The Mormon Faith and Its Connectivity to Coffee
The connections that the faith of Mormonism has with coffee are largely rooted in culture and religious teachings which stipulate that consumption of the stimulant is generally avoided. Though there is no Biblical prohibition against the consumption of coffee, Mormon practitioners of the faith express a certain level of respect for the teachings of the faith which limit consumption.
Caffeine itself is not actually formally prohibited from consumption by the Mormon faith, as such, consumption of tea is also often avoided by adherents. Yet, due to coffee’s higher concentration of caffeine, it is ultimately the more commonly refrained from drink.
Mormon faith leaders have outlined certain standards for their worshippers which include certain specifications about healthy living. As Dr Jolyon Baraka Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies of Merrimack College, remarks: “Coffee is seen in Mormonism as something that is detrimental to one’s well being. So, seeing coffee as a health hazard, as a substance that is potentially addictive, and as something that interferes with spiritual growth, they are likely to ask their adherents to stay away from it in the same way they would stay away from say lots of fatty foods, refined sugars, or all sorts of substance that is treated less than healthful.” The Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) also specifically mentions coffee as something to be refrained from in their Health Code— also referred to as the Word of Wisdom— having been declared by Joseph Smith in 1833 as a guiding health law.
In fact, the Word of Wisdom includes Coffee in its strictures alongside other substances such as tobacco and even alcohol and stronger narcotics. The figurehead of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, himself declared that the Word of Wisdom was to be used “not only for the physical health of the Saint, but for their spiritual health as well. This placed coffee squarely in the health category. Thus, avoiding it was seen as an important way to create an environment in which the spiritual experience of faith might be realized.”
Essentially, the LDS Church seeks to distance itself from the world through cultivating healthier lifestyles which also in turn honors the spiritual growth of each individual follower of this faith and necessitates refraining from intoxicants or stimulants. As a result, adherents of this religion must forgo certain vices, including the consumption of coffee.
The Mormon View on Addiction
Mormonism has generally adopted a wide view in terms of addiction, understanding that all individuals have an innate capacity for substance abuse. Through their conception of the spirit and soul and a human’s constant spiritual cycle of development, adherents to the faith generally consider intoxication and addiction in regard to the harmful consequences that can be associated with it.
In the Mormon tradition, escaping addiction requires a conscious effort to move away from such dependencies and, according to the LDS Church, this necessitates removing such temptations. As such, coffee would fall into this category and be considered something that is to be avoided so as to not encourage addictive tendencies.
It is however, up to the individual if they are going to choose to partake in coffee or not, Mormon practices lean more towards abstinence from the drink, even if it rarely taken to extreme spiritual extents, as there is no absolute prohibition for the consumption of coffee.
Social Implications of Not Drinking Coffee
There can be social implications to not drinking coffee, as coffee is a popular beverage in everyday life and coffee conversations are fairly common in workplaces. Just as alcohol consumption can be a part of social interaction among coworkers, coffee consumption can often be seen as such as well, albeit in a more discreet fashion. To not partake in these social activities may lead to an individual feeling too different or socially awkward.
Coffee is almost an immediate response in the morning for some people, to the point where it can be argued the beverage is an essential part of a person’s daily routine. Going to work and not drinking coffee can be difficult to some, as caffeine stimulates one to be energized and alert. Going without coffee can lead to difficulty concentrating or focusing.
The abstention of coffee could also be an issue when engaging in business or events where coffee or tea is served or even symbolically offered for politeness. In this case, although individuals who adhere to the Mormon faith are well within their rights to not partake, good etiquette may require a meaningful gesture in the way of a non-alcoholic beverage, yet this may lead to difficulties in sourcing an appropriate beverage.
Exemptions to the Prohibition
The avoidance of certain mind-altering and stimulant beverages also includes prohibitions on many cold and caffeinated drinks. However, serious exemptions are made and Mormon adherents are not completely deprived from these drinks. Coffee and tea are not expected to be absent in Mormon-owned restaurants or those run by members of the faith.
Due to the need for business adherence to customer preferences, caffeinated beverages are widely available in Mormon-owned endeavours. Nonetheless, the importance of following the word of wisdom is nevertheless reinforced and held in the highest regard. Similarly, the use of coffee within homes determines the level of religious practice among the members of each Mormon family.
In addition, specific exemptions on caffeine and other substances may be applied to individual Mormons should medical necessity require it. This exemption applies mainly to those in medical positions, like nurses who might have to consume these substances to survive late night shifts. Where applicable, those who are able can be exempt from the traditional ban on coffee and caffeine.
Economic and Practical Reasons for the Proscription
On the whole, Mormonism places great emphasis on discipline and moral agency and therefore, coffee consumption is generally restricted. Oftentimes, coffee can become an impetus for debates regarding religious elements within the faith, with many adherents firmly adhering to the Word of Wisdom as a guiding principle for their lifestyle as Mormons.
Coffee remains a popular beverage to the rest of the world, however, and many perceive the drink as an integral part in the daily lives of both believers and non-believers alike. Practically, the financial burden on coffee can also be avoided, especially in those places like Utah, where Mormon influence has long been established.
Similarly, associated health costs of medical expenses can be minimized among adherents if they maintain a lifestyle that is free of caffeine and other stimulants. As such, eliminating coffee consumption already provides an additional financial benefit to adherers of a Mormon lifestyle.
Scheduling and Physiological Effects of Coffee Consumption
Browsing through Twitter or other social media sites, one will inevitably come across the term ‘coffee break’, a concept that is widely known among working individuals. Coffee consumption is often seen as a way to break the monotony of a nine-to-five job.
The popular beverage is used as an energy booster, or to help those in shift works to keep themselves awake and energized. Although the occasional energy drink or cup of coffee is not entirely out of the equation here, the consumption of coffee in larger dosages could pose complications for some.
The frequent consumption of coffee can also disrupt our body’s natural day-night cycle and therefore hamper our sleeping schedule, affecting our ability to have a full night of sleep. This could have damaging effects on our mental health, as well as impeding brain function and memory.
On the other hand, coffee does contain its benefits scientifically, improve alertness and cognitive abilities. However, the dangers associated with continuous consumption of the beverage may outweigh any of its positive effects.
Mormon Perspectives on Coffee
The LDS Church’s prevailing view on coffee consumption is one of abstinence. The ‘Word of Wisdom’ as referenced in Doctrine and Covenants, 89 outlines this stance on the topic: “hot drinks are not for the body or belly”. Though this law is not ban in the truest sense of the word, it is still taken very seriously by Mormon adherents.
Typically, the avoidance of coffee and other caffeine products is seen as a practice in self-control, an opportunity for each individual to practice discipline and ultimately maintain healthier lifestyles. This practice of self-discipline is an expression of one’s respect for their faith, as well as for their own body.
In several parts of the LDS Church’s official Gospel Principles manual, it states that “we may not understand the reasons for each of the Lord’s commands, but when we obey them, we show our love for Him.” This statement gives insight into the personal beliefs of Mormons when it comes to the consumption of coffee— it is a demonstration of faith and obedience.
Coffee and Mormon Culture
Despite its wide availability and popularity, the practice of abstaining or severely limiting the consumption of coffee has been deeply ingrained into the Mormon culture by religious instruction. For the purpose of spiritual and physical health and vitality, Mormons restrict the use of caffeine in general, and this naturally includes coffee and other tea beverages, considering their high levels of caffeine.
The popular beverage remains an integral part of nearly every day-to-day routine and lifestyle, however, it is strongly discouraged among Mormons who take their faith seriously and earnestly wish to maintain their ideal of a holy and Blameless life before God. It is ultimately not so much about what is recited in LDS doctrine as it is about the respect and reverence for the Word of Wisdom.
Drinking Habits Among Mormons
Mormons, for the most part, regulate their habits and drinking choices to adhere to their faith’s beliefs and their perception of what is considered to be spiritually healthy. In this regard, caffeine, more so than other stimulants, is almost universally avoided by followers of the faith.
According to the 2015 National ​Mormon Health Survey, only 17 percent of Mormons consume a caffeinated beverage at least once a month or more. This suggests that the majority of this group of believers abstains entirely or, at the very least, limits their consumption to a couple of occasions throughout the year.
It is also worth noting that younger Mormons tend to consume coffee and caffeinated beverages more frequently than those of older age groups, as reported by this same study. This discrepancy could be attributed to the general social norms in society in general, which tend to view coffee consumption as a normal activity.
The Effects of Coffee Consumption on Self-Control
Furthermore, Mormonism itself places importance on personal agency and self-control in an effort to avoid the pitfalls of addiction. With coffee being popularly seen as a stimulant and potential source of dependency, the LDS Church prefers to focus on abstinence from the drink in an effort to promote healthy self-control.
By limiting coffee consumption, adherents of this religion can develop a certain level of strong self-control and spiritual discipline preventing
