Word of Wisdom Phase-in

This video discusses how and why the Word of Wisdom revelation was ‘phased-in’ over a 100 year period. Critics use this to try and shock members through ‘presentism’ - judging the past by the standards of today. In a recent study, a surprising number of active young church members seem to be living this principle in a more casual way - possibly using this history as justification? The video concludes with why trying to live this principle may be even more important than some realize.
This video was not produced by or meant to be an official representation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (known often in the past as the Mormon Church or LDS Church)
HERE IS A DIRECT LINK TO THE TRANSCRIPT OF THIS VIDEO FROM THE WEBSITE
latterdaysaintsqa.com/word-of...
Resources:
Podcast:
LDS Perspectives interview with Jed Woodworth on the Word of Wisdom
www.ldsperspectives.com/2017/...
KZbin video:
Church History Dept video on the Development & Practice of the Word of Wisdom
• The Word of Wisdom: De...
Website links:
history.lds.org/content/revel...
www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-con...
scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/v...
www.fairmormon.org/answers/Wo...
www.sltrib.com/religion/2018/...

[@JohnWilliams-dy5dz]

Through trying to live the word of wisdom the Lord has shown me that all his commandments are essentially words of wisdom. We’re blessed to have been given God’s wisdom in these areas instead of being left to our own limited wisdom. Following or ignoring God’s wisdom is an indication of how wise we are.

[@danite620]

This was a really great video . I see some of those videos more or less opposing the policy of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints , or the profits more exact . Yep they make some very good arguments . However , I believe we are to this day led by a living profit . And ever since becoming a member some forty two years ago , I have always raised my hand and agreed to sustain and follow the profit .Besides , I happen to like the idea that it sets us apart in society and the idea that I can make some small sacrifice .

[@MacieRivera]

I don't follow the word of wisdom perfectly. Nobody does. But I really don't think it's very extreme. If we can stop looking for loopholes and try to embrace all of the scriptures, we will be blessed.

[@Brian-nw3mp]

I remember seeing that the first two verses of Section 89 were added later, when the revelation was being sent to Missouri (Joseph Smith Papers). A great addition!

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Thanks for sharing

[@bencaw3]

Are you familiar with Leonard Arrington’s article An Economic Interpretation of The WoW?

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Yes, it was one of the sources I culled from for the comments I made on that subject in the middle of the video. I am glad you asked this question - I thought I had listed the article in the additional resources section (under the video description), but its not there - I am going to add it now. Thank you!

[@politikervoyagerreport8764]

Whats was the procedure used to Canonize this into the standard work of the D &C.Heber J Grant made this a requirement on his own so does it mean that his personal statement made it a doctrine ?

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

President Grant, acting as prophet, made this an inspired practice required for baptism and temple attendance, raising the bar after a century long phase-in. Prophets have the keys to put into place practices, which are not necessarily considered eternal doctrines - it doesn’t mean that they are not important or even required, only that they could possibly change in the future (and in fact, with the word of wisdom, this week additional items were added to prohibitions by our current prophet; in addition, as quoted in the video, we will drink wine with the Savior in the millennium (the start of the word of wisdom revelation itself states this was only given in consequence of current and future evil and conspiring men in the last days). I would also refer you to a video I did called Doctrines, Opinions & Practices - Sorting it All Out

[@politikervoyagerreport8764]

@@latterdaysaintsqa oh ok thanks for the clarification.Its appears then after 1921 it became a policy for baptism and temple attendance for ordinance. i see how this administrative requirement does have an indirect effect on some people who want to join the church (Baptism) and to those who want to perfome baptism ordinances and marriage.There is a general confusion amound members that it is actually a commandment or part of the eternal law and if you drink coffee it does have a direct effect on your salvation.The current official statement last week did not classify it as a `Commandment ' but a "Law of Health" which means it was not in contradiction to section 89

[@katbos4995]

When I worked as a nurse we did coffee enemas. Before an enema, we’d have the person drink coffee, it would help move things along. There was one patient who only had a movement once every 3 weeks. Then she screamed in pain for a day trying to have the movement. Afterwards she said she had to recover in bed for three days. Medications (stool softeners, laxatives, fiber, increased water consumption, etc) did not help. She was started on a cup of coffee every morning. She claims she goes daily with very little pain. I’ve never forgotten this and wondered where it fell into line with the WOW. (Side note: carrying rotting fecal matter for three weeks before ridding the body of it, can have health consequences in and of itself.) www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-does-coffee-make-you-poop#section1

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Wow - crazy story! As far as how it fits into the word of wisdom, my guess is it might be viewed like medical marijuana if used with a physician prescribed approach.

[@lafeharris8471]

As a missionary in an area with little access to medication in the 1990s I knew a sister who had migraines. Caffeine helps her migraines, and she had discussed with the mission president how to deal with her migraines. He suggested coffee since it has what she needed and is pretty inexpensive in that area. I think the Word of Wisdom is intended to help us, not put blockades on us. Many times we look for excuses not to obey important commandments, and I think the Word of Wisdom is one of the most important ones. It promises to protect us from the destroying angel and from some conspiring men. But medical conditions can also create exceptions when used as sincere treatments.

[@moonman239]

There is a very specific procedure for considering a statement from a prophet as doctrine: canonization. The First Presidency can propose a doctrinal change, but the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Seventy, and the general membership must then approve its canonization. Anything not canonized should be counted as pure speculation. Any changes to how the WoW is applied to the Church membership must undergo this process in order to be valid.

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

With regards to what is doctrine - let me share some resources I have found helpful: Starting with two episodes that were just released by Church History Matters (part of Scripture Central): What Do We Know and How Do We Know It: doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/podcast-episode/what-do-you-know-and-how-do-you-know-it/ How Do We Become Doctrinally Confident: doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/podcast-episode/how-do-we-become-doctrinally-confident/ Michael Goodman on Latter-day Saint Perspectives Podcast - “What is LDS Doctrine?”: ldsperspectives.com/2017/03/15/lds-doctrine-michael-goodman/ From BYU Religious Education YT Channel: Understanding Latter-day Saint Doctrine & History: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWW4Y4J_ZZWnedU My video entitled “Doctrines, Practices, Opinions - Sorting it all out” was one of the first videos I put together: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baXWZqifeapppqs

[@mmemonarch]

Thank you so much for this! Very eye opening!

[@brycepardoe658]

Amazing video. I'm not a Mormon and always thought it strange how Mormons don't smoke or anything yet Joseph Smith smoked cigars. Sometimes the moment he finished doing a sermon. This video explains it perfectly though. I wonder is substances that cause hallucinations or relax u not allowed?!? My people (Māori) will climb mountains or go deep into caves while drinking a tea we call kawa. We will also meditate in groves, near rivers, etc. Kawa aids us in m connecting with the divine. We also use fasting, going without sleep, or going without sleep for a time. Do Mormons use anything or do anything to help them connect with God?!?

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Church members do not practice taking any type of mind-altering substances to get closer to God. We do partake weekly of bread and water, as part of our sacrament worship services, to remember our Savior, repent of our sins and renew our baptismal covenants. We also believe deeply in the practice of pondering or meditating as a way to connect with God and hear his voice - but do it through prayer or meditation practices of various kinds (can include hiking in the mountains!). Here are some links to the current practice of the Word of Wisdom by church members, which you may find helpful: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-word-of-wisdom-august-2019 www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng

[@brycepardoe658]

@@latterdaysaintsqa Thanks for the answer and the video. Very interesting I love it. I like that church members can go meditate in the mountains. Also love how Joseph Smiths first vision was in a grove! Sounds like something we'd do only he did it without anything to aid him. Simply had a sincere heart.

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Thank you!

[@Greg-McIver]

Again I love what you do here. So many people focus on what not to do and ignore what the Lord says to do. I believe the sin of refined foods, drinks etc. is killing and making illl and obese. LDS are among if not the most overweight religious group. The phrase is 'Eat of the fat of the land" not "Be the fattest in the land." Doctrine and Covenants 89: 10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man 11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. 12 Yea, 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 then says grain used to be used as the "staff of life", not the foundation of it. You use a staff to stabilize yourself along the way. When there's plenty of greens, plants and fruit in season, no need for grains much unless you're just running short.

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

Thank you for the comment. Fascinating thought on the staff of life interpretation. I will also share this video with you that you should find interesting on some statistics regarding the relative health of the Latter-day Saints as well as a stunning evidence of the “conspiring men that would yet come related to the WofW” (D&C 89:4) - greatest fine in history just assessed in the last decade was a result of literally “deceiving and conspiring men” regarding tobacco: “Word of Wisdom: Recent Studies - Evidences”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXXEgZaLlK2reKc

[@politikervoyagerreport8764]

"Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four “standard works” of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. Isolated statements are often taken out of context, leaving their original meaning distorted" this was the church 's official statement on how doctrine is established." From your presentation,Heber J Grant did not include these new requirements in the standard works (D &C ) as what is required.They would have to replace then section 89 and canonize the new requirements then into doctrine and as a commandment since section 89 says its a not a commandment.

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

I just replied to this by posting to your prior comment below

[@brettmajeske3525]

My understanding is that Pres Grant did present the change to the body of the church in a general conference after having been confirmed by the full body of the Twevle.

[@windigo44]

D&C 89:9 "And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly." God does not mention tea. Tea and coffee were the prevailing "hot drinks" of the day but what if the tea is not drunk hot but at room temperature or refrigerated? D&C 89:10 ". . . all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man-" Why can't tea be properly considered as one such "wholesome herb" provided it is not served hot? Tea (Camellia sinensis), whether processed as white, green, or black, is demonstrated in thousands of nutrition science reports published over the better part of a century to deliver a sizable variety of health benefits (too numerous to mention here but readily Googled) to those who drink it regularly. Tannin is found in tea but also in strawberries, pomegranates, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, almonds, cloves, thyme, chickpeas, red beans, etc., all of which are health-promoting and not prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. Tea also contains caffeine but as caffeine-infused sodas are not prohibited, then why tea? A prohibition on tea consumption (provided it is not served so hot as to be injurious) is justified in one way only: obedience. In other words, you abstain not for jeopardy to health but only because you are so commanded. President Russell M. Nelson is a man of medical science by vocation and practice. Is he not perfectly situated in time and standing to redefine the Word of Wisdom not only by revelation but also as supported by ample nutrition science? While helpful on some levels, the current system as implemented is failing in significant ways to protect and promote the health of church members. Obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc., are rampant among the saints. They need their health code updated and, thereby, ought to be permitted to drink tea as part of that lifestyle. Yes, I know, who am I to tell the prophet of the Lord what to do? I get it.

[@latterdaysaintsqa]

I just shared some thoughts to a comment on the other word of wisdom video I have (an evidences video on recent studies) and it was addressing some big picture items that I thought might be helpful to your comment in certain ways, so here it is: While the core of the word of wisdom “don’ts” have health benefits associated, and concerns surrounding evil and conspiring men in the last days, when it later became a commandment, and then Heber J. Grant felt inspired that it was time to make it a requirement for temple entrance, its heightened practice also became a way of separating Latter-day Saints from the world - to stand out as a peculiar people (possibly similar to reasons for some of the odd practices we see ancient Israel be commanded to do). The blessings for following the word of wisdom are also not just health related, but spiritually related as well - maybe as a reward for obedience to abstaining from something that is popular in the world. Also the revelation wasn’t a list of whys behind it (other than the evil & conspiring mentioned earlier), but did include incredible promises as a result of adherence. You may like to see the latest update to the church handbook which even reworded the word of wisdom section to now say “word of wisdom and healthy practices” - in addition to continuing to follow the word of wisdom requirement, I like the focus on broad principles of health and seeking wisdom and prayerful judgement in the choices we are making. I also like this last line of the gospel topics section on the word of wisdom: prophets have taught that we should also follow healthy practices such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting sufficient rest. Here are those two items I just mentioned above: Latest update to the official church handbook: 38.7.14 Word of Wisdom and Healthy Practices The Word of Wisdom is a commandment of God. He revealed it for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. Prophets have clarified that the teachings in Doctrine and Covenants 89 include abstinence from tobacco, strong drinks (alcohol), and hot drinks (tea and coffee). Prophets have also taught members to avoid substances that are harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment. There are other harmful substances and practices that are not specified in the Word of Wisdom or by Church leaders. Members should use wisdom and prayerful judgment in making choices to promote their physical, spiritual, and emotional health. The Apostle Paul stated: “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Lord promises spiritual and temporal blessings to those who obey the Word of Wisdom and the guidance of living prophets (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21). www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number131 Church Gospel Topics - Word of Wisdom (last paragraph): Since its introduction, prophets have taught about the importance of following the Word of Wisdom. In addition, they have taught Church members to avoid substances that impair judgment or are harmful or highly addictive, whether legal or illegal. For example, vaping, the misuse of prescription drugs, and the recreational use of marijuana violate Church teachings (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [2020], 38.7.8; “Statement on the Word of Wisdom,” Aug. 15, 2019, newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Prophets have taught that we should also follow healthy practices such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting sufficient rest. www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng One last thing I will share - a helpful blog post on a number of related issues to the word of wisdom: www.thuswesee.com/2021/08/the-word-of-wisdom-simplified/