The Word of Wisdom (Health Laws) of Mormonism
Mormons follow a strict code of conduct regarding the care and respect of their physical bodies. Mormons believe their bodies to be sacred gifts from God–gifts for which Jesus Christ has paid the ultimate price. Our bodies are made after the likeness of the Lord and should be treated as sacred. Members of the Mormon Church are taught from a young age to respect their bodies as temples wherein the Spirit of the Lord can reside.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Isaiah 52:11: “Touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.”
Mormons believe the Lord’s Spirit cannot dwell with someone who is not obedient and respectful to the commandments of the Lord. To remain pure and keep their lives in order with the reverence and obedience required to receive the Spirit of the Lord, Mormons follow commandments designed to keep their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One such commandment, given in revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833 at Kirtland, Ohio, gave specific direction to the restored Church about how to treat the glorious gift of the body with respect. This is termed by members of the Mormon Church as the Word of Wisdom.
Initially, Joseph Smith pondered and prayed to the Lord about the use of tobacco in the meetings of the Church. As a result, the Lord set forth the guidelines, which became commandments under Prophet Brigham Young, on the treatment of the body and the physical and spiritual blessings that will come from following those gospel laws. This revelation to Joseph Smith was recorded in what is now the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants and is referenced by all Mormons as an inspired law on how to enjoy life on earth and respect the physical body.
The Word of Wisdom was introduced well before the modern scientific community conceived the idea that certain human pastimes could actually be very hazardous. These include the use of coffee, black and green tea, tobacco, alcohol, and the various narcotics and illegal drugs that have become so prevalent in today’s world.
Mormons believe that Satan does not want the children of God to be happy, in this life, or ever. He works very hard to win over the hearts of humankind and drag them down to his “gulf of misery and endless wo” (Helaman 5:12). One of the ways Satan is attacking the children of God on earth today is through attempts to convince them that their bodies belong to them alone and it is their right to do whatever they will with them. In reality, Jesus Christ has bought our bodies with a price–He sacrificed His life so that all the children of the Lord would have a chance to come to earth, receive physical bodies, and overcome physical and spiritual death:
Mosiah 15:23: “They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death.”
Mormons are grateful for these commandments, as they leave no room for wondering what is right or wrong to take in to the body. Also, adherence to the Word of Wisdom prevents an individual from experiencing the emotional and physical distress that inevitably comes from any addiction. The revelatory message sent from God about such things contains, as an introductory statement, words of warning pertaining to “evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:4). Indeed, addiction and financial ruin are no accident; industries that supply alcohol, tobacco, and drugs thrive on such.
In addition to the guidelines on the harmful substances not to be taken in to the body, the Word of Wisdom condones the use of herbs, fruits, meat, and grain, stating that they are indeed for the use of man in their proper season.
At the close of the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 89, the Lord gives a promise to those who follow these commands:
“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20)
Mormonism teaches that the Lord has a plan for all of us. Part of this plan is that He has given us the earth and our physical bodies so we can enjoy life. We have the gift of agency, so we can choose right from wrong and prove ourselves worthy. Mormons believe the proper treatment of the body, as outlined by the Lord in the Word of Wisdom and from knowledge which comes from studying the commandments, will lead to peace and happiness in this life and in the life to come.
Hi, well I have a classmate friend whom I deeply admire who is also a very old friend of my wife who is Mormon, converting in her 30’s I believe. (we are all in the 69-70 range now) I also have two other male friends with much less desirable atributes that I will not go into who are mormon. Anyhow, the mix of these has made me curious so I have been studying through your website. (I already have the mormon books and do not remember how I came about them.) There is much about the faith I doubt but I have some specific questions concerning this page. I note black and green tea are ruled against as is all alcohol. It is fairly common knowledge that these two teas have numerous health values as does very limited consumption of dark wine. In view of the first miracle of Jesus I wonder why these specific prohibitions persist. Thank you if you do respond and thank you if you do not. I just am studying to get the true picture of the Mormon faith as I doubt I am getting it from my own denomination (Presbyterian EPC). John West
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karenrose Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
John, appreciate your visit and comments. Part of my response is listed here on a reply to Charlane and yourself. After you read that, I would love to hear back from you. It speaks well of you that you would take the time to come to the source and ask us for answers to your questions. I respect you for that and for your candor. Be glad to help in any way I can, as would everyone here. Please let me know your thoughts. K
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Hi there…
I too am studying the Mormon religion and I agree with John west about the tea and wine. Jesus turned water into wine for the people to drink.
I understand that if you over indulge in such things then it can become addictive and harmful and in cases such as alcohol can alter your state of consciousness and morals but is it not acceptable to have a glass of wine from time to time where it does not alter your mind set and you are not addicted.
Some light on this would be much appreciated.
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karenrose Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Charlane and John, so glad to meet you online. Thanks for your candid questions and interest. We agree that Jesus turned water into wine–a beautiful miracle, and one of the first He performed. The drink in the time of Jesus was from the fruit of the vine–or grape juice. It was not alcoholic nor fermented as we know it today. He provided drink, but not an opportunity for anyone to drink something potentially addictive or intoxicating. The Savior Himself revealed the Word of Wisdom, calling for us to abstain from those substances, including caffeinated tea and alcohol, which prevent the Spirit from fully operating within us.
In order to know whether or not this or any of the directives or revelations from the Lord to us are true, we need to go back a step further. If Joseph Smith was a prophet, then this revelation really is from the Savior as he said and as he recorded it. To learn whether or not Joseph was a prophet, it would be helpful for you to read the Book of Mormon, Joseph’s account of his desire to find the truth and his subsequent unexpected vision of the Father and the Son, and the events that ensued as the Lord began to restore the authority and the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth, previously lost after the death of the apostles and the Savior. As you know, Protestant Reformers sought valiantly to pick up the pieces of doctrine from the Bible that seemed to be missing in the teachings of their day. Many wondered about the authority that had been lost. With all of their faith and sacrifice, they were unable to restore perfectly the original Church of Jesus Christ, but the Savior, who anticipated and prophesied of the apostasy (2 Thes), prepared the way for that restoration.
I testify that it has occurred, that Joseph Smith truly did open up the fulness of times, where priesthood authority is again on the earth, and where the full plan of salvation, including the restoration of temple ordinances uniting worthy families forever, is in effect.
Welcome your questions and comments on this. Take special care.
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What steps are required to convert to the Mormon religion please?
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karenrose Reply:
May 29th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Patty,
Thanks for visiting our site. Let me know how I can help you.
Do you know much about our beliefs? The steps would include learning the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), receiving some basic belief discussions from representatives of the Church where your specific thoughts, feelings, questions can be addressed by those called to teach the gospel, and if you believe what is taught and would like to be baptized, taking that step. Baptism by authority is the Savior’s way to Him. After baptism, new members also receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost–a promise of God’s Spirit to be with you as you remain worthy, to guide, strengthen, and comfort you along life’s path–by the laying on of hands. You’ll be invited to attend meetings and get to know those in your congregation, so you can feel a part of the Church community and then become active in serving and living the gospel.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or if we can help you locate a meetinghouse near you, or invite the missionaries to your home. I, too, am a convert to the Church (mormonoutlook dot com/about has 2 10-min videos with the account).
Warm regards,
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[...] very good, though. I give credit to the Lord for giving us a plan of health [sometimes called the Word of Wisdom] to live by. Our children have not had troubles with liquor or tobacco related illnesses, they [...]