Why Don't Mormons Drink Coffee?

Welcome friends to the first ever post in my new weekend series, Ask a Mormon. I'm excited to be starting this series that attempts to answer the questions that people often ask about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as we're often called, Mormons.

As we begin this series it is important for me to say that the posts on my blog are my own opinions and I do not represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other group in any capacity.

This week's question is really the one that started this series.

Photo courtesy of David Robert Wright, Some Rights Reserved

"Why do Mormons not drink coffee?"

and closely related to that question are the questions

"Why do Mormons not drink alcohol?"

and

"Are Mormons allowed to drink soda?"

These are questions I am asked literally all. the. time.

So here's the answer:

We do not drink coffee, tea, or use tobacco because God said so. The End.

I say that somewhat tongue in cheek, but really, to us Mormons, it's that simple. It's not because of caffeine, or tannic acid, or any other reason. When you ask a Mormon why he or she doesn't drink those things, or doesn't chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes, you are really asking about a revelation that we call the Word of Wisdom. I would invite you to read the entire word of wisdom by clicking here.

But basically, the Word of Wisdom is a revelation that Joseph Smith, the first prophet and president of the LDS Church received from Heavenly Father.

This revelation outlined several things that we are counseled not to partake of:

• alcohol
• tobacco
• illicit drugs (conforms with spirit of the law, but enumerated later)
• hot drinks (later prophets define this to mean tea and coffee)

No where is it stated, nor has any church leader since said, why coffee and tea are not to be drank. I CAN tell you that it is NOT because of caffeine. While there are members who choose not to drink caffeine, it is not a doctrine of the Church.

So when you see your LDS friend grabbing a Mt. Dew at the corner store, no, he is not going against the teachings of his church.

I've always looked at it as substances that are addicting take away our ability to make choices and thus our ability to fully serve God. An addiction places that substance before all else in your life, including God. So following this principle, if I become addicted to Mt. Dew, it would probably be best if I abstain from drinking it.

Does that make sense?

Substances that are addicting and mind-altering also hinder our ability to hear and listen to the Spirit speaking to us. If I was to guess, I'd say this is probably a significant reason why we are asked to abstain from these substances as well.

But when it comes right down to it, the answer is really because we believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that he received divine revelations from God and that one of those revelations counsels us to not partake of certain things. Just like with our kids, sometimes "Because I said so" is reason enough to do, or not do, something!

The Word of Wisdom also counsels is to eat healthy foods In moderation and outlines specific blessings for following this counsel.

Now you know why I respectfully declined the delicious (so I'm told) Dillanos that Mr. Chris LoCurto offered me!

I hope this has answered some questions for you and look forward to answering more questions from you, the readers!

If you have a question about Mormon doctrines, practices, or culture, visit the Ask a Mormon page of this blog and post it in the comments and I'll do my best I answer it!



Thanks for reading and please share this with all your friends and family!



Twitter: @Skropp2

iPhone: Modern day Miracle!

I was sitting in the "Preach My Gospel" class we have in our ward this past Sunday and we were talking about Chapter 4, "Recognizing the Spirit". As the conversation went on, we began talking about promptings. Various members of the class talked about what the Spirit felt like to them, how the Spirit influenced them etc. A ways into this discussion, I had a thought pop into my head. It is this thought that I want to address today.
One definition of miracle is, "an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause." (Dictionary.com).
What are some things we would consider miracles? The healing of one who was sick? Help with finances or other concerns seemingly out of nowhere? The Mariners winning the World Series? (sorry, couldnt help it, haha).
These and other events like them "surpass all known human or natural powers". But we know that things like healings, help, etc. are not beyond the power of our Heavenly Father. With this in mind, my definition of a miracle would be, "an event that is beyond human comprehension, but is understood by God and adheres to natural law." I have an iPhone. If I could hop into a time machine with Marty McFly and Doc and go back 500 years...heck, even 100 years...probably even 30 years and show someone my iPhone, would they consider what it can do a miracle? I'd venture to say probably...especially the people 500 years ago. Being able to talk to people a world away, to fit books into such a small device, music, camera, and a million other things--all would be probably be beyond the comprehension of someone in 1511!
So is my iPhone a miracle? Is talking to someone in Europe instantly a miracle? Is having multiple books, scriptures, etc on my phone a miracle? Are recordings of music and video a miracle? I would venture to say that most of us today dont really think so, but I think they are!! We are just so used to such technology that we take it for granted!
Now let me ask you this question...Are promptings received from the Spirit miracles? I say absolutely! But just like our smartphones and every other piece of technology we have today, we are so used to it that we take it for granted!!
I think that you and I, as we live right, are guided and prompted by the Spirit way more than we realize! Like our smartphones, we're just accustomed to such revelation that it is commonplace to us. DON'T TAKE REVELATIONS FROM THE SPIRIT FOR GRANTED!!! I know I'm guilty of this in my life.
The challenge was given in that class today to spend the next 7 days asking yourself, "How has the Lord prompted me today? How have I seen the hand of God in my life today?" If you'd like to take that challenge I'm sure you will find that your Heavenly Father is very much involved in your life! I'd wager that you'll come to understand just how much He cares about you and wants your happiness. I know that we'll be reminded of what a miracle it is to have the God of the Universe as a very personal part of our lives! And that revelation will change how we think, speak, and act!
I know Christ lives. I know that our Heavenly Father is truly there for us, in good times, as well as bad. I know like any good parent, He is there, patiently waiting for us to seek His counsel and guidence, though he will never force us to do what is right!!