Understanding the Mormon Stance on Coffee and Tea
For many people outside of the faith, one of the most visible and often-asked questions about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormons, is their abstention from coffee and tea. This isn't a casual preference; it's rooted in their religious beliefs and is a component of a larger health code. Let's delve into the specifics of why this practice exists.
The Foundation: The Word of Wisdom
The primary source for this dietary guideline is a revelation received by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, in 1833. This revelation is known as the Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, and it's commonly called the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a health code that provides counsel on various aspects of physical and spiritual well-being.
While the revelation contains counsel on abstaining from strong drinks, meat at certain times, and tobacco, it also offers specific guidance on things that are "good to the use of man." The relevant passage regarding the substances in question states:
"And again, hot drinks are not for the body or the belly." (D&C 89:9)
Interpreting "Hot Drinks"
This phrase, "hot drinks," has been the subject of interpretation and clarification throughout the history of the Church. While the original revelation was given in 1833, the common understanding and application of this scripture have evolved. In the early days of the Church, the most common "hot drinks" consumed were coffee and tea. These beverages were often served hot.
Church leaders, including early apostles and subsequent presidents, have provided further instruction and clarification on the meaning of "hot drinks." While the revelation itself doesn't explicitly name coffee or tea, Church leaders have consistently taught that the principle applies to these beverages.
Specific Counsel from Church Leaders
Over the decades, the First Presidency (the highest governing body of the Church) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body) have issued official statements and teachings that clarify the application of the Word of Wisdom.
For instance, President Heber J. Grant, who led the Church for many years in the early to mid-20th century, was a staunch advocate for adherence to the Word of Wisdom and emphasized the importance of abstaining from coffee and tea. His teachings and the general consensus of Church leadership have solidified the understanding that "hot drinks" refers to coffee and tea, regardless of whether they are served hot or cold.
Today, the official stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that members should abstain from:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Tea (specifically, those derived from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis)
This means that while a warm herbal infusion might be acceptable, traditional black, green, or oolong teas are avoided, as are all coffee beverages, including decaffeinated versions. The concern is not necessarily the temperature but the inherent properties of the beverages themselves, often understood to contain caffeine.
Beyond Caffeine: A Holistic Health Approach
While caffeine is often cited as a primary reason for the abstention, it's important to understand that the Word of Wisdom is broader than just avoiding caffeine. It's seen as a commandment that promotes overall physical and spiritual health. The principles encourage a lifestyle that is clean, temperate, and respectful of the body, which is considered a temple.
The health benefits of avoiding these substances are also considered. Research has linked excessive consumption of coffee and tea to various health issues, although the degree of these links is often debated. For Latter-day Saints, however, the obedience to divine counsel is paramount.
What About Other Caffeinated Beverages?
This is a common follow-up question. Since the guidance is specifically against coffee and tea, what about other drinks that contain caffeine, such as cola drinks, energy drinks, or certain sodas?
Historically, the interpretation and application of the Word of Wisdom regarding other caffeinated beverages have been less explicit than for coffee and tea. The counsel is primarily focused on the specific "hot drinks" of coffee and tea. Many members choose to abstain from other caffeinated drinks as well, seeing it as aligning with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, which encourages moderation and wise choices regarding substances that can affect the body and mind.
However, the official Church position doesn't strictly prohibit other caffeinated beverages. The decision to consume or abstain from them is often left to the individual's conscience and their interpretation of how it aligns with living a healthy and Christ-like life. Some members may avoid them entirely, while others may consume them in moderation.
Living the Covenant: A Choice of Faith and Health
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, abstaining from coffee and tea is not a burden but a conscious choice rooted in faith and obedience. It's seen as a way to receive promised blessings of health and spiritual strength. This adherence is part of a broader commitment to living according to the teachings of their faith, which they believe guides them toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is coffee and tea specifically mentioned or implied?
The foundational scripture, the Word of Wisdom, refers to "hot drinks." Historically and through Church leadership teachings, this has been interpreted to include coffee and tea. While the revelation predates widespread knowledge of caffeine's specific effects, Church leaders have consistently taught that this counsel applies to these beverages.
Does this mean all hot beverages are forbidden?
No. The prohibition is specifically on "hot drinks" understood to be coffee and tea. Herbal teas or other beverages that do not contain the substances found in coffee or traditional teas are generally considered acceptable, even if consumed warm.
What about decaffeinated coffee or tea?
The Church's stance is that members should abstain from coffee and tea. This generally includes decaffeinated versions because the counsel is understood to apply to the beverage itself, not solely to its caffeine content. The concern is with the inherent properties of coffee and tea as understood through Church teachings.
Are all caffeinated drinks like soda forbidden?
Officially, the Word of Wisdom's prohibition is on coffee and tea. Other caffeinated beverages, like colas or energy drinks, are not explicitly forbidden by Church doctrine. However, many members choose to abstain from these as well, exercising personal judgment in alignment with the spirit of the health code.
