Background and Understanding
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church, is a religious organization whose members are expected to follow certain principles and guidelines. Among these principles is the avoidance of coffee and tea, a topic of inquiry that has perplexed many. The official stance of the church is that coffee and tea should be avoided, as both contain substances that may be harmful to one’s health.
The most commonly cited source for this belief is an address given by Brigham Young, the second president of the Church. Young encouraged members of the Church to reduce their intake of coffee and tea, or abstain from them altogether. This statement is usually cited as the origin of the church’s stance on avoiding coffee and tea.
However, there are a few things to consider beyond just a health-related rationale. Members of the Mormon Church are expected to follow the principle of Word of Wisdom, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 89. This principle speaks of spiritual health by abstaining from harmful things and instead focusing on nourishing the body and spirit. This is often seen as the greater purpose of abstaining from coffee and tea, as it encourages individuals to focus on positive things rather than indulging in habits that could potentially be harmful.
Beyond this, there are also cultural and social implications. Much of the time, coffee and tea are consumed in social settings. This could potentially create a situation in which members of the Church are in a position to either indulge in something considered to be inappropriate, or to avoid such social occasions altogether. The Church’s stance on avoiding coffee and tea helps to both protect individuals from partaking something that could potentially be harmful, as well as from being placed in situations that would undermine their values.
Economic Impact of Avoiding Coffee and Tea
Despite its wide availability, coffee and tea make up a relatively small amount of global spending, amounting to only around 4%. This percentage is even smaller when considering just the United States, at only 2.5%. While the money generated by the industry is substantial, most of it goes to large companies, with only a small portion trickling down to farmers and producers.
The Mormon Church’s stance on abstaining from coffee and tea can potentially have an impact on the global market. As more and more members forgo the consumption of coffee and tea, the demand for these beverages decreases, resulting in lower profits for those involved in the industry. This in turn, could potentially have an economic impact on the countries where these beverages are produced, as the lack of demand and income could lead to less investment and fewer jobs.
Beyond economic implications, avoiding coffee and tea can also help individuals to better manage their finances. By doing away with unnecessary expenses such as coffee and tea, individuals can potentially save money that can be used for more beneficial purposes.
Moral Justifications
For many, the main justification for avoiding coffee and tea is a moral one. The Mormon Church has a strict stance on avoiding substances that can be considered unhealthy or dangerous, such as alcohol and drugs. By avoiding coffee and tea, members of the church can demonstrate their commitment to the values and guidelines of the faith.
Forcing an individual to abstain from certain substances is never an ideal position, however, it can be argued that it is in the interest of both the individual and those around them. By abstaining from coffee and tea, members of the Church can demonstrate their commitment to the faith, while also avoiding the potential health risks associated with consumption of these beverages.
It is important to note that while abstinence is encouraged, it is not compulsory. and there are members of the church who consume coffee and tea in varying amounts. While members of the Church are expected to avoid any kind of indulgence that could be considered inappropriate, members are nevertheless free to make their own choices, so long as those choices do not contradict the teachings of the faith.
Scientific Rationale
From a scientific standpoint, there are a few notable risks associated with the consumption of coffee and tea. Both these substances contain caffeine, which can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning it can increase blood pressure and heart rate, causing headaches and making it difficult for individuals to sleep.
In addition, the acidity of both coffee and tea can be damaging to teeth and stomach lining. Additionally, individuals can become dependent on caffeine, leading to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from it. For these reasons, it is understandable why the Church advocates abstinence from these substances.
Public Perception
The Church’s stance on abstaining from coffee and tea has been met with both criticism and praise. While some have argued that such an abstinence is overly extreme, others have praised the Church for its measured approach to the issue. Whatever the case may be, the Church’s abstention policy remains a topic of debate among members and non-members alike.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the Church’s stance is largely reflective of its values and principles. Abstaining from coffee and tea is just one of many aspects of life that members of the Church are expected to observe. For this reason, members of the Church are encouraged to have a perspective on the issue that is in line with the teachings of the faith.
That being said, it is also important to recognize that this is ultimately a personal choice. It is up to individuals to decide for themselves whether or not to consume coffee and tea. Whether someone chooses to avoid these substances or not, it is important to respect the beliefs and choices of those around us.
Public Health Benefits of Abstinence
By avoiding coffee and tea, individuals may also be able to reap some public health benefits. As previously mentioned, caffeine can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, such as headaches, insomnia, and dependency. A decrease in the consumption of caffeinated beverages can potentially lead to greater overall health and well-being.
Additionally, there are environmental benefits as well. Coffee and tea are typically packaged in single-use plastics, which can do harm to the planet when their accumulation is not properly managed. By avoiding either beverage, members of the Church can help to reduce this waste and create more environmentally-conscious communities.
Historical Precedent
The Church’s position on avoiding coffee and tea is nothing new. For centuries, different cultures have had various views and practices regarding coffee and tea. In many religious systems, coffee and tea were seen as inappropriate, and even deemed dangerous. Fortunately, with advancements in science, we are now able to better understand the effects of both coffee and tea and make better decisions for our own health.
What is important to note is that the Church’s position on coffee and tea has been consistent throughout its history. Since the Church’s establishment in 1830, the stance on avoiding coffee and tea has not changed, and these substances remain a matter of personal choice.
Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
Given the Church’s stance on avoiding coffee and tea, individuals can explore a number of alternatives. In recent years, the market has seen a surge of healthier alternatives, such as herbal teas and coffee substitutes. Additionally, smoothies and juices have become increasingly popular, as have hot chocolate and chai lattes.
These alternatives can be a great way to satisfy cravings without indulging in something that may be seen as inappropriate. Additionally, these alternatives can be a great way to explore different flavors and indulgences while still remaining true to one’s values. This can open up numerous options for ensuring that individuals remain true to their beliefs while still partaking in something that can be considered indulgent.
Accommodations for Church Gatherings
Since the general expectation within the Church is to avoid coffee and tea, accommodations have had to be made for Church meet-ups and gatherings. For example, for meetings at the Church headquarters, coffee and tea are typically not available. Additionally, many modern Church meetings are now equipped with alternate refreshments, such as juices and flavored waters.
While this accommodation may be seen as restrictive to some, it helps to ensure that attendees are not put in a position to have to either choose between drinking something contrary to their beliefs or abstaining and missing out on social engagement. By providing non-coffee/tea options, the Church is able to protect its members in this regard.
Educational Platforms and Resources
In addition to making accommodations for Church gatherings, the Church also provides numerous educational platforms and resources to help individuals better understand the implications of coffee and tea consumption. An example of this is the Church’s website, which has a variety of educational material related to nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
The Church also provides guidance to members on numerous topics, such as diet, exercise, and even social activities. All of these resources serve to help members understand the implications of both coffee and tea consumption, as well as the benefits of following the Word of Wisdom more generally.
Exploring Moderation and Balance
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume coffee and tea is a personal one. While the Church does advocate for its members to abstain from such indulgences, individuals are ultimately free to make their own choices. That being said, the Church does encourage moderation and balance in all things, and members can take this into account when deciding whether or not to partake in such activities.
At the end of the day, engaging in healthy activities and habits should be the primary goal. For those that do choose to consume coffee or tea, it is important to ensure moderation and to pay attention to one’s health. By taking these considerations into account, individuals can ensure that they are making decisions that are both beneficial for themselves and for their community.
