Word Of Wisdom

‘The Word Of Wisdom’ is what LDS members call their beliefs about addictive substances.

Mormons believe that the Lord has given us the ability to make our own choices, for good or bad. This is called ‘agency’. Obviously, those who make choices that hurt others, upset people, and make choices towards evil, rather than good, will be dealt with accordingly by God. This mortal life that we are living in, is simply a chance for us to prove that we are good souls, and given the unbiased choice, would naturally choose the option to help others, and to do good things, rather than evil.

The addictive substances take away that agency, as an addiction is something that isn’t a choice, but something you are compelled to do. Therefore Latter-Day Saints believe they should not:

·         Drink alcohol

·         Smoke tobacco or partake of any other nicotine substances

·         Partake of any narcotics of any kind

·         Partake of caffeine-based products (tea, coffee, etc) 

This can be difficult for members to keep rigid. Not only because those who were converted to the LDS Church may already have a taste for such products, and so giving them up is difficult, but that caffeine and alcohol are often ingredients and components to seemingly innocuous foods. Desserts often have liquors in them, and many foods are cooked with wine. Caffeine-free drinks are usually the order of the day at parties and gatherings, and the LDS Church must keep Schloer in business! Many denominations of Christianity will take their sacrament with wine, whilst Mormons take theirs with water to adhere to the Word Of Wisdom. 

However, what’s interesting is that all these things are known to be addictive, and also very harmful to the human body if consumed in addictive quantites. Nicotine, narcotics and alcohol are well known addictive substances, and all will kill you if you are addicted to them for any length of time, as your body is damaged by such items. 

The other intriguing part of this, is that Mormons have been following these practices for nearly 200 years (revelation was received in 1833), and yet up until the 1940’s and 50’s, it was assumed that smoking was good for you. Despite this, LDS members chose not to smoke. A quick look around Dublin shows advertising everywhere saying “Guinness is good for you!”, and yet again, LDS members chose not to drink alcohol. 

As for caffeine, it is considered that hot drinks with caffeine are far more harmful/addictive than cold drinks, and therefore cola and other carbonated drinks are not considered a violation of the Word Of Wisdom. However, many members choose to steer clear of these anyway, just to be sure! 

Many people find it odd that members of the LDS Church prohibit these things, but to me, it makes a lot of logical sense. Alcohol is addictive, and too much will kill you. Nicotine is addictive, and smoking kills you. Narcotics are addictive, and will kill you. It’s not rocket science to see that it would be wise to avoid these things.