Why Can’t Mormons Drink Coffee? Unpacking The Word Of Wisdom
Have you ever wondered why Mormons don’t drink coffee or tea? The reason surprised me.
Drinking coffee is an enjoyable morning ritual for many people around the globe. However, this isn’t the case for every person or group. Some abstain from coffee due to religious restrictions. Mormons are one such group.
In this article, I take a closer look at why Mormons don’t drink coffee, how strictly the rule is followed, and whether it applies to all caffeinated beverages. The answer isn’t exactly what I expected.
What Does Being A Mormon Mean?
Mormons are a religious group that accepts certain beliefs and practices of Christianity along with specific revelations of their founder, the prophet Joseph Smith (1). The Mormon faith was founded in 1830 with the publication of the Book of Mormon. Today, there are over 16 million Mormons worldwide, most of whom belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS).
Why Can’t Mormons Drink Coffee?
In 1833, Joseph Smith revealed the Law of Health taught to him by God (2). Known as the Word of Wisdom, It explained a set of dietary guidelines to optimize health – some of which were impressively prescient for 1883.
Mormons believe the Word of Wisdom aids in both the spiritual and physical health of followers. It advocates consuming whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and meats and avoiding “hot drinks” like tea or coffee, “strong drinks” like alcohol, and tobacco.
“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones.”
The original doctrine didn’t mention coffee specifically, but Joseph Smith later clarified that he was referring to coffee and tea. Of course, we know today that black coffee is very healthy, as one of the primary sources of antioxidants in the modern diet (3). But abstaining from coffee as a modern Mormon isn’t so much about health as about following God’s prescription.
Can Mormons have caffeine?
It is often assumed that coffee-based beverages are forbidden due to the presence of caffeine, a psychoactive drug. This is not the case. Other caffeinated beverages like sodas are permitted, while drinking decaf coffee remains off-limits. However, Mormons often shy away from habit-forming substances like caffeine.
Ultimately, members of the church must interpret the Word of Wisdom independently in cases where church leaders haven’t given specific guidance. Many Mormons abstain from caffeine entirely.
Can Mormons drink iced coffee?
Joseph Smith warned against hot drinks, but what about iced coffee? Despite not being hot, iced coffee is also forbidden.
The LDS Church has clarified that the consumption of coffee, whether hot or iced, violates the Word of Wisdom. It specifically restricts drinks whose names include terms like “café,” “caffé,” “latte,” “espresso,” “mocha,” and anything ending in “-ccino.” That said, coffee ice cream is generally considered acceptable.
Do Mormons Drink Coffee?
How strictly do modern Mormons follow this centuries-old guidance? Most Mormons still choose not to drink coffee. But the percentage of those that do is increasing as adherence to the Word of Wisdom lessens. Less than half of all Mormons surveyed in the U.S. in 2016 reported having faithfully abstained from everything prohibited by the Word of Wisdom, including drinks like coffee, within the last six months (4).
Individual beliefs, opinions, and practices vary widely when it comes to acceptable attitudes toward coffee consumption among even the most faithful and active Mormons. Contemporary Mormons seem more accepting of coffee and its origins, with 1 in 4 admitting to recently enjoying coffee, tea, and even alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Mormons can’t drink coffee or tea because of their religious observance. It is forbidden by the health code of the Mormon Church, known as the Word of Wisdom, which purports to better followers’ spiritual and physical development and maintenance. However, as times change, so do people, and coffee is now slowly seeping into the lives of faithful Mormons.
FAQs
Mormons are not allowed to drink tea for the same reason they can’t consume coffee: the doctrine that says they must avoid hot drinks. As with coffee, it is not about the caffeine content. However, those who follow the Word of Wisdom can consume herbal tea but not decaffeinated coffee.
Yes, Mormons can drink hot chocolate. Interestingly, Joseph Smith’s guidance to avoid hot drinks has been interpreted to mean coffee and tea – and coffee and tea-based drinks – exclusively. The LDS Church has no official standing on hot chocolate, which is enjoyed by many Mormons.
Mormons are not expressly forbidden any foods by the Word of Wisdom, which advocates a generally wholesome diet. The only specific guidance is to avoid tobacco and not drink alcohol, tea, and coffee. The consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is encouraged, and eating meat is advised in moderation.
References
- History.com Editors. (2021, October 7). Mormons. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/religion/mormons
- Woodworth, J. (n.d.). The Word of Wisdom: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/the-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng
- Yashin, A., Yashin, Y., Wang, J. Y., & Nemzer, B. (2013). Antioxidant and antiradical activity of coffee. Antioxidants, 2(4), 230-245.
- Knoll, B. & Riess, J. One in Three Mormons Have Had Coffee Recently, Another Quarter Drink Alcohol. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://religioninpublic.blog/2018/03/29/one-in-three-mormons-have-had-coffee-recently-another-quarter-drink-alcohol/
