Most of us have heard the stereotype that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or Mormons, don’t drink coffee or tea. It’s just one of the misconceptions that can be attributed to both this religious belief and its associated lifestyle. But is there grains of truth to this idea? What do Mormons really believe about coffee and tea and why?
To start with, alcohol and tobacco use is banned in Mormonism, and the same is true for coffee and tea. According to the Word of Wisdom, a health code received by Joseph Smith in 1833, Mormons are counseled to abstain from “hot drinks,” understood to mean coffee and tea. Hot chocolate is okay.
However, modern LDS general authorities note that the code does not specify whether this means caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks. Thomas S. Monson, the former president of the LDS Church, said, “The only official interpretation of ‘hot drinks’ in the Word of Wisdom has been that given by President Joseph F. Smith in Orthodoxy Vindicated, a book published in Salt Lake City in 1910. In that book he indicated that the term ‘hot drinks’ as used in the revelation referred to tea and coffee.”
Mormons are free to make their own decisions as to whether they want to drink tea or coffee. However, as with other things in Mormonism, members are discouraged from using any substance that they feel impedes their spiritual growth. So while hot tea in moderation is certainly not forbidden, Mormons are encouraged to explore alternatives to a caffeinated diet.
The “alternatives,” could mean anything from herbal and decaffeinated teas to zero-calorie soda, fruit juices, and other trendy beverages. Quitting coffee cold turkey is an option, but it typically takes a week or two to benefit from the effects. In the meantime, those adjusting to a caffeine-free lifestyle may experience things like headaches, low energy, joint aches, and fatigue.
Most noteworthy is that the LDS church does not seem to be overly strict about its stance on coffee. That’s why you will find coffee served at many church events and other social occasions. LDS church officials note that the church does not police its members as to what they do or don’t consume. Ultimately, each person’s own conscience should be the deciding factor when choosing what to drink, and there is no official sanction from the church if one chooses to drink tea or coffee.
Church’s Outdoor Activities and Mormon Coffee Consumption
Mormonism has a special emphasis on outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. At these events, many Mormons bring coffee and tea with them, so they can enjoy the outdoors and keep their caffeine intake level up. It has become more socially acceptable among Latter-day Saints to drink coffee in recent years, and it can be seen as a sign of hospitality in many situations.
Very few members of the church expect abstinence from coffee and tea — some will even keep spare stocks of both just in case. This is in stark contrast to earlier generations of Mormons who simply refused to touch anything containing caffeine due to the fear of breaking their religious doctrine. Regardless, drinking coffee remains the personal responsibility of the individual and the personal choice of each believer.
Many Latter-day Saints see abstaining from coffee and tea as an opportunity to rely on God for strength and well-being and use it as motivation to seek other sources of energy and vigor. The church does not require abstinence from coffee and tea but strongly encourages it for a healthier lifestyle.
The LDS Church also emphasizes moderation in all things. Mormons recognize the idea that some things can be enjoyed in moderation but that complete abstinence may be necessary in cases of addiction or health concern. No drink is viewed as unfair or “sinful” by the church, but members are encouraged to take into account their personal health and the possible consequences an indulgence could have on their bodies.
Health and Spiritual Reasons for Not Drinking Coffee
Health concerns are one of the main reasons for the abstinence the Church encourages. Coffee and tea contain high levels of caffeine, which can potentially increase blood pressure, lead to insomnia, disrupt hormone balance, and cause other health issues. Biblical studies professor Andrew Skinner notes that we can find in scriptures and statements from LDS Church leaders that consuming caffeinated drinks has spiritual consequences as well.
Skinner mentions a quote from the tenth president of LDS Church, Joseph Fielding Smith, claiming that Mormons “should not drink anything that dulls their senses or destroys the spiritual power that comes from the Holy Ghost.” By this logic, drinking caffeinated beverages could negatively affect a person’s ability to think clearly. Instead of relying on caffeinated drinks for energy, Mormons are encouraged to pray for God’s strength and receive energy from alternative sources.
Another candidate for a healthier lifestyle are green tea or herbal teas as these contain less caffeine than coffee.Although generally recognized as carrying less caffeine than coffee, it is still suggested to limit your tea drinking to the recommended 1-4 cups of caffeine per day.
However, there are other reasons why Latter-day Saints avoid coffee and tea that have nothing to do with caffeine: taste, cost and convenience. While conversations about coffee often center around it being an energizing drink, many Latter-day Saints find that they simply don’t like the taste of coffee or tea. Whatever the reason, most Mormons display discretion in their decision to abstain, and it’s not uncommon to find coffee served at church activities, either.
Fascinating History of the Mormon Coffee and Tea Rules
The history of the Word of Wisdom provides fascinating insight into the background of this rule. According to records, Joseph Smith received the revelation in 1833 while studying the Bible.At that time, coffee, tea, and other stimulants were seen as health hazards and detrimental to a person’s spiritual growth. The Word of Wisdom was Smith’s way of warning other Latter-day Saints about the dangers of over-indulging in coffee and tea.
Over the years, the Word of Wisdom has become firmly entrenched in the culture of the LDS Church and is considered an important part of one’s spiritual life. Mormons are strongly encouraged to abstain from coffee and tea and to instead seek other sources of energy, vigor, and refreshment, such as fruits and vegetables.
Of course, one still sees coffee and tea served at many LDS Church events, as well as elsewhere in society. Many Latter-day Saints don’t particularly like the taste of coffee or tea and prefer to abstain all together, while some moderate their consumption of these beverages, using them more as a pick-me-up on a particularly hard day.
At the end of the day, Mormons maintain control of their Coffee and Tea consumption and make the final decision as to how much they imbibe and how often- based on their personal beliefs and tastes. The LDS Church encourages its members to be mindful of their health and well-being, as well as maintain an individual personal responsibility for what they drink- and how it affects their physical and spiritual being.
Do Non-Mormons Participate in Abstinence from Caffeinated Beverages?
In recent times, there has been an increasing trend towards moderation in the consumption of caffeinated beverages. This could be explained in part by the growing awareness of some of the deleterious effects of excessive intake. But it could also be because of the positive benefits that are associated with the abstinence including reduced stress, more energy and clarity of mind, improved sleep quality and better overall health.
Non-Mormons, particularly in the health-conscious and spiritual communities, have also embraced the concept of abstaining from caffeinated beverages. Many people, regardless of their beliefs, are opting to substitute coffee and tea with healthy herbal infusions. Herbal infusions are usually made without caffeine and contain powerful health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and essential oils that are beneficial for the body in many different ways.
For many people, abstaining from caffeine has become an opportunity to develop healthier habits and enjoy the positive benefits of healthy living. Apart from skipping caffeinated beverages, individuals are also making small changes to their lifestyle, incorporating more rest and relaxation time and dedicating more energy to physical activity, reading and other hobbies.
Should Coffee and Tea be Discourage From All People?
As with anything, moderation is key when it comes to consuming caffeine. Moderate consumption of coffee and tea has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as improved alertness and lower risk of certain diseases. In that regard, it appears that Mormons and non-Mormons alike should be encouraged to drink their caffeinated beverages in moderation. Moreover, individuals should be mindful of the spiritual consequences of their consumption and be aware of their connection to various substances.
However, some individuals may need to abstain entirely from caffeine or be more mindful of their intake, such as pregnant women or people with underlying health conditions. In such cases, it is recommended that individuals explore other options, such as decaf coffee and tea, or other non-caffeinated drinks such as herbal teas, non-alcoholic beer, or sparkling water.
At the end of the day, whatever one chooses to drink is totally their own preference. Mormons and non-Mormons alike should make the decision that works best for them and keep in mind the principles of moderation, health and spiritual welfare.
Are There Distinct Benefits to Being Caffeine-Free?
Complete abstinence from caffeine can be difficult to achieve at first, but can prove to be rewarding. Results can include increased alertness, improved digestion and a stronger immune system. Many Latter-day Saints, recognize these benefits and seek to abstain from caffeine and other addictive substances.
These benefits have been noted by many experts and the trend of avoiding caffeine has grown significantly in recent years. Those actively abstaining from caffeine report having more energy, clearer skin and a better sense of overall well-being, since their bodies are not constantly struggling to keep up with their caffeine addiction.
For many members of the LDS Church, abstaining from caffeine has become an inspiring way to demonstrate personal conviction and to cultivate faith and trust in God. Knowing that they have the ability to give up an addiction and feel better than ever has provided spiritual motivation to continue abstaining from caffeine.
However, those looking to give up caffeine should be sure to approach the change gradually and incorporate other healthy habits in order to maintain the full spectrum of benefits of a caffeine-free lifestyle.
