Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Our bodies resemble the bodies of planteating animals, not meat eating animals. She can be contacted on her website, discovering the word of wisdom. Although avoiding the prohibitions of the word of wisdom is a requirement for admission to lds church temples, 55 violation of the word of wisdom no longer results in church discipline, as it once did. What science says about mormonisms health code the salt. A word of wisdom perspective by steve devore sponsored oct. As with many issues in lds doctrine, some aspects are specified, and others are left openended. What mormons can eat when people talk about the mormon health code, known as the word of wisdom, they tend to focus on what we cant havecoffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, illegal. This book is oriented toward the lds mormon word of wisdom dietary code, but is a valuable book for non lds people who wish to eat healthy.
Ever since i was about 12 years old, i was overweight. The word of wisdom is interesting as scripture, because its probably the best illustration that we should not err on the side of taking the scriptures literally. I have endeavored to live the word of wisdom and that, in my opinion, is one reason for my good health. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place.
This talk was originally presented at the northern utah health and nutrition conference on november 8, 1997 in ogden, utah. The word of wisdom is taught to be a true test of an lds member and their ultimate faithfulness to christ and his inspired church leaders. The word of wisdom way to weight loss is to embrace the foods the lord has ordained for our maximum health. Thus, it forms a doctrinal foundation for the lds church and mormon fundamentalist denominations of the. Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sinsthe voice of the lord comes into his mind, promising salvation for the lamanites in a future daythe nephites sought to reclaim the lamanitesenos rejoices in his redeemer. This adds additional credence to the effectiveness of adhering to the word of wisdom, a health law predating modern science. As paul said, the kingdom of god is not meat and drink. Regina, president ezra taft benson said this about eating meat in the april 1983 conference talk titled a principle with a promise in this revelation the lord counsels us to use meat. Surprising insights from a whole food, plantbased perspective book by jane birch whole food, plantbased wfpb resources includes many free resources and also recommended books. We find that there is a high degree of variation in word of wisdom. Just as the excessive use of grains and meats is dangerous, so is taking too many vitamins, minerals, or other food supplements. This story originally ran on lds living in august 2014.
Getting into the meat of the word of wisdom interpreter. But the word of wisdom that mormons follow has a fascinating history and evolution. Question hi gramps, would working as a bartender be against the word of wisdom. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. But sometimes an excessive focus on doing more can take us to a place where were mostly going through the motionsand missing the deep, rich spiritual. Along the frontiers, people relied heavily on meat as a staple in their diet. In the first place, when the word of wisdom was given there were many food fads being promoted, among them, the abstinence from eating meat. All wholesome plants in the season thereof should be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Some meat, especially low fat and high protein meat, has shown to have positive health benefits. The book of abraham was canonized in 1880 by the lds church as part of the pearl of great price.
Retrieved november 8, 2014 from the world wide web. Latterday saints, with the word of wisdom as a foundation and mindful of both the scriptures and the counsel of a living prophet, are encouraged to personalize their health regimen andjust like anyone. For help getting started on a healthy word of wisdom diet, see. Temple recommend status and word of wisdom observance in. In order, to be baptized and confirmed a member of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, an individual is expected to give up these harmful substances and be willing to live the word of wisdom. Perhaps it is for this reason that meat is not strictly prohibited, and indeed appears to be ordained for the use of man. Jane birch is the author of discovering the word of wisdom. Mormons consider it a privilege as well as a responsibility to follow the word of wisdom and are grateful for the blessings of health and strength that come as they live by its counsel. This reason could be the most compelling one of all for todays zerotolerance policy. Word of wisdom eating evidence for latterday saints to eat. Modern methods of refrigeration now make it possible to preserve meat in any season. Naturally, that includes animal products, less subject than meat to putrefactive and other disturbances, such as eggs, milk, and cheese. Since grain has less protein and its lower quality than the protein in meat, eggs, milk, cheese, dried beans, and dried peas we get the most out of grain if we combine it with highquality protein.
Favorite lds quotes likes we are not perfect 382 protection in the church 380 follow that straight path 377 we are capable of so much more 307 what matters most 253 lds. Kenneth johnsons wonderful book, mormon wisdom and health formerly titled the word of wisdom food plan. The word of wisdom is the common name of an 1833 section of the doctrine and covenants, a book considered by many churches. It is not preachy or full of doctrine, although it does have a quote from the word of wisdom.
Why mormons dont drink alcohol, tea, and coffee pacific. The code includes abstaining from strong drink alcohol, hot drink coffee and. Bahia blanca, argentina tallahassee, florida lubumbashi, democratic. Are we violating the word of wisdom if we do not eat meat sparingly. If these were not intended purposes of the word of wisdom, they do appear to be notable results. When mormon missionaries properly called latter day saints or simply lds come to your door, they will often offer a free copy of the book of mormon and tell you about its author, joseph smith. This is the most vegetarian lds conference address ever given. This is the type of rest the lord promises us, a rest from the worlds way that doesnt work. Study the word of wisdom and a whole food, plantbased diet. After the lds church officially abandoned polygamy and theocracy at the end of the 19th century, the word of wisdom became a remarkably effective boundary maintenance device, says patrick mason, head of mormon studies at claremont graduate university in southern california. You are, of course, encouraged to do your own research and seek the lords guidance for your own understanding of the word of wisdom. Nonetheless, grains do add significant protein, as well as thiamin.
The word of wisdom way to weight loss offers a different promise. The last general authority that i can recall that spoke much about this topic was spencer w kimball in the 1970s. Uplifting testimonies and quotes from prophets and apostles about eating meat, what sparingly meant to them, and how god wants us to view his animals. I come from a very long line of latterday saint chocoholics. This article is part of a series on the word of wisdom. Johnson addresses each major point and explains the particulars of why mankind can benefit from refraining from certain substances and consuming others. Lds bookstore scriptures, ctr rings, books, art, primary. If the word of wisdom is law, then eating meat when you dont have to is also breaking the law. To view all the articles in this series, see discovering the word of wisdom last week i concluded a tenweek series on the human microbiome with an article that describes why i feel this topic is critically important for addressing the perplexing health issues we face today. How i lost 40 pounds living the word of wisdom lds living. Discovering the word of wisdom ably explores the connection between a whole food, plantbased diet and the counsel in the word of wisdom. A journal of mormon scripture book 11 kindle edition by birch, a. What is the word of wisdom way to weight loss that is both difficult and yet easy compared to the ways of the world.
Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading getting into the meat of the word of wisdom interpreter. According to this interpretation of the word of wisdom, eating the flesh of animals during winter and cold would serve a function similar to eating meat during a famine or page times of excess hunger v. Discovering the lds code of health kindle edition by johnson, dr. But if all one considers is the text of the revelation, there is. The word of the lord concerning the use of herbs is as follows. The word of wisdom is pretty straight forward about a lot of thingsmore so, at any rate, then most of the stuff in the bible or book of mormon. It is true that poor people have always eaten significantly less meat than the wealthy because of the higher cost of meat. Why does the lds church pick and choose the parts of the word. For example, ive written down the instructions for what we call aunt kates chili sauce. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints are well versed in the word of wisdom, the admonition in doctrine and covenants 89 which lays out the lords law of health to the church. See the largest official lds church materials ebook selection including lesson manuals, member study guides, teachings of presidents of the church handbooks and more from the lds distribution center.
It should be understood that the word of wisdom is not the gospel, and the gospel is not the word of wisdom. Naturally, that includes animal products, less subject than meat to. Scott a download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The word of wisdom also teaches that we should eat meat sparingly and that. However, mormon laws are not similar to kosher laws. Nelson, president of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, announced eight new temples to be built in the following locations. When it comes to the word of wisdom, we usually talk about alcohol, drugs, coffee, and tea, but there seems to be a section that we often skip over and i am not sure why. The word of wisdom is not a system of vegetarianism. Hot drinks have been defined by the church as tea and coffee.
Tribune file photo the word of wisdom also guides mormons on what to eat wheat, rice, vegetables and fruit. To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here. From the book millions shall know brother joseph again. The word of wisdom is the common name of an 1833 section of the doctrine and covenants, a book considered by many churches within the latter day saint movement to consist of revelations from god.
The term was originally considered derogatory, but today it is considered acceptable. To sign up for meridians free newsletter, please click here. The word of wisdom prevents the members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints from consuming alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee, illegal drugs, and harmful substances. According to the word of wisdom, god is pleased when we abstain from meat. Mormon word of wisdom emphasizes not once but twice that meat is. The word of wisdom is the common name of a section of the doctrine and covenants, 1 a book considered by many churches within the latter day saint movement to consist of revelations from god.
Two remaining explanations for the specific admonitions of the word of wisdom include 1 sanctifying the daily consumption of food by providing divine directions to guide practice and 2 setting the latterday saints apart as a people. These products cannot be excluded simply because they are not mentioned specifically. Some unstable people become cranks with reference to this law of health. Despite these statements, restricting meat consumption was not made an explicit requirement for worthiness in the lds church as the standards for obedience to the word of wisdom were made increasingly central to lds church doctrine and practice in the early 20th century. It is the total combination of foods that we eat that is important. When we connected to the internet, i discovered the book. Almost two centuries ago joseph smith brought forth the word of wisdom.
Lds church clarifies word of wisdom on vaping, green tea, coffee. Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sinsthe voice of the lord comes into his mind, promising salvation for the lamanites in a future daythe nephites sought to reclaim the lamanitesenos. It is also the name of a health code based on this scripture, practiced most strictly by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church and mormon fundamentalists, and to a lesser. A journal of mormon thought, john ferguson, jana riess, and i share results from the 2016 next mormons survey regarding observance of the word of wisdom among selfidentified american mormons. With this injunction and revelations such as the word of wisdom. Birch describes the basics of of a wholefood diet and offers resources for learning more, but the book s real value for the latterday saint or other interested reader is an exploration of the spiritual. Thats sound advice for keeping weight off and the body healthy.
When jacob finished his portion of the book of mormon, surely he did not mean i. This pamphlet helps people learning about the church understand the word of wisdom and how and why to keep it. Discovering the lds code of health is a good reference for people who are new to the church or seeking clarification on the dos as well as the donts of the word of wisdom. If you ask this question in lds circles on social media, you are sure to get a variety of answers. Surprising insights from a whole food, plantbased perspective and many articles on the word of wisdom. Widtsoe wrote in a book on the word of wisdom, if one uses meat. Eat the foods at the bottom part of the chart sparingly, if at all. Lets see what the word of wisdom tells us about vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. Today, keeping the word of wisdom helps bond the mormon community as well as strengthen individual latterday saints. Section 89 of this scripture contains advice for eating a healthy diet and is known by church members as the word of wisdom. The word of wisdom diet is the church of latterday saints official position on what its members should eat. So i have begun to collect healthy family recipes for a family history ill publish some day.
The word of wisdom is a health code included in the doctrine and covenants, a book of scripture used by latterday saints. Spoiled meat can be fatal if eaten, but the chance of spoilage is not as great in winter as in summer. Lds word of wisdom restrictions on meat partially validated by red meat study from university of washington documented in nature medicine and a harvard study although the proscription against alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea is the part of the word of wisdom that receives top billing, primarily because it affects lds. No way could someone lose 40 pounds simply by following the word of wisdom. Most of the quotes by lds leaders appear in longer citations recorded in dr. Lds bookstore carries a huge selection of quality lds products including art, books, scriptures, clothing, entertainment, preparedness products, ctr rings and other jewelry, and more. As practiced by the lds church, there is no firm restriction relating to meat consumption, but all alcoholic. The lds mormon scripture called the word of wisdom was prescribed in the mid 1800s as a code of dietary health. Dec 19, 2019 this story originally ran on lds living in august 2014. They who wish to be well and gain the promised reward stated in the word of wisdom must obey all of the law, not just part of it as suits their whim or their appetite, or their notion of its meaning. The official list from posted above contains a few items that are explicitly bannedyou cant claim to be living the word of wisdom and be considered worthy of a temple recommend if you consume them, even occasionally. The key word with respect to the use of meat is sparingly student manual, religion 324325, p.
Smith, they will say, translated the book of mormon. The mormon health code is commonly known as the word of wisdom and is contained in a book of modern prophetic revelations called the doctrine. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the word of wisdom. President nelson announces 8 new temples in final session of general conference lds living at the conclusion of the final session of general conference, president russell m.
Spoiled meat can be fatal if eaten, and in former times meat spoiled more readily in summer than winter. Our children grow accustomed to the practice before they even know that the meat on their plates comes from dead animals. Discovering the word of wisdom with author jane birch. However, the tea referred to is the conventional, habitforming, caffeineladen tea that is the staple of those addicted to it.
It also teaches us to eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and to eat meat. The word of wisdom deals only with grains, fruits, vegetablesnatures productsand with meat to be used sparingly in cold or famine. The dos in the word of wisdom church of jesus christ. What specific foods and drinks are forbidden by the lds. Word of wisdom mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs. Do mormons follow the part of the word of wisdom that says to. Considering the overwhelming complexity of nutrition science, it was a breathtakingly simple document. However, the scripture contains other guidelines whose interpretation is open to debate within the lds. Modern methods of refrigeration now make it possible for meat to be frozen and thereby preserved for later use in any season. Getting into the meat of the word of wisdom byu scholarsarchive. The word of wisdom, which one must abide by in order to go to the.
Do mormons who do not eat meat sparingly violate the word of. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. For some sparingly might mean once a day some people have meat with every meal. Living the whole word of wisdom mormon life hacker.
As latterday saints, we place great emphasis on being healthy. However, the lds church has explained that the word mormon is. Widtsoe wrote in a book on the word of wisdom, if one uses meat it must be used sparingly and in winter or famine only. It saves mormons from modern addictions that are potentially very serious.
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