D&C 89

[canard78]

I found an early mention of the WoW referring to coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol in the Doctrine and Covenants Study Manual, HERE. It was during the September 1851 General Conference that Brigham Young put it forward as a formal covenant:

I could help but chuckle at a few things in the lesson material. So the lesson used the 1851 quote as the moment the 'gradual acceptance' turned into a binding commandment (gradual acceptance... even by the Joseph Smith and his successor apparently).

Although the Word of Wisdom was received on 27 February 1833, its acceptance by individual members of the Church was gradual. On 9 September 1851, some eighteen years after it was given, the Patriarch to the Church, John Smith, delivered a talk in general conference on the Word of Wisdom. During his address, President Brigham Young arose and proposed that all Saints formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and “all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom” (“Minutes of the General Conference,” Millennial Star, 1 Feb. 1852, p. 35). The motion was accepted unanimously and became binding as a commandment for all Church members thereafter.

So in Sep 1851 BY proposed that they abstain from tobacco, whiskey etc (though not 'mild barley drinks'). But...

6 months later he expressed concern about associating with people guilty of "drinking spirituous liquors to excess." A fair concern. Was he ok with liquors in moderation being drunk? (http://en.fairmormon.org/Journal_of_Discourses/6/57#319)

And then in 1863 (surely enough time for the gradual acceptance to have become binding?) he says:

http://en.fairmormon.org/Journal_of_Discourses/10/42#202

You have read that piece of excellent advice called the "Word of Wisdom." I shall not say you must obey it; you can read it over again and refresh your memories, and I give the privilege to the Elders of Israel to cease using tobacco, and if they will not cease using it, then raise it; and then, also, to cease using spirituous liquors to excess. At the time Mr. Holladay kept store opposite the south gate of this block, he annually received not less than $29,000 for the article, tobacco. His books will now show this. Into Livingston's store I presume this people annually paid for the article, tobacco, not less than $35,000, and that, too, when we were but few; what must our bills be at the present time? I think I am safe in saying that we have paid, for tobacco alone, at least $100,000 a year during the last thirteen years. Now, especially you Elders and leading men of Israel, will you do yourselves a favor by letting it alone from this time? Brother George A. Smith says that the twopenny institution of Jackson and Stewart, in Provo, took over $15,000 a year for tobacco alone. If you will let this article alone you will benefit both yourselves and the community. If you will cease drinking spirituous liquors you will thereby be benefited individually and benefit the community. A man who indulges in any habit that is pernicious to the general good in its example and influence, is not only an enemy to himself but to the community so far as the influence of that habit goes. A man who would not sacrifice a pernicious habit for the good it would do the community is, to say the least of it, lukewarm in his desires and wishes for public and general improvement. Tobacco is not good for man; spirituous liquor is not good for a beverage, but in many cases it is good for washing the body.

Dare I venture to invite the sisters to favor themselves by letting alone the article called tea? Some of that which is imported to this country from California, and for which you pay from three to four dollars a pound, is not much better than hay. I merely wish to say that you now have the privilege and invitation tendered to you to cease drinking the filthy stuff. Again, I kindly tender you the privilege of making your own bonnets from straw or grass. There are no handsomer bonnets nor trimmings for them than are and can be made from straw. I have raised rye year after year for the express purpose of having the straw manufactured into hats and bonnets, and have invited my sisters to gather and use it and welcome.

Sounds like it hadn't actually become a commandment by that point. While it's clear that Brigham Young encourages people to not use it (because of the wasted money and impact on the community), he makes it clear that it's "advice" that he does not say they "have to obey." Bear in mind that in the same talk where he gives women advice to avoid tea he also encourages them to use straw to make their own pretty bonnets.

So while I fully support the WOW as very good advice and even a commandment today, the church manual is wrong in suggesting it was all wrapped up by 1851.

Even in 1900s it was not a full expectation. Fair has a full history here:

http://en.fairmormon.org/Word_of_Wisdom/History_and_implementation

By 1902, the Church leaders were strongly encouraging the members to keep the law, and were even beginning to deny temple recommends to those who would not. They were, however, still merciful and patient with the older members who had not been born into the system, and for whom change was presumably quite difficult: [in 1902] Joseph F. Smith urged stake presidents and others to refuse recommends to flagrant violators but to be somewhat liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Habitual drunkards, however, were to be denied temple recommends.^[6]

By 1905, the Council of the Twelve were actively preaching that no man should hold a leadership position if he would not obey the Word of Wisdom.^[7] On 5 July 1906, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve began using water instead of wine for their sacrament meetings.^[8] By 1915, President Joseph F. Smith instructed that no one was to be ordained to the priesthood or given temple recommends without adherence.^[9] Heber J. Grant became President of the Church in 1918, and he continued the policy of Word of Wisdom observance; after that time temple attendance or priesthood ordination required obedience to the principle. Thus, the Church membership had eighty-five years to adapt and prepare for the full implementation of this revelation.^[10] By 1933, the General Handbook of Instructions listed the Word of Wisdom as a requirement for temple worship, exactly 100 years after the receipt of the revelation by Joseph Smith.^[11]

This long period of patience on the part of the Lord was necessary for all—from the newest member to even the leaders. Joseph F. Smith observed: The reason undoubtedly why the Word of Wisdom was given—as not by 'commandment or restraint' was that at that time, at least, if it had been given as a commandment it would have brought every man, addicted to the use of these noxious things, under condemnation; so the Lord was merciful and gave them a chance to overcome, before He brought them under the law.^[12]

Thus, we should not expect perfect observance of the Word of Wisdom (especially in its modern application) from early members or leaders. The Lord and the Church did not expect it of them—though the principle was taught and emphasized.

Interesting that a convert today is expected to obey immediately as a requirement for baptism and men must obey it to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and all must to attend the Temple, but that the early church members had 85 years to obey. In other words, nearly every member alive at Joseph Smith's time and most of those alive during BY's died before it became a requirement.

So to answer Ellen's question. It is a commandment now, it wasn't when it first came out and it doesn't appear to have been until around 80-100 years later (I think the church manual is a little 'misrepresentative' to suggest it became binding by 1851). The change has never been put in scripture. As for Tea and Coffee. The earliest official clarification that 'hot drinks' meant both tea and coffee appears to have been in the 1960s (though I'd be happy to be shown an earlier reference). For example, Robert L. Simpson, Conference Report (April 1963), 53.;Boyd K. Packer, Conference Report (April 1963), 107

I'm fine with ongoing revelation and I'm glad that it's gone from advice to a command. If President Monson wanted to make it more or less stringent then I imagine I'd be willing to follow it. I think the WoW is a very good thing. I'm glad I don't have to decide at what point having a few drinks goes beyond 'moderation.' I just don't drink any at all, it creates a safe boundary and I'm happy with it.

Now... as for meat... sparingly? Really?

[Stone holm]

Well whenever the W of W allows for discretion, it pretty much winds up getting ignored. We have plenty of members who waddle into Temple Recommend interviews who eat three helpings of meat a day, and who knows what else and wouldn't know what to do with fresh fruit if you handed it to them. But they do know that if they get asked the question that certain things are blanket taboos the most prominent being hot drinks defined narrowly to mean only tea and coffee.

[EllenMaksoud]

Well whenever the W of W allows for discretion, it pretty much winds up getting ignored. We have plenty of members who waddle into Temple Recommend interviews who eat three helpings of meat a day, and who knows what else and wouldn't know what to do with fresh fruit if you handed it to them. But they do know that if they get asked the question that certain things are blanket taboos the most prominent being hot drinks defined narrowly to mean only tea and coffee.

This is a hard place for me. In the past, I have been extremely judgmental. My sort of Amish childhood, perhaps originated that, then I was EV and later Muslim; all very conservative belief systems. Some people I have talked to felt that Mormonisim was a restrictive burden to them. In my case, Islam was much more restrictive and I liked it. My biggest issue with Islam was their treatment of Jesus Christ. The restrictions, the covering, the subservience to men were not an issue with me.

So, for me, in some ways Mormonisim was a disappointment. I know we have personal agency, and sometimes I don't want it. I'd much rather feel secure. I'm getting more used to it now

[williamsmith]

The only part of the Word of Wisdom that I break is tea. I drink White Tea because it has extremely high anti-oxidants than other teas. Plus it is Blueberry-Pomegranate flavored...yum! But I don't drink it hot. I love it cold.

Does it count as breaking the Word of Wisdom if its not a hot drink?

If it's Tea that is not made from the "Tea Leaf", for example Herbal Teas, then it is reasonable to assume it is outside of the ban, or spirit thereof of the Word of Wisdom. Few Herbal Tea's are "stimulants", but are for health and healing.

[williamsmith]

No, the confusing part is what the mild barley drinks are supposed to be. Until further revelation comes I am assuming it is an endorsement of IBC drinks.

In the day's of the early church it was very common for "frontier" type households to make all kinds of drinks from crop products including barley. Such drinks came in all kinds of variety, including potentially with a small alcohol level when allowed to sit, which would occur very quickly as a drink was stored. These drinks weren't at all like "beer", that kind of barley and otherwise in strength. Further, since when was beer "mild"? It's a very nasty drink, and very alcoholic, only slightly less strong than whiskey. It's certainly not "mild" in any sense of the word.

[williamsmith]

If Joseph or Hyrum were both still around to talk to us, I'm sure they'd both say our Lord had black tea and coffee in mind when conveying the idea it's wise to not drink tea and coffee. Green and white teas are fine, I think, and so is de-caffeinated coffee. Just don't blame me if you take my word for it. You should get your own counsel from God, and follow that, if you have doubts.

Actually, Green Tea is made from the Tea Leaf, thus it IS actually within the "banned" paradigm.

And coffee is still coffee even if decaffeinated, thus it also is within the banned category.

Caffeine has only been a recommended restriction to the saints as a generality, not because it's in certain things.

It's not necessarily the only reason for the ban.

[EllenMaksoud]

In the day's of the early church it was very common for "frontier" type households to make all kinds of drinks from crop products including barley. Such drinks came in all kinds of variety, including potentially with a small alcohol level when allowed to sit, which would occur very quickly as a drink was stored. These drinks weren't at all like "beer", that kind of barley and otherwise in strength. Further, since when was beer "mild"? It's a very nasty drink, and very alcoholic, only slightly less strong than whiskey. It's certainly not "mild" in any sense of the word.

I wonder if these barley drinks were anything like Kombucha? Growing up, I can remember cows getting drunk on silage. Later on, I noticed some birds flopping around under the cherry tree and Mom said they were drunk. Well, these days I mostly drink water, or milk, except when I don't. Oswald Chambers had a saying, "My Utmost for his highest." So far, I think the things that the prophet asks of us are pretty minor, perhaps.

[canard78]

Actually, Green Tea is made from the Tea Leaf, thus it IS actually within the "banned" paradigm.

And coffee is still coffee even if decaffeinated, thus it also is within the banned category.

Caffeine has only been a recommended restriction to the saints as a generality, not because it's in certain things.

It's not necessarily the only reason for the ban.

President McKay would apparently disagree with the part I've bolded.

Joseph L. Anderson, 8 January 1965, Secretary to the First Presidency wrote to one member (as directed by President David O. McKay), “I am directed to tell you that the drinking of a beverage made from the coffee bean, from which all caffeine and deleterious drugs have been removed, is not regarded as a violation of the Word of Wisdom.” (“Decaffeinated Coffee Does Not Violate Word Of Wisdom” Revelations in Addition to Those Found in the LDS Edition of the D&C [New Mormon Studies CD].)

http://www.fairlds.org/fair-conferences/2000-fair-conference/2000-up-in-smoke-a-response-to-the-tanners-criticism-of-the-word-of-wisdom#enloc135

[williamsmith]

President McKay would apparently disagree with the part I've bolded.

Joseph L. Anderson, 8 January 1965, Secretary to the First Presidency wrote to one member (as directed by President David O. McKay), “I am directed to tell you that the drinking of a beverage made from the coffee bean, from which all caffeine and deleterious drugs have been removed, is not regarded as a violation of the Word of Wisdom.” (“Decaffeinated Coffee Does Not Violate Word Of Wisdom” Revelations in Addition to Those Found in the LDS Edition of the D&C [New Mormon Studies CD].)

http://www.fairlds.o...wisdom#enloc135

I would read the rest and ignore the "Title" that you put in quotes, or is in the CD, or you made.

First he speaks of things "made from the coffee bean". Note, the coffee bean wasn't banned, just coffee.

Second, he adds "deleterious drugs" not simply talking about caffeine.

Decaffeinated coffee that doesn't have caffeine in it still has the other stuff in it.

Further, it's been shown that decaffeinated coffee still has caffeine in it, some in high amounts especially at coffee shops.

Although, I'm willing to submit that the "Church" may officially allow de-caf (anyone have the Rulebook of Instructions?). Personally, I still think it's over the line and I know the Church has generally forbidden it. Of course, I also know some priesthood leaders have allowed it. But, either way, it seems over the line for me.

[Tacenda]

Actually, Green Tea is made from the Tea Leaf, thus it IS actually within the "banned" paradigm.

And coffee is still coffee even if decaffeinated, thus it also is within the banned category.

Caffeine has only been a recommended restriction to the saints as a generality, not because it's in certain things.

It's not necessarily the only reason for the ban.

My dad drank coffee throughout my life. He and mom were sealed in the temple before I was born. He drank coffee because he said it helped with his chronic back pain that he developed from several surgeries stemmed from a broken back. When my sister and I married in the temple and the only way he would be able to get his recommend updated was if he drank decaf coffee. I took it that it must be the caffeine but I drank caffeine all my life in pop. But will be forever grateful my dad was able to witness my wedding ceremony. Of course my dad would end up drinking regular coffee soon enough. I don't think it's by the book usually. I guess it's up to the spirit. And what the bishop felt was the right thing to do.

[CASteinman]

Unfortunately (I suppose) I was not always a member and fell into bad habits -- not because I lacked good parenting but as is my nature I was rebellious.

So, I must recognize that I have quit smoking decades ago. But to recognize that, I must confess to having smoked. I am, sort of ashamed of it. And I think I might be ashamed even if I were not LDS.

Having said that -- with it being decades ago -- when I smell someone light up a cigarette, I absolutely like the smell and want to smoke again. I never do. But I always want to. It smells good to me. It smells very desirable. I am tempted. After decades of not smoking -- its still there.

Its the fact that it is a clearly drawn line that stops me. If it were not for the Word of Wisdom, that would have been a nasty habit I definitely would have fallen into. And I might have had some heart attacks or died by now.

And I would not have been able to go on a mission or serve the Lord in other ways.

I thank God for the Wisdom of giving us that Word as a Commandment. I really do. Really.

[Garden Girl]

Having said that -- with it being decades ago -- when I smell someone light up a cigarette, I absolutely like the smell and want to smoke again. I never do. But I always want to. It smells good to me. It smells very desirable. I am tempted. After decades of not smoking -- its still there.

Thank goodness my husband and I, both heavy smokers, had a different reaction when we quit smoking... neither of us could stand the smell of cigarettes or the smoke.

We quit in 1989... and to this day I cannot stand the smell and have to cover my nose and mouth when I walk by someone sitting outside having a cigarette. They are still polluting the air as far as I'm concerned... And so I've never felt the desire for smoking since about a week after we quit and the nicotine was starting to leave my body.

GG

[Stone holm]

Have always understood that decaf was proscribed. Have never known for sure what the barley drinks referred to whether that referred to beer or something akin to Postum. I remember in my gentile days back in the 70's we sometimes tried to get high on stuff known as Mormon tea it had a natural upper that was actually worse for you than caffeine. It was made from some stem like plant that grows out west.

[Tacenda]

I've heard of the tobacco plant being something used for sick cattle, I think BY said something like it, therefore in my mind God had a purpose for it that way. But what about the coffee bean, is there a purpose for it other than drinking it?

[Stone holm]

Tobacco for sick cattle is right in the text of the W of W. It was the remedy use to worm horses

[EllenMaksoud]

I've heard of the tobacco plant being something used for sick cattle, I think BY said something like it, therefore in my mind God had a purpose for it that way. But what about the coffee bean, is there a purpose for it other than drinking it?

Coffee flavored Ice Cream?

[canard78]

You have the right of it EllenMaksoud. When the Word of Wisdom was first revealed it was given as a recommendation, but not a commandment. Later prophets of the Church said that the time had come for it to be lived as a commandment.

But this has been done by degrees and there's very few actual statements by way of revelation that it should be lived as a commandment. We've never accepted this by common consent (at least not that I can see - please show me if I've missed it). The church manual I mentioned earlier in the thread claims 1851. But the church manual is wrong.

[EllenMaksoud]

But this has been done by degrees and there's very few actual statements by way of revelation that it should be lived as a commandment. We've never accepted this by common consent (at least not that I can see - please show me if I've missed it). The church manual I mentioned earlier in the thread claims 1851. But the church manual is wrong.

For me it is about greatfulness, and wanting to do all that I can to please Heavenly Father. It is my agency, and I can not pin that on anyone else. I've got to speak on the Atonement, and any church that would allow that is pretty amazing.

[canard78]

For me it is about greatfulness, and wanting to do all that I can to please Heavenly Father. It is my agency, and I can not pin that on anyone else. I've got to speak on the Atonement, and any church that would allow that is pretty amazing.

I think you have a very healthy attitude. I appreciate your contribution to the boar

[EllenMaksoud]

I think you have a very healthy attitude. I appreciate your contribution to the boar

Thank you. That they would allow Sister Missionaries to actively pursue me, solicit my membership, pay people to say I am beautiful, make me smile so much my face hurts, rigidly defend my adherence to the Atonement, accept me in ways that I have never experienced in my life. Wow! I just wish that I'd paid attention to the LDS before my life exploded. For them to be insistent on helping me put it back together is completely outside my understanding, like a fairy tale.

[williamsmith]

My dad drank coffee throughout my life. He and mom were sealed in the temple before I was born. He drank coffee because he said it helped with his chronic back pain that he developed from several surgeries stemmed from a broken back. When my sister and I married in the temple and the only way he would be able to get his recommend updated was if he drank decaf coffee. I took it that it must be the caffeine but I drank caffeine all my life in pop. But will be forever grateful my dad was able to witness my wedding ceremony. Of course my dad would end up drinking regular coffee soon enough. I don't think it's by the book usually. I guess it's up to the spirit. And what the bishop felt was the right thing to do.

Ya, likely. We aren't really as "Pharisaical" as our critics claim.

Some actually try to swear to me by out of context quoting of LDS leaders, and misapplication of their words, that people who drink coffee etc. are actually "banned" from the Celestial Kingdom according to our beliefs.

Simply poop.

Edited March 17, 2013 by williamsmith

[EllenMaksoud]

Ya, likely. We aren't really as "Pharisaical" as our critics claim.

Some actually try to swear to me by out of context quoting of LDS leaders, and misapplication of their words, that people who drink coffee etc. are actually "banned" from the Celestial Kingdom according to our beliefs.

Simply poop.

This is just for me, so I will try to say it with as little force as I can.

There are people who, if they knew of my past and background would protest that I was even allowed to be baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They would be so incensed that they might even leave the church because of it. No kidding.

So, Heavenly Father has forgiven me of so much through Jesus Christ that my gratefulness makes me want to be obedient in every degree. I don't criticise others for having a beer or something once in a while. For me, however, I can not.

[Stone holm]

Coffee flavored Ice Cream?

Its my understanding, which may or may not be correct, that we are to avoid coffee flavored items so as to avoid developing a taste or liking for coffee. I doubt it would disrupt your possession of a Temple Recommend though. Have heard the same of using cooking wine, but still use it -- and absolutely love Bannas Foster the way they make it in New Orleans, and it definitely has an alcoholic bite to it...oh well....sigh

[thesometimesaint]

Its my understanding, which may or may not be correct, that we are to avoid coffee flavored items so as to avoid developing a taste or liking for coffee. I doubt it would disrupt your possession of a Temple Recommend though. Have heard the same of using cooking wine, but still use it -- and absolutely love Bannas Foster the way they make it in New Orleans, and it definitely has an alcoholic bite to it...oh well....sigh

Cooking wine is nasty. However cooking with wine is GOOOOD.

[Stone holm]

Cooking wine is nasty. However cooking with wine is GOOOOD.

Yep that pretty much sums up the reason for the admonition...