For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, the Word of Wisdom is an important part of their religious beliefs. The Word of Wisdom is a code of health and dietary guidelines that was revealed to the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, in 1833. It includes instructions on what foods and substances should be avoided, including alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks. However, there is some debate among Mormons about whether or not coffee fruit is against the Word of Wisdom. In this article, I will explore the Mormon perspective on coffee fruit and shed light on this topic.
What is Coffee Fruit?
Coffee fruit, also known as coffee cherry, is the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. It is typically discarded during the coffee bean harvesting process, but in recent years, it has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Coffee fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and some believe that it can improve brain function, boost the immune system, and even promote weight loss. With these potential health benefits, it is understandable why some Mormons may be curious about whether or not it is allowed under the Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom and Hot Drinks
To understand the Mormon perspective on coffee fruit, it is important to first understand the Word of Wisdom’s stance on hot drinks. The revelation specifically states, “And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” This has been interpreted by church leaders and members to mean that hot drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, are to be avoided. This is why Mormons do not consume coffee or tea as part of their religious beliefs.
The Grey Area
While coffee fruit is not explicitly mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, some Mormons argue that it falls into a grey area. They point out that coffee fruit does not contain caffeine like coffee beans do, so it may not be considered a hot drink in the same way that traditional coffee or tea is. Additionally, coffee fruit is typically consumed in a different form, such as as a juice or supplement, rather than a hot beverage.
Statements from Church Leaders
To gain further insights into the Mormon perspective on coffee fruit, it is helpful to examine statements from church leaders. While there is no official statement specifically addressing coffee fruit, church leaders have spoken about the principles outlined in the Word of Wisdom. They emphasize the importance of following the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of the law. In other words, Mormons are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek guidance from God in making decisions about what they consume.
The Role of Personal Revelation
As Mormons, we believe in personal revelation and the ability to receive guidance from God. This means that individual members are responsible for seeking their own personal revelation on matters such as coffee fruit. Some may feel comfortable consuming coffee fruit based on their own personal spiritual confirmation, while others may choose to abstain from it out of caution or in following the traditional interpretation of the Word of Wisdom.
Personal Interpretation
The Mormon perspective on coffee fruit can vary from person to person. Some may feel that consuming coffee fruit is in line with the principles of the Word of Wisdom, particularly if they do not interpret the prohibition on hot drinks to include coffee fruit. Others may feel that it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid coffee fruit altogether, considering it a potential violation of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mormon perspective on coffee fruit is not entirely clear-cut. While the Word of Wisdom explicitly prohibits hot drinks, coffee fruit falls into a grey area due to its lack of caffeine and the way it is typically consumed. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume coffee fruit is left up to the individual Mormon and their personal interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. Seeking personal revelation and following the guiding principles of their faith are key factors in making this decision. As with any dietary choice, it is always important to consider one’s personal health, well-being, and spiritual beliefs.