live? This becomes slightly complicated because if the words
of the revelation changed over time through evolution of thought – i.e., not
by commandment or constraint evolving into by commandment and
constraint—then pinning down what other portions of the revelation have
evolved and what the current requirements are may be difficult to determine.
This puts us in a precarious position, for if we follow the
letter of the revelation as written in the Doctrine & Covenants, then we
break the commandment based on current church policy, and vis a vis. Pretty
soon we repeat the error of the Pharisees long ago who created so many
interpretive meanings around the Law of Moses that those interpretations became
law, which rather than clarifying the law made the true intent of the law
unclear. Just as those interpretations over time took precedent over the law
itself, so has the church Handbook of Instructions and interpretations of
church leaders appear to take precedent over the words written in section 89 of
the Doctrine and Covenants.
As an example, Ezra Taft Benson, while a member of the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles, said, “When we first heard the revelation upon the Word of
Wisdom many of us thought it consisted merely in our drinking tea and coffee,
but it is not only using tea and coffee and our tobacco and whisky, but it is
every other evil which is calculated to contaminate this people. The Word of
Wisdom implies to cease from adultery, to cease from all manner of excesses,
and from all kinds of wickedness and abomination that are common amongst this
generation—it is, strictly speaking, keeping the commandments of God, and
living by every word that proceedeth from His mouth.”[1] His
interpretation goes far beyond the original context of the revelation,
extrapolating it to areas outside healthy living to moral issues and obedience
to all things.
Joseph Fielding Smith suggested that the personal implementation
of the principles of the word of wisdom should be done through the Spirit. “The
Word of Wisdom is a basic law. It points the way and gives us ample instruction
in regard to both food and drink, good for the body and also detrimental. If we
sincerely follow what is written with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, we
need no further counsel.... Thus by keeping the commandments we are
promised inspiration and the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord through which
we will know what is good and what is bad for the body, without the Lord
presenting us with a detailed list separating the good things from the bad that
we may be protected. We will learn by this faithful observance that the
promises of the Lord are fulfilled.”[2] This idea
may have been adequate in the 1950s, but current culture—and maybe culture at
that time, too—suggests that we can follow the Spirit on this topic only if it does
not contradict church policy.
If the word of wisdom is a law, but the details of the law are
unclear, what aspects of the law are we intended to follow? Based on the
principle taught by Joseph Fielding Smith, I should be guided by the Spirit. If
the Spirit guides me to drink mild barley drinks, as indicated in the
revelation, I am following the principles of the word of wisdom. Yet according
to the church publications, no alcohol whatsoever is acceptable, therefore I
break the word of wisdom. (And I’m not sure how the Word of Wisdom and adultery
are connected without a long and stretched inference.) With such unclarity
on what the actual specifics of the law are, how can we accurately follow the
law?
The doctrine of the word of wisdom, as summarized currently in the
church according to the True to the Faith booklet under the topic “Word of
Wisdom” is as follows below. It is very close to what is written on the
church’s official website in gospel topics under the topic “Word of Wisdom”.[3]
The law is pretty clearly summarized, though certain aspects of the revelation
are missing or altered.
"The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord
for our physical and spiritual benefit....
"In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord commands us not to take the
following substances into our bodies:
- Alcoholic drinks (see D&C 89:5–7).
- Tobacco (see D&C 89:8).
- Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term “hot drinks” refers to tea and coffee).
"Anything harmful that people purposefully take into their
bodies is not in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. This is especially true of
illegal drugs, which can destroy those who become addicted to them. Stay
entirely away from them. Do not experiment with them. The abuse of prescription
drugs also leads to destructive addiction.
"The Lord declares that the following foods are good for our
bodies:
- Vegetables and fruits, which should be used “with prudence and thanksgiving” (see D&C 89:10–11).
- The flesh “of beasts and of the fowls of the air,” which is “to be used sparingly” (see D&C 89:12–13).
- Grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, which are “the staff of life” (see D&C 89:14–17).”[4]
- In other words, abstain from all alcohol (of any kind), tea, coffee, tobacco, and harmful drugs. Do eat fruits and vegetables, meat (sparingly), and grains.
Laws Concerning Drinks
If the word of wisdom is a commandment or “law of health,” as
described above, how stringently should we follow the guidelines written in the
revelation versus the centuries of varied interpretation, and do the
interpretations differ from the written revelation?
Alcohol
The statement in the True to the Faith booklet above indicates it
is a commandment not to drink alcoholic drinks. But the Lord’s statement in the
actual revelation suggests barley should be used “for all useful animals, and
for mild drinks, as also other grain” (D&C 80:17). Also, what about the use
of wine for the sacrament if it is “pure wine of the grape of the vine, of
[our] own make” (D&C 89:5-6)? Those mild drinks made from grains are beers,
which are alcoholic beverages. So, are we required to drink no alcohol, or just
not “strong drinks” (D&C 89:5, 7)? If we are to keep this law as strictly
as possible, should we not be using grains for mild drinks? The Lord suggest it
is a good and acceptable use of grains. Joseph Smith enjoyed a beer now and
again, even after receiving the revelation of the word of wisdom.[5]
An apologetic organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints dedicated to “providing well-documented answers to criticisms
of LDS doctrine, belief and practice” (though not affiliated with the church) answered
a question regarding the definition of strong and mild drinks. “The text of the
Word of Wisdom forbids ‘strong drink’ (D&C 89:5, 7), which was initially
interpreted as distilled beverages (hard liquor). Beer, unfermented or lightly
fermented wine, and cider were considered ‘mild drinks’ (D&C 89:17) and
therefore acceptable (note that verse 17 specifically permits ‘barley...for
mild drinks’). The complete prohibition of alcoholic drinks of any kind only
became part of the Word of Wisdom following the temperance movement of the late
19th and early 20th centuries; Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. Grant
supported the movement and Grant made complete abstention from alcohol in any
form a requirement for a temple recommend in the early 1920s.”[6]
This in one of those instances where the interpretation of the
revelation has changed over time. According to church policy, beer is not
acceptable, and drinking such constitutes sin. But the revelation itself says
that barley is intended both for useful animals and for mild drinks, such as
beer, lightly fermented wines, and ciders. Which do we follow in order to be
compliant to the commandment, and who is right?
Coffee and Tea
Additionally, the article from Ture to the Faith states that
“latter-day prophets have taught that the term ‘hot drinks’ refers to tea and
coffee.” This may have come form Brigham Young’s statement, “This Word of
Wisdom prohibits the use of hot drinks and tobacco. I have heard it argued that
tea and coffee are not mentioned therein; that is very true; but what were the
people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea
and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and
coffee—the beverages in common use.”[7]
That seems clear enough, but current belief supports that caffeine
and its addictive qualities is the purpose of the ban on coffees and teas. It
does not seem to be an issue, however, in church policy if I drink hot
chocolate. Was the Lord intending “hot drinks”, as he stated in the revelation,
or was he intending coffee and tea, or did he intend caffeine? Here is another
evolved change in interpretation. The Lord is omniscient, meaning he knows all
things. If the caffeine was an issue, why does the church allow the drinking of
caffeinated beverages like sodas and energy drinks, but still requires
abstinence from coffees and teas even though there are decaffeinated coffees?
Surely, the Lord could have said to avoid alcohol and caffeine if those were
the harmful substances he was intending, but instead he used the terms “strong
drinks” and “hot drinks”.
In a recent publication from the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints regarding coffees and teas, the following was outlined in the
August 2019 New Era, “The word coffee isn’t always in the name of coffee drinks.
So, before you try what you think is just some new milkshake flavor, here are a
couple of rules of thumb: (1) If you’re in a coffee shop (or any other shop
that’s well-known for its coffee), the drink you’re ordering probably has
coffee in it, so either never buy drinks at coffee shops or always ask if
there’s coffee in it. (2) Drinks with names that include café or caffé, mocha, latte,
espresso, or anything ending in -ccino are coffee and are
against the Word of Wisdom....
“Green tea and black tea are both made from the leaves of the
exact same tea plant. The only difference is that the leaves in black tea are
fermented and in green tea they’re not. They’re both tea and against the Word
of Wisdom. Some drinks have tea in them but don’t advertise that fact, so
always check the ingredients. Also, iced tea is still tea.”[8]
Coffee and tea have completely different chemical compounds with
little similarity between the two. Where coffee comes from a coffee bean, tea
(green and black) comes from the leaves of a chamomile plant. The only similarities
in chemical compounds is the rich amount of caffeine in both coffee and tea.
Scientific studies have shown health pros and cons for each substance, but it is
generally understood in research that caffeine is a potentially addictive
substance. If it is caffeine is the concern, what type of caffeinated beverage
is good to drink, and what is not? Is there a different quality of caffeine in
coffee than in soda or chocolate? can I still drink hot chocolate? There is caffeine
in it, too.
Comparing coffees and hot chocolates, regular (black) coffee has
about 95-165 mg of caffeine (that’s a lot), while decaf has about 2-5 mg of
caffeine. Hot chocolate (depending on the source) has up to 25 mg of caffeine.
If it is a caffeine issue, what amount of caffeine can I legally have? Oh, but
that doesn’t work, because green tea has about 24-29 mg caffeine (same as
chocolate) and black teas have about 25-48 mg of caffeine (same as sodas,
having about 24-46 mg of caffeine). Energy drinks are all over the chart from
27-164 mg of caffeine. (Note, these are all for 8 oz servings).[9]
Perhaps caffeine is not the issue. Perhaps there is something else
in coffee and tea that are harmful to the body. Though there are negative effects
from drinking coffee and tea, primarily related to caffeine, there are also
healthy benefits to both. Coffee in moderation can help protect against diabetes,
Parkinson’s disease, liver diseases and heart failure. Just a note: too much of
anything can be harmful, and healthy benefits of one particular substance does
not out way unhealthy living. Tea from the chamomile plant is often an herbal supplement
used to treat indigestion, sleep, and anxiety.
If I have anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or digestive problems, it
is okay for me, according to church policy, to take any chemically manufactured
medication prescribed by my doctor, but I cannot take tea. To improve sleep, I can
take zolpidem tartrate, flurazepam hydrochloride, triazolam, eszopiclone, estazolam,
temazepam, ramelteon, doxepin, zaleplon, trazodone, or suvorexant. For anxiety:
citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline,
to name only a few. The list of digestive aids is too numerous to list. All of these
are chemical compounds made in a laboratory rather than natural substances. Most
of them have addictive qualities, and many of them have more contraindicators
than tea.
The danger of abusing prescription drug use is a global problem.
According to the Utah Department of Health, “From 2000 to 2015, Utah
has experienced a nearly 400% increase in deaths from the misuse and abuse of
prescription drugs…. Between 2013-2015, Utah ranked 7th in the U.S. for drug
poisoning deaths.”[10]
These statistics are primarily based around painkillers, opioids, but the
pattern is similar for all addictive medications. Interestingly, 62% of Utahns
are members of the church. There is no question that harmful drugs are
unhealthy and dangerous. Unfortunately, many of those who suffer from
prescription drug abuse start out innocently enough with a prescription from
their doctor.
Perhaps the statement the Lord make about “hot drinks” does not
refer specifically to coffee or tea, or caffeine. Perhaps the Lord means
exactly what he says: hot drinks are just not good for your body, no matter what
the beverage. The American Cancer Society reported on June 15, 2016, that “the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified drinking very
hot beverages as a probable carcinogen, something that probably causes cancer.
IARC is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization. Very hot beverages
refer to drinks hotter than 65 degrees Celsius, which translates to about 149
degrees Fahrenheit. In the US, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other hot
beverages are usually drunk at temperatures lower than 149 degrees.”[11]
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggest that these
statements may be a bit of an exaggeration. They state, “There has never been
solid evidence that drinking hot liquids alone will increase esophageal cancer
risk. At this point we have only the suggestion that it might make the risk
higher in people who smoke or consume alcohol. I would advise people to focus
instead on factors that are very solidly linked to a higher risk of developing
esophageal cancer. For squamous cell, it’s smoking and alcohol.”[12] Either
way, drinking hot liquids seems to be problematic, especially when coupled with
alcohol and tobacco.
What Can I Drink?
Alcohol
- According to church policy: No alcohol of any kind
- According to the revelation: No strong drink; No wine, except pure wine of you own make for sacraments; Barley is intended for use as a mild drink
- According to church policy: No coffee or tea; Other caffeine and hot drinks permitted without restrictions (though not encouraged)
- According to the revelation: No hot drinks
So, in order to get a temple recommend and be a member in good
standing, I cannot drink any alcohol, coffee or tea, but I can drink as many
Monster drinks as I want and as much hot chocolate as I please, and as hot as I
want it. But if I want to strictly follow the revelation as written, I should
avoid wines (except for sacramental) and strong drinks—I could have an
occasional beer—and I should not drink anything “hot”. So which do I follow? Do
I follow the Lord’s revelation as it is written by the prophet who received it
or the evolved interpretations over the last two centuries?
Laws Concerning Food
When it come to the portion of the revelation regarding healthy
eating, it seems a little simpler, yet for some reason we have a much harder
time following these guidelines than abstaining from forbidden drinks.
Fruits and Vegetables
Regarding fruits and vegetables, the Lord says, “And again, verily
I say unto you, 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; all these to be used with prudence and
thanksgiving. (D&C 89:10-11). It sounds petty straight forward, though it
can get complicated, too.
The True to the Faith manual does say fruits and vegetables are
good, “which should be used ‘with prudence and thanksgiving’,” but fails to
mention the other portion of the revelation that states they should be eaten in
the “season thereof”. What constitutes the season of the fruit? Most likely, it
implies the time of year that it is naturally ripe on the vine or tree, etc.
Root vegetables can be stored over winter, so the season for those may be
extended beyond the growing season. Fruits and many other vegetables, however,
will not last long unless preserved or changed.
Some changes in ways to preserve foods are good and maintain the
value of the foods nutrient. Other forms of preservation are not as healthy.
With the advent of modern-day shipping and storing options, do we disregard
that part about seasons as mentioned in the revelation? Technically, there are
fruits that are ripe in every season somewhere in the world, especially with
better greenhouse technologies. It is nice to be able to sample foods from all
over the world accessible in a neighborhood grocery store. Though, anyone who
has tasted a mango from the local grocery store and a mango ripe from the tree
knows the difference in quality. The same goes for nearly every fruit and
vegetable. Perhaps there is something to eating fruits and vegetables in their
season.
Maybe it is not about when I eat these herbs or fruits, but what
form they are in when I eat them. If I get them in their season, I know they
are whole foods. In our modern era, foods are often changed in so many ways
that they become almost unrecognizable, and so many additives and chemicals are
added that they have lost their original health benefit. A can of preserves
peaches is very different from a freshly ripened peach. Many of the nutrients
are preserved in a canned version, but not all. There are also added chemicals added
during the canning process.
Unfortunately, canned or frozen fruits and vegetable are only a
small portion of items found in a grocery store, usually on only one or two
isles. And though there are areas dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables,
too, much of what is available for us to eat is far from its original form. An
article in Medical News Today lists nine ways that processed food is unhealthy
for eating:
1.
High in sugar and high-fructose corn syrup
2.
Engineered for over consumption
3.
Contains artificial ingredients
4.
People can become addicted to junk food
5.
Often high in refined carbohydrates
6.
Low in nutrients
7.
Low in fiber
8.
Requires less time and energy to digest
9.
Often high in trans fats
The author sums up the article by stating, “When we replace real
foods like fish, meat, fruit and vegetables with processed junk foods, we
increase our risk of illness and poor health. Real food is the key to good
health, processed food is not. Period.”[13] Though
not addressed in his article, even foods stored in cans and jars with
preservatives have been changed from their original state and often lose some nutrient
value.
Grains
Additionally, when using refined grains, we know that much of the
value of the grains is depleted. Sugars and flours go through extensive
refining processes before making it to the shelf. White granulated sugar is so
commonplace that people may forget where the sugar actually comes from.
“Refined sugar comes from sugar cane or sugar beets, which are
processed to extract the sugar. It is typically found as sucrose, which is the
combination of glucose and fructose. We use white and brown sugars to sweeten cakes
and cookies, coffee, cereal and even fruit.” It is so prevalent that it is hard
to find foods with any other source of sweetening. The article describes how prevalent
sugars are, “Food manufacturers add chemically produced sugar, typically
high-fructose corn syrup, to foods and beverages, including crackers, flavored
yogurt, tomato sauce and salad dressing. Low-fat foods are the worst offenders,
as manufacturers use sugar to add flavor. Most of the processed foods we
eat add calories and sugar with little nutritional value.”[14]
Flours go through similar methods of processing, which strip the
grains of their natural vitamins and nutrients. This can cause serious health
issues. “What’s wrong with refined flour? Specifically, there are
three main problems with refined flour: 1. The consumption of refined
flour raises blood sugar and insulin, causing metabolic dysfunction.
2. Refined flour is depleted in nutrients and contains harmful additives.
3. Refined flour displaces healthier foods from the diet.... Clearly,
refined flour doesn’t do our health any favors. Increasingly, research
indicates that it significantly increases the risk for many health conditions,
including weight gain and obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension,
heart disease, cognitive decline, food addiction, depression, cancer, and
acne.”[15]
The Harvard School of Public Health describes the benefits of
eating whole grains versus refined grains. “Whole grains offer a ‘complete
package’ of health benefits, unlike refined grains, which are stripped of
valuable nutrients in the refining process.... A growing body of research
shows that choosing whole grains and other less-processed, higher-quality
sources of carbohydrates, and cutting back on refined grains, improves health in
many ways.... A meta-analysis combining results from studies conducted in
the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries (which included health
information from over 786,000 individuals), found that people who ate 70
grams/day of whole grains—compared with those who ate little or no whole
grains—had a 22% lower risk of total mortality, a 23% lower risk of
cardiovascular disease mortality, and a 20% lower risk of cancer mortality.”[16]
The negative health effects of eating poorly are well documented
in research. The prevalence of obesity for adults in the united states is
nearly 40%. An article in the LDS Living magazine on obesity in the LDS church
reported, “Studies on obesity and religious practice (including a BYU study)
have shown that Utah members of the LDS Church are 34% more likely to be
overweight than members of other religions” and nearly 60% of LDS adults are
overweight. The article continues, “Why Mormon’s Are Overweight[:] In his
study, Dr. Fisher learned that most of the overweight subjects got that way
through years of eating refined carbohydrates (sugar and flour-based foods) and
excess animal fat followed by a series of yo-yo, merry-go-round, low-calorie,
near-starvation diets.”[17]
Meats
When to eat meat and how much to eat is confusing according to our
cultural understanding of the law. The Lord’s directive on meat consumption
states, “Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the
air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving;
nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto
me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold,
or famine” (D&C 89:13-14). This quote comes from the current 2013
edition of the Doctrine and Covenants which differs slightly from the 1835
version, which states, “Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air,
I the Lord hath ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Nevertheless,
they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me, that they should not
be used only in times of winter or of cold, or famine” (D&C 80:2).
Did you notice the difference? Let’s try again:
2013 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants:
Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine
1835 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants
2013 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants:
Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine
1835 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants
Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I the Lord hath ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me, that they should not be used only in times of winter or of cold, or famine
Wow, how much difference a comma can make. In the 2013 edition, it
sounds like the Lord is pleased if we eat meat only in times of winter, cold,
or famine. The 1835 edition suggest the Lord is please if we eat meat
sparingly, not just in winter, cold, or famine, but also at other times. Can
you see the difference? Though the 2013 edition is the newest revision of the
Doctrine & Covenants, the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants was
the last published version while Joseph Smith was alive. Which version do we
use and how is it to be interpreted? If Joseph was the one who wrote the
revelation, receiving it directly from God, I would assume that he is the best
source to suggest where punctuation should be placed and the intent of the
revelation. Alterations after that point were done by those who read the
revelation, but did not hear it from the Lord.
So, am I keeping the commandment by only eating meat during times
of winter, cold, and famine, or should I eat it at other times, too? Also, the
word sparingly is vague. Most people have a hard time envisioning a meal that
does not include some type of meat product. Though there are many vegetarian
options, most meals center around a main meat dish and sides that compliment
it. I once had a bishop tell me, “Sparingly for me means that I go without meat
for one meal.” Though this is her personal opinion, and not church policy,
there is some truth to the statement.
As a member of the church, I have been to many ward activities. At
every activity I have been to, with rare exception, abundance of meat has been
the main course of every meal, and deserts made from processed or refined
sugars and flours (store-bought or homemade) have been the reward for
attending. It does not seem that we as a church practice well the policies we
preach.
What Can I Eat?
Fruits & Vegetables
- According to church policy: Use with prudence and thanksgiving; Eat wholesome herbs; (Processed foods are acceptable, though not encouraged)
- According to the revelation: Use with prudence and thanksgiving; Eat wholesome herbs; Eat herbs and fruits when in season
- According to church policy: Eat wholesome grains; (Refined grains and sugars are acceptable and the primarily source for grains)
- According to the revelation: Eat wholesome grains
- According to church policy: Ordained for use of man; Eat sparingly; (Culturally eaten at nearly every meal)
- According to the revelation: Ordained for use of man; Eat sparingly
- According to church policy: No tobacco or nicotine in any form; Vaping and e-cigarettes prohibited
- According to the revelation: Tobacco is not for humans, but for bruises or sick cattle
In order to get a temple recommend and be a member in good
standing, I must avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco (and harmful drugs),
but I can eat whatever I want in whatever quantities or forms that I choose.
But if I want to strictly follow the revelation as written, I should only eat
wholesome foods in their season and eat meat sparingly. (Perhaps just to
simplify I should avoid ward parties altogether.)
Are We Keeping the Commandment?
Unfortunately, if we are truly declaring the word of wisdom to be
a law of health, a commandment from God, then we are all breaking this
commandment spectacularly. We may not violate the ‘Big Five’ that have evolved
as the taboos of the word of wisdom—alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and harmful
drugs—but we also do not follow the guidelines in the revelation. How could I
claim such a statement? Because we don’t follow the revelation as it is written
as a church or as a people. Surely there are some who do, but they are by far
the minority. Here is how we break this commandment:
- We as a church do not eat fruits and vegetables in their season. We are not eating sufficient whole foods, but eat mostly processed foods, and by consequence have a higher obesity rate as a church than the rest of Americans. And when we do eat whole foods, they are not necessarily in “season”.
- We do not eat wholesome grains but prefer to use refined or processed grains. They make softer breads and cookies, after all.
- We do not eat meat sparingly, but often have difficulty creating menus that contain no meat. We eat it proficiently and abundantly.
- Those who are vegetarians are not eating meat, even though the Lord said to eat it, though sparingly.
- We as a church drinking hot drinks, aside from coffee and tea.
- We as a church avoiding mild drinks, though it is clear in the revelation that it is a healthy use of barley and other grains.
- We as a church do not make and use wine for our sacraments.
In short, by making the word of wisdom a commandment, we have
condemned ourselves, for we are not living it as it is written. It is
hypocritical of us to condemn one man for drinking beer while bingeing
ourselves on sodas. We sneer at the health hazards of smokers but ignore our
own eating habits and high rates of obesity of those deemed worthy by the
standards of the word of wisdom. We live by nearly two hundred centuries of
evolved interpretation of the meaning of the various aspects of the word of
wisdom rather than living by the law itself. It has come down to basically
meaning you can eat and drink anything you want without consequence except the
Big Five—alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and harmful drugs. The word of wisdom
question in the temple recommend interview is not a question of health, or even
worthiness, but a question of abstaining from those five banned substances and
their variants.
This all sounds so grim. But what if the word of wisdom was never
intended to be a commandment...?
[1]
[3] “Word
of Wisdom.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Web. 4 September
2019.
[4]
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2004.
[6] “The
History and Implementation of the Word of Wisdom.” FairMormon.org. 1997-2019.
Web. 25 July 2019.
[9]
“Nutrition
and Healthy Eating: Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More.” Mayo
Clinic. 14 April 2017. Web. 25 July 2019.
[10] “Opioid
Overdoses.” Utah Department of Health. Web. 4 September 2019.
[11] Simon,
Stacey. “Very Hot drinks May Cause Cancer.” American Cancer Society. 15 June
2106. Web. 25 July 2019.
[12]
Stallard, Jim.
“Burning Issue: The Truth about Hot Drinks and Esophageal Cancer Risk.” Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 3 January 2019. Web. 25 July 2019.
[13]
Gunnars,
Kris. “Nine Ways that processed Foods are Harming People.” Medical News Today.
1 August 2017. Web. 25 July 2019.
[14] Natural
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America. 9 August 2016. Web. 4 September 2019.
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