AboutBrian Rogers Expertise LDS for over 45 years. Very knowledgable regarding LDS theology and practices, Early Christian history, Biblical inerrancy, etc. active on FAIR private list.
BYU and UoU
Thanks for the question. In the LDS scriptural canon, we are given what is called the Word of Wisdom. You may be familiar with it. In this scripture, which is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, strong drinks are proscribed, as well as tobacco and other items. Originally, the instruction was offered not as a commandment but as advice and counsel. In later years, the Word of Wisdom was pronounced as a commandment by the leaders of the Church.
Back in 1833, when the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation, there was some discussion at what was meant by 'strong drinks'. Joseph's brother, Hyrum, suggested that coffee and tea were what was meant. Through the years, by the time the advice became a commandment, strong drinks became synonymous with coffee and tea.
There has been much debate regarding any harmful effects that coffee and tea may give to the human body. While I am not a physician, I would imagine that too much of either would be harmful, while some in moderation would not, the same with wine. The LDS Church has not given further instruction on it, that is why some LDS members consume soft drinks contaning caffiene. Caffiene has not been prohibited. Some people, both in and out of the LDS Church equate caffience with coffee and tea, but this is not the official position of the Church, nor the reason for prohibiting coffee and tea.
Personally, I look at the Word of Wisdom as more than a health code, which I think it is, but also a commandment that sets the LDS Church apart from the world, part of making us a peculiar people.
The issue, for me at least, is how willing I am to obey God.
