The Word of Wisdom: Specifics Over Substances
The central text guiding the dietary practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants, section 89. This revelation is a spiritual law given in the 19th century. The distinction between coffee and energy drinks stems from the literal and historical interpretation of its prohibitions.
What the Scripture Says
Doctrine and Covenants 89:9 forbids “hot drinks,” which early church leaders clarified referred specifically to coffee and tea. The prohibition is on the coffee bean and the tea leaf, not the caffeine within them. This distinction allows for the consumption of many caffeinated sodas and energy drinks.
The Evolution of Interpretation
Although some Latter-day Saints in the mid-20th century believed the ban was due to caffeine, this was never official church policy. The Church's official FAQ confirms the ban is on coffee and tea, regardless of temperature or decaffeination.
Caffeine: A Personal Decision
While caffeine isn't the official reason for the ban, its presence in drinks like energy drinks is a personal consideration for many members. Some avoid or moderate caffeinated beverages to align with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, which encourages caring for the body. This is a personal choice and not required for temple worthiness. Church leaders have advised against harmful substances, prompting members to use judgment regarding energy drinks' high caffeine content.
Why the Inconsistency Appears
The distinction can seem inconsistent to outsiders. A member might consume a highly caffeinated energy drink but abstain from decaffeinated coffee. The basis is religious obedience to a specific, historical text rather than modern dietary science. Keeping this specific commandment is seen as spiritual discipline and a sign of covenant.
Historical and Theological Factors at Play
The 'Spirit' of the Law vs. the 'Letter' of the Law
The Word of Wisdom involves both the 'letter' and the 'spirit' of the law. The 'letter' refers to specific prohibitions like coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco, allowing those who follow it strictly to drink caffeinated soda or energy drinks. The 'spirit' involves avoiding addictive or harmful substances and respecting the body, leading some members to avoid all caffeine or excessive sugar.
The Role of Obedience
For many, avoiding coffee and tea is an act of obedience that strengthens faith and demonstrates commitment to God. Blessings are promised for keeping the Word of Wisdom.
| Feature | Coffee | Energy Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Word of Wisdom Status | Explicitly forbidden as a "hot drink". | Not explicitly mentioned; falls into a gray area. |
| Reason for Prohibition | Historical interpretation of scripture, not caffeine. | No official prohibition by the Church. |
| Caffeine Content | Contains caffeine, but this is not the reason for the ban. | Often contains very high levels of caffeine. |
| Decaffeinated Version | Still forbidden because it is coffee. | N/A |
| Personal Interpretation | Some members also cite caffeine as a reason, though not official. | Members are counseled to use wisdom and avoid addictive, harmful habits, which may apply. |
| Temperature | Forbidden regardless of temperature (e.g., iced coffee). | Usually consumed cold, which doesn't trigger the "hot drinks" clause. |
| Temple Eligibility | Consumption of coffee disqualifies a member from entering the temple. | Consumption of energy drinks does not affect temple eligibility. |
Conclusion: A Matter of Adherence and Interpretation
The apparent contradiction of Mormons drinking energy drinks but not coffee is explained by the specific, historical context of the Word of Wisdom. The prohibition targets coffee and tea plants based on early interpretation, not caffeine. While the spirit of the law encourages avoiding addictive substances, the letter of the law makes a specific distinction. Obedience to this divine command is a fundamental aspect of faith and temple worthiness for members. While energy drink consumption is a personal choice based on wisdom, the ban on coffee and tea remains a core element of the LDS health code.
Final Thoughts: The Path to Understanding
The Word of Wisdom is a principle requiring personal judgment. Understanding the historical and theological basis of the prohibition is key to comprehending this aspect of the LDS faith. The emphasis on covenant and obedience highlights the significance of this distinction for Latter-day Saints.
