Do Mormons drink coffee?

Question

A mormon friend told me that his religion forbids drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and doing drugs. But he drinks caffeinated beverages, chocolate, hot chocolate, etc. I questioned him about this and his response was that it is a common misconception that mormons forbid caffeine. He says it is the chemicals in coffee that "basically kill you." And gave the example that a coffee drinker can withdraw when he goes without coffee, but a chocaholic doesn't "shake and get nervous or headaches" when he doesn't have chocolate, because it's the horrible chemicals in coffee, not the caffeine. Anyone familiar with mormonism got a take on this? I'm a coffee drinker. Am I in the dark about something horrid in coffee besides caffeine?
What is the religious basis (detailed) behind this no coffee rule?

Answer 1

The "no coffee" rule taught by the Mormon church stems from what is known as the "Word of Wisdom". Although coffee is included among the specific beverages members should abstain from, consumption of other things that may pose heath risks (caffeine, chocolate, Krispy Kreme donuts, etc.) are left to the discretion of individual members. Members of the church often give their own reasons why coffee is included and other things are left out, but again, these are their reasons. The church teaches that those who follow the word of wisdom receive physical, temporal, and spiritual blessings. Here is some background on the topic:

Early leaders of the church met on occasion in a small room where many smoked and chewed tobacco. One in attendance commented, “The brethren came to that place for hundreds of miles to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen. When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, … and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean [the] floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco.” (Journal of Discourses, 12:158.)

Such inquiry led to the following counsel found in Mormon scripture:

“Strong drinks [or, in other words, alcoholic or harmful beverages] are not for the belly.”

“Tobacco is not for the body … and is not good for man.”

“Hot drinks [defined as tea and coffee] are not for the body.”

Those foods which are good for man are described in these words:

“All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

“Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;

“Flesh … of beasts and of the fowls of the air … are to be used sparingly;

“All grain is ordained for the use of man … to be the staff of life. …

“All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine.”

In 1851, President Brigham Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all Saints formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom. This proposal was unanimously upheld by the membership of the Church. Since that day, the revelation has been a binding commandment on all Church members.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

There goes Kristy again blah blah blah......

Who ever said it was a "new" revelation or idea. Other cultures, like Muslims, have been practicing the same thing many years before the LDS church started. But I will say the many in the church members don't know why they don't drink coffee, they just don't. But, as you can see, it is true the doctrine says "no hot drinks". Iced coffee, cappuccinos, and such are fairly new; but Mormons still stay away from them because it has the same "appearance". Some could easily drink the cold drinks, like them, then temptation to try the "hot" drinks would be great. Most churches agree that although temptation is a way of life, it's best to avoid it when possible.

In addition to the chemicals and ingredients that are bad, the heat is too. Many drink the coffee scolding hot, which burns the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Which causes, stained teeth, burn palate, low taste sensation, hurt burn from the esophagus, ulcers, and more. Like many foods and drinks you can argue that there are some good aspects. but there are also bad ones too. for example, A hamburger has lettuce and tomato, healthy. the buns are bread with complex carbos, healthy. Mayo is egg based, healthy in moderation. and the meat provides protein, healthy. Does that mean a Hamburger is healthy? Not necessarily.

Answer 3

Word of Wisdom, section 89 of the Doctrine of Covenants. Caffeine is not in any way prohibited... It is partly the chemicals in coffee but it is also that there is a LOT more caffeine in it as well.

Also, tea and coffee are addictive... that is a big issue.

And to KristyChristy... I've decided that you are the most confused person on Y!A, at least towards the LDS church (which is odd since you claim to be a former member). You really should learn what you are talking about. (Example: What do you mean that Mormons "don't know" most of the WoW in 89? Please give doctrinal evidence.)

Answer 4

I don't know about the Mormons but I know about coffee and caffeine. All caffeine is a central nervous system stimulate. There are other substances in chocolate called theo-bromide that can trigger a migraine and so can caffeine if you have too much. I saw a doctor on TV say that a cup of two of coffee a day was actually good for you.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do Mormons drink coffee?
A mormon friend told me that his religion forbids drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and doing drugs. But he drinks caffeinated beverages, chocolate, hot chocolate, etc. I questioned him about this and his response was that it is a common misconception that mormons forbid...

Answer 6

You already have some good answers here on the no-coffee rule. I knew a missionary about 15 years ago who would describe how the tannin in coffee is the same thing used to tan leather, and she would emphasize how yucky that would be in your stomach on a continual basis. I have yet to hear of someone who literally died of coffee, but I did know a lady with a high consumption rate of Coca Cola which seemed to be affecting the rate of how much hair she lost from her head - which can be related to liver damage and/or overloading your liver with too much sugar and chemicals and caffeine - which drinking water would help support the liver, on the other hand. There is one website below - not affiliated with the Church but which explains a little bit of some of the digestive problems associated with coffee. I believe that it is black tea and overly caffeinated teas which are included in the hot drink category as well. Herbal tea would have to be used when one is sick or as needed. I know someone who usually avoids hot chocolate since he said it had the same effect on him as high-caffeine sodas, but as for myself I don't see a huge difference. I do see a difference in digestion when I drink hot chocolate by itself and don't eat anything else for a while. And I believe the next step up for health and spirituality is to emphasize the fruits and vegetables and herbs and whole grains, which is hard because as humans we like the sweet stuff and bread and other yummy things. It's just important to use moderation and good judgment in all things. The Word of Wisdom is a law of health that is supposed to promote physical and spiritual well-being, and it is also supposed to help us to get ready for the Milennial Reign of Jesus Christ after the Second Coming. I am working on a bit of a chocolate addiction myself, but it usually goes away in the warmer months. Have a happy day.

Answer 7

The religious basis is from the Word of Wisdom, what we call a health code that we believe God commanded us to follow. As missionaries teach it, it means abstaining from:

Drugs (prescriptions and normal safe use of over-the-counter excluded).
Alcohol (ingesting -okay as a disinfectant -etc)
Cigarettes and tobacco
Coffee
Black tea

Those are the things listed. As far as the caffeine thing goes, many Mormons actually do choose to abstain from it in sodas - that's just their own personal choice. Not a bad choice, but not one that's particularly enforced.

While this regarded as an important code of health, it's more regarded on a spiritual level because it's considered a commandment from God, and because these substances can dull your sensitivity to feeling the spirit.

I hope that helps.

Answer 8

It's true that Mormons aren't supposed to drink coffee but I think a lot do anyway. The taboo is against hot drinks not necessarily caffeine, but they can drink hot chocolate so that doesn't make much sense. If you go to your bishop to get a temple recommend, drinking coffee would keep you from getting one but drinking coke or hot chocolate wouldn't. Good luck in figuring it all out.

Answer 9

The actual wording is that Mormons should not drink hot drinks. This was interpreted to coffee and tea.

Answer 10

There's no consistency with Mormons on this issue. Some say it's because of the caffeine. Others say that it has nothing to do with caffeine. The First Presidency of the Mormon Church needs to give a good reason for their existence & put a stop to this confusion that's among their members & give them a word from the LDS deity. What else are they there for?