by Anonymous on January 4th, 2004
It's actually a myth that Mormons are required to avoid caffeine. What is proscribed are “hot drinks”, this term having been clarified to mean specifically coffee and tea, and to include cold and decaffeinated versions thereof; but not including herbal teas.
The source for this is what we call “The Word of Wisdom”, which is found in the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. See http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/89
Originally, this was given as advice, and not as a commandment. In the early days of the church, members were encouraged to obey it, but were entirely free to disregard it.
It has been narrowed and raised to the status of a commandment. In current application, the Word of Wisdom means that members are commanded to abstain from the use of:
• Strong drink (meaning alcoholic beverages)
• Hot drinks (meaning, as I said before, coffee and tea)
…and…
• Tobacco
This is “the letter of the law”, so to speak, which one must obey in order to remain a Mormon in good standing.
The spirit of the Word of Wisdom dictates that we are to take care of our bodies, and to avoid using or ingesting any product that is harmful to us. However, beyond the three things mentioned above, this is entirely a matter of personal conscience and choice. I think the following statement by Spencer W. Kimball, who was the prophet and president of the church some years ago, best clarifies the principles involved here:
“I never drink any of the cola drinks and my personal
hope would be that no one would. However, they are
not included in the Word of Wisdom in its technical
application. I quote from a letter from the secretary
to the First Presidency, ‘But the spirit of the Word of
Wisdom would be violated by the drinking or eating of
anything that contained a habit-forming drug.’ With
reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never
officially taken any attitude on this at but I personally
do not put them in the class as with the tea and coffee
because the Lord specifically mentioned them [the hot
drinks].”
(Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 202.)
by Krys on August 15th, 2007
The truth is that they cannot drink caffeinated beverages,although some will drink soda for "headaches".
Hot drinks are prohibited in general because of scripture, but in practice, it is interpreted to mean herbal teas and hot chocolate are usually accepted.
by Kim Siever on April 1st, 2005
To answer the question that was posted (why do Mormons abstain from caffeinated drinks), rather than answer a question that was not (why are Mormons required to abstain from caffeinated drinks), here is my response. Some Mormons abstain from caffeinated drinks because they have extrapolated that since tea and coffee are prohibited and both contain caffeine, it must be the caffeine that is bad.
As has already been repeated several times, this is nothing but personal opinion and is not an official practise. It is simply personal preference and tradition.
by ARENA-ThumP on July 7th, 2003
Well, it's not really a hard and fast *rule* that Mormons aren't supposed to drink caffeinated beverages. There are the "black and white" guidelines that we've all come to know and love about Mormons, who consider these rules to be commandments. These include things like "no smoking", "no alcohol", "no premarital sex". You know, all the good stuff.
There are also the "grey areas". These are things that have been strongly suggested - but according to my knowledge aren't going to get you in serious trouble. You're just supposed to avoid them. These include things like drinking Coke or Pepsi, or perhaps watching rated "R" movies.
Why no Coke? Well, it has to do with another Mormon belief about always being in control of oneself. Things that can cause addictions are generally bad. Since we all know that caffeine can be addicting - that's bad.
by Corey Poindexter on April 17th, 2004
This answer is not to disagree with nor contend what has already been written. The simple answer is this: God has made it clear, since the very beginning, that we are left to make our own choices in regards to His commandments. God, in His infinite wisdom, understands that human nature cannot and will not be compelled to do something it does not want. In fact, human nature is about being free to choose.
As to the Word of Wisdom, it is something that is to be followed for a healthy life. In this evidence is found about diets and dieting, when to eat certain foods for the most productivity, etc. Further revelation can be received through prayer and meditation because let's face it, not everyone is the same. A diabetic cannot eat the same foods as someone with a heart condition. Also, every natural element on this planet has been put here for the benefit of man. Cocaine, morphine, heroin, tobacco, caffeine, wine, etc are all beneficial to the human race as long as they are used correctly. However, there in is the trick, using it correctly. Abuse is very easy to accomplish and care coupled with medical knowledge AND experience is should be strictly adhered to.
In short, it comes back to the member and their level of commitment to the Lord in obedience to the commands that are set forth.
by Anonymous on December 11th, 2007
because it is not good for you.And facts have included that it is made from tannic acid,which is very bad for you.
by Glenn Blaylock on August 16th, 2007
To be honest, we don't really know why the Lord prohibited coffee and tea. It has been assumed that it is because of the caffeine they contain, but the prohibition does not officially extend to other caffeinated beverages. Some of our leaders have discouraged these other beverages, but this has never been raised to the same level as the prohibitions against coffee or tea. Others have proposed other reasons for this restriction, but we really don't know why the Lord forbade them.
By the way, herbal teas and hot chocolate are allowed.
by Anonymous on September 19th, 2005
Because we are to avoid unhealthful things. Caffeine, as a "recreational drug," is not healthful. Some (like myself) don't use caffeine except when we need a mild stimulant for health or safety reasons and prefer one which is relatively benign.
Far from being an excuse, when given the choice between pharmacueticals and caffeine, caffeine wins hands-down.
by Jed Merrill on April 11th, 2008
If you want to know the answer to this question, I suggest you read the source:
D&C 89 (link)
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89
"Hot drinks" were later defined specifically as coffee and tea. Drinks like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper did not exist back then, and are avoided by many Mormons based on the supposition that the warning here relates to caffeine, which also was not discovered as a substance until long after this revelation.
The main point here is that every herb and grain is created for a purpose and should be used for that purpose. Tobacco is good for wounds of cattle, for example, but it was never meant by God to be smoked or chewed.
The Jews also had/have a dietary code that proscribed eating meat from animals that have cloven hooves, like pigs. This probably saved them from a variety of diseases common in that day, and also served a symbolic purpose to early Christians, when Peter had a vision instructing him to now eat such things, as God had made them clean. (He was referring to being allowed to preach to the Gentiles.)
On a deeper level, Mormons believe that the "body is a temple" in which the Holy Spirit may dwell, and if we are addicted to drugs of any kind, including caffeine, it could disrupt our ability to recognize God's voice or influence, which are sometimes critical to our temporal survival (think DUI) and certainly play a part in our spiritual welfare and progression.
I think Proverbs 31 in the Old Testament is instructive. A mother tells her son that strong drink is not for princes, but for those who are ready to perish. If we understand our true role in relation to God, we will partake of nothing that keeps us from enjoying the full benefits or fulfilling the spiritually royal responsibilities associated with that role.
Put very simply, those who live by this counsel can expect to enjoy both spiritual and physical benefits.
As a Mormon myself, I believe that the discipline it takes to avoid certain things has helped refine my character. Will I go to hell if I drink caffeine? No. Will I limit my potential for learning and growth and lose both spiritual and physical benefits? Yes.
by Lisainsala on April 11th, 2008
There are some erroneous facts posted on this question that some need to consider about tea. Tannic acid from tea is NOT the same tannic acid used in tanning leather. There is huge difference in the chemestry in the type of tannic acid in tea that happens to have the same name. (see teatalk.com/science/tannin.htm) Further, recent research on tea suggests that tannin (the tea kind) also contain anti-oxidents, Medscape (a fairly reliable medical website) suggests that tannin is helpful in the treatment of liver encymes, diabetes with properties helpful in metabolizing glycemic levels, and may be helpful in assisting with treatments of some cancers.
The question posed concern mainly with caffeine. Tannins (the tea kind) are actually not toxic but medicinally helpful. Cultures around the world for centuries have been using tea for its medicinal properties. (google: history of tea)
by Anonymous on December 11th, 2007
lisa boyd, well from what i was told, tea is different,because it comes from the skin hyde of a horse. However,taking the hyde off of a horse process' tannic acid by making tea juice. I was told this by my husband,in which he is a mormon,true leader of jesus christ of latter-day saints.And that's where tea comes from.
by [insert name] on March 21st, 2007
because its addicting and thats not good ^-^
by JohnDough on April 11th, 2008
Matt 15:16-19 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. "
by Charles Sampson on July 15th, 2004
I agree with Bob, although when Pres. Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace, he made a statement that pretty much set a new standard for cola drinkers. We don't do it.
by element13 on June 3rd, 2008
We need to be careful and check our facts before we go and label caffeine as "harmful." While it certainly CAN be, so can water - you can die from water intoxication. There are many positive effects of caffeine.
Caffeine is an ergogenic: increasing the capacity for mental or physical labor. A study conducted in 1979 showed a 7% increase in distance cycled over a period of two hours in subjects who consumed caffeine compared to control tests. Other studies attained much more dramatic results; one particular study of trained runners showed a 44% increase in "race-pace" endurance, as well as a 51% increase in cycling endurance, after a dosage of 9 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. The extensive boost shown in the runners is not an isolated case; additional studies have reported similar effects. Another study found 5.5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body mass resulted in subjects cycling 29% longer during high intensity circuits.
Caffeine citrate has proven to be of short and long term benefit in treating the breathing disorders of apnea of prematurity and bronchopulmonary displasia in premature infants. The only short term risk associated with caffeine citrate treatment is a temporary reduction in weight gain during the therapy, and longer term studies have shown lasting benefits of treatment of premature infants with caffeine.
Caffeine makes pain relievers 40% more effective in relieving headaches and helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief.
Several large studies have shown that caffeine intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) in men, but studies in women have been inconclusive.
According to one study, caffeine significantly reduces the risk of heart disease in epidemiological studies.
There is no scientific evidence for the mistaken but common belief that caffeine consumption causes stunted growth in children.
I'm sure the "higher-ups" know about those of us with a "problem" with caffeine, and I think it is safe to say that if caffeine truely was not allowed, they probably would have cleared up the confusion and said so by now.
P.S. There's a good talk by Elder Quintin L Cook, of the twelve, entitled "Looking Beyond the Mark." And I quote:
"Certain members have wanted to add substantially to various doctrines. An example might be when one advocates additions to the Word of Wisdom that are not authorized by the Brethren and proselytes others to adopt these interpretations. If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark."
"When we look beyond the mark, we are looking beyond Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we might be saved. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Jacob saw that the Jews would look 'beyond the mark' and stumble in their search for the Holy One of Israel, this literal Son of God to be known as Jesus Christ: 'By the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.'"
by juliejules on November 16th, 2008
...back in the day, wine was grape juice, so there wasn't any commandment to not drink wine, if you have ever drank any type of alcohol, you definately understand the description of a "burning" sensation...henceforth the " hot drink" that we are to avoid. not hot chocolate or herbal tea. as far as the tannic acid thing...makes sence to me...i don't want my tummy looking like cow hide...and if you have ever drank coffee, well you also know that it will upset your tummy...bottom line...if it's bad for you don't do it. no one says that you are forbidden to eat chocolate donuts, but i don't think you were ment to eat a dozen or more a day for life...get my point?
Is there any type of customary or traditional foods for Mormons?
by Anonymous on June 12th, 2007
| 3 people like this
Hot chocolate has a lot of caffeine, so why do Mormons drink it?
by Alatea on November 12th, 2005
| 6 people like this
God revealed the "Word of Wisdom" (D&C 89) as a health guide for the Saints. Why did he not mention the necessity of boiling questionable water, avoiding excessive salt, avoiding obesity, washing hands after voiding?
by Mister IT has a Liahona equipped COAT on February 27th, 2009
| 3 people like this
If it is considered wrong to drink alcohol, then why was it ok for Jesus to drink wine?
by Spixxy on August 25th, 2004
| 14 people like this
Do the Mormons really discourage their members from drinking coffee?
by Zandalee.Lonely.Lunatic.3yrs-here on August 19th, 2007
| 9 people like this
You're reading Why do some Mormons abstain from drinks with caffeine in them?
- which can also be phrased in the following ways:
Why can't Mormons drink coffee, but they can drink Coke? Why can't they drink herbal teas?
Why does the temperature of the drink matter? If their Coke gets warm, can they still drink it?
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Comments
by Glenn Blaylock on October 25th, 2005
by Seanette on November 7th, 2005
I like how you included specific references to back up your information.
by hert828 on April 17th, 2006
(^ Bob) Thank you, thank you! *hugs Bob*s knees* *straightens up, rather embarrassed* Ahem. Look, it just needed to be said, all right? Coffee and tea are out because of a chemical called tanic acid. Know what a tanner does? They use tanic acid.
by Rottweiler on October 18th, 2006
It's never been made clear why tea and coffee are proscribed; just that they are. Once it became clear that caffeine wasn't the reason, some speculated that perhaps it was tannic acid. But this is a speculation, just as caffeine was.
by Anonymous on November 18th, 2006
Bob:
Rational and well spoken with references to back your explanation up. Thank you!!
~ Krys
by Krys on December 17th, 2007