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For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as Mormons, abstaining from coffee is a common practice. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why Do Mormons Not Drink Coffee?”, the answer is rooted in religious doctrine and a commitment to a specific health code known as the Word of Wisdom. This principle, revealed to their prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, provides guidelines for physical and spiritual well-being, and avoiding coffee is a key component of this practice.
The Divine Origin of the Word of Wisdom
The prohibition against coffee for Mormons stems from their belief in divine revelation. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of Mormonism, is believed to have received direct communication from God, similar to biblical prophets like Moses or Abraham. One such revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture revered by Mormons. This revelation outlines principles of healthy living intended to benefit both the body and the spirit.
This wasn’t a completely new concept. Throughout biblical history, God gave dietary laws and health guidelines to His people. The Word of Wisdom is seen by Mormons as a continuation of this divine guidance, adapted for modern times.
Unpacking the Teachings of the Word of Wisdom
Given in a time when scientific understanding of health was limited, the Word of Wisdom contains principles that are remarkably aligned with modern health recommendations. For instance, it advises against the use of tobacco, long before the widespread understanding of its harmful effects. It also emphasizes the consumption of grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat in moderation – echoing the foundations of today’s food pyramid. Furthermore, the Word of Wisdom discourages the use of alcohol and “strong drinks,” promoting clarity of mind and self-control.
Interestingly, the Word of Wisdom doesn’t explicitly mention coffee by name. Instead, it advises against “hot drinks.” Later, Joseph Smith clarified that this phrase specifically referred to coffee and tea. This interpretation became a standard practice within the Church, solidifying the avoidance of coffee and tea as part of Mormon dietary observance. It’s noteworthy that contemporary research has explored potential links between the consumption of very hot beverages and certain health risks, adding a layer of modern scientific interest to this century-old directive.
However, for Mormons, the primary motivation for adhering to the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from coffee, is not solely based on scientific rationale. It is rooted in faith and obedience to God’s commandments. They believe that by following these divine guidelines, they receive blessings, both physical and spiritual.
Blessings Promised Through Obedience
Mormons believe that adhering to the Word of Wisdom unlocks specific blessings promised by God. These promises, outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants, extend beyond mere physical health. They include:
“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.
And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.”
These blessings encompass not only physical vitality (“health in their navel and marrow to their bones,” “run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint”) but also spiritual enrichment (“wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”) and divine protection. For Mormons, abstaining from coffee is an act of faith that opens the door to these promised blessings.
Biblical Context and the Word of Wisdom
While the Bible doesn’t mention coffee (as it wasn’t known in biblical times), it provides precedents for God giving health-related commandments. The Old Testament contains dietary laws, such as restrictions on certain meats. Furthermore, biblical teachings emphasize principles that resonate with the Word of Wisdom.
The Bible promotes moderation and warns against excesses, such as overindulging in sweets (Proverbs 25:16). It also encourages the consumption of wholesome foods like grains (Ezekiel 4:9). These examples illustrate that the concept of God providing dietary guidelines is not foreign to biblical tradition. Mormons see the Word of Wisdom as consistent with this pattern of divine instruction for the well-being of God’s people.
Moreover, the Bible stresses the importance of bodily purity and viewing our bodies as temples of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This teaching aligns with the Word of Wisdom’s emphasis on caring for our physical bodies as sacred vessels.
Beyond Caffeine: Obedience and Faith
A common question arises: Is the prohibition against coffee solely about caffeine? While caffeine’s potential health effects are often discussed, the Word of Wisdom’s restriction on coffee isn’t explicitly linked to caffeine. Similar to other divine commandments throughout history, such as the specific diet of manna in the Old Testament or temporary prohibitions against certain foods, the reasons behind the “hot drinks” restriction weren’t explicitly detailed in the revelation.
For Mormons, the emphasis is placed on obedience to God’s revealed word through His prophets. The specific why behind the commandment is less critical than the act of faithful adherence. They trust in God’s wisdom and believe that following His directives, even without fully understanding the immediate reasons, will lead to blessings and a closer relationship with Him.
Many Mormons, having lived the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from coffee, find personal confirmation in the promised blessings. They experience physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual strength, reinforcing their commitment to this principle of their faith.
Personal Choice and Testimony
For individual Mormons, choosing not to drink coffee is often a deeply personal decision rooted in their faith and commitment to their religious beliefs. It’s a lifestyle choice that aligns with their understanding of God’s will and their desire to live in accordance with His teachings. This commitment often brings a sense of peace, purpose, and belonging within their faith community.
Understanding why Mormons don’t drink coffee requires looking beyond just a simple dietary restriction. It’s about faith, obedience, and a belief in the blessings that come from following divine guidance as revealed through the Word of Wisdom. It’s a distinctive aspect of Mormon culture that reflects their dedication to holistic well-being, both physically and spiritually.
