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Personally, I think that this may be the poster-child topic of how cultural can trump everything. Someone with first hand knowledge told me that in a church disciplinary court wherein a spouse had committed adultery, he overheard the comment “Well, at least she wasn’t drinking”. This was not a sarcastic comment. But that mind-set is deeply, deeply entrenched. Maybe because it is such a defining characteristic of the image that is presented to the world by the culture. Well, if we read the WoW carefully we see that it was given as wisdom and NOT to be a commandement or by force. I think it was given for those who need it. I think there is much wisdom in it. I personally think that a lot could be added to the avoids today. But, not by force-by way of education.
I read that BY upgraded it to a commandment, but I’m not sure I believe that. He did probably require it for leadership and temple. But again, their interpretation seemed to be far more moderate than ours.
I think it became far more binding when prohibition laws were up to be passed. The prophet of that time really urged the members to pass it.
You can read more at wiki (it seems to be pretty fair):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Wisdom I’m certainly grateful for the WoW in my life. However, I am now seeing that my zeal for it was perhaps over the top. I am one who would search out ingredient lists of nutrition bars and such and reject any that had green tea in them. I also got very upset when I *almost* drank some hot chocolate that had coffee in it. I’d say I’ve always been a militant WoW observer. Now I see that following the Spirit and common sense is what is important.
Personally, I accept it as good advice overall, a good way for members to show commitment – and, ultimately, no big deal for most members but VITAL for “the weakest of the weak”. (at least as far as the prohibitions go) I follow it “as enforced” religiously for that reason – to help the weak. The fact that I think it’s no big deal for most is one of the reasons I think it is important for them to accept. Iow, I think we should be willing to accept and follow the “easy” stuff, especially when it is so important for so many to abstain totally. If the Church tried to enforce a meat allowance or a weight restriction or any other highly subjective aspect, I would respond differently – but I have no problem with how it currently is stressed. I’ve seen WAY too much destruction caused by addiction to react otherwise.
catamount wrote:If the WoW is of God and we will be judged for how well we take care of our physical bodies…who would be judged more harshly…a good mormon Bishop that dies in his 60’s 100#’s overweight, a stay at home mom that lives the mormon teachings to a T but is hooked on diet coke and nurses on a 64 oz come back mug all day…or a good all around guy that lives a good life, keep the commandments but drinks a few beers from time to time, never enough to get flat out drunk by the way
🙄 Anyway what do you think?You post, and particularly this specific question, really hit home with me. I have had the same thoughts ever since I was a child — probably because my parents neither one lived the Word of Wisdom fully (even though they were both active in the Church). Both of them were such incredibly good people; they just don’t come any better. To me, the Word of Wisdom, whether it is a commandment or merely a “word of wisdom” is, in my opinion, probably the most overly focused on teaching in the Church. How many people really stop to think about its real purpose — guidance in helping us to take good care of our bodies. While it is true that there is not a single reference in it to obesity, Utahns are among the most obese people in the nation, and no one would ever think to question a morbidly obese Bishop with regards to whether or not he obeys the Word of Wisdom. How many of us have a diet that his high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables? How many of us limit our intake of meat? I’m totally with you on this. I think the Word of Wisdom is a fantastic “word of wisdom” and I believe we’ll be blessed with better health if we obey it than if we don’t. On other other hand, it’s because it is seen as such a quantifiable measurement of our obedience, I think we have fixated on it as a way of separating the “good” Mormons from the “bad” Mormons.
catamount wrote:I personally really enjoy a cold beer from time to time. I haven’t been “drunk” since high school but I really enjoy it. In some ways it keeps me on the level, especially when the wife and I aren’t getting along too well or I’m really stressed about work. A beer or two and everything seems OK. Maybe the pres. drug use wouldn’t be so high if more people drank an occasional beer. The bad thing about living in Utah is nobody would really think anything bad about me if I walked out of the grocery store with a year supply of Mt. Dew in my basket but on the other hand if someone caught sight of me buying 1-24oz bud light at the gas station, everyone in the ward would here about it by weeks end. It’s a shame but that’s the way it is.
I don’t think I could drink a can of beer if my life depended on it. I just abhor the taste. On the other hand, I love wine. Because I’m a practicing Latter-day Saint, I avoid it, almost to the point of being a teetotaler. I say “almost” because I allow myself a drink of wine with my Thanksgiving dinner and another with my Christmas dinner. (My sister, who was raised in the Church but is no longer active, always makes sure there are a couple of bottles at those two meals.) I’ve been in my ward for 27 years now, and I don’t believe a single one of my fellow ward members knows. When I go in for my temple recommend, I always feel so guilty when I say that I’m living the Word of Wisdom — just because of those two glasses of wine! On a purely objective level, I have no trouble whatsoever, justifying my response, but I have always wondered if admitting to two glasses of wine a year would keep me from getting the recommend.
I second swimordie as this is the poster child for culture. I certainly don’t get it, but then again I have some pretty heterodox ideas about sex too. On this website there is a very good history about the WoW http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2007/09/development-of-word-of-wisdom.html ” class=”bbcode_url”> http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2007/09/development-of-word-of-wisdom.html I view it as a Word of Wisdom, nothing more, nothing less. I think it’s strange, and don’t agree with it being a requirement to enter the temple, but then again, I don’t think there should be any requirements other than membership to enter the temple.
The history of the Word of Wisdom (the original question) is a fascinating topic: The charge of “not observing the Word of Wisdom” was one of five leveled against David Whitmer on April 13, 1838, which led to his excommunication.[26] Nevertheless, contemporary records indicate that Joseph Smith, Jr. was not, himself, a strict observer. Smith is recorded at various times as drinking tea,[27] beer,[28] and wine.[29] There is a report he also smoked tobacco: according to Amasa Lyman, a member of the First Presidency under Smith,[30] Smith once finished preaching a sermon on the Word of Wisdom and immediately afterward rode through the streets smoking a cigar.[31] According to Lyman, this was just one of many instances in which Smith “tried the faith of the Saints … by his peculiarities.” (One modern commentator has suggested that this may have been done by Smith to ensure that his followers’ faith was based on the Latter Day Saint religion and not on Smith’s personality or leadership.)[32]
On 19 August 1835, Almon W. Babbitt was brought before the church’s high council on three charges. On the charge of “not keeping the Word of Wisdom,” Babbitt stated “that he had taken the liberty to break the Word of Wisdom, from the example of President Joseph Smith, Jun., and others, but acknowledged that it was wrong.”[33]
After Smith’s death, several factions emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement. The largest of these groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), was led by Brigham Young. At a general conference of the church held on September 9, 1851, Young called on the attendees to “leave off the use of” items mentioned in the Word of Wisdom:
“The Patriarch [John Smith] again rose to speak on the Word of Wisdom, and urging on the brethren to leave off using tobacco, &c.
President Young rose to put the motion and called on all the sisters who will leave off the use of tea, coffee, &c., to manifest it by raising the right hand; seconded and carried.
And then put the following motion; calling on all the boys who were under ninety years of age who would covenant to leave off the use of tobacco, whisky, and all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, to manifest it in the same manner, which was carried unanimously.”
The Patriarch then said, may the Lord bless you and help you to keep all your covenants. Amen.
President Young amongst other things said he knew the goodness of the people, and the Lord bears with our weakness; we must serve the Lord, and those who go with me will keep the Word of Wisdom, and if the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and others will not serve the Lord, we will sever them from the Church. I will draw the line, and know who is for the Lord and who is not, and those who will not keep the Word of Wisdom, I will cut off from the Church; I throw out a challenge to all men and women. [34]
Though Young encouraged Mormons to follow the Word of Wisdom code, the church was tolerant of those who did not or could not follow it. In 1860, he counseled those chewing tobacco in church meetings to at least be discrete and not excessive, but did not charge users with sin.[35] By 1870, however, he ended the practice of chewing and spitting tobacco in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.[36]
Young also recognized a separation between using tobacco (which was discouraged), and selling it to non-Mormons as a business (which was encouraged).[37] He also owned and maintained a bar in Salt Lake City for the sale of alcoholic beverages to non-Mormon travelers, on the theory that it was better for LDS Church authorities to run such establishments than for outsiders.[38]
Adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom was not made a requirement for entry into LDS Church temples until 1902. However, even then, church president Joseph F. Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea.[39] Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple.[39] Around the turn of the century, the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom were not strictly adhered to by such notable church leaders. Anthon H. Lund, a First Counselor in the First Presidency, drank beer and wine; Apostle Matthias F. Cowley drank beer and wine; Charles W. Penrose, who also served as a First Counselor in the First Presidency, drank wine; Relief Society president Emmeline B. Wells drank coffee; and church president George Albert Smith drank brandy, for medicinal purposes.[39] In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant made adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom an absolute requirement for entering the temple.[39]
Today, adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom is required for baptism[45] and for entry into temples of the LDS Church.[46] BYU historian Thomas G. Alexander points out that while the original Word of Wisdom as a “principle with promise” was given by revelation, there is no evidence that any church leader has claimed a separate new revelation, or even a spiritual confirmation, of changing the Word of Wisdom from “a principle with promise” to a commandment.[39]
I found this
good stuff at WikipediTom
Tom Haws wrote:Nevertheless, contemporary records indicate that Joseph Smith, Jr. was not, himself, a strict observer. Smith is recorded at various times as drinking tea,[27] beer,[28] and wine.[29] There is a report he also smoked tobacco: according to Amasa Lyman, a member of the First Presidency under Smith,[30] Smith once finished preaching a sermon on the Word of Wisdom and immediately afterward rode through the streets smoking a cigar.
Interesting stuff, Tom. Thanks for posting that. I find it interesting all the Sunday School stories tell of young Joseph refusing any alcohol when his leg was operated on…which kind of paints that picture Joseph would NEVER take alcohol or anything…yet they don’t really tell the story later when he did use some things.Yes, the WoW is an interesting thing for our church. When there are so many things that could be said about health nowadays, we stick to coffeee, tea, alcohol and Tobacco and drugs as the standards. My associates at work asked me about it the other day, when I refused a drink at a work dinner. I simply told them it has become a matter of faith to me, instead of worrying about all the details of if chocolate has caffeine or if energy drinks count or on and on, I keep it simple and think alcohol coffee, tea, tobacco and drugs…as a matter of showing I can be humble and follow the standard whether or not I think it is a big deal. The fact it has never been a big deal to me means I don’t want to make it a big deal and start debating it…I simply follow it because as a life long member, I have always followed it.
For those who convert or have family situations or other circumstances where it seems it is more of a difficult standard to live…I simply try to be compassionate and non-judging about it. I think there are worse things in the world for people to deal with…but certainly see the WISDOM in not letting substances take over your life. And from that perspective, don’t see why anyone would fight to deny the blessings of the temple over a drink. To give up some things for the Lord is a good sign of humility. Right or wrong, that is how I feel.
I believe in the Word of Wisdom, probably more now than ever. I no longer feel a connection to the interpretation practiced by most members today. That has been my reconciliation so far. I used to get very frustrated by this topic. I feel much more at peace now that I do my own thing, according to my conscience, according to my first-hand experiences with my own health and spirituality. I am different. I also take full responsibility for making the decision to be different on this issue. The intellectual part of me thinks I would be in good company with Joseph, Brigham, John Taylor and many others. I am pretty sure Joseph Smith understood what the Word of Wisdom was all about.
Tom Haws wrote:Today, adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom is required for baptism and for entry into temples of the LDS Church.
Has anybody else ever stopped to wonder why we don’t excommunicate lifelong members of the Church who do not observe the Word of Wisdom, and yet we refuse baptism to people who would wish to convert but have a smoking problem, for instance? That has always been a problem with me. Smoking, I am told, is an extremely difficult habit to break. A person who was raised in the Church and taught the Word of Wisdom from childhood can continue to be a member of the Church, even though he would not be able to get a Temple recommend, and yet another person, who started smoking early in life without having had the benefit of the knowledge the Word of Wisdom gives us can’t be baptized and then, as a member of the Church, work on overcoming his addiction. That doesn’t seem very logical to me. Can anybody shed some light on this that might help me see thing differently?
This ties into another topic I posted about–normal behavior. I think that the WoW slowly became a black and white thing, at least in the eyes of many devout saints. As these devout saints rose to leadership positions, so did the black and white views they held. I’ve had a number of experiences where either myself or a friend was given/faced doctrinal interpretaions/rules by a Bishop or Stake President that wasn’t church wide. These individuals took normative views of Mormonism with them as they rose to leadership positions. I’ve had a Bishop from the pulpit say that caffeine was against the WoW. I’ve had a Stake President that took away temple recommends for 6 months if stake members watched R-rated movies. These were obviously individual viewpoints, but when a leader, with disciplinary authority, takes these strict views, what should one do? I personally think that the WoW had some wisdom to it, but it faces some challenges. Numerous contemporary studies have shown controlled amounts of coffee and wine to have some pretty good health benefits. Naturally, the studies are looking at very specific amounts of these substances–small amounts–but there are provable benefits. Obviously, there are various ways to get the benefits that these substances provide, but the point is that safe amounts can be very helpful. My favorite story came from my bff’s hubby. On his mission, the BP was not giving TR’s to members who drank caffinated soda. The area 70 (I think) flew to the area, went to the BP’s office and during a meeting he opened a can of Coke and took a drink. Set the can down and said “any questions?” Then left! Anyway, might just be a rumor, but I like the story anyway. Even as someone who abhors pop. LOL
I would think that the proper thing to do if the local leadership are going “off script” for interviews is appeal to the next higher authority and so on.
Katzpur wrote:Has anybody else ever stopped to wonder why we don’t excommunicate lifelong members of the Church who do not observe the Word of Wisdom, and yet we refuse baptism to people who would wish to convert but have a smoking problem, for instance?
I had honestly never thought of that but I think it’s a GREAT question!! Or, you were making a point. Either way, I’d love to hear thoughts because for the first time in my life, I’m confounded.
😆 wordsleuth23 wrote:Numerous contemporary studies have shown controlled amounts of coffee and wine to have some pretty good health benefits. Naturally, the studies are looking at very specific amounts of these substances–small amounts–but there are provable benefits. Obviously, there are various ways to get the benefits that these substances provide, but the point is that safe amounts can be very helpful.
It’s funny you should mention this. I have seen these studies as well. Unfortunately, there is a lot of back and forth on these issues from the scientific world. I recently posted about a study about caffeine being linked to hallucinations. I am theorizing that that’s why we have fewer visions in the church today.
http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=525&p=4650&hilit=caffeine#p4650 ” class=”bbcode_url”> http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=525&p=4650&hilit=caffeine#p4650 Quote:Has anybody else ever stopped to wonder why we don’t excommunicate lifelong members of the Church who do not observe the Word of Wisdom, and yet we refuse baptism to people who would wish to convert but have a smoking problem, for instance?
Absolutely. I’ve brought it up on a few threads around the Bloggernacle over the last couple of years. We have different requirements for membership and temple attendance, and this is one case where I believe we have conflated the two for investigators.I’m sure I never will be an apostle, but if I ever get to talk with one in an intimate setting, I absolutely will ask.
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