Food Habits and Cultural Traditions
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) prohibits its members from consuming coffee and hot drinks, which includes tea and other caffeinated beverages. This practice is often called the “Word of Wisdom” (WOW). Mormonism is famous for its abstinence from caffeine, but what does that mean for adherents? What does this abstention mean for their social lives, religious practices, and their overall wellbeing?
The Word of Wisdom originated from a revelation to Joseph Smith in 1833 that directed members to abstain from “hot drinks” . Historians generally agree that the term “hot drinks” was meant to refer to coffee and tea, along with other caffeinated beverages. The current official interpretation abides by this interpretation, and the church officially declared in the 1920s that coffee and tea are strictly forbidden. While other caffeinated beverages are not prohibited because their caffeine content is typically much lower.
Some members of the LDS church choose to take the Word of Wisdom very literally and restrict their diets even further to include only plant-based foods and certain animals’ food. Abstaining from coffee and other caffeinated drinks can make it difficult to navigate social interaction in modern American culture. Coffee, in particular, has become intensely popular and is often a central part of social interaction. On the other hand, coffee provides caffeine, which can make people feel invincible, at least for a short time. This is one of the downsides of abstaining from caffeine.
The decision to abstain from coffee and other caffeinated beverages shows the power of religious conviction. In addition to the moral issues regarding the consumption of coffee, adherents may also point out the physical health benefits of abstaining from such drinks. For example, studies have shown that regular consumption of caffeinated drinks can lead to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease. This makes it clear that following the Word of Wisdom can have serious health benefits.
In addition to the physical health benefits, it is believed that mental health benefits follow from abstaining from coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Participating in the Word of Wisdom is said to bring spiritual and mental clarity. This clarity can help adherents better discerning their spiritual journey. Furthermore, a regular prayer and meditation practice can bring relaxation, which increases self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Religious Identity and Social Interaction
The fact that the LDS church has chosen to focus on abstaining from coffee has significant implications for religious identity. It sets the LDS church apart from other faiths and cultures. This is part of the social identity of the church and separates it from other faiths and cultures. Furthermore, this abstinence provides a shared experience among church members and reinforces a sense of shared identity.
The decision to abstain from coffee also affects social interaction. As previously stated, coffee is often a central part of social interaction in the United States. Thus, choosing not to drink coffee can be seen as a form of social ostracism. Adherents must often make choices around socializing in order to abide by the Word of Wisdom. This can make it difficult to form relationships with those outside of the LDS church. Furthermore, having coffee-drinkers present in group settings can make it more difficult to adhere to the Word of Wisdom.
Moreover, society at large can stigmatize those who abstain from coffee and other caffeinated beverages. People may view them as “extreme” and “old-fashioned”. This can make it difficult for adherents to feel accepted in society and can further add to the feeling of social isolation.
Modern Takes on the Word of Wisdom
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of members of the LDS church choosing to drink caffeine, though still keeping to other aspects of the Word of Wisdom. Members of the church are beginning to look at this prohibition through a prism of personal liberty and moral relativism. This is part of an overall shift in American culture towards acceptance and inclusion of all lifestyles.
At the same time, others have chosen to take the Word of Wisdom very seriously, abstaining from all caffeinated drinks while keeping to the teachings of the church. This decision is not forced, but is instead made out of a personal desire to stay true to the teachings of the church. Choosing to abstain from coffee and other caffeinated beverages contributes to a sense of shared identity among adherents of the LDS church. This sense of shared identity is an important part of the social fabric of the church.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to abstain from coffee and other caffeinated drinks highlights the power of cultural and religious convictions. The decision to participate in the Word of Wisdom not only brings physical and mental health benefits, but also reinforces a sense of shared identity. Finally, adherents of the LDS church must navigate both modern society and church teachings in order to maintain a balance in their lives.
