The prophet and coffee

[Heber13]

which usually jumps into "if you aren't faithful to the Word of Wisdom, are you going to be faithful to me? are you going to be faithful to my values?"

I totally think you are right about this.

I also think this explains a lot of other things humans do because we compartmentalize things this way to protect our beliefs.

For example, LGBTQ+ issues. In the past it was race issues like a stance on interracial marriage.

When it becomes a trust issue...it is no longer about the very issue itself, but the fear of that issue becoming a slippery slope to hypothetical issues. And in that, perspective is lost and poor choices to choose love for others creeps in.

It no longer is about coffee, which is so stupid on an eternal level. And it becomes very odd that a group of people who have the foundation built on eternal families and loving everyone from a godly perspective, become so pedantic and judgmental.

Motes and beams.

[Myron]

I don't understand how people found something wrong with coffee. For me, coffee is energy and sometimes it even helps me with headaches.

[Minyan Man]

Myron, I think there are a lot of us that don't understand why it's wrong. The only conclusion I can come up with is that
there are other issues that play into the history of why it was & continue to be forbidden. None of the reason had to do
with health issues. For example, political or economic?

I completely understand not using tobacco or alcohol. Even then, there are some who can argue that it should be a matter
of personal choice. But, as I understand it, even cold coffee or iced tea are included in the ban. Also, if it's a matter of it
being a word of wisdom, maybe they should include being overweight in the temple recommend interview.

I like your point about your definition of a perfect day off.

[Roy]

My current bishop told my son that the word of wisdom is to serve as a marker of identification for LDS members and as a separation from the world. Similar to the circumcision for the Israelites. It was not a sin for a gentile to not be circumcised and it is no sin for nonmembers to partake in these substances today.

I'm not sure that this completely jives with how the WoW has been taught over the years but, at this point, I appreciate the attempt.

[AmyJ]

My current bishop told my son that the word of wisdom is to serve as a marker of identification for LDS members and as a separation from the world. Similar to the circumcision for the Israelites. It was not a sin for a gentile to not be circumcised and it is no sin for nonmembers to partake in these substances today.

I'm not sure that this completely jives with how the WoW has been taught over the years but, at this point, I appreciate the attempt.

So what if you don't want to be "marked" or "identified" in that way? What if your life is actually more balanced and authentically "better" because you "break" and/or "re-interpret" the Word of Wisdom in proper degrees of respect and moderation?

Also, there is no "ritual" that kicks off that level of belonging the way that baptism or other ordinances do (so much better).

WOW-Centic
We don't define "the Word of Wisdom" into the disjointed lifestyles it spawned and/or evolution into current practices
- Self Medication (Alcohol = Grain-based & Wine-based beverages) = "Social Lubricant" from a biological perspective.
- Self Medication (Coffee/Tea) = We don't know why "these beverages" BUT we assume "Caffeine" and we assume "Tanin". We also underestimate the other "good" parts potentially of these substances.

- Self Medication (Tobacco) = ?
- Self Medication (Poultices used skillfully) = Natural Medicine?
- Vegetarianism ("Meat used sparingly") = Ecological impact/sustainable living (but we don't reward brownie points to those of us who follow the word of wisdom in this way consistently).

"Honorable Mentions" not included in the original topics
All of these things listed above are "ripe for abuse".
All of these cause "symptoms" of not being aware of what is going into your body and the impact of it.

Neutral?:
- Sugar
- Overconsumption of Meat?
- Supplements

"Bad" but not included:
- "Street Drugs" ["natural medicine" gone haywire / too potent medication introduced in the system]
- "Prescribed Medication" abuse
- Non-Tobacco replacements (inhaled)

"Energy" Generators
- "Caffeine" controversy = ADHD medication (more potent form of caffeine), Anxiety medication (dopamine reactor interactions), "production" self-medication (abuse - normally "Energy Drink" conversations).
NOTE: There are "non-caffeine" replacements that aren't necessarily covered in our theology.

CONCLUSION: I just found 12 different distinct topics within and/or directly adjacent to the "Word of Wisdom as a Health Code" that would provide enough information for at least 1 hour "lesson" that would either help us considerably to study yearly OR break our communities through proclaiming judgements on how we live our lives as our lives intersect these topics.

[AmyJ]

Because I am the granddaughter of 3 serious alcoholics (both parents were converts), and my family has weird reactions to medications (and I seem generally sensitive to medication anyways), I have taken seriously the "alcohol" aspect of that lifestyle. I don't drink alcoholic beverages. I have told my kids about these grandparents and our sensitivities since either girl was about 4-6 years of age. My oldest rolls my eyes whenever it comes up now - not because I am "lecturing her on her behavior" but because this information is super stale news now. She's not interested in playing with the proverbial fire of combining our genetics with alcohol, so yay?

In fact, I take the Word of Wisdom entirely into the direction that "everything that I intake is worthy of being considered a medication (even if self-medication)" it changes how I see and teach the Word of Wisdom. It actually crops up in the regular survey of lifestyle habits and health, but it really comes up in what I talk to my doctor about when I am self-medicating and the medical prescriptions I ask him to consider in light of my physical health.

I am interested in medication via caffeine because ADHD runs in my family and my anxiety is most sustainably managed by a specific application of caffeine. I don't like the smell of coffee or the smell/taste of herbal teas I have experienced - so I get mine via synthetic flavored non-carbonated beverages. NOTE: I recognize that I could potentially "swap into healthier variations" if I went the artisan natural medicine supplement route.
And my doctor (Actively Christian, probably evangelical) is fully aware that I use 120-240 mg of caffeine throughout the day within specific parameters to "self-medicate" and sanctions it for my personal health.

CONCLUSION: I feel strongly that we are taking the entirely incorrect approach to "The Word of Wisdom as a Health Code" because it is weirdly vague and specific, because it has a lot of historical/cultural assumptions that are not properly given the historical and/or cultural context of the time, because women have not been part of the conversation about what it actually looks like while providing the means that families used to medicate/self-medicate through food and drink, and even though lore says that it started because Emma had some strong opinions/questions and an unknown amount of input.

[Old-Timer]

Some teas are allowed in countries where it is a central part of the culture. Wheat tea in Japan is a great example. Non-adductive and no health risks - if not hot when used.

There is a central movement right now in the top leadership to move away from “universal rules” and focus on “principles” - especially since many rules in one country can be interpreted horribly in other countries.

In that spirit, I support the idea (principle) that “hot drinks” are not good for people (ingested while truly hot), and that alcoholic drinks are so damaging and destructive for enough people that those who can handle it voluntarily abstain to keep it way from those can’t handle it (“adapted to the weakest of the weak”), and that a natural food diet generally is the healthiest diet for most people, etc. I see every other “rule” that has been added to those principles in order to “define them” as just people being people and needing to be commanded in all things.

[Rqatkins]

I’m a Bishop in Georgia, I’m not a GA, so only take my words as far as I interpret the commandment. I’m not speaking for the whole church, but as a “Judge in Israel” I’m duty bound to judge and uphold the commandments as we’ve been instructed.

The WoW is a law of obedience. There are health benefits and there’s a lot of discussion here and through membership going over minute exceptions or distinctions as to what qualifies or why.

That’s fine to do as you try to better understand the commandment.

Does instruction change over time? Yes, when modern revelation is instructed and it comes from the Prophet.
For example, in the article shared earlier WoW was less emphasized…but agreement to plural wives was a HUGE aspect.

That’s obviously changed in both aspects, and both have come from modern revelation. So you can look toward history for guidance for our current day, but only so far as when principles have changed for our time.


The principle of WoW is a healthier lifestyle, and our willingness to obey. Whether we know the reason or not.
In the Temple we covenant to the Law of Obedience and the Law of Sacrifice…


Tithing and the WoW prepare us for both higher level covenants, if you can’t or won’t adhere to these principles, we’d be doing you a disservice to send you to the temple to covenant and then be accountable to these higher laws.


Until then, we all work on our own schedule with our savior understanding how this applies to you, and what you can accept and obey.

In the “Spirit of the Law” simple do not take/eat/drink anything that you would be or are addicted to or harmful to your body unless medically prescribed.

The “Letter of the Law” has some things specifically listed as a guide.

Ultimately Jesus Christ directs this church. The WoW is just one minor aspect of it, but it prepares us mind and body for higher level covenants that will lead us to him and our Heavenly Father eternally.

Now it’s our choice with agency to follow and receive those blessings, or reject them find some excuse or reason we are the exception.


As I said, we are each on our own schedule to understanding this and other principles of the gospel. Some have no problem with this. Others, it’s a major life struggle and it’s not for us as brothers and sisters to judge.

Everyone has their struggle/challenge to overcome. Some more visible than others, but no less of an obstacle.

They all provide us an opportunity to rely on Christ’s grace to overcome and learn from that growth and experience.


We don’t need to nit pick, judge others or choose what parts of the gospel apply to us or others. That was the way of the Pharisee’s.

We need to learn the gospel, follow the doctrine of Christ, and rely on him for our growth and salvation. That’s why we are here. To learn this process.

[Roy]

The principle of WoW is a healthier lifestyle, and our willingness to obey. Whether we know the reason or not.
In the Temple we covenant to the Law of Obedience and the Law of Sacrifice…

Tithing and the WoW prepare us for both higher level covenants, if you can’t or won’t adhere to these principles, we’d be doing you a disservice to send you to the temple to covenant and then be accountable to these higher laws.

I observe that there are many commandments and that all of us continue to sin in our lives, and yet people are still sent to the temple. Do you have any opinions on why the principles of tithing or WOW (or Chastity things) are emphasized as things that will keep one out of the temple (deal breakers) while other sins will not? I get that gossiping about your neighbor seems like a small thing, but wouldn't drinking an ice-tea also be a similarly small thing? Both are disobedience.

[Rqatkins]

That’s a good question, many of the questions in a temple interview start with “strive”. Do you strive to be honest in all you do?
The idea is that no one is perfect, but the temple is a place we should be. Are we trying to be better in our daily lives and striving to be obedient. Attending the temple is in itself a sanctifying experience.
These questions cover many of the small infractions we do and hopefully we are trying to repent each day to improve.

Other questions are more definitive. Are you supporting or promoting opposition to the church? Do you obey the law of chastity?
Again these along with Tithing and WoW are more directly tied to the higher covenants we make.

How can we devote our time, talents and efforts along with all we have to the kingdom of God, if we promote opposition, if we can’t give 10% of all he’s given us, if we can’t be obedient in the specific things he’s asked us to do like the WoW.
Obedience, Sacrifice, law of the gospel, Consecration and Chastity. Each of these covenants are vital to our growth.

If you question or nit pick details about the interview questions, are you ready to commit to all the above?
Probably not, or you’d have a testimony of and be willing to pay tithing. You’d see the benefits of avoiding the things mentioned in the WoW and not make exceptions or excuses.

As I said before, that’s ok. It’s a process, you are on your schedule with the Lord. A lot of people may think the recommend is too strict or upset they aren’t allowed in the temple, but it is the standard given to us to live up to.

Ultimately the real question is are we willing to? Either you are or you’re not.


If being in the Temple is something you desire, but have a concern about any of the recommend questions, it’s good to talk with your Bishop. Be upfront and honest about those concerns.
Sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding, sometimes I suggest someone definitely go to the temple when They feel they are unworthy! Often we are too hard on ourselves.

Your Bishop is there to help you be recommend worthy and attend whenever you can. They’re not meant to be a gatekeeper and hold people back.