Barley Drink: Beer Or Not?

The Mormon scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 89:17, mentions mild drinks made from barley. This has been interpreted by some as a reference to beer, which is often made from barley. However, the Mormon church's current interpretation of the Word of Wisdom forbids the consumption of any alcoholic beverages, including beer. So, while a mild barley drink could be considered beer, the Mormon church does not condone drinking it.

Mild barley drinks were likely beers with alcohol levels of 1-5%

Barley has been used as a source of fermentable material for beer for thousands of years. In fact, barley beer was probably one of the first alcoholic drinks developed by Neolithic humans.

In the context of mild drinks, "mild" likely refers to low alcohol content, with beers typically falling in the range of 1-5% alcohol by volume. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the Word of Wisdom, a set of health guidelines followed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons), forbids the consumption of "strong drinks" and wine, but does not specifically mention beer.

Some historical context provides additional evidence for this interpretation. During the time of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, it was common for men, women, and older children to consume low-alcohol "table beer". Additionally, Smith himself sold mild beers to help support his family financially.

While the interpretation and implementation of the Word of Wisdom have evolved over time, with the current interpretation forbidding all alcoholic beverages, including beer, the original intent appears to have allowed for the consumption of mild barley drinks, or low-alcohol beers.

The Word of Wisdom was not initially a commandment, and many early saints drank beer

The Word of Wisdom, a section of the Doctrine and Covenants, is a sacred text for many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement. It defines beliefs regarding certain drugs, nutritious ingredients, and the counsel to eat meat sparingly. It also offers promises to those who follow its guidance.

The Word of Wisdom was dictated by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, on February 27, 1833. It was initially not interpreted as demanding total abstinence. In fact, Smith himself is recorded at various times drinking wine, beer, and tea, and using tobacco.

In the text of the Word of Wisdom, "strong drink" is forbidden. This was initially interpreted as referring to distilled beverages (hard liquor), and did not include beer or lightly fermented wine. Beer, unfermented or lightly fermented wine, and cider were considered "mild drinks" and therefore acceptable under certain circumstances.

The complete prohibition on alcohol was phased in gradually. In 1851, Brigham Young, who led the largest faction of the movement after Smith's death, called on the attendees to "leave off the use" of items mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. However, the church was tolerant of those who did not follow it. It was not until 1921, under LDS Church president Heber J. Grant, that adherence to the Word of Wisdom became a prerequisite for temple admission.

Thus, while many early saints drank beer, the Word of Wisdom gradually became a commandment over time.

Beer is made through the fermentation of starches, mainly derived from cereal grains, most commonly malted barley

Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world. It is produced through the brewing and fermentation of starches, mainly derived from cereal grains, most commonly malted barley.

Malted barley is often referred to as the "Heart of Beer" as it provides the complex carbohydrates and sugars necessary for fermentation. The process of malting involves soaking barley in water, allowing it to germinate, and then drying it. This prepares the starches in the barley to be converted into fermentable sugars, which are essential for the brewing process.

During brewing, the malted barley is combined with hot water to create a sugary liquid called wort. The wort is then fermented using yeast, which converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in the alcoholic beverage known as beer.

While barley is the most common grain used in beer production, other cereal grains such as wheat, maize (corn), rice, and oats are also commonly used. The choice of grain can impact the flavour, colour, and overall characteristics of the beer.

The fermentation process and specific grains used can also determine the alcohol content of the beer. Beer typically has an alcohol content ranging from less than 3% to around 14% alcohol by volume (ABV), but this can be increased through different fermentation methods.

In summary, beer is predominantly made through the fermentation of starches derived from cereal grains, with malted barley being the most commonly used grain. The fermentation process, grain selection, and brewing techniques all contribute to the unique characteristics and flavour profiles of the final beer product.

The Word of Wisdom was given to improve the economic and health situations of members

The Word of Wisdom is a code of health that was given to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1833 by Joseph Smith, the "Mormon" Prophet. It is a part of the Church's religious system and declares that the care of the body is a sacred duty. The Word of Wisdom is not another food fad, but a simple, rational dietary system that conforms to general human experience and to accurate scientific knowledge. It is an important guide to physical welfare.

The Word of Wisdom is not a commandment, but a principle with a promise. It is adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints. It is a law of the Church.

The Word of Wisdom provides that wine used for the Sacrament should be "pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make." This statement is understood to mean new or unfermented grape juice, since the Word of Wisdom declares unequivocally against the internal use of alcohol in any form.

The Word of Wisdom also states that "hot drinks are not for the body or belly." This has been interpreted to refer to tea and coffee, the two common household beverages of the day.

The Word of Wisdom also includes the following:

• "All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man."
• "All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth."
• "Flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine."

The Word of Wisdom has been shown to promote good health. For example, the death rate among the Latter-day Saints is lower compared with that of the United States as a whole. The birth rate among the Latter-day Saints is also higher. The Latter-day Saints have also been shown to have lower rates of insanity, divorce, and illegitimacy.

There are non-alcoholic beers that still contain barley

While barley is a key ingredient in the fermentation process of beer, it is possible to brew beer without it. Beers made without barley date back to the 1920s during Prohibition, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms decreed that beer must contain at least 25% barley. However, in 2006, Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee created a gluten-free beer made with sorghum instead of barley, leading to an expanded definition of beer to include any cereal grain. Today, there are a variety of non-barley beers on the market, made from grains like millet, corn, sorghum, rice, maguey, and buckwheat. These beers cater to the demand for gluten-free products, as well as cultural and historical interests.

Despite the availability of beers without barley, it is important to note that barley is still commonly used in the brewing process. Barley was one of the first domesticated grains in the Fertile Crescent, and it has been used as a source of fermentable material for beer for thousands of years. It is a versatile grain that can be used to make a wide range of drinks, from thin herbal teas and beers to thicker drinkable puddings and gruels.

In the context of mild drinks, the phrase "barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks" has been interpreted by some to imply that mild drinks refer to drinks with low alcohol content, such as beer. This interpretation is supported by the mention of "strong drink" in other passages, which is often associated with high alcohol content. Additionally, in the past, men, women, and older children frequently consumed low-alcohol "table beer", further suggesting that mild drinks could include beer.

While there are non-alcoholic beers that still contain barley, it is worth noting that the inclusion of barley does not necessarily define a beverage as beer. The definition of beer has evolved to include a wider range of grains, and the distinction between beer and non-beer beverages may depend on factors such as cultural context, brewing techniques, and customer acceptance. Ultimately, the interpretation of whether a mild barley drink constitutes beer may vary depending on individual perspectives and preferences.

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