AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question Hi Michael.
I am exploring my spirituality.
After many years as a smoker,drinker,and caffeine,I am attracted to those faiths that abstain from these.
Can you explain the LDS stand on this,ans any statistics that indicate Mormans are healthier than others?
Answer Hi Barry,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note I am ex-LDS and belong to the Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon.
I cannot help but believe Mormons or Bible only Christians would be more healthy, and more prosperous, if they abstain from alcohol, tobacco and caffiene, especially the tobacco. The LDS acquired this belief from a purported revelation from Joseph Smith. According to Brigham Young's journals the men were meeting at the Smith home and some were chewing tobacco and spitting on the floor. Of course this incensed Emma Smith and she yelled at Joseph that he should have a revelation condemning the use of tobacco. Smith was incensed that she thought he could give revelations of his own will and retorted that he could just as easily have a revelation condemning the ladies hot teas. Well that night, perhaps in a dream or something, he felt he was given a revelation that not only condemned tobacco but also alcohol and hot drinks (no mention of caffiene). At the time this was offered up as a "word of wisdom" and wasn't treated as a firm commandment. Many years later this "word of wisdom" became LDS doctrine and was treated as a commandment. Oddly only caffienated drinks were forbidden while hot drinks like hot chocholate (which has caffiene) are not condemned.
While I agree the "word of wisdom" is indeed wisdom, I see the doctrine being treated the same way the Pharisees treated similar things in their day... which I find disagreeable. Jesus drank some alcoholic wine when dining with unbelievers and the Pharisees rebuked Jesus for being a winebibber. Paul tells Timothy to drink a little wine for a stomach infirmity. In the Book of Mormon the righteous General Moroni gave his soldiers a daily ration of fermented wine. Science even shows that a small amount of wine (and coffee) has health benefits. On the other hand both Bible and Book of Mormon strongly condemn the use of strong liquer and drunkeness. Neither Bible nor Book of Mormon ever make any mention of Tobacco or Caffienated or Hot Drinks. Tobacco is a no brainer.. it contains many toxins like arsenic and radioactive elements that poison the body without exception, it is a slow suicide. A person would be better off smoking garbage or horse manure. We would save millions of lives by bombing tobacco companies rather than Iraq.
Where I disagree with the LDS on the Word of Wisdom (I do believe it is wisdom) is that they take a Pharisee like attitude about it and look down upon those who drink coffee or a little wine, and even deny members certain privileges if they do not obey the "Word of Wisdom" to the letter. The Pharisees made a mountain out of a mole hill with petty laws and restrictions such as their abstinence of wine, washing of hands, not doing anything (even good) on the Sabbath day while at the same time ignoring the more important aspects of God's law. Jesus said they "Strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel". I see the LDS in the same role.
I hope this helps answer your questions, feel free to ask more questions if you like.
God Bless,
Mike
<sipping a nice cup of coffee><grin>
