I recently read an answer in which you stated that one should not consume something, even if it is healthy, if they cannot get through the day without it. I understand that there are limits, as anyone knows that even if you don’t NEED alchohol, it is still bad for you. But does this mean that caffeine in small and not frequent is okay?

Jamie

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Jamie,

Caffeine is a stimulant, and can be found in some prescription medicines. As such, it is not forbidden, because medicine is intended to increase our health.

The trick comes in at ‘small amounts’. What exactly is a ‘small amount’? One can of pepsi every other day? Perhaps some tea on occasion? This line of thought strikes me as a ‘how close can I get to the line without crossing’ approach. Instead we ought to be avoiding the line by as wide a margin as possible.

It is common knowledge that caffeine can be habit-forming for many people. Why take the risk? What can caffeine give you that you cannot obtain any other way?

My personal take is this; our bodies don’t need it unless we give it so much it learns to depend upon it rather than use the natural chemicals made by the body itself. I’d rather let my body work the way it was meant to instead of depend upon outside chemicals to do it.

-Gramps

I’ve been a vegetarian for five years. Today in seminary, the teacher told us that we have to eat meat and vegetarians are bad. Do I absolutely have to eat meat? I really don’t want to…

-Leah, in Arizona

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Leah,

Our health is important to us because our bodies are a gift from God. We ought to treat them as best we can. There are some things our bodies need that cannot be found in vegetables, fruits, or grains. In 1 Timothy we read the following;

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Before we examine this, let us also read from the Word of Wisdom. In verses 12-13 we are told the following;

Doctrine and Covenants Section 89:12-13

12 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;

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

From these two verses I conclude that a vegetarian diet is very healthy, and mostly recommended by God, however he does clearly state that meat is given to us for our diet. We don’t need much meat, but it is there for our use as needed.

I keep coming back to the same questions I asked myself years ago; Which is worse, to be a vegetarian or to choke myself with as much soda and fast food as I want? Neither soda nor fast food is mentioned as being forbidden in the Word of Wisdom, yet it’s plainly clear such food doesn’t make for a very healthy diet.

Having an occasional hamburger, or steak….maybe a grilled chicken breast or turkey sandwich is all the meat we need in a given year. Maybe some fish now and then…as the Lord said, sparingly is the key.

-Gramps

What is the meaning of the phrase “of your own make” in D&C 89:6. Does this mean that wine can be used for the sacrament as long as it is “of our own make?”

Kurt

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Kurt,

I think you are right. As long as the wine is made by members for the purpose of the Sacrament, I doubt Christ would find any reason to object. I don’t think it will ever happen though. You see, the Lord also explained that any available liquid suitable for drinking is acceptable as a symbol of his blood, whether it’s a soft-drink, sports drink, etc.

The instruction followed today is that water is to be used for the sacramental symbol. This is another reason I doubt we’ll see any sacramental wine on Sunday in the LDS church. There is simply no doctrinal need for it according to the revelations we have received from Christ himself.

-Gramps

I was wondering why the D&C discourage the use of hot drinks. Would hot soups or broths fall in that category? I’m hoping you can give some insight on this.

Thanks Shane

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The following is posted on the Church web site:

Doctrine and Covenants 89:9 says we shouldn’t drink “hot drinks.” The only official interpretation of this term is the statement made by early Church leaders that it means tea and coffee. Caffeine is not specifically mentioned as the reason not to drink these drinks.

However, we should keep in mind this counsel given by President Boyd K. Packer: “The Word of Wisdom was ‘given for a principle with promise’ (D&C 89:3). … A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Generally principles are not spelled out in detail. Members write in asking if this thing or that is against the Word of Wisdom. … We teach the principle together with the promised blessings. There are many habit-forming, addictive things that one can drink or chew or inhale or inject which injure both body and spirit which are not mentioned in the revelation. … Obedience to counsel will keep you on the safe side of life” (“The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises,” Ensign, May 1996, 17–18).

If you have evidence to suggest that something is good for you and not addicting then the Word of Wisdom is teaching that it is acceptable to eat or drink. That, afterall, is the purpose for the Word of Wisdom, to inform us of what is healthy and not healthy. Some prudence and common sense is required when interpreting scripture.

Gramps

Why did Joseph Smith refuse the offering of liquor during his leg operation as a young child? Obviously, this was long before the Word of Wisdom, so why would there have been a problem?

Thanks,

Bill

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Bill,

It’s an interesting question, but at this point the best answer I can find is this; He simply chose to refuse it of his own will. Maybe he didn’t like the taste of it, or maybe he saw enough men drunk on liquor that, in his youthful naivety, he was terrified of being drunk. Maybe his parents were both strongly opposed to consuming alcohol. This idea that Christians should not drink liquor was common among some of the Christian faiths of the day.

So really, I don’t think it would have been a problem as you and I see it from our understanding. As you say, the Word of Wisdom had not been given, and even at that, it took some time before it became a belief that determined one’s worthiness as a member of the LDS church.

Joseph simply did not want to drink the alcohol, thus he endured the operation with full feeling. Perhaps enduring this trial was part of what would help him endure the physical trials he would endure later on in life, including those that ultimately took his life. How blessed we would be if we were all so strong in the challenges we face in our lives today.

-Gramps

Dear Mr. Gramps,

I’m a vegetarian. It has come up a few times in casual conversation, such as at church functions, and people automatically start to argue with me and say that I’m sinning because I simply don’t eat meat. I don’t think that vegetarianism is wrong. I’ve prayed about it and I could never find anything in the bible that specifically says that I absolutely HAVE to eat meat. So why do people just assume I’m a bad person? Or am I in the wrong after all?

Thank you,

Anonymous

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Anonymous,

My suggestion for you would be to not call yourself a ‘vegetarian’. It can be misinterpreted as that you believe in a different code of health than prescribed by the Gospel.

Typically, when I hear that phrase “I’m a vegetarian”, it is subscribing to a particular code of beliefs and hear them telling others how bad meat is for you and how poorly animals are treated, etc.

The beasts of the fields and fowls of the air were created for man to have dominion over them. That said, you don’t have to eat meat to be active in the gospel. In fact, in the Word of Wisdom, it is counseled to us to eat meat sparingly (and it doesn’t mean eat all the spare ribs you want).

You can simply state that you don’t eat meat and that you’re comfortable with that.

-Gramps

I have been reading a lot about the problems with energy drinks out there and the high amounts of caffeine in them. I drink a shake in the morning from a mix. The ingredients at the bottom say that this contains a natural caffeine. I called the company that makes this and they said the natural caffeine is from organic guarana. Can you tell me if this caffeine is really a natural source or as bad as the caffeine we see in energy drinks?

Carla

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Carla,

In doing some research regarding guarana, I learned that it is native to the Amazon basin and very common in Brasil. It contains about twice the amount of caffeine as found in coffee beans. While some have found it to be an effective stimulant not only for cognitive functions but for weight loss, there have not been enough studies on it to show what effect or risk it would have regarding heart attacks or strokes.

So while I’m not an expert on caffeine, I’d like to offer you a different perspective to your question.

In keeping with the guidance of the Word of Wisdom, we should not become ‘addicted’ to any substance. If you can’t get through the day without having a shake, then I suggest that the shake could be bad for you. If you can’t get through the day without a cheeseburger, then you shouldn’t have cheeseburgers.

We need to take good care of our bodies, but we don’t need others to decide every little thing for us. I myself, drink a cola every now and then. I’ve had an energy drink on occasion as well. But I don’t have cravings when I go without them for a period of time. I might want one, but that’s not the same as having cravings or going through withdrawals.

Let’s also not forget all the “do’s” in the Word of Wisdom. Have lots of grains, fruits and vegetables. Eat meat sparingly. (Okay, I can really get into a large rack of beef ribs.)

Make good choices. Try out the shakes. If you get “the shakes” (pun intended), then you should probably give up the shake mix as it might not be good for you.

My husband and I have been married for 5 years. We are active members & served missions. My husband has recently struggled with the use of marijuana.  As a teen, he smoked marijuana consistently but he stopped, went on a mission and moved on. After he lost his job and our house he started smoking again. His ideas are:

•  Marijuana is an herb from the earth.
• It’s not specifically prohibited in the Word of Wisdom as “tobacco” is
• Marijuana its better than tobacco anyway
• Use of anything in moderation is ok
• There are overweight people on the church that have very obvious addictions to food and they’re permitted to go to the temple why wouldn’t I be?
• Marijuana relaxes the mind and doesn’t cause impairment of judgment.

I stand strong on my conviction that marijuana is harmful for the mind, the body and is prohibited on the scriptures. I don not agree with him using it. What do you think?

Angelica

Dear Angelica,

It can be a very sad thing when someone we care about chooses to sin. And it is a natural reaction of many sinners to try to justify why their sin ‘isn’t so bad.’ I sympathize and support you in your stance.

Marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the FDA. Meaning it is totally Illegal. There is a strong push to move it to a Schedule 2 or lower. This can be seen in the various state level of voter approved medical Marijuana laws. But even those require a valid medical reason and Doctor approval. Which is sounds like your husband does not have.

This means he is breaking the law of the land as well as the Word of Wisdom.

I am not going to break down his points, because I have no desire to feed his attempts to justify himself. On the subject of the Word of Wisdom the general authorities have clearly stated that drug use with out medical reason is a violation. And at it’s best case Marijuana a drug that requires professional medical dispensing.

Gramps

Gramps,

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

Dear 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

Dear 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

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

Several questions have been asked as to what is forbidden by the Word of Wisdom and whether a specific drink or substance is contrary to the Word of Wisdom.  This revelation “The Word of Wisdom” was given in 1833 as a word of wisdom for the benefit of the Church.  It was sent by “greeting” not by commandment.  It forbids the use of strong drinks, defined as drinks containing alcohol;  hot drinks, which later were defined as tea and coffee; and the use of tobacco.  It also stated that herbs, grains, fruits which would include vegetables; and the flesh of beasts and fowls, to be used sparingly, were ordained for the use of man.  In 1851 President Brigham Young gave to the Church the World of Wisdom as a “final and definitive commandment.”  (President Kimball, BYU Stake Conference, 1/13/1957)

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

Dear 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

Dear Gramps,
I was helping my dad bring in some new green tea into the house and
he said I could have a case of it. I said “sorry I won’t drink it.”
He just looked on and said, “Why not?”
I said, “Its against the Word of Wisdom.”
We got into a big discusion and he in my opinion justified that it
was ok for him to. He then said that I was wrong sense I drink soda.
So my question is this if drinking green tea is against the Word of
Wisdoom does that mean that drinking Soda is also against the word of
wisdom? Because soda is by far more poisonous for our bodies than
Green tea.
I have read a few of your Q/A already and I have decided for myself
that I shouldn’t be drinking green tea, but is my dad correct in
saying that I’m taking the Word of Wisdom, in a way, too far?

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 Gramps,
I have a close friend that has tried to quit smoking so she can be
baptised and can’t suceed at it. She is getting so discouraged that
she feels like an outsider and is pulling away from attending church.
She belives in the truth but because of her addiction to the tobacco
she feels like an outsider.  How can I help her to acheive her goal.
She wants to be babtised but understands that untill she can stop
smoking that it cant happen. How can I help her to find the strength?
Thanks for any advice or help.
Harry

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

Dear Gramps,
My question is concerning modesty and appropriate dress. I have been doing much pondering about my wardrobe…which by worldly measure is modest. I am endowed in the temple and have always stayed true to my covenants. I came across this scripture.

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

February 22, 2008
Hey Gramps,
My main question is in regards to clean fun. You see my friends and I love to get together to play poker (we don’t play for money, just for fun) and while we play we enjoy drinking O’douls and smoking Swisher Sweet Cigars. Now obviously O’douls is non-alcoholic and the swisher sweet cigars are not meant to be inhaled so we’re not actually breathing any tobacco. Lately, my wife has been giving me a hard time saying that I’m evil and going to hell. What is your opinion on my behavior?
Blake, from Lehi, Utah

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

Dear 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

Gramps,What is the general council’s word on decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated Coke and Pepsi?

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