Mormons And Beer: What's The Deal?

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are advised against drinking alcohol, including beer. This is based on a revelation from God to the Church prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, known as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom outlines which foods and drinks are beneficial to the body and which substances should be avoided. It states that strong drinks are not for the belly.

However, there is some debate among Mormons about the interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. Some believe that mild drinks made with barley are permitted, and that beer falls into this category.

Mormons and alcohol

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe they are divinely advised not to drink alcohol, including beer and wine. This belief is based on a revelation from God, known as the Word of Wisdom, received by Church prophet Joseph Smith in 1833. The Word of Wisdom outlines which foods and drinks are beneficial for the body and which substances should be avoided. It states that "strong drinks are not for the belly", and that if anyone "drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good".

The Word of Wisdom does include an exception for sacramental wine, but early in the Church's history, wine was officially replaced with water for use in the sacrament.

While Latter-day Saints are free to choose whether or not they drink alcohol, abstaining from alcohol is a requirement to qualify for baptism and temple worship. Mormons believe that obedience to the Word of Wisdom will result in blessings of increased physical and spiritual well-being.

The Word of Wisdom has not always been stringently enforced, and there are varying interpretations of what it entails. For example, some Mormons are careful about avoiding even trace amounts of alcohol in food or flavourings, while others consume non-alcoholic or low-alcohol (3%) beer. Some sources suggest that the Word of Wisdom was more casually followed in the nineteenth century and that it became stricter over time, particularly during the temperance movement in the United States.

In addition to alcohol, the Word of Wisdom also advises against drinking coffee, tea (excluding herbal teas), and smoking tobacco.

The Word of Wisdom

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe they are divinely advised not to consume alcohol, including beer and wine. This belief is based on a revelation from God, received by the church prophet Joseph Smith on February 27, 1833, known as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a sacred text for many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement.

In addition to alcohol, the Word of Wisdom also prohibits the consumption of tobacco, tea, coffee (including decaffeinated varieties), and recreational drug use. It encourages healthy practices such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and adequate rest. Mormons are expected to follow these guidelines to qualify for baptism and full participation in the church, including temple worship and missionary service.

While Latter-day Saints are free to choose whether or not to drink alcohol, adherence to the Word of Wisdom is considered essential for increased physical and spiritual well-being. It is seen as a way to show devotion to God and is a significant aspect of Mormon identity and culture.

The dangers of alcohol

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe they are divinely advised not to consume alcohol, including beer and wine. This belief is based on a revelation from God received by the Church prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, known as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom outlines which foods and drinks are beneficial and harmful to the body.

Short-Term Effects

Alcohol can cause a range of immediate effects, including:

• Lowered inhibitions
• Relaxation or drowsiness
• Euphoria or giddiness
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Changes in hearing, vision, and perception
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired decision-making
• Loss of consciousness or memory gaps
• Dehydration-related effects like nausea, headache, and dizziness

Long-Term Effects

Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to various long-term health issues, including:

• Persistent changes in mood, including anxiety and irritability
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
• Weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses
• Changes in libido and sexual function
• Alterations in appetite and weight
• Memory and concentration problems
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Increased tension and conflict in relationships
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Liver disease and chronic liver inflammation (cirrhosis)
• Interference with blood sugar regulation, affecting those with diabetes or hypoglycemia
• Central nervous system damage, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Impaired ability to create long-term memories, make rational choices, and regulate emotions
• Brain damage, particularly in the frontal lobe, impacting executive functions
• Damage to the digestive tract, hindering proper digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Diarrhea, painful stools, ulcers, and hemorrhoids due to dehydration and constipation
• Increased risk of heart-related issues, such as difficulty pumping blood and absorbing vitamins and minerals
• Sexual health issues, including decreased sex hormone production, erectile dysfunction, and difficulties achieving orgasm
• Increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery during pregnancy
• Higher chances of cancer, including mouth, throat, breast, esophagus, colon, or liver cancer
• Psychological effects, including changes in memory, concentration, emotions, mood, and personality
• Alcohol-induced mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, sleep disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder
• Alcohol dependence and tolerance, leading to physical, emotional, and mental health symptoms upon cessation
• Increased risk of accidents, injuries, and violent or antisocial behavior
• Unsafe sexual practices, potentially resulting in unplanned pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections
• Social and economic consequences, including loss of personal possessions, relationship issues, and unplanned time off work or school

Alcohol Poisoning

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Alcohol poisoning occurs when alcohol interferes with the body's automatic functions, such as the gag reflex. It can cause a person to fall into a coma or even lead to death.

The history of the Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is the common name for a revelation that counsels the Latter-day Saints on maintaining good health. It was announced by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, as a revelation from God in 1833.

The Word of Wisdom was given in response to the Prophet's inquiry about tobacco, which was being used by some of the men attending the school. The revelation states that it is specifically for the latter days because of "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men". The Word of Wisdom prohibited the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. It noted tobacco as useful only for treating bruises and sick cattle. Hot drinks (later defined as coffee and tea) were not for "the body or belly". It also advised the use of meat, but suggested that it be restricted to winter or times of famine. The revelation places strong emphasis on the use of grains, particularly wheat, as the staple of the human diet.

The Word of Wisdom was not initially given as a commandment, and compliance with its teachings was sporadic from the late 1830s until the early years of the twentieth century. However, in 1851, President Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all members formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom, and his proposal was unanimously sustained by the membership of the Church.

The Word of Wisdom has become one of the recognized and peculiar practices of members of the Church. Many people who are not members of the Church know that members in good standing abstain from tobacco, coffee, tea, and all alcoholic beverages. Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of obeying the Word of Wisdom, with Latter-day Saints having fewer incidences of heart problems, all forms of cancer, and other diseases.

The Word of Wisdom is considered both a temporal and spiritual promise. The temporal promise has been interpreted as better health, and the spiritual promise as a closer relationship with God.

The Word of Wisdom and health

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe they are divinely advised not to drink alcohol, including beer and wine. This belief is based on a revelation from God received by the Church prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, known as the Word of Wisdom. This revelation outlines which foods and drinks are beneficial for the body and which substances should be avoided.

The Word of Wisdom states that "strong drinks are not for the belly", and that if anyone "drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good". While Latter-day Saints are free to choose whether or not to drink alcohol, abstaining from it is necessary to qualify for baptism and temple worship.

The Word of Wisdom is believed to bring blessings of increased physical and spiritual well-being. It is seen as a way to show devotion to God and stand out as a "peculiar people", often acting as a conversation starter about Mormon beliefs.

While Mormons are advised not to consume alcohol, there is some debate and variation in how this is interpreted and practised. For example, some Mormons avoid all alcohol, including in food or flavourings, while others may consume drinks with very low alcohol content, such as certain beers or herbal teas.

In addition to alcohol, the Word of Wisdom also advises against smoking and the use of harmful and addictive drugs. It encourages the consumption of wholesome herbs, fruits, and meat in times of famine or winter.

The Word of Wisdom is viewed as a way to promote health and well-being, strengthen the body and spirit, and bring individuals closer to God.

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