{"id":83167,"date":"2023-12-30T11:06:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-30T09:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/?p=83167"},"modified":"2023-12-30T11:06:02","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T09:06:02","slug":"why-cant-mormons-drink-coffee-or-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/why-cant-mormons-drink-coffee-or-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cant Mormons Drink Coffee Or Tea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mormonism and Coffee Consumption<\/h2>\n

Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, are typically known for their abstaining from alcohol; however, they also do not consume coffee or tea. This rule seems to defy easy explanation, as one might consider the caffeine in coffee and tea to be much less detrimental to a person’s health than alcohol. The reasons for the abstention from coffee and tea are found in Mormon scripture, as well as their Mormon Way of Life.<\/p>\n

Starting with scripture, in one of their chapters in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture similar in purpose to the Bible, the Church instructs against eating and drinking substances that are “harmful,” which it defines as “tea and coffee.” This passage is said to have been learned through the revelation of Church leader Joseph Smith.<\/p>\n

However, this appears to be a rather arbitrary definition of “harmful.” When asked to explain their behavior, many Mormons have gone on to cite the Word of Wisdom, which is another set of instructions set forth by Smith, as the main reason for not consuming coffee and tea. Found in the Doctrine and Covenants chapter, this passage tells Mormons to abstain from “hot drinks,” interpreted by some to mean all beverages (hot or not) that do not originate from fruits, grains, or vegetables. In the Interpretation of the Scriptures, the Church has indicated that these “hot drinks” are tea, coffee, or any other drink that contains an addictive substance.<\/p>\n

Still unsolved is the question of why the Church deem these beverages specifically to be dangerous. Some have cited the addictive nature of caffeine in coffee and tea, while others have speculated that the hidden dangers in these drinks may not be physiologically discernible. In any case, the Church’s teachings are said to encourage members to consume other beverages that are healthier alternatives. Thus, many Mormons drink drinks such as herbal teas, fruit juices, and soft drinks that are caffeine free.<\/p>\n