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For someone unfamiliar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, the question “why can’t Mormons drink coffee?” might seem peculiar. Growing up Mormon, abstaining from coffee wasn’t a strange restriction but simply a part of daily life. Like many aspects of faith, the reasons are rooted in religious teachings and practices that provide a framework for healthy living and spiritual well-being.
The primary reason Mormons abstain from coffee, along with tea (except herbal tea), alcohol, and tobacco, lies in a set of health guidelines known as the Word of Wisdom. This doctrine isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a principle deeply embedded in Mormon religious practice, considered a commandment from God revealed to their prophet, Joseph Smith. This concept of divine dietary laws is not unique to Mormonism. Throughout history, and across various faiths, God has provided guidance on physical and spiritual health, as seen in dietary laws in the Bible.
The Origin of the Teaching: The Word of Wisdom
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is considered a prophet in Mormonism, much like biblical figures such as Moses or Abraham. Mormons believe that God and Jesus Christ directed Joseph Smith to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. As a prophet, Joseph Smith received revelations and teachings to guide the members of the Church.
In 1833, Joseph Smith received and revealed what is known as the Word of Wisdom. This revelation, recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89, outlines principles for physical and spiritual health. You can explore the full text of the Word of Wisdom online. Remarkably, many of the principles within the Word of Wisdom were ahead of their time. It advised against tobacco use long before the scientific consensus on its dangers, and encouraged the consumption of grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat in moderation, aligning with modern dietary recommendations.
The Word of Wisdom also advises against “strong drinks,” which is understood to mean alcohol. Mormons believe in maintaining clarity of mind and self-control, principles that are seen as compromised by alcohol consumption. The devastating effects of alcohol abuse on individuals and society are widely acknowledged, and abstaining is seen as a way to avoid these potential harms.
Interestingly, the Word of Wisdom doesn’t explicitly mention coffee by name. Instead, it cautions against “hot drinks.” In the early days of the Church, members sought clarification from Joseph Smith about the meaning of “hot drinks,” and it was revealed that this phrase referred specifically to coffee and tea (black and green teas, not herbal teas).
It’s fascinating to note that modern science has begun to explore potential downsides of consuming very hot beverages. While the health aspects are interesting, for Mormons, the primary motivation for adhering to the Word of Wisdom, including the avoidance of coffee, is rooted in faith and obedience to God’s commandments, rather than solely on scientific reasoning.
The Blessings of Obedience: Why Mormons Value the Word of Wisdom
Mormons believe that following God’s commandments brings blessings, both physical and spiritual. The Word of Wisdom itself promises specific blessings to those who diligently follow its principles. These promises are outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21:
“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 include promises of physical health, increased wisdom and knowledge, physical endurance, and spiritual protection. Mormons view adherence to the Word of Wisdom as an act of faith and obedience that opens the door to these promised blessings.
Biblical Context: Health Laws and Principles Throughout Scripture
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly prohibit coffee (simply because coffee wasn’t known in biblical times, with the first recorded use dating back to the 15th century), it does provide a foundation for understanding why God might give health guidelines to His people. The Bible demonstrates a history of God providing dietary laws and principles for health.
In the Old Testament, for example, the Israelites were given specific dietary laws, including prohibitions against certain meats. Other biblical passages encourage moderation in eating (Proverbs 25:16), and emphasize the value of wholesome foods (Ezekiel 4:9). These examples illustrate that the concept of God providing specific health guidelines is consistent with biblical patterns. The Bible also contains numerous references cautioning against addiction in various forms, reinforcing the principle of maintaining self-control and avoiding harmful dependencies.
Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the sanctity of the body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, it is written: “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“. This scripture highlights the belief that our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect and care as temples of God. This principle underpins the Mormon commitment to the Word of Wisdom.
Beyond Caffeine: Focusing on Obedience and Divine Guidance
It’s a common assumption that the prohibition against coffee in the Word of Wisdom is solely due to caffeine content and its potential health effects. While excessive caffeine intake can indeed be detrimental to health, the Word of Wisdom itself doesn’t explicitly state caffeine as the reason. Similar to other commandments given throughout history, such as dietary restrictions in the Old Testament, the specific reason behind the prohibition isn’t always explicitly detailed. God often provides direction and asks for obedience, trusting that there are divine purposes, even if not fully understood immediately.
For Mormons, the emphasis is on following the revealed word of God through their prophet. The why behind the commandment, while interesting to ponder, is secondary to the act of faithful obedience. They believe that prophets receive divine revelation to guide them, and trusting in this guidance is a core aspect of their faith.
Personal Choice and Testimony: Living a Coffee-Free Life
For many Mormons, like the author of the original article, abstaining from coffee is simply a normal part of life. It’s a personal commitment rooted in their faith and a desire to live in accordance with God’s teachings. While the appeal of trying coffee might exist for some, the commitment to their beliefs and the promised blessings associated with obedience often outweigh curiosity.
Ultimately, the choice to abstain from coffee (and other substances outlined in the Word of Wisdom) is a personal expression of faith for Mormons. It reflects a belief in divine guidance, a commitment to healthy living, and a desire to receive the blessings promised to those who follow God’s commandments. For those interested in learning more about the broader spectrum of Mormon beliefs, resources are readily available to explore the foundations of their faith and way of life.
