 | What you might |
To ensure there was no mistaking that God had advised and not commanded, Smith penned an introduction stating that the revelation was a “word of wisdom ... to be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint.”** Moreover, “mild drinks” from barley and other grains were permitted. In those days, “strong drink” referred to hard liquor, whereas “mild drinks” referred to beer. If this was a curious exception, it was for Smith a convenient one. His fondness for beer was well-known.
Banning it all—tobacco, booze, wine, coffee, and tea—was a stroke of genius or serendipity. Both sides could claim they got what they wanted, while Smith’s introduction let them ignore the parts they didn’t want. Mormon life in Kirtland returned to normal.
Banning it all—tobacco, booze, wine, coffee, and tea—was a stroke of genius or serendipity. Both sides could claim they got what they wanted, while Smith’s introduction let them ignore the parts they didn’t want. Mormon life in Kirtland returned to normal.
After multiple failed attempts by Smith’s successors, in 1921 observing the Word of Wisdom’s don’ts became a requirement for temple admittance. By this time beer had been added to the list. Enforcement came gradually. In time, the Word of Wisdom was elevated to commandment status.
Even so, there are practicing, temple-attending Mormons who allow themselves the occasional or even the frequent indulgence. Many cite in their defense the non-existent scriptural reference “all things in moderation.” Others refer to Smith’s original assurance that the Word of Wisdom is just that, a word of wisdom, not a commandment.
This New Year’s Eve you may see a few Mormons tip a glass of real champaign, provided no one from their ward*** happens to be watching. The vast majority, however, will tip Sprite with cranberry juice, sparkling apple or grape juice, “mocktails,” or nothing at all. Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Kirby describes 13 Mormon mocktails in this delightful column.
* Knowing that “hot drinks” officially means coffee and tea does not stop some from arguing that the likes of herb teas and hot chocolate are forbidden, and others from arguing that coffee and tea are permissible when served cold.
** The introduction now appears as the first three verses of Section 89 of Doctrine and Covenants, aka the Word of Wisdom.
*** Local congregation
Even so, there are practicing, temple-attending Mormons who allow themselves the occasional or even the frequent indulgence. Many cite in their defense the non-existent scriptural reference “all things in moderation.” Others refer to Smith’s original assurance that the Word of Wisdom is just that, a word of wisdom, not a commandment.
This New Year’s Eve you may see a few Mormons tip a glass of real champaign, provided no one from their ward*** happens to be watching. The vast majority, however, will tip Sprite with cranberry juice, sparkling apple or grape juice, “mocktails,” or nothing at all. Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Kirby describes 13 Mormon mocktails in this delightful column.
* Knowing that “hot drinks” officially means coffee and tea does not stop some from arguing that the likes of herb teas and hot chocolate are forbidden, and others from arguing that coffee and tea are permissible when served cold.
** The introduction now appears as the first three verses of Section 89 of Doctrine and Covenants, aka the Word of Wisdom.
*** Local congregation
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