I love coffee. It’s one of the few things that can wake me up in the morning and get me through a long day. But recently, I started to question whether or not drinking coffee was against the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a set of health guidelines followed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was revealed by Joseph Smith in 1833 and is considered to be a commandment from God. In this article, I will explore the topic of whether or not coffee extract is against the Word of Wisdom.
What is the Word of Wisdom?
The Word of Wisdom is found in the Doctrine and Covenants, which is a book of scripture in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It advises against the use of alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks.” For many years, it was interpreted to mean that members should not consume coffee or tea because they are considered hot drinks. However, in recent years, there has been some debate about whether or not this interpretation is correct.
The Interpretation Debate
Some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints argue that the use of coffee extract is not against the Word of Wisdom because it is not a hot drink. They point to the fact that the Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention coffee extract and that it is a modern interpretation to include it under the category of “hot drinks.”
The Health Benefits
Others argue that coffee extract can actually have health benefits and should be considered in a different light. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer. It can also improve cognitive function and increase energy levels. These health benefits are seen by some as contradicting the idea that coffee extract is against the Word of Wisdom.
The Church’s Official Stance
Despite these arguments, the official stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that coffee extract is considered a “hot drink” and should not be consumed. This means that members of the Church are advised against drinking coffee, even if it is in extract form.
The Importance of Obedience
One of the main reasons the Church maintains this stance is based on the principle of obedience. Members are encouraged to follow the guidelines of the Word of Wisdom because they believe it is a commandment from God. By abstaining from coffee extract, they are demonstrating their willingness to be obedient to God’s will.
The Symbolic Nature
Another argument put forth by those who believe that coffee extract is against the Word of Wisdom is that it has symbolic meaning. Coffee has long been associated with addictive and harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. By abstaining from coffee extract, members of the Church are making a symbolic statement that they are not going to be controlled by addictive substances.
Personal Beliefs
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I try my best to follow the guidelines of the Word of Wisdom. However, I must admit that I do occasionally struggle with the idea of drinking coffee extract. I understand the health benefits associated with coffee and the argument that it is not specifically mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. But ultimately, I choose to abstain from coffee extract because of my desire to be obedient to God’s commandments.
The Principle of Agency
One principle that is emphasized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is agency. We are each given the freedom to make our own choices and decisions. While the Church advises against the consumption of coffee extract, it ultimately comes down to personal choice. Individuals must prayerfully consider their own beliefs and convictions and decide what is right for them.
A Supportive Community
One of the things I love about being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the supportive community. We are encouraged to reach out to one another and offer support and understanding. Regardless of whether or not we agree on the specifics of the Word of Wisdom, we can still support and uplift one another in our individual journeys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the topic of whether or not coffee extract is against the Word of Wisdom is a complex one. While some argue that it is not specifically mentioned and has health benefits, the official stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that it is considered a “hot drink” and should be abstained from. As a member of the Church, I choose to align myself with this stance out of a desire to be obedient to God. However, I recognize that individuals have agency and must make their own decisions based on their own beliefs and convictions. Regardless of our personal choices, it is important to support and uplift one another in our spiritual journeys.