Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Word of Wisdom

As a Mormon I follow the Word of Wisdom. At the highest level, the Word of Wisdom is a code of health that Mormons believe is divinely inspired. Most often, however, the Word of Wisdom is thought of as a series of restrictions that include restrictions on Alcohol, tabacoo, tea and coffee. There are a number of interesting perspectives on the Word of Wisdom that I have been thinking about.
First, the language of the revelation does not specifically proscribe coffee and tea, instead the revelation states that "hot drinks are not for the body or belly." Of course, this includes tea and coffee. But, does this extend to hot chocolate? Is it the heat of the drink that is not for the belly or the make up of tea or coffee?
Second, meat. The Word of Wisdom states, "And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine." Does this mean meat should not be used only in the times of winter or does it mean that meat should not be used, but only in times of winter? The comma between "be used" and "only" is operative, and I wonder when it was added. Of course, by reference to D&C 49:18 we are told "And whoso aforbiddeth to babstain from cmeats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God." Hence, I think meat is OK, as long as it used sparingly.
Third, I wonder what the Word of Wisdom would be like if it was revealed today? What would it say about fast food? Processed food? Little Debbie's? Or, high fructose corn syrup? Would it mention soda or caffeine? Would mention exercise for our sedentary life style? If you read the Word of Wisdom as a whole, and consider it as an owner's manual for our bodies by the Creator of our bodies, then it is easy to see how we should take of ourselves today. After all, we shouldn't have to be commanded in all things to see the benefits of living healthy.

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