7. Laws of Health
Mormon Beliefs: Laws of Health
Mormons follow a law of health that does more than prevent illness. The Mormon code of health, called the “Word of Wisdom,” also protects agency, or freedom of choice, by proscribing the use of addictive substances. The Word of Wisdom was given by revelation to Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of the Church. The revelation was given first as counsel from the Lord and then later was made a commandment under Brigham Young in 1851. Mormons must live according to the dictates of the law in order to enter a Mormon temple.
Brigham Young related some of the circumstances leading up to the reception of the revelation:
“The brethren came to that place for hundreds of miles [to Kirtland, Ohio] to attend school in a little room probably no larger than eleven by fourteen. When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, … and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean [the] floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco.” (Journal of Discourses, 12:158.)
The revelation known as the Word of Wisdom is contained in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants [full text]. Following is a list of the provisions of the law:
- “Strong drinks (meaning alcoholic or other harmful beverages) are not for the belly.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:7)
- “Tobacco is not for the body…and is not good for man.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:8)
- “Hot drinks [meaning black tea and coffee] are not for the body.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:9)
The Word of Wisdom not only admonishes against the use of harmful substances, but it also describes those foods which are good for man:
- “All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
- “Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;
- “Flesh … of beasts and of the fowls of the air…are to be used sparingly;
- “All grain is ordained for the use of man…to be the staff of life…
- “All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–12, 14, 16)
The Word of Wisdom is a law and a principle with promise. When men and women obey the provisions of the law, they receive the blessings associated with those provisions. However, if they do not obey, there will be both temporal and spiritual consequences.
The introduction to Section 89 says the following:
“In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:4).
These are the “last days,” and “conspiring men” seek to conceal the destructiveness of certain substances in order to make money. Addictive substances are especially profitable, because those who use them continue to use them and even increase their consumption. Free agency is compromised when addictions take over. Also, all men are responsible for their own behavior, and being in a drunken state does not remove the responsibility for one’s acts, nor the judgments of God for those acts. To fully exercise agency, one must be fully aware of his behavior at all times.
Living the Word of Wisdom has brought noticeable health benefits to Latter-day Saints. These benefits have been measured in numerous studies.
To read more about the health benefits of living the Word of Wisdom, click here.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Jared — We’re working hard to translate all of our websites into every language we can. This includes Chinese. However, we need volunteers to help with the work of translating our articles and websites. If you know someone who would like to help, please email gmartinengo@moregoodfoundation.org.
November 16th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
this helped loads with my history homework so joseph smith seems cool
November 18th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Glad this helped you.
November 28th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
It’s true that I cannot become a Mormon if I continue to drink coffee and tea? I agreed about smoking but my wife smoke and she is trying to quit!
December 6th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
You can be a Mormon and drink coffee and tea, but then you are not completely keeping the commandments of God given through His holy prophets. In order to attend the temple and make eternal covenants, Mormons must keep the Word of Wisdom. The Lord promises His help in overcoming these habits.
December 7th, 2010 at 1:27 am
It says that hot drinks are not for the body, but why are they not for the body? It seems like no harms is done by drinking hot drinks? I am just wondering if he went to explain this
December 9th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
When God gives man a revelation, often we are left to ponder over the meaning of such, or the things the Lord hasn’t told us. The revelation was given as Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This is what we have. Prophets have defined hot drinks as coffee and tea; science has found reasons why those drinks might be dangerous, but the Lord never explained. Here is the URL for section 89: http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng
January 12th, 2011 at 10:23 am
I have a presentation in class regarding Mormon culture on there beliefs about illness and cause of illness. I really want to make sure i am presenting the information accurately. If you can help me i will really appreciate it.
January 15th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Hope this answer is in time for your assignment. Mormons believe in medical science and do not avoid using medical professionals when they need help with illness. Just like the population at large, some prefer naturopathic care, but that is up to personal choice. That said, however, the power of the priesthood also is important when dealing with illness or injury. Men who hold the priesthood, which is essentially ALL worthy men in the Church (since the Church has a lay clergy), are able to enlist the power of God to heal or comfort by the laying on of hands. A prophetic blessing is pronounced upon the ailing person, and any healing occurs by the exercise of faith. However, often, the Lord provides comfort or relief from pain and tells the person to seek medical help and that the outcome will be guided by the Lord. Once in awhile, the man giving the blessing will be prompted by God to prepare the ill person for death, and the person will not be healed. In other words, when a priesthood-holder places his hands upon the head of the ill or injured person, he doesn’t know beforehand what God’s will for the person will be. Sometimes this is frightening for the priesthood-holder. He strongly desires to tell the person that he will be fine, but God’s will is otherwise. However, even when the person isn’t healed, he may receive insight and comfort, strength, and understanding. Though miraculous healings occur in the Church on a regular basis, sometimes comfort and understanding are more important, and the situation is something the person and the family has to go through. Family members and caregivers can also be enlightened and strengthened during these times of stress. For example, a wonderful woman in her thirties who lives near us recently died of cancer. The Lord did not heal her, but the spiritual experiences along the way, both for her and her family, made the situation a holy one for all involved.
February 1st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
So what is it about coffee and tea that make them prohibited? I’ve never understood that.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
The revelation on health was received in the 1800′s and the Lord counseled us not to use tobacco, alcohol, and “hot drinks.” Coffee and tea were never mentioned in the revelation, but this was clarified by later leaders of the Church. The reason for forbidding the use of these substances was because of “conspiring men in the last days.” The world of science has published many, many studies regarding the negative and positive qualities of coffee and tea, but one of their most profound aspects is that they are habit-forming. Mormons protect their “free agency” by avoiding anything addictive.
March 2nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Is there anything in the Mormon belief system that discusses pop? I have heard pop and possibly juice is forbidden due to the possibility of addiction to the sugar. Is this correct?
March 4th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
The original revelation from God upon which the Mormon laws of health are founded talks about “hot drinks,” which were later clarified as coffee and tea. There was no mention of soda, but after science discovered the negative health effects of caffeine, some people assumed it must be the caffeine that makes these drinks unhealthy. Therefore, some Mormons decline caffeinated soda, as well as coffee and tea. This is a matter of conscience and is not part of the Mormon health laws. As far as sugar is concerned, the Lord and the Church encourage us to gain knowledge wherever it is found and then to prayerfully apply it to our lives. Mormons are free to make their own decisions regarding food and drink.
March 17th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Hi am doing a paper on Health pratice, health care delivery, nurses role in Momorns,can you help me on this, there is so much i really do not know which one to choose!
March 21st, 2011 at 1:13 pm
You might want to focus on health care delivered through LDS Humanitarian aid. The Mormon Church has several ongoing international projects, including training medical practitioners in developing countries about newborn resusitation: http://newsroom.lds.org/article/neonatal-resuscitation-training
March 21st, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Hi Cortney — Cremation is becoming more accepted with economic uncertainties and according to the traditions in some cultures. Men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood (http://www.mormonwiki.com/Priesthood) may perform a “priesthood blessing” through the laying on of hands. When blessing the sick, this includes anointing the head with a drop of consecrated olive oil. The Lord decides the result of the blessing through revelation. Sometimes an anointing will bring on a healing miracle, sometimes spiritual strength or delivery from pain, but once in awhile, comfort and commendation unto the Lord and deliverance unto death.
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:59 am
Can I be a Mormon if I smoke pot recreationally? What if I have a prescription for medical weed to relieve pain or sleep apnea?
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am
Mormons are at all stages of having faith and keeping the commandments. If you were to meet with Mormon missionaries, they would require that you bring your life in line with the commandments that have come through the prophets. The order of the first principles of the gospel are faith, repentance, baptism, and the conferring of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Once you were a member of the Church, yes, you could choose to keep or break the Mormon health laws, according to your God-given agency. Yet, you would not be a Mormon in good standing and thus could not obtain a “recommend” to enter the temple of God. Forbidden substances are OK if prescribed for medical needs, but if you were an active Mormon, in tune with the Holy Ghost, and able to receive personal revelation, you would most likely be prompted to seek out other means to alleviate pain or sleep apnea.
March 25th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
I’m not a mormon but am i allowed to go to a mormon temple? I’d really like to see what it was like and just learn more about it. What are the differences between mormon and christain because I’m christain and One of my very best freinds from my school is mormon and we have the same opinions on religion. I know this is has nothing to do with health and I appologize for that but I don’t know were else to write this question. Thanks
March 29th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for your question, Anna. After a temple is dedicated in a special ceremony as a House of God, only worthy Mormons can enter. You can visit a temple before it is dedicated, as Mormon temples have an open house before dedication, so friends of other faiths can see inside and find out what goes on there. Go to http://www.mormontemples.com to see whether there might be a temple near you that is currently under construction and then will have an open house. Many operating temples have visitors’ centers that can also give you some insights.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
I am not a morman, but I have family members that are. I have been at their home when missionaries have come by to visit. Usually I just sit and listen to what they have to say and occasionally ask a question. One question I asked, I never could get a direct answer for. My question is I have heard the missionaries say that the moeman religion is the one true religion. What makes being a mormon better than being christian, or jewish, or muslim, or any other religion. I myself do not claim any religious affiliation, simply because I believe there are too many religions in the world and no one knows which religion is the right one. perhaps, there is no one true religion but as long as you believe that is what matters. anyway what are your thoughts on this?
July 11th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Mormons believe that God’s hand is everywhere, and that truth should be learned, gathered, and respected wherever it is found. The Mormon Church, however, is the restored Church of Christ, with the authority to perform ordinances and covenants in God’s name, thereby guaranteeing that what is sealed on earth is sealed in heaven. This authority was given by Jesus Christ Himself, who guides the Church through prophets by direct revelation. This authority differentiates the Church from all other churches. That is what the missionaries mean.
August 26th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
can you be a blood donor or recieved blood if yor are a mormon?
August 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Yes, and often blood drives are sponsored by or among church congregations. Mormon blood donations are highly desired because of their clean lifestyle.
August 26th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
that is good because i have being given blood for 14 years. in ireland we give it for free, for the greater good.i do not live your lifestyle. i drink and smoke and in your eyes i am a sinner but i believe we can help each other. live let live. i was reading your text and i have a question. i like meat. my question is what do you called sparingly? example fish mon,chicken tue,pork wed,beef thur etc or is it like one of them per week,per month etc.and with drink all i will said is that i am irish, and that it is a national hobby. please give these truthful answer thank you
August 26th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Having lived in Ireland (loved it), I know all about the possible indulgences there. The Word of Wisdom (Mormon health law) says to eat meat sparingly, and to eat more in winter and at times of deprivation. In modern America, perhaps we eat too much meat, especially at summer barbeques. Much is left up to the conscience of the believer, and this is one of those principles that people find their own way with. There is no set amount of meat or day of the week, etc., given for eating it. The Word of Wisdom also tells us not to waste flesh….In other words, if we hunt or fish, we should do so not for sport but for food, and we should eat what we kill. This is a carry-over principle from the Law of Moses. Cheers.