Introduction
Coffee has become an incredibly popular beverage, consumed by people all over the world every day. As part of the Mormon faith, members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) are often inquisitive as to what their religious beliefs dictate when it comes to drinking coffee. In this article, readers will be able to find out more about the LDS perspective on coffee consumption, focusing on the relevant teachings and whether the religion allows for this beverage to be consumed.
LDS Doctrines on Coffee
Starting with the essential foundations, it is important to understand the position of the LDS when it comes to deciding on food and drink. In general, the Church promotes healthy eating and drinking habits, ensuring members lead a balanced lifestyle. Specifically, LDS doctrine teaches that there is a line of what is acceptable to consume, recommending against anything that is unhealthy, such as sugary drinks or those that contain lots of caffeine. This brings the discussion onto coffee, a beverage well known around the world for its stimulating caffeine content.
Historical Perspectives on Coffee
Historically, the LDS has discouraged the consumption of coffee due to the fact that caffeine is considered to be unhealthy in large quantities. During the nineteenth century, the church even provided an optional set of guidelines, known as the Word of Wisdom, in which coffee was not to be consumed. This has since been replaced by official Church doctrine in 2021, which has outlawed the use of tea, alcohol and coffee.
Contemporary Perspectives
In more recent times, the LDS has been more flexible in its stance on coffee, allowing members to make their own choices on coffee consumption. The official Church website states that members are free to make their own decision as to whether they consume coffee as part of their daily practices, based on personal experience and a personal decision. The Church also acknowledges that coffee can have a variety of benefits for people, including providing a boost of energy and focus.
Health Considerations
When it comes to the health implications of coffee consumption, the LDS Church outlines that members should take precautions in how much coffee they drink, as excessive amounts could be detrimental. This is mainly down to the caffeine content found in coffee, as any intake of this substance should be limited in order to avoid any adverse effects. From this perspective, members are encouraged to consume coffee in moderation, while remaining aware of any troubling effects if overused.
The Impact of Coffee
Moreover, the impact and implications of coffee goes beyond the physical health and diet of an individual. According to a report produced by the Church, coffee can have an impact on spiritual wellness, as the caffeine can cause sleeplessness and agitation, which can have a negative effect on clarity and understanding when engaging in prayer and spiritual activities. As such, members are regularly encouraged to limit coffee consumption and consider other ways to focus and energize, such as exercise and healthier food options.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that the LDS Church is more lenient when it comes to coffee consumption and allows members to make their own choices. While the Church urge caution when it comes to drinking coffee, it is ultimately the individual’s responsibility to evaluate their lifestyle and the way they consume coffee, while still making sure to live in accordance with their spiritual values.
Theory
Carol Gilligan, an American feminist and ethicist was notably known for her development of the feminist ethics of care theory.This is a proposed theory of moral development which refers to the ethical bonds formed between individuals and their involvement in relationships with each other.It focuses on the idea that human relationships are crucial to moral development as they provide caring and supportive environments where individuals are able to make decisions which allow them to reach their potential.
Application to LDS
In the context of the teachings of the LDS Church, this theory can be applied to not only the individual’s relationship with God but also the relationships shared between individuals.The bonds of care that can be shared amongst members of the LDS Church is unique and integral to living a faithful life.From this perspective, the Church’s focus on promoting alternative sources of energy, such as exercise and healthy food sources can be seen to provide a supportive environment whilst still maintaining the community’s commitment to their spiritual beliefs.
Correlation with Coffee
Taking this further, this idea of care can be applied to the consumption of coffee.The older teaching of the LDS Church to avoid caffeine intake is difficult to apply in the contemporary setting as coffee is an incredibly popular beverage.However, it seems that the Church still encourages their members to stay aware of their intake of this drink, which suggests that there is a correlation between the care of one’s well-being and personal beliefs.
Support from Leadership
The Church’s multiple resources such as their own website and social media accounts provide members with the necessary tools to stay informed and gain further perspective on their belief.For example, the website provides members with answers to frequently asked questions and advice from local leaders and international religious experts.Here, members can receive advice regarding their spiritual beliefs and teachings on consumption.This can prove to be especially helpful when it comes to making beneficial and conscious decisions regarding consumption.
Limitations
It is important to state however that although the Church provides these resources to their members, this does not necessarily mean that they are obliged to follow them.Due to the fact that each person is free to make their own choices, the Church cannot ensure that members make the same decision or even reach the same conclusion.Therefore, it can be argued that it is ultimately up to the individual to make sure that their lifestyles are in accordance with their spiritual beliefs.
Social Pressure
On the other hand, many members of the Church may continuously feel prone to external pressures from those around them. This could be from external groups and general social settings, where coffee is often incorporated in a variety of lifestyles. These sources could often suggest that coffee use is common, and in some cases almost natural, which could make it harder for LDS members to resist the temptation of drinking coffee.
Internal Conflict
In sum, when it comes to making decisions related to coffee, it can often feel like a tug of war between the individual’s own desires and their spiritual beliefs. The doctrine of the LDS Church may continually remain to guide individual beliefs and the way they choose to live their life, yet their beliefs may often come into contact with external pressures and temptations. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to make sure that they act in accordance to their religious values, as well as to listen to the advice given by the leadership of the church.
