Caffeination

July 21st, 2009

Is the consumption of caffeinated beverages a violation of God’s commandments (or, the Word of Wisdom)?

“With reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken any attitude on this matter…but I personally do not put them in the class as with the tea and coffee because the Lord specifically mentioned them [the hot drinks]…

I might say also that strychnine and sleeping pills and opium and heroin are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom and yet I would discourage them will all my power…”

Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, page 202

Posted in Questions Answered, Quotes | 4 Comments »

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4 Responses to “Caffeination”

  1. Matt

    We might also consider the discourse at judgment between a person and the Savior:

    “Did you drink caffeinated products?”
    “Yes.”
    “Do you think it was against the Word of Wisdom?”
    “No, I do not.”
    “Very well.”

    And He would move on to the next item.

    July 21st, 2009 at 7:34 AM
  2. tara

    true. however I think caffeine is a stimulus and it can be addicting and is therefore unhealthy for our bodies. but it is not necessarily against the word of wisdom. however, stimulants have been spoken against over the pulpit before.

    July 22nd, 2009 at 7:37 PM
  3. Matt

    Yeah… I also think there is more to consider than *just* the Word of Wisdom given in the 89th section of D&C… in today’s world, we also should reference even more recent counsel to supplement the Scriptures. Modern revelation is a wonderful resource and gift!

    July 24th, 2009 at 8:01 PM
  4. Laura Priest

    Personally, I prefer to stay away from caffeine and gain energy in a more natural way, like getting an adequate amount of sleep at night, staying fit and eating healthy (which are part of the word of wisdom..)
    I think that makes it sound like caffeine might be a way to cheat out of some of the word of wisdom. I know many people say they need their caffeine daily in order to stay awake and have energy, and as long as they have it, all’s well. Not only does this show an addiction, which is something we shouldn’t subject our bodies to, but the word of wisdom is designed in such a way that you shouldn’t need to depend on substances in order to function.
    When you “use” caffeine, or perhaps maybe “over-use” it would be a better way of putting it, I feel that would be a way of abusing the word of wisdom; using it to gain something not part of the WoW plan. When you “take” it, not for any particular reason, just for the beverage flavor perhaps, I think then it is just like anything else you probably shouldn’t eat, like those twinkies or candy or other fatty foods that really don’t have any benefit to our health. We partake of them anyway (guilty!), and none of them are mentioned in the word of wisdom, but we know they are not good for us. Occasionally having a sweet snack is ok. That won’t destroy our bodies over time. But to “over-use” anything like that, be it caffeine, sweets, fatty foods, THAT is where I say it is not ok and should be frowned upon. It is unhealthy and, if you wanted to look this deep, somewhat disrespectful to one of the most important and greatest blessings the Lord has given us; our bodies. We should treat them like a temple, both inside and out.

    That’s my say.

    July 31st, 2009 at 2:05 PM

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