Okay. I understand that some of questions about Mormons are trivial but my questions really are geniune. I will not become a Mormon but the heritage is a part of my children and my oldest has questions (much like the ones I'm asking). I would like to be able to answer him with something other than, "I dunno..."
This question may seem silly but chocolate has a ton of caffeine in it so why is this allowed and not the drinking of coffee? They both share the same health and emotional benefits? So what's the difference?
Be kind. As I stated before, I'm not asking these questions to mock or make fun of anyone. They are genuine questions and I value the answers. I just don't feel comfortable asking the practicing members of the husbands family. They don't communicate with me unless needed...my family is Catholic and while I really have no problem with the Mormons, they do seem to have a problem with me.
2006-07-21 03:03:31 · 15 answers · asked by lilly 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was a Mormon for about 15 years and left the church because of the many contradictions including that of the Word of Wisdom. I think it really has to do with what the members will tolerate or not. Some of the examples are chocolate, sugar and meat. The Word of Wisdom is all about being healthy and the church forbids coffee and tea but not chocolate, sugar, chocolate chip cookies (and all the other unhealthy sweets) that make many many Mormons F-A-T. Yet, they don't lose their privileges if they are obese due to overeating but if they have a glass of wine or cup of coffee-- Watch out!
Also, the Word of Wisdom states to only eat meat in times of cold or famine but every summer and church event is teaming with fat, juicy steaks (full of unhealthy cholesterol that causes heart disease). I really don't think there is any rhyme or reason to what they choose to follow and forbid. If they told their members to become non-chocolate and sugar eating vegetarians, then very few would actually be worthy members. That would not be good for tithing and church membership, right?
2006-07-23 10:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by norsktjej1964 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I'm sorry that save for one answer so far you are getting a bunch of junk. Okay, here we go...
There is no definate answer I am afraid, save for that is what has been revealed to us by the Prophet. Now, please understand that what follows is merely my own interpretation and not that of the LDS church...
One of my professors at the University of South Florida would always state that the word discovery is still in the dictionary. In other words, we don't know everything. When the Word of Wisdom, the health code you are referring to in the mid 19th century, they had no idea that tobacco was a direct cause of lung cancer, or that alcoholism was an actual disease and an addiction. They did not know that massive red meat consumption could lead to heart disease (high cholesterol, etc.) My point is that there may be something in coffee and the tannic teas we don't know yet, but will find out later. Yes, I avoid those, but do drink some caffinated beverages, which likely is not good for me. I do hope this helps some.
BTW, I have no problem with you.
2006-07-21 08:50:57 · answer #2 · answered by Galvyn 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (referred to as the Word of Wisdom) says in verse 9 " And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly." Remember that this revelation was given in 1833. Chocolate was still a new and rare treat then. Since that time, prophets have said that "hot drinks" refers to teas and coffee. (I don't have a direct source, but that is what the missionary discussions said, which are put together by the First Presidence and the Twelve Apostles of our church)
2006-07-21 10:42:02 · answer #3 · answered by Senator John McClain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know a little about the LDS religion, you have probably heard about the Word of Wisdom. It is basically guidelines to live by in order to be happier and healthier. To do with you question, there are other reasons besides caffine that we don't drink tea or coffee. Yes, caffine has a large part to do with that, but there is more. Tannic (sp?) acid is found in both of these drinks(tea and coffee) and can cause problems with the body. They both also contain a lot more caffine than hot chocolate. We strive to not have anything addictive in our lives. This makes it more possible to have self mastery. Personally, I have never heard of anyone who was addicted to hot chocolate. While drinking any caffinated drink is discouraged, everyone still has their free will and can do as they choose. I hope this helped.
2006-07-21 06:15:10 · answer #4 · answered by lovin' life 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The actual words of wisdom which were inspired upon Joseph Smith by God referenced 'Hot Drink' when modern tasty drinks were invented the leaders prayed for further guidance. They felt impressed to note to people that it was originally referencing coffee. There is some logic behind it, studies show a cup a coffee a day increases the risk of heart attack by 30%, considering this was written by a farm boy from back when shows some divine inspiration/genius itself.
2006-07-22 20:47:40 · answer #5 · answered by jprofitt303 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to the few LDS's comments.
I saw on 20/20 abs broadcast , which show how coffee drinking affected their daily lives. When they stop drinking it, they get headaches and nerve wrecking feeling.
I believe that to be additive and not good for human consumption.
I personally find Soda is not good either, but that is only my personal preference.
LDS do not have problem with other religions, any who does is not a living a true LDS teachings.
2006-07-21 09:26:06 · answer #6 · answered by Wahnote 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, your question is not silly. I'm a convert to the LDS faith and I had the same questions. It is actually pretty simple. God said to not drink coffee. He did not say don't drink caffiene (common mis-conception), just no coffee or alcohol. God says not to, I'm not going to argue with him. I know it's not all that good for you anyway, and I've never really liked the stuff, so it doesn't really bother me.
In short, it is a commandment that we must follow. Our faith believes in keeping our bodies clean... the whole "your body is a temple" idea. I hope this helps clear things up a bit. :)
2006-07-21 19:48:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the mormans are going around damning caffeine? im a baptist but ive never seen that before maybe its the parents or just the persons lifestyle of trying to live a healthier life...the Lord God does tell us to take care of his temple(our bodies)
2006-07-21 03:09:15 · answer #8 · answered by . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long running dispute with Juan Valdez
2006-07-21 03:07:38 · answer #9 · answered by tsmitha1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coffee was forbidden because of where it came from not because of what it is.. the Mormon leaders at the tiem didnt want certain groups of people to get any money so they found "reasons" to make things "evil"
2006-07-21 03:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋