Coffee is an integral part of many religions and sects, and Mormonism is no exception. But the question remains – do Mormons drink coffee?
Mormons, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) follow a strictly supervised set of rules, guided by their prophets and church leaders. Principles and teachings of their faith state that coffee and tea, two of the most popular drinks, should be avoided.
The Word of Wisdom, a scripture of the Latter-day Saints, discourages all alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and “hot drinks,” which the church interprets as meaning coffee and tea. In the early days of the church, it was believed to be something akin to a medical revelation and over time, the church has been consistent in its message on the consumption of these products.
How strictly the church enforces these guidelines and how members choose to obey them is a personal decision, guided by individual beliefs. Most members avoid any and all amounts of coffee and tea in an attempt to follow the Word of Wisdom more strictly. However, there are members who have found ways to consume coffee, usually in different forms such as coffee-flavored ice-cream or coffee-flavored soda.
Coffee-substitutes are also becoming increasingly popular among members of the church. A variety of caffeine-free coffee and tea blends exist, which are also approved by the church’s dietary guidelines. These coffee-substitutes help provide the same satisfying taste without the caffeine found in coffee and tea.
Some rabbis have advised adherents not to drink coffee, citing Leviticus 20:9, which states that allingesting drugs “abominations before the Lord”. Despite the general sentiment against consumption, this has been interpreted differently by individual mormons and is no longer strongly enforced.
It is important to note that caffeine avoidance is a personal choice, which has evolved to become part of their faith, particularly when it comes to high-caffeine drinks like coffee and tea. The church has not explicitly addressed the health benefits and risks associated with coffee consumption, but members should be able to decide for themselves what to drink and what not to drink.
The Reasons Behind the Church’s Discouragement of Coffee
The ‘Word of Wisdom’, the gospel of Latter-day Saints, advises against coffee and tea. This is because coffee, tea, and any other high-caffeine beverages are seen as an artificial stimulant, says David Riddle, a professor of Mormon Studies at Brigham Young University. “These stimulants can interfere with the ‘Spirit of the Lord’, which Mormonism views as essential for health and spiritual growth,” he notes.
Caffeine is also thought to increase the risk of mental health problems including anxiety and depression, which contradicts the LDS church’s desire to protect its members. The church discourages the use of substances that may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle, states Jana Reiss, an author and lecturer on Mormon literature and culture.
A new awareness of caffeine’s addictive nature is another factor why LDS church leaders have decided to discourage the consumption of coffee. Boosting energy with artificial substances is not compatible with the spiritual and ethical foundations of the LDS faith. The church’s dietary guidelines also emphasize a healthy lifestyle, and therefore any kind of beverage that could impact physical or mental well-being is discouraged. So, while caffeine may provide a temporary boost in energy, its long-term effects are deemed detrimental and therefore, not consistent with church teachings.
The church also advises Mormons to be spiritually awake and alert at all times and use their alertness to stay closer to the Lord. This notion is seen as incompatible with the use of caffeine which might interfere with alertness by causing physical and mental exhaustion.
The Changing Attitudes of Mormons Towards Coffee
In the past few years, Mormons have become more open to the idea of consuming coffee and consuming other caffeinated drinks. A survey taken by the LDS Church shows that 16 percent of Latter-day Saints consume some amount of caffeine either from coffee, tea, or caffeine drinks. The survey also showed that Millennials were found to be the most likely to consume some amount of caffeine, indicating that the attitude towards coffee is changing.
Although the LDS Church does not officially condone the consumption of coffee, it does not discourage its members from doing so. The attitude towards coffee has shifted from complete avoidance to embracing the occasional cup of joe. Mormons are just faced with the responsibility of living their beliefs the best way they can without getting distracted from the spiritual goals of their church.
Rather than pushing against drinking coffee, some groups have embraced it and have created ways to work around the Word of Wisdom. For instance, Mormons are given the freedom to use coffee as a flavor in ice cream and desserts. Additionally, more Mormons are also becoming more tolerant of those who do enjoy coffee and tea, rather than shaming them.
The Spiritual Significance of the Word of Wisdom
The commandment to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages is found in the Word of Wisdom, a scriptural canon of the LDS Church. This commandment is seen as an act of faith and obedience, both towards the restoring gospel and to God Himself. Obeying the Word of Wisdom is a form of spiritual counsel and is indicative of an individual’s commitment to living a spiritually full life.
In addition to physically abstaining from the consumption of coffee and tea, the Word of Wisdom also serves another purpose: it encourages the Mormon faith to reach beyond their immediate world and live with reverence, respect, and responsibility for the world around them. In other words, it is a reminder of their personal struggle to hold on to their faith, in the face of ever-changing social practices and trends.
The spiritual significance of the Word of Wisdom lies in its view of health and well-being as integral components of one’s spirituality. Mormons are expected to not only abstain from coffee and tea, but also to take into account other physical, mental and spiritual health considerations as prescribed by the gospel.
The Lesson of Self-Control and the Moderate Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks
Learning to observe moderation with any kind of indulgence is an important lesson that Mormons must learn. As such, some Mormons have adapted with principles and teachings in order to better manage their consumption of coffee. They believe that abstinence does not equate to total abstinence; moderation is always the preferred option.
Therefore, even if a person consumes coffee and tea, it does not mean that they are not loyal to the faith. Rather, it is about being mindful of the effects of their actions and understanding that moderation and self-control are the keys to living a life of faith. Mormons are encouraged to make the best decisions for their own health and well-being, while being mindful of the principles of their faith.
Mormons should have the freedom to make their own decisions concerning their caffeine intake, especially if it is needed for medical reasons. As long as it is consumed in moderation, adhering to the guidelines of the Word of Wisdom and not creating any health problems, it can be considered in line with their faith and beliefs.
The Role of the LDS Church in Changing Attitudes
The LDS Church has taken a progressive stance on coffee consumption, even if it is still not officially endorsed. Church leaders are becoming more tolerant of changes in personal dietary decisions and allowing members to choose for themselves what career and lifestyle choices to make.
Moreover, there has been an increase in the availability of coffee and tea in places where Mormons gather or worship. This is an example of how the church is slowly becoming more accepting of caffeine consumption with individuals of the faith.
By slowly adapting to the changing attitudes of the current generation, the LDS Church is expected to continue to evolve its position on coffee and tea consumption. Church leaders want their members to be able to practice their faith and make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.
The Takeaway
Although the Mormon faith prohibits consumption of coffee and tea, the decision to abstain or indulge lies solely with the individual. The church is not explicitly against caffeine consumption, but instead encourages members to be mindful and make informed decisions about their lifestyle, health and diet. The church is slowly adapting to changing attitudes and making room for individuals who want to practice their faith, consume some amount of coffee, and lead healthy and spiritually full lives.
