Reconsidering the Temptation: Is Iced Coffee Against the Word of Wisdom?
As someone who is a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the commandments that we are encouraged to follow is the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a set of guidelines that provides counsel on what is good for our health and well-being. Included in these guidelines is the prohibition of consuming hot drinks. For many years, members of the church have interpreted this to mean that hot drinks specifically refers to coffee and tea. However, with the rise in popularity of iced coffee, many have begun to question whether or not this delicious and refreshing beverage is also included in the prohibited list. In this article, I will explore this topic in detail and provide my own perspective on whether or not iced coffee goes against the Word of Wisdom.
Understanding the Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom is a revelation received by Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1833. It is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture that is considered to be a companion to the Bible. The revelation provides guidelines on what foods and substances are considered to be good for our bodies and suggests that we should avoid anything harmful or addictive.
The Prohibition of Hot Drinks
One of the most well-known aspects of the Word of Wisdom is the prohibition of consuming hot drinks. For many members of the church, this has been understood to refer to coffee and tea. The reason behind this interpretation is that both coffee and tea contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can be addictive and have negative effects on our health. However, the Word of Wisdom itself does not explicitly mention coffee or tea, leading to some ambiguity regarding what exactly is meant by “hot drinks.”
The Rise of Iced Coffee
In recent years, iced coffee has become increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down and served over ice, making it a refreshing and enjoyable beverage, particularly during hot summer months. However, the question arises: does the fact that the coffee is served cold make it exempt from the prohibition of hot drinks?
Personal Interpretation
As a member of the church, I believe it is important to carefully consider the intent behind the Word of Wisdom rather than focusing solely on the specific wording. The revelation states that we should avoid anything that is harmful or addictive to our bodies. With this in mind, I believe it is possible to make an argument either way when it comes to iced coffee.
Arguments Against Drinking Iced Coffee
One could argue that the prohibition against hot drinks extends to iced coffee as well. After all, the coffee beans used to make iced coffee are still brewed hot, which means that the harmful effects of caffeine could still be present. Additionally, some might argue that the addictive nature of caffeine still applies, regardless of whether the coffee is hot or cold.
Arguments in Favor of Drinking Iced Coffee
On the other hand, one could also argue that the intent behind the prohibition of hot drinks may not necessarily apply to iced coffee. The fact that the coffee is served cold changes its character and how it is consumed. In this interpretation, the harmful effects and addictive nature of caffeine are diminished due to the change in temperature. Furthermore, there are other cold beverages that are widely accepted within the church, such as soda, which also contain caffeine.
A Middle Ground
Ultimately, whether or not one chooses to consume iced coffee is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration. It is important to remember that the Word of Wisdom is meant to be a guideline for our health and well-being, rather than a strict set of rules. As members of the church, we are encouraged to seek personal revelation and guidance from God in making decisions regarding our health and the Word of Wisdom.
In conclusion, the topic of whether or not iced coffee goes against the Word of Wisdom is one that is open to personal interpretation. While some may interpret the prohibition of hot drinks to include iced coffee, others may argue that the intent behind the revelation does not necessarily apply to this particular beverage. It is ultimately up to each individual to prayerfully consider their own beliefs and make decisions that align with their personal understanding of the Word of Wisdom. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is important to approach this topic with love and understanding towards one another, recognizing that we all have different perspectives and experiences.