The Truth Behind Why Don’t Mormons Drink Coffee

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on August 9th, 2022

Coffee has been a staple in millions of households worldwide. But did you know that if you throw religion in the mix, it can get quite complicated? Yes, Mormonism does not allow the consumption of coffee. Let’s all find out why!


History

white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

Way back on February 27, 1833, Joseph Smith, a prophet, received the Word of Wisdom. This was published in a book named “Doctrine and Covenants.”

mormon

This is a set of guidelines carried out through the Mormon faith so they can live the healthiest lifestyle. Included in their faith, but is a myth, is the forbiddance of coffee due to its effects on the mind.

Words of Wisdom

Mormons, also known as the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have practiced strong faith by walking through life following Jesus Christ’s teachings.

They believe that true happiness is living by God’s commandments, including a code of health they call the Word of Wisdom. This set of guidelines can help them live a healthy life, including avoiding addictive substances, such as alcohol and coffee.

Doctrine and Covenants

  1. A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion-
  2. To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.
  3. Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
  4. Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: 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-
  5. That since any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves to offer up your sacraments before him.
  6. And, behold, this should be wine- pure wine of the vine’s grape, of your own making.
  7. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly but for washing your body.
  8. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
  9. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
  10. And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man-
  11. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

As you may have read, number 9 suggests that hot drinks are not for the body or belly. Coffee and tea are the common hot drinks during that period.

Blessings

They believe that those who live following the Word of Wisdom are rewarded with health, wisdom, and strength. With obedience comes blessings. According to the scripture, “all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments” will receive the following:

  • “Health in their navel and marrow to their bones.”
  • “Wisdom and great treasures of knowledge.”
  • Capability to “run and not be weary” and “walk and not faint.”

For Mormons, the Word of Wisdom is not necessarily a list of things they’re forbidden to do. Rather, they treasure it as a gift from Above. It serves as a revelation of a Father’s love wanting His children to be happy, healthy, and strong.

No to “habit-forming” substances

In 1921, the church decided to avoid “habit-forming” substances. They even ceased utilizing communion wine in support of this. They are not recommended to drink coffee or even visit coffee shops. 

Now, this leads us to our next question: can they drink iced coffee? There are two ways to look into that. If we rely on the doctrines Joseph Smith received, they can. But if we look into the narrative of “habit-forming” substances, that’s a no. This is because they regard coffee as addictive. 

Are the Mormons that strict about drinking coffee?

Based on the Next Mormons Survey:

  • 40% of the subjects, which includes millennials and Gen X-ers, consumed at least a cup of coffee within the last six months before the survey.
  • 38% consumed at least one of the following habit-forming substances within the last six months before the survey: coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
  • 52% of the Gen X subjects did not find it necessary to follow the Word of Wisdom.

So a quick answer is: No. Based on the survey alone, there seems to be much leniency regarding the Word of Wisdom. There are rumors of coffee not being banned anymore, but we do not know for sure!

What if Mormons drink coffee?

The church used to discipline members who violated the Words of Wisdom, but they have stopped this in the last decade. However, in the eyes of the other members, violators are not worthy to enter the temple, marry, hold a position, undergo baptism, and perform other sacred acts.

During a cholera epidemic, a traditional cure of eating meat and no vegetables worked wonders. Saints were dying of the disease. Joseph then asked God, and it was revealed that soft drinks made of barley were acceptable.

Spirits, on the other hand, are not. Wine is solely for the sacrament, tobacco is for beasts, hot drinks were not ideal, and herbs and grains were for man. Additionally, meat is only for famine or winter. 

There was a lot of confusion among the Mormons on what was allowed and what was not. 90 years later, the leaders of the faith started disciplining the members when they practiced disobedience.

Many WoW contents are allowed today, except for coffee, tea, tobacco, and alcohol. With this, the temperature is no longer a point of confusion. They can drink hot beverages other than coffee, like hot cocoa or soup. 

Alternative

Postum

Now that it has been established that they are allowed to drink hot beverages except for coffee, then what can they enjoy drinking?

There was a time when they went all crazy for Postum, a roasted grain and molasses beverage by Kraft foods. However, production of the product ceased in 2007. They also enjoy milk, herbal tinctures, and non-alcoholic apple drinks.

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.