Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormons, follow a health code and moral guideline known as the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity, among other commandments. Also, these standards are not viewed merely as a list of prohibitions but as divine counsel designed to promote physical health, spiritual sensitivity, and personal freedom from addiction. Understanding what Latter-day Saints choose to avoid requires looking at the doctrinal "why" behind the "what," revealing a lifestyle centered on agency, covenant keeping, and holistic well-being Turns out it matters..
The Word of Wisdom: Physical Health and Spiritual Clarity
The most widely recognized set of restrictions comes from a revelation received by the prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89. Known as the Word of Wisdom, this code outlines substances that are not for the body. Adherence is a requirement for baptism and for entering the temple The details matter here. And it works..
Substances Explicitly Prohibited
- Alcohol: The revelation states that "strong drinks are not for the belly." This includes beer, wine, liquor, and any beverage containing alcohol. Members avoid cooking with alcohol as well, as the flavor and chemical residue remain even if the alcohol content burns off.
- Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping, and e-cigarettes are strictly avoided. The text describes tobacco as "not for the body, neither for the belly," suggesting it is an herb for bruises and sick cattle rather than human consumption.
- Coffee and Tea: The revelation refers to "hot drinks," which subsequent prophets have defined specifically as coffee and tea (black, green, white, oolong, etc.). This prohibition applies regardless of temperature—iced coffee and iced tea are also avoided. Herbal teas (tisanes) and hot chocolate are generally permitted.
- Illegal Drugs and Harmful Substances: While not explicitly named in the 1833 text, modern prophetic interpretation extends the principle to all illegal drugs, misuse of prescription medications, and substances used for recreational intoxication (including marijuana where illegal or used recreationally in legal jurisdictions).
Principles of Positive Living
The Word of Wisdom is not solely a "don't" list. It contains strong "do" counsel that shapes the Latter-day Saint diet:
- Wholesome herbs, fruits, and grains: Members are encouraged to eat seasonally and prudently. Worth adding: * Meat sparingly: The text advises eating meat "sparingly" and preferably in times of winter, cold, or famine. * Grains as the "staff of life": Wheat, rice, oats, and corn are emphasized as foundational foods.
The Law of Chastity: Sexual Purity and Fidelity
Sexual morality is a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint theology. The Law of Chastity requires complete abstinence from sexual relations outside of legal and lawful marriage between a man and a woman, and absolute fidelity within that marriage.
Specific boundaries include:
- No premarital sex: Sexual intimacy is reserved exclusively for the marriage covenant.
- No extramarital affairs: Adultery is considered a grievous sin.
- No pornography: Viewing pornographic material is viewed as a violation of the law of chastity because it distorts the sacred nature of intimacy and creates addiction.
- No homosexual behavior: The Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction (which is not a sin) and acting on those attractions sexually. Sexual relations are only sanctioned between a husband and wife.
- Modesty in dress and behavior: While cultural norms vary, the principle of modesty discourages clothing that is revealing, tight, or draws undue attention to the body, as well as language or actions that arouse sexual feelings outside of marriage.
Sabbath Day Observance: A Day Set Apart
Latter-day Saints strive to keep the Sabbath day holy (Sunday in most areas). This involves refraining from activities that distract from worship, rest, and family connection Practical, not theoretical..
Commonly avoided Sunday activities:
- Shopping and commercial recreation: Members avoid patronizing businesses, restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues.
- Organized sports and hunting: Competitive athletic events are generally not participated in on Sundays.
- Secular media consumption: Many families limit television, video games, and social media to focus on scripture study, family history, visiting the sick, and personal reflection.
- Unnecessary work: While emergency and essential services are understood, members seek employment that does not require Sunday labor.
Honesty, Integrity, and Interpersonal Conduct
Beyond the major physical and moral codes, the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount govern daily interactions. Members covenant to avoid:
- Dishonesty: Lying, stealing, cheating, and fraud are strictly prohibited. This extends to tax evasion, plagiarism, and "white lies" intended to deceive.
- Profanity and vulgarity: Taking the Lord’s name in vain is a specific commandment violation. General coarse language, swearing, and obscene jokes are discouraged as they offend the Spirit.
- Gossip and backbiting: Speaking ill of others, spreading rumors, or damaging reputations is viewed as contention, which the scriptures say is of the devil.
- Gambling: The Church opposes gambling in all forms (lotteries, casinos, sports betting, online poker) because it promotes a "something for nothing" mentality, fuels addiction, and harms families and communities.
Financial and Civic Responsibilities
- Tithing: While not a "prohibition," failing to pay a full tithe (10% of income) disqualifies a member from temple attendance. It is viewed as a debt to the Lord, not a charitable donation.
- Fast Offerings: Members fast for two meals once a month (Fast Sunday) and donate the cost of those meals (or more) to help the poor. Avoiding this fast without cause is seen as neglecting a covenant duty.
- Obeying the Law: The Church’s Twelfth Article of Faith states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Members are expected to be law-abiding citizens. Civil disobedience is extremely rare and generally reserved only for conflicts where law directly prohibits the free exercise of religion.
Temple Covenants: Higher Consecration
For members who have received their temple endowment, additional covenants create further behavioral boundaries. These are sacred and not discussed in detail publicly, but generally involve:
- Wearing the temple garment: A sacred undergarment worn day and night as a reminder of covenants and a protection against temptation. Practically speaking, it is not removed for casual activities, though it is removed for swimming, intense exercise, or intimacy. * Law of Consecration: A willingness to dedicate all time, talents, and resources to the Lord’s work as required.
- Strict confidentiality: The specific tokens, signs, and words of the temple ceremony are kept confidential.
Cultural Practices vs. Doctrinal Requirements
It is vital to distinguish between doctrine (eternal truth) and culture (traditions that vary by region and generation). Outsiders often mistake cultural norms for commandments.
Things often assumed to be forbidden but are NOT doctrinal prohibitions:
- Caffeine (specifically soda): The Church has clarified that the Word of Wisdom prohibits coffee and tea, not caffeine itself. Many members drink caffeinated sodas, though some choose to avoid caffeine entirely as a personal health choice.
