The Foundational Principles of the Word of Wisdom
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the guidelines governing diet and health are found in a revelation known as the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89). This is not simply a list of restrictions, but a principle with promises of physical and spiritual blessings for those who follow it. While the core principles have remained constant, their interpretation and application have evolved over time, becoming a more strictly observed commandment in the 20th century. The revelation covers both prohibited and encouraged items, offering guidance for a healthy life.
Prohibited Substances
The most commonly recognized prohibitions for members include specific beverages, tobacco, and illicit drugs. These substances are explicitly identified in the Word of Wisdom or have been clarified by modern church leaders over time.
Alcohol
The revelation clearly states that "strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies". Church leaders have consistently taught that this refers to abstaining from all alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and hard liquor. This rule is a key component of the commitment required for baptism and temple worship. While the scripture originally mentioned wine for sacramental purposes, this practice was replaced with water early in the Church's history. A point of occasional discussion involves foods prepared with alcohol, such as rum cake or foods cooked with wine. Generally, if the alcohol content is mostly or entirely cooked out, it is acceptable, but some members choose to avoid it to maintain the "appearance of evil".
Coffee and Tea
The Word of Wisdom mentions abstaining from "hot drinks". Early church leaders clarified that this specifically refers to coffee and tea. It is important to note that the restriction is not based on the temperature but on the specific plants from which these beverages are derived (the Camellia sinensis plant for tea and the coffee bean). Therefore, iced coffee and iced tea are also prohibited. Modern clarifications have expanded this to include drinks named with terms like "café," "mocha," or "latte," which contain coffee. Herbal teas, which do not come from the tea plant, are generally considered acceptable.
Tobacco and Illegal Drugs
Tobacco, in any form, is prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. This includes smoking, chewing, and vaping. Additionally, the misuse of illegal or addictive substances, including the abuse of legal or prescription medications, is also forbidden. These restrictions are seen as central to maintaining a healthy, disciplined mind and body.
Encouraged Foods
Beyond what to avoid, the Word of Wisdom also provides counsel on what to consume for optimal health. This guidance emphasizes a diet rich in wholesome and natural foods.
Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables
The Word of Wisdom encourages a diet centered around grains, fruits, and vegetables. It states that "all wholesome herbs [plants]...and every fruit in the season thereof" are to be used "with prudence and thanksgiving". This aligns with modern nutritional science, which emphasizes the benefits of a plant-rich diet. The revelation specifically mentions wheat as "good for the food of man".
Meat Used Sparingly
Meat is described as being for the "use of man...nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine". While this is a less strictly enforced aspect of the Word of Wisdom today, it remains part of the counsel. It encourages members to prioritize plant-based foods and exercise moderation in their consumption of meat, a principle that also aligns with many modern health recommendations.
Comparison of Word of Wisdom Guidelines
| Category | Prohibited | Permissible/Encouraged | Ambiguous/Nuanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beverages | Alcoholic drinks, Coffee, Tea (from Camellia sinensis) | Water, Milk products, Fruit juices, Herbal teas, Caffeinated sodas | Decaffeinated coffee is officially permitted, but some members avoid it. |
| Substances | Tobacco (all forms), Illegal drugs, Prescription drug abuse | Wholesome plants, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables | Medicinal use of banned substances with a prescription. |
| Food | Excessive meat consumption | Grains like wheat, Fruits and vegetables in season | Cooking with alcohol (e.g., wine, extracts) is permissible if cooked out, though some prefer to avoid it. |
The Role of Caffeine
One of the most frequent points of confusion for those outside the faith concerns caffeine. While coffee and tea are forbidden, the Church has officially clarified that the Word of Wisdom does not prohibit the consumption of caffeine itself. This means that members may drink caffeinated soft drinks or other foods containing caffeine without violating the health code. The initial restriction on "hot drinks" was specific to coffee and tea, and not a blanket ban on all caffeinated products. This clarification, made public in 2012, has helped many, but old interpretations that viewed all caffeine as prohibited still circulate in some local cultures.
Enforcement and Personal Choice
The Word of Wisdom is a standard of obedience for members of the Church. While personal choice is involved, full adherence is required for certain religious privileges, such as entering a temple. Local church leaders, or bishops, will interview members to ensure they are living the standards, but the ultimate decision rests with the individual's conscience. The Church emphasizes living by these standards willingly and with commitment, seeing it as an expression of faith rather than merely a set of restrictive rules. This framework encourages personal spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Conclusion
The Word of Wisdom provides clear guidance on what foods are off limits to Mormons, centering on abstaining from alcohol, coffee, and tea. The health code also explicitly forbids tobacco and illicit drugs. While the restrictions on meat are followed with varying degrees of strictness, the encouragement of wholesome, plant-based foods is a consistent principle. The distinction between coffee/tea and other caffeinated beverages is a common area of clarification. Ultimately, living by this divine counsel is a personal commitment, seen as a path to both physical and spiritual well-being for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
