A lot of friends and acquaintances of mine are exceedingly worried about my health. In reality, it is really sweet and I greatly appreciate it. But when it’s not my friend who’s concerned about my health and someone trying to accuse me of something because I’m Mormon who tries really hard to follow the Word of Wisdom, they usually go for the attack of “Well… you can’t drink coffee!”

Sure I can! My body metabolizes things pretty normally. My body doesn’t host a special Mormon metabolism that only works for certain things. I can use the muscles in my mouth and throat to swallow a number of things like coffee or hamburgers. I can drink coffee exactly like you can! At least I think I can. Isn’t it usually in the form of a beverage and something you drink? If that’s the case then yes! I am totally capable of drinking coffee.

The question should be phrased as “Do you drink coffee?”

That changes the whole sentiment. The answer to that particular question is, “No, not really.” Yes, part of the reason I don’t consume coffee is because it’s against the Church’s health code. AKA the Word of Wisdom.

What is the Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom is our health code and can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Section 89. I left a link at the end for your reading pleasure. It outlines the “do’s” and the “don’t’s”, the why’s, and the blessings of a healthy diet.

The Do’s include…

• Eat meat. Sparingly.
• Wholesome Herbs are to be used by people in season, as well as fruits.
• Grains are the “staff of life” for every living creature.
• We are asked to consume all these things, in prudence, with gratitude in our hearts.

The don’t’s include…

• “Strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies” and ” hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” Our modern day prophets have clarified that includes alcohol, coffee, and tea. I personally include soda and energy drinks because caffeine is addictive.
• It clarifies that tobacco is not for eating or smoking but that it’s an herb meant for healing.
• Nowadays, this includes the use and abuse of drugs: Legal and illegal.

The other reason I don’t partake in the consumption of coffee is because I don’t like how coffee (caffeine) makes me feel. It makes me feel like I’m going nuts, having a heart attack, and jittery.

In reality, our health code is really quite simple.

The main idea of the Word of Wisdom, our health code, is to eat things in moderation and avoid addictions.

For me personally, I’ve not only cut out caffeine in all the forms I’m aware of but I’ve cut out sugar. I’ll probably have to cut out cheese next… I’m pretty sure cheese has me hooked.  

Remember what I said about the blessings?

Let’s dig into that. The blessings of not drinking coffee and following the outline of the Word of Wisdom is all about health. Go figure. It’s not about control; it’s not about restriction; it’s about the promise of the best possible health and freedom we can attain through our diets.

SOOOOO many people insist that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is all about controlling people. Sorry to disappoint ye naysayers, but it’s not! It’s about being free from vices.

Once upon a time, I worked at a coffee shop.

While working at the coffee shop, I learned to loath what I referred to as the ‘Coffee Zombies’. They’re the people who are flat out useless and rude until they get “their” coffee. That’s why I always get so annoyed when people view the Word of Wisdom as a freedom restricter. When I see Coffee Zombies, I see a lack of personal freedom.

*Disclaimer: I met my hubby at this coffee shop. He is a recovering Coffee Zombie. Also while working at this coffee shop, I drank coffee. That’s how I know I really do not like it. (Refer to the video above)

Anywhoodles, there are the facts mixed with my opinions/experiences.

Thanks once again for reading my ramblings!

If you enjoyed what you read, please share! It’d be really awesome if you did 🙂

Further Information:

*What are the Doctrine & Covenants (D&C)?:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/introduction?lang=eng

The Word of Wisdom:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/1.15?lang=eng#14 (Luke 1, verse 15)

Word of Wisdom Clarification as of August 15, 2019:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-word-of-wisdom-august-2019