I am friends with many good LDS folks who are of Native American ancestry. As part of their cultural ceremonial practices, peyote is used. This is legal under the law of the land but there is much debate about compliance with church standards. There are bishops and stake presidents who attend these ceremonies and others who tell their members that attendance will result in disciplinary action. There are many who say they have seen official church documents warning against this practice but none can be produced. To your knowledge, has the church ever taken an official stand on the use of peyote in Native American ceremonies?

Jim, from Utah

Dear Jim,

Although the use of peyote has not been legally banned as a harmful drug, it has remained legal solely on the grounds of religious practice. Part of a paragraph from Edwin B. Firmage; BYU Studies Vol. 25, No. 3, pg.109, states the following:

“Even in the hard cases where the First Amendment has been invoked on behalf of unpopular religions and practices, such as People vs. Woody, modern courts have generally accorded substantial deference to religious values. In Woody, a group of Navajos asserted that the First Amendment protected their use of the hallucinogen peyote as a part of their religious services. After a careful assessment of the use of peyote in the defendants’ religious life, the California Supreme Court concluded that the state’s interest in controlling drug use did not outweigh the claims of religious freedom. The so-called compelling state interest in protecting the Navajo from the deleterious effects of the drug was dismissed with the comment, ‘We know of no doctrine that the state, in its asserted omniscience, should undertake to deny to defendants the observance of their religion in order to free them from the suppositious ‘shackles’ of their ‘unenlightened’ and ‘primitive condition’”

Thus, I would have nothing to say against the use of the drug as part of a religious ceremony. However, for members of the LDS Church, its use is another story. Here is what President Kimball had to say about it:

“The use of peyote is increasing, and its demoralizing opiate effect is most destructive. The Indians have learned all the white man’s vices, and liquor is ‘at flood stage’ there. And thus they live without the power to raise themselves from the deplorable situation. They cannot lift themselves by their bootstraps. They must have help (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.604).

I’m sure that local opinions vary on the use of peyote among LDS people, and I assume that it is one of the many areas where wisdom and judgement must be brought into play, as is the case with many other substances that although they are not mentioned formally in the Word of Wisdom, are equally deleterious to the health if not more so.

Gramps

Lately there seems to be a lot of questions about the Word of Wisdom. Tea and coffee drinking in particular. I enjoy herbal teas, I do not drink coffee. The teas I make are example: orange /apple, peppermint, spearmint, lemon grass and cinnamon. Each of these I make by boiling the leaves of the plant therefore making herbal tea. Any herb, boiled makes a tea. I’ve been told the tea we need to avoid is “black or peaco tea.” So where do we draw the line? I know the “teas” I drink aren’t usually discussed as being teas, but… are they also against our beliefs ? These have many curative qualities. I would like your view on this…thanks

Kami,

Dear Kami,

The tea referred to in the Word of Wisdom is the conventional black or green tea, both of which come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between black and green tea is fermentation. When the green tea leaves are fermented they turn black. Drinking herbal teas is not against the Word of Wisdom. In general they are salubrious and some undoubtedly have beneficial health effects. Enjoy!

Gramps

I would like to know if it is caffine we are supposed to avoid and if it is, who said it? I have read the scriptures and understand it concerning the word of wisdom. But what about sodas, and herbal teas? I would like quotes from the presidency or the elders, please. Thank you,

Dianne

Dear Dianne,

We have the Word of Wisdom and the word of wisdom. The first is the formal document as recorded in the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. We are obligated as members of the Church to obey the precepts taught therein. Hot drinks in the Word of Wisdom have been defined as tea and coffee. When that prophecy was given, caffeine was an unknown substance. It has later been identified as one of several deleterious chemicals in both tea and coffee.

We are counseled to use wisdom in all our doings. Those sodas that contain caffeine have been confirmed to be deleterious to the health. Most herbal teas contain no harmful substances, but on the contrary, have different beneficial effects on the body.

Here are some quotes by the Brethren-

J. Widtsoe & L. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation, p.92-93.

“The physiological effects of caffeine have been studied experimentally by many investigators, especially in Europe. All have come to practically the same conclusion. All agree that the use of caffeine-containing beverages is harmful to the body and reduces normal health. No principle laid down in the Word of Wisdom has received more complete vindication by progressing science . . ..The heart and circulatory system are likewise affected by caffeine. Several investigators have demonstrated that not only are the heartbeats somewhat increased after coffee or tea drinking, but there follows also an irregularity of the heart, and an increase in the blood pressure. This means that more work is placed upon the heart. The increased rate of breathing after a cup of coffee is well known to every coffee user. There is direct action also upon the muscles, which has given rise to the statement that more muscular work may be done by men under the influence of caffeine. This is true, for a brief period, but as with the apparent mental brilliance after coffee drinking, the work done over a longer period of time is greater by a non-user of caffeine.”

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1,

“The main chemical in coffee that has caused health concerns is caffeine, a cerebral and cardiovascular stimulant. A large number of other substances are also found in coffee, and their effects on health are not yet well understood.”

Sterling W. Sill, Conference Report, April 1965, p.88

“And one of the most damaging sins and one that gives greatest strength to our death instinct is the violation of that great revelation given 132 years ago called the Word of Wisdom. Some violators of this law tend to excuse themselves because it appears to be such a small thing. It seems like just a little disobedience, a little caffeine a little nicotine, a little friendly indulgence in alcohol. Yet these are the springboards to disease, broken homes, immorality, disloyalty to God, physical death, and the death of many of our eternal interests.”

Richard L. Evans, Conference Report, October 1969, p.66 – p.67

“The pleasures of vice are mere illusions, tricks of the nervous system, and each time these tricks are played it is more and more difficult for the mind to tell the truth. Such deceptions come through drunkenness and narcoticism. In greater or less degree all nerve-affecting drugs produce it: nicotine, caffeine, opium, cocaine, and [all] the rest, strong or weak. Habitual use of any of these is a physical vice. A physical vice becomes a moral vice, and . . . to cultivate vice is to render our mind incapable of normal action. . . . One and all, these various drugs . . . tend to give the impression of a power or a pleasure . . . which we do not possess. . . . One and all their function is to force the nervous system to lie. One and all the result of their habitual use is to render the nervous system incapable of ever telling the truth. . . . Indulgence . . . destroys wisdom and virtue; it destroys faith and hope and love. . . . Whatever you do, count all the cost.”

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.202

“Wisdom goes beyond the letter of the law. Generally when we speak of the Word of Wisdom, we are talking about tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, and all of the fringe things even though they might be detrimental are not included in the technical interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. I never drink any of the cola drinks and my personal hope would be that no one would. However, they are not included in the Word of Wisdom in its technical application. I quote from a letter from the secretary to the First Presidency, “But the spirit of the Word of Wisdom would be violated by the drinking or eating of anything that contained a habit-forming drug.” With reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken any attitude on this at but I personally do not put them in the class as with the tea and coffee because the Lord specifically mentioned them.”

Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, April 1922, p.165

“The head of the health department, Dr. Beatty, has requested me to say to the Latter-day Saints that there are more injurious ingredients in coca-cola than there are in coffee, and particularly when some of the good people say: “Give me the double shot.” I say to the Latter-day Saints, and it is my right to say it . . . I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola 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.”

-to cite just a few.

Gramps

We all know that the Word Of Wisdom pertains to Hot Drinks and has been defined as tea and coffee. We all know that tea and coffee contain caffeine and the use of either would prevent receiving a Temple Recommend. I have two questions: 1. Could the use of decaf. coffee and herb tea be in violation of the Word of Wisdom? 2. If containing caffeine is the problem how about Cola drinks? There are many other things that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and many other soft drinks.

Bill, from Utah

Dear Bill,

First regarding decaf. coffee and Coke- Decaf. coffee evidently contains no caffeine, and therefore shouldn’t be habit forming. Coke is not formally against the Word of Wisdom since it is not mentioned in the scripture, although it is heavily loaded with caffeine. So, what’s the problem? There seems to me to be a very important reason to avoid both those drinks. Each of us as members of the Church has a responsibility to represent the Church in the best light possible. It is part of our responsibility of “Every member a missionary.” If someone not of our faith sees us drinking either coffee or Coke-and by the way, it would be rather difficult to carry around a big sign saying, “This is only Decaf.”-they could easily, and often do, make the judgement that “There goes another Mormon disobeying the tenants of his own religion!” It is highly appropriate that as members of the Church, we should avoid the very appearance of evil.

Now concerning herbal tea. Herbal teas are rather common drinks and not only contain no harmful substances, but in many cases have beneficial effects on the body. Many herbs and plants have been provided by the Lord to be used for restoring health. Both Frankincense and Myrrh, that were given by the Wise Men to Jesus at his birth, are oils distilled from herbs. At the time of General Moroni, about 72 B.C., the Book of Mormon account mentions the beneficial effects of plants and roots in controlling fevers-

And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land-but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate- (Alma 46:40).

Also, in the Doctrine & Covenants we are counseled to use herbs for medicinal purposes-

And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy (D&C 42:43.)

And the Lord states that herbs “are made for the benefit and use of man.”

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; (D&C 59:17-18).

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

It is well and appropriate to keep ourselves from the very appearance of evil. But, of course, partaking of the good things of the earth is not evil. Perhaps we could help others to see and rejoice in the goodness of God in providing for “the benefit of man” . . . “both to please the eye and to gladden the heart.”

If we were to have a cup of herbal tea in a public restaurant, where it would be served in a regular tea cup, it could be assumed by others that we were drinking conventional tea. In such a case it might be prudent to avoid drinking the herbal tea to prevent the possibility of giving others a wrong impression.

Concerning all the other foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate, it is left for each individual to use his own judgement and common sense with respect to what he takes into his body. We should use wisdom in all things. Particularly in our diet, we should avoid becoming the slave of habit or addiction to any food or drink. Obesity, for instance, often results from our inability to control our appetite; and thus we impair our health. This is not against the Word of Wisdom, but it is certainly against the practice of wisdom.

Gramps

There are many drinks, drugs and other dangerous substances that we have in the world today that did not exist when this revelation was given nor when President Young gave it to us as a commandment.  Concerning the use of  items that are not good for the body and not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, President Kimball stated:  “Wisdom goes beyond the letter of the law.  Generally when we speak of the Word of Wisdom, we are talking about tea, coffee, tobacco and liquor.  All of the fringe things, even though they might be detrimental are not included in the technical interpretation of the Word of Wisdom.  I never drink any of the cola drinks and my personal hope would be that no one would.  However, they are not included in the Word of Wisdom in its technical application.  I quote from a letter from the secretary to the First Presidency, “But the spirit of the Word of Wisdom would be violated by the drinking or eating of anything that contains a habit forming drug.”  With reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken any attitude on this matter…but I personally do not put them in the class as with tea and coffee because the Lord specifically mentioned them(hot drinks)…I might say also that strychnine, sleeping pills, opium and heroin are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom and yet I would discourage them with all my power.”(President Kimball 10/19/1962)

There continues to be new drugs introduced, both illegal and legal that are harmful to the body, including some drinks both  hot or cold and other substances, even some made from herbs and natural occurring ingredients.  We need to avoid any that have ingredients that are addictive, that are stimulants or harmful in anyway to the body.  Some prescription drugs, administered by a qualified physician, may be helpful and needful to people, but can become addictive and destructive to the body even if they are taken properly.  Fen-Phen is an excellent example.  Though it did help people to lose weight, the side effects were very damaging to the body specifically to the heart and was even lethal in some cases.

President Hinckley speaking in October 1989 Conference stated:  “Some have even used as an alibi the fact that drugs are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. What a miserable excuse. There is likewise no mention of the hazards of diving into an empty swimming pool or of jumping from an overpass onto the freeway. But who doubts the deadly consequences of such? Common sense would dictate against such behavior.  Regardless of the Word of Wisdom, there is a divinely given reason for avoiding these illegal substances.  I am convinced that their use is an affront to God. He is our Creator. We are made in His image. These remarkable and wonderful bodies are His handiwork. Does anyone think that he can deliberately injure and impair his body without affronting its Creator? We are told again and again that the body is the tabernacle of the spirit. We are told that it is a temple, holy to the Lord. In a time of terrible conflict between the Nephites and the Lamanites, we are told that the Nephites, who had been strong, became “weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples.” (Hel. 4:24.)  Though President Hinckley was speaking of illegal substances, the misuse of legal substances would also apply.

We need to use wisdom concerning any thing we take into our bodies or our minds.   With a little research we can find what ingredients various drinks, and other substances contain and the possible effect it will have on our bodies.  If we become addicted to a drug or drink, it does not matter whether it is mentioned in the Word of Wisdom or not, it is contrary to the will of the Lord.  We have been placed here on earth to become masters of our own bodies and minds.  Nephi tells us that we are to “act for ourselves and not be acted upon”(2 Nephi 2:  26)

The leaders of the Church will not tell us every drink or substance that is bad for us or whether we should partake of it or not.  The Lord expects us to use our own abilities and judgment in determining what we will and will not do.  In D&C 58, the Lord states:  “26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.  27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.”  Later in the same section the Lord states:  “29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.”

We are given great promises when we keep the Word of Wisdom, when we keep all the commandments and when we use wisdom in what we take into their bodies.  “18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. 21 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.”

Gramps

When I was younger a missionary told the woman I was baby
sitting for about a type of tea that was okay to drink however I can
not remember what it was and was wondering if you knew. It was
something she could make into Ice tea and have on a daily basis, it
was darker in color? Thank you

Lynn

Dear Lynn,

From your description I would imagine that it was some type of  herbal tea.  It would be difficult to say which herbal tea  she was drinking as there are a number of them.  The problem with herbs is that not all of them have been analyzed as to the effect on the human body.  Health care professionals have indicated that some herbs can be detrimental to the body.  Prior to drinking any herb tea, I would consult with a health care professional whether it is safe or not.

In D&C 89, the revelation called the Word of Wisdom, it states:  10 “And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—  11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with ^aprudence and thanksgiving.”  Also in D&C 59 it states:  17 “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;  18 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;  19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.”  These scriptures use the words “wholesome” and “good”  in describing the herbs that are for the use of man. A definition current in Joseph Smith’s day was “plants of which the leaves or stem and leaves, are used for food or medicine, or in some way for their scent or flavor.”  In one sense, at least, herbs are simply edible plants.

There are other drinks such as Postum which was made from wheat bran, wheat, molasses, and maltodextrin from corn. It was discontinued in 2007.  This drink came into being as a subsitute for coffee during the war when coffee was rationed.  There are several other drink mixes made from diffrent grains.  Refering to the 89th section again:  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. ”

As with all food and drink, one must use wisdom in determing if they will consume it or not.  Though “herb” and “grain” drinks are not against the Word of Wisdom, they would be considered mild drinks, we neet to use good judgement in their use.  Normally they do not contain caffeine, they are not stimulants and they are not habit forming.  There are several reports that indicate any extremely hot drink is not good for the mouth, throat or stomach.

In recent years the use of Green Tea has increased dramatically in the US.  It has been used in Asia for centuries for its so called medicinal value.  Green Tea is made from the same leaves, though a different process is used where it is not fermented, as regular tea.  It is very high in caffeine and the processing is not controlled by the FDA.  Searching on the internet you find several articles written by health care professionals detailing the potential risks of Green Tea.  One of those risks is esophageal cancer though promoters will tell you one of the benefits of Green Tea is to reduce the risk of cancer.  Green Tea would be classified as they type of tea that is forbidden by the World of Wisdom.

Gramps

Kenneth

Dear Kenneth,

There are three things prohibited by the Word of Wisdom.  They are tobacco, strong drinks and hot drinks.  The Prophet Joseph Smith defined hot drinks to be tea and coffee.  D&C section 89 also gives us counsel of what is good for us and promised blessings when we live in obedience to this commandment.  But, no where in the scriptures or the writings of the Brethren have they said that drinking caffeinated drinks is against the Word of Wisdom.  There are many things that modern science has determined to be harmful to our bodies, including caffeine.  We would be wise to avoid them, but we need to keep in mind what is stated in this commandment and what is not.

The Word of Wisdom is not the only revealed word we have relative to food and drink.  Eighteen months prior to receiving the Word of Wisdom, the Lord revealed the following to Joseph Smith that we can find in D&C 59:  16 “Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the ^afulness 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;  17 Yea, and the herb, and the ^agood things which come of the earth, whether for food or for ^braiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;  18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the ^abenefit and the ^buse of man, both to please the eye and to ^cgladden the heart;  19 Yea, for ^afood and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to ^bstrengthen the body and to enliven the soul.  20 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 ^aexcess, neither by extortion.”

Some members of the Church have put their own spin on the Word of Wisdom, but the Word of Wisdom does not prohibit the eating of white bread, things made with white flour, white sugar, cocoa, chocolate, eggs, milk, meat or anything other than strong drink, tobacco, coffee and tea.

We should use wisdom in the things we eat or drink.  People with health problems and various allergies need to refrain from eating certain foods or drinking certain drinks which can be harmful to their bodies.

The Word of Wisdom was 3″ Given for a principle with ^apromise, adapted to the capacity of the ^bweak and the weakest of all ^csaints, who are or can be called saints.”

Gramps

Dear Harry,

It is too bad that people don’t realize how difficult habits are to break before they smoke that first cigarette or take that first drink.  It is only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and hard work that one is able to break these habits.

In Matthew chapter 17 we read where the disciples were unable to cure a child.  Jesus chastised them for their lack of faith.  He then cast out the devil from the boy.  When the disciples asked Him why they were unable to cast out the devil, Jesus answered:  20″… Because of your ^aunbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have ^bfaith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this ^cmountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be ^dimpossible unto you.  21 Howbeit this ^akind goeth not out but by prayer and ^bfasting.”

Just as casting out the devil was difficult, so is breaking the habit of smoking.  The same principles given to the disciples by Jesus also apply to your friend. The type of faith Jesus is speaking of is one based on a strong testimony of Him and His Gospel.  Her faith along with much fasting and prayer is what will help her stop her habit.  The faith and support of her friends will also be of great help.  It would be well to have the local congregation hold a fast in support of her and her ability to break this habit.  This will also help her feel welcome and part of the congregation.

We need to remember that through the grace of the Lord we are able to accomplish all that we need to.  In the Bible Dictionary it states:  “It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.”

Gramps

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God Deuteronomy 22:5.

Is this to mean that women should not wear pants? (As some of other Christian faiths suggest?) I have looked and done searches about this scripture in talks and articles of the church…to no avail. I am confused because I am feeling compelled to really be extra modest and reverent to the Lord.  Yet I find no teaching like this…am I being led astray by this prompting? Help.
Julie

Dear Julie,
There are pants, slacks, that are designed for women, and are recognized as part of the woman’s wardrobe. If a man were to wear this clothing he would immediately be recognized as being out of place. So it seems to be not against the intent of the scriptures for women to wear women’s pants  of the right occasions.
Gramps

Dear Blake,
Listen to your wife! She seems to have a lot more sense that you do. It surprises me how many people try to walk just as close as they can to the line of evil without crossing over. The minute they move in that direction they have crossed the line. As we read in Thessalonicans 5 :22—

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And President James E. Faust has written the following—

“Some of you young men may be letting others set your standards. You defend yourselves by saying, Who said we shouldn’t do this or we shouldn’t do that? There are so many shades of right and wrong that each of you has to decide where the line will be. I strongly urge you that if there is any question in your minds or hearts about whether your personal conduct is right or wrong, dont do it. Each of us has moral agency, and the gift of the Holy Ghost will sharpen our impressions of what is right and wrong, true and false. It is the responsibility of the prophets of God to teach the word of God, not to spell out every jot and tittle of human conduct. If we are conscientiously trying to avoid not only evil but the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon.” (President James E. Faust, The Devils Throat, Ensign (CR), May 2003, p.51)

Some people like to walk as close to the edge of the cliff of evil as they can. They think that it is a thrill to look over they edge and perceive the evil without partaking of it. But the danger is real! One little slip of the foot (or the conscience) and over they go, beaten and bruised on the rocks below, with a tremendous struggle to get back on top. While other more sensible people walk as close to the brow of the hill of righteousness as they can, enjoying the peace and the direction of the Holy Spirit. If they stumble or get caught on a snag there is no real danger, they merely pick themselves up (repent) and continue on their joyful path.
Your little game is more than flirting with danger; it is involved with evil. You say that the cigars are not meant to be inhaled. It’s actually impossible to breath in without inhaling something. And the argument that the cigars “are not meant to be inhaled” is about the weakest excuse for indulgence that one can come up with. My advice to you is to avoid the very appearance of evil.
Gramps

My husband is always getting ridiculed at work because he doesn’t drink Coca Cola and they say why is it that Mormons can’t drink it but they are one of the largest stock holders the company has. What would be a good reply to their comments? Does the church have affiliation with the Coca Cola company?

Gail, from Nevada

Dear Gail,

What a privilege it is to be ridiculed for adhering to a matter of principle! Each such encounter presents a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with others.

Concerning the Church’s association with the Coca Cola company, such allegations are simply ridiculous!. It is not necessary for us to show evidence that they are not true. Put the burden of proof on the backs of the detractors, and ask those who make such allegations to show any evidence that they are true.

Gramps

Ruth, from California

Dear Ruth,

Tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco are against the Word of Wisdom. I am continually amazed at how people try to split hairs and walk as close to the line of disobedience as possible without breaking any rules. We can rationalize that the reason the Lord gave a commandment against tea and coffee was because of the caffeine that they contain, and there is certainly no doubt that caffeine is a harmful, habit forming drug; but caffeine is not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. Why don’t we just take the revelation at its face value and exercise obedience to the Lord?

Now, just because Coca Cola and Pepsi are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom certainly does not give us license to use them. They do contain harmful drugs and should be avoided. But how about decaffeinated Coke? As members of the Mormon Church we are by that fact representatives of the Church to all those who observe our actions. It’s surprising how many people try to justify doing something wrong if they observe another in an act of disobedience. Also, unless you hang a sign around your neck announcing to all who see you, “THIS IS ONLY DECAF,” you bring the Church under condemnation by those who are looking for a fault.

Just last Sunday I heard a letter read by the father of a girl traveling in South America with a group of university students, many of them of the Mormon faith. In the letter she said that she was asked by a non-member observer, “Why is it that you don’t drink coffee or Coke and the other members of your group who are also Mormon, do? Does that principle of your doctrine actually mean anything, or is it just for propaganda purposes? How could one respond to such a question in the face of that kind of example? Henry Drummond asked the rhetorical question in his treatice called, “The Greatest Thing in the World,” “How many people are kept out of the Kingdom of God by the unlovely characters of those who profess to be within?”

Gramps

Is it true that caffeine is considered a drug? Why?

Jess, from Pennsylvania

Dear Jess,

Caffeine is considered a drug because it is addictive and has specific adverse effects on the body. The Medical Encyclopedia lists the following symptoms from overdosing on caffeine-

difficulty sleeping, muscle twitching, confusion, increased urination , increased thirst, fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart beat, convulsions and death.

Gramps

Since we are to be eating meat any time sparingly, What would be sparingly? Small portions at each meal?, once a week?, every other day? Only if other grains are low in access? It seems to me that it is mostly the American diet which centers most main meals around meat. There seems to be a large percentage of Americans suffering from colin cancer and heart disease. Roland Phillips Adventist Health Study proved this. Perhaps many of the early converts to the church ate less meat than we do today. It would be interesting to find out just how much meat the early Latter-day Saints actually consumed during each month. Also, nothing seems to be mentioned about the fish of the sea. Was fish even considered a meat when the Word of Wisdom was written? What do you know about these things and what would be your suggestions?

Sheri

Dear Sheri,

No definition has been given in the scriptures of the frequency with which meat should be eaten, and rightly so. It would undoubtedly be different for people in different climatic regions, with different work requirements, and even with different dietary customs. So the word “sparingly” should be interpreted by each individual or family, and such interpretations could well be done in the spirit of prayer, invoking the inspiration of Heaven in the decisions that are to be made.

You are absolutely right that American diets generally center around meat, and that the American diet is not a healthy one. Americans suffer from what I call “the malnutrition of opulence.” We are not undernourished by any means, but we are not well nourished. Most of the illnesses in the United States, as you suggest, are nutritionally related. We would do well to limit our intake to some degree and to arrange our diets to be more in accord with the counsel given in the Word of Wisdom.

Gramps

I am 16 years old and am having a tough time of coming to grips with some of our beliefs as a whole. It appears as I read and learn more that elders and older ones in the church of LDS only mimic things they are taught rather then checking for themselves to find if they are based on sound biblical teachings of Jesus Christ. As I look over the untold questions of many, it appears that many are lost souls really not knowing how to think for themselves. A question that was asked for example was the wine that Jesus partook at the last supper of intoxicating nature. Well I know the church’s view which I disagree with strongly. The older men are not using their God-given abilities of reason and continue to hold on to the ideas that it was of grape juice origin. The Facts speaks for themselves, you would have to discredit the bible as a whole to hold on to such spurious beliefs. I have done considerable research on this subject and find it to be quite contrary to church teachings. Let me humbly submit a few. Frankly I don’t understand why the church has condemned the use of alcohol. God is unchanging in his ways unlike mankind. He is not tossed to and fro as the waves of the sea. There are a number of original language terms that usually designate some kind of wine. The Hebrew word ya’yin is found most often in the scriptures. It appears first in Genesis 9:20-24 where reference is made to Noah’s planting a vineyard after the flood and then becoming intoxicated on the wine therefrom. I see nothing in the account of gods condemning him for drinking the wine. The Greek word oi’nos corresponding to the Hebrew term ya’yin first occurs in Jesus’ comments on the inadvisability of using old wineskins for new, partially fermented wine, as the pressure developed through fermentation would burst the old wineskins. Matt. 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38. In Palestine the grapes were gathered during August, Sept. and October, depending on the type of grapes and the climate of the region. The vintage season was practically over by the time the “festival of booths” was celebrated in the early part of autumn. From early times according to scripture wine has been used as a beverage at mealtimes. Genesis 27:25; Eccl. 9:7. Jesus himself drank wine with his meals when it was available. Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34. Jesus did not deny to the drinking of wine, rather his response was wisdom is proved righteous by its works. Wine was very much a part of banquets and wedding feast and other festive occasions–John 2:2,3,9,10; 4:46. Wine was not at first a part of the Passover meal but was later added perhaps after their return from Babylonian exile. It was therefore on the table when Jesus celebrated the last supper or Passover the last time with his apostles and was conveniently used by him in instituting the memorial of his death. On that occasion Jesus spoke of such wine as “this product of the vine,” and since it was perhaps seven months after the grape harvest there can be no question that it was fermented juice to the vine. Gen. 49:11; Matt. 26:18, 27-29. As indicated by Jesus and reported by the physician Luke, wine had certain medicinal value as an antiseptic and mild disinfectant–Luke 10:34. The bible also recommends it as a curative remedy in cases of certain intestinal disturbances. Paul counseled Timothy to no longer drink water but to use a little wine for the sake of his stomach and his sicknesses–1 Tim. 5:23. This was sound medical advice. Dr. Salvatore P. Lucia, professor of medicine, University of California School of Medicine writes: “Wine is the most ancient dietary beverage and the most important medicinal agent in continuous use throughout the history of mankind …. Actually few other substances available to man have been as widely recommended for their curative powers as have wines.” Wine as Food and Medicine–pp. 5,58. In the light of what we have considered are we to bury our heads in the sand to hide from the truth. Wine is a gift from God to mankind. It makes the heart rejoice and puts the heart in a merry mood–Ps. 104:15, Ester 1:10; 2 Sam. 13:28. Is it proper for individuals to shrink back from words of truth and give into church dogma and be taken in by negative digressive relative variation? The scriptures make it very plain that wine in itself is not wicked or evil but should be used in moderation at all times because moderation in all things is a Bible principle. Please give me your response and opinion on this matter Gramps. Please in all fairness and as almighty God is my witness to be sure to print this in your questions column. I will be patiently waiting for your response.

John, from California

Dear John,

How is it that in the wisdom of your 16 years you are able to correct and counsel the prophets of God? With all your research and study, do you really believe that only you has delved into this simple topic with depth and understanding, and that “the elders and older ones of the Church” only mimic what they are taught? You are not only naive in your conclusions but you are also arrogant- an extremely dangerous combination when investigating doctrine or anything else. Your studies are commendable but your conclusions are pure rubbish. Hopefully, you will learn a little wisdom as you mature.

Gramps

Chia, from Ohio

Dear Chia,

If you are referring to some program or technique to overcome the habitual use of tobacco, I doubt that the Church has any recommendation. I assume that they would leave it entirely in the hands of the individual as to what approach he or she may use to overcome the habit.

However, I could recommend an approach that I have seen work many, many times.

First, make a resolve never to smoke again–ever! The resolve is to be made now. If you put off the resolve you have just made a de facto resolve to continue smoking. So, first the resolve!

Next, gather up all your smoking material and throw it in the trash. If you don’t do this, the resolve is not a resolve, and you are only kidding yourself.

Next, ask the Lord in sincere prayer to give you the strength to be obedient to the principles put forth in the Word of Wisdom. This includes abstinence from not only cigarettes, but also tea, coffee and alcohol. In order for the Lord to answer your prayer, those substance must also be part of the resolve.

Next, gather up all that stuff and throw it away.

Now, you are going to have a rather rough time for a while, but only for a while. As the toxifying agents are gradually eliminated from your body, so will the urge to continue their use be eliminated. Thousands upon thousands of people have overcome such habits, and there is not the slightest doubt that you will be able to do so also. It depends entirely on your resolve.

Gramps

Myra, from Florida

Dear Myra,

Nope. I doubt very much that the Church will ever put a quantitative definition on the word “sparingly.”

Now, apparently you are asking why organizations within the Church serve meat when there are people in the Church who suggest that the Lord prefers that we become vegetarians. I’m sure that you can find people in the Church who would suggest all sorts of foolish notions. But our Church does not get its doctrines nor its practices from the suggestions of its members, but rather from those who preside with the keys of priesthood authority.

Perhaps we could examine the Word of Wisdom and other scriptures with respect to eating meat. In doing so, it will be easy to understand why there is such variant opinions on the eating of meat. In D&C 89:12 we read that the flesh of beasts and fowls are for the use of man, but “nevertheless they are to be used sparingly.” We learn from verses 14 and 15 that wild animals should be consumed for food only in times of famine and excess of hunger. From this we can assume that the term “sparingly” would not mean so infrequently as only in times of famine or excess of hunger, and also that the word “beasts” refers to domesticated animals.

Now we have the controversial verse 13, which reads “And it is pleasing unto me that they [the flesh of beasts and fowls] should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.”

In light of that scripture, what do we do with D&C 49:19, which reads—

For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

Here is an apparent controversy, where one scripture says that the flesh of beasts and fowls are made available that we might have an abundance and the other that they are only to be used in times of winter, cold or famine.

Let’s see if we can shed some light on this apparent controversy. In the first place, when the Word of Wisdom was given there were many food fads being promoted, among them, the abstinence from eating meat. D&C 89:13 was given in part to refute that practice, but when it was given by the Prophet, and published in the early editions of the Doctrine and Covenants, the comma after the word “used” was not there. In fact, that comma was added when the Doctrine and Covenants was first divided into columns in 1920.

Now, if you remove the questionable comma, the sense of that statement is as follows—

And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine,

[but at other times as well.] That verse is now in perfect accord with D&C 49:19.

So, it appears that it is alright to serve meat in the temples and at Ward socials and for the Church to raise cattle to help feed the poor and to have meat available in the Church Welfare Program. Enjoy!

Gramps

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

It is not illogical to interpret the phrase, By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, as if the Savior had gone in person to the disobedient spirits. However, the more detailed account, found in Doctrine & Covenants 138 reveals that the Savior went in person only to the righteous—

While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful; And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance. But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised; Neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence, nor look upon his face. Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace (D&C 138:18-22).

Verses 28-34 of this section clarify how the gospel was preached to the wicked spirits—

And I wondered at the words of Peter–wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah–and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time. And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them; But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel. Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (D&C 138:28-34).

Gramps

Dear Jackie,
As long as the person has the priesthood authority, the ordinances that he performs by virtue of that authority are legal and valid in the Kingdom. He may not be worthy of the influence of the Holy Spirit, and if not then any priesthood activity that required the participation of the Spirit simply would not happen. However, if the person’s bishop is not aware of his questionable activities I think that it would be incumbent upon you to bring the matter up with him, rather than relying on someone like Gramps to settle the matter for you.
Gramps