Introduction
To answer why Mormons do not drink coffee or tea, we must understand what the Mormon church is, its beliefs, and the key teachings which guide their lifestyle. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a religious denomination founded in the State of New York in 1830. Mormonism has a distinct set of practices and beliefs, and its members are sometimes referred to as ‘Mormons’.
John Smith and The Book of Mormon
The religious leader of the Mormon church, John Smith, is said to have been inspired from ancient prophets in receiving The Book of Mormon. This book is said to validate the teachings of Jesus Christ and its related scriptures. Among such teachings, the Mormons’ view on the consumption of coffee and tea conflicted with the teachings contained in The Book of Mormon.
Mormon’s View on Coffee and Tea
The Mormons’ view on coffee and tea is primarily based on the phrase ‘Word of Wisdom’ contained in the Book of Mormon. This phrase states that caffeine-containing beverages are not good for human health and considered as ‘hot drinks’. Consequently, the LDS church teaches its followers not to consume coffee and tea. In particular, the intake of such ‘hot drinks’ would result in a range of physical suffering such as headaches, stumbling, and ‘sleep’.
The Mormonism Code of Health
Mormonism has a code of health, or what is termed as the ‘Word of Wisdom’, which was revealed to the church’s Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833. This document prohibits the use of any stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine and outlines a specific set of rules and dietary restrictions.
Is Non-Compliance Punished?
The Book of Mormon encourages its followers to abstain from coffee and tea, but there is no punishment outlined for non-compliance. Those who drink it may be considered as violating the morals and discipline of the church, and other church members may even criticize them. Additionally, bishops and other religious authorities may advise members against drinking coffee and/or tea and suggest alternative options such as herbal teas.
Other Rules and Beliefs
The Book of Mormon also imposes other rules and beliefs such as the use of garments. All Mormon adult males who have gone through the temple ceremonies must wear the garments 24 hours a day. This dress code should not be removed even when showering or during physical activities. Additionally, Celibacy is a belief in Mormon church which prohibits its members from engaging in any intimate activity outside of marriage.
Pros and Cons of Abstaining from Coffee and Tea
Despite the restrictions and prohibitions outlined in the Book of Mormon, abstaining from coffee and tea offers a range of benefits. Such beverages can cause an increased heart rate and jitteriness, and avoiding them ensures the preservation of physical and mental health. Furthermore, the belief of abstaining from caffeine ties in with other restrictions outlined in the Book of Mormon such as celebrating the Sabbath and doing charity work.
Conclusion
Overall, the Mormon church follows a strict set of teachings and beliefs, as outlined in The Book of Mormon, which includes abstaining from coffee and tea. For this reason, members of the LDS church are expected to refrain from consuming such ‘hot drinks’. While this may seem like a difficult restriction, regular abstinence from caffeine-containing beverages can be rewarding, both for physical and mental health and for moral discipline.
