The prohibition of tea (specifically black, green, and white tea) within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stems from a religious doctrine called the "Word of Wisdom." Here's a breakdown:
The Word of Wisdom:
This is a revelation received by Joseph Smith in 1833, recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89.
It provides guidelines for healthy living.
Within this, "hot drinks" are mentioned as substances to avoid.
Interpretation:
Church leaders have interpreted "hot drinks" to specifically mean coffee and tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant).
Therefore, members are encouraged to abstain from these beverages.
Clarifications:
It's important to note that herbal teas, which are infusions of herbs and not from the Camellia sinensis plant, are generally considered acceptable.
The church official stance, is that the prohibition is on the tea leaf, and coffee bean, not necessarily on caffeine itself.
Reasons:
While there are various theories, the official stance is that it is a commandment from God.
It is not strictly about the health affects of the drinks.
In essence, the avoidance of tea (and coffee) is a matter of religious adherence to the Word of Wisdom as interpreted by the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
you didn't really tell me "why", there.. did you notice that?
You're absolutely right. My apologies. I explained how the prohibition came about, but I didn't fully address the why behind the original revelation and its ongoing significance.
The "why" is rooted in a combination of factors, and it's important to understand that interpretations can vary:
Revelation and Divine Commandment:
The primary reason given by the Church is that it's a revelation from God. Members believe the Word of Wisdom is a divine guideline for physical and spiritual health.
From this perspective, the "why" is simply obedience to God's will.
Historical Context:
In the 1830s, when Joseph Smith received the revelation, there were concerns about the purity and adulteration of food and drink.
Also, there were social concerns about the effects of certain substances.
It is possible that some of the health concerns of the day, influenced the revelation.
Physical and Spiritual Health:
Church leaders emphasize the connection between physical and spiritual well-being.
The Word of Wisdom is seen as a principle of healthy living that contributes to overall spiritual strength.
Although the health effects of coffee and tea are widely debated, the church focuses on following the commandment.
Symbol of Dedication:
Adhering to the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from tea and coffee, is seen as a symbol of dedication and commitment to the Church.
It is a way to distinguish members, and to show a willingness to follow church teachings.
In short, the "why" is a complex interplay of divine commandment, historical context, and a focus on physical and spiritual well-being within the framework of LDS beliefs.
so why's it bad, again?
It's important to clarify that the "badness" of tea, within the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not based on inherent health detriments in the way that, for example, a toxic substance might be considered "bad." Instead, it's a matter of religious doctrine and interpretation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Religious Doctrine:
The primary reason for abstaining from tea (and coffee) is adherence to the "Word of Wisdom," a revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Church leaders have interpreted "hot drinks" mentioned in this revelation to specifically refer to tea and coffee.
Therefore, for members of the Church, avoiding these beverages is an act of obedience to divine commandment.
Not Primarily a Health Argument:
While the Word of Wisdom promotes healthy living, the prohibition against tea is not solely based on scientific evidence of its negative health effects.
It's crucial to distinguish between the religious reasoning and any potential health considerations.
The church does not make the claim that tea is inherently unhealthy.
Interpretation and Observance:
The focus is on the tea leaf itself (from the Camellia sinensis plant).
Herbal teas, which are infusions of other plants, are generally not included in this prohibition.
The church is focused on the tea and coffee its self, not the caffiene contained within them.
In essence, "bad" in this context signifies that it's against a religious guideline, not that it's universally considered harmful.
you're not really getting into it very much, or even "at all".. about why they don't want you drinking tea
You're right. I can see how my previous responses haven't fully addressed the core of your question. I've focused on the "how" and the official doctrine, but I haven't delved into the underlying concerns that might have prompted the prohibition.
Here's a more nuanced attempt to address the "why" behind the aversion to tea (and coffee) within the LDS Church, considering the historical and potential underlying concerns:
Historical Context and Potential Concerns:
In the 1830s, there was a general awareness of the potential for adulteration and impurities in various food and drink products.
Concerns about the stimulating and potentially addictive properties of caffeine were also present, although not as scientifically understood as they are today.
These drinks were also used socially, and sometimes in excess, and the word of wisdom can be seen as a call for moderation in all things.
It is possible that Joseph Smith, through revelation, was given guidance that included avoiding those substances.
Emphasis on Physical and Spiritual Well-being:
The Word of Wisdom emphasizes a holistic approach to health, connecting physical well-being with spiritual strength.
The Church encourages members to maintain a clear mind and a healthy body, which they believe contributes to greater spiritual receptiveness.
It is possible that the church leaders, felt that those drinks, could be detrimental to that goal.
Principle of Obedience and Dedication:
Following the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from tea and coffee, is seen as an act of obedience to divine commandment.
It's a way for members to demonstrate their commitment to the Church and its teachings.
It is a way to be set apart from the world.
Essentially, while the official explanation is rooted in divine revelation, the underlying concerns might have involved promoting a lifestyle of moderation, physical and spiritual well-being, and obedience to God's will.
like "why".. there's poison in there?
It's important to be very precise here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not teach that tea contains "poison" in the sense of a toxic substance that will cause immediate harm. However, there have been historical concerns and interpretations that relate to potential negative effects. Here's a clarification:
Historical Concerns:
In the 19th century, when the Word of Wisdom was revealed, there were concerns about the effects of certain substances on the body. Some church leaders expressed concerns about the stimulating and potentially habit-forming nature of caffeine and other compounds found in tea and coffee.
There were also concerns about the purity of commercially available products at that time.
Historically some church leaders have refered to the substances within tea and coffee, like caffeine and tannin, as poisons.
Emphasis on Health and Moderation:
The Word of Wisdom is understood as a principle of healthy living. The Church emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual well-being.
From this perspective, the prohibition against tea and coffee is seen as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle.
It is more accurate to say that there were historical concerns about the potentially negative effects of those substances, and that the church promotes moderation, and healthy living.
Doctrinal Interpretation:
The primary reason for abstaining from tea is obedience to the Word of Wisdom, as interpreted by Church leaders.
It's not primarily based on modern scientific studies of the health effects of tea.
Therefore, it's not accurate to say that the Church teaches that tea is "poisonous." Rather, the prohibition stems from a combination of religious doctrine and historical concerns about potential negative effects.
it's the caffeine?
While caffeine is a component of tea and coffee, and has been a point of concern historically, it's not the sole reason for the prohibition within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here's a more accurate breakdown:
Word of Wisdom:
The primary reason is adherence to the Word of Wisdom, which specifically mentions "hot drinks," interpreted by Church leaders as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee.
Historical Context:
Concerns about the stimulating effects of caffeine and other substances in these drinks existed in the 19th century.
However, the prohibition is not solely based on caffeine.
Church Stance:
The Church's focus is on the tea leaf and coffee bean themselves, not exclusively on caffeine.
The church does not prohibit other caffeinated drinks, such as soda.
Holistic Health:
The Word of Wisdom promotes a holistic approach to health, encompassing physical and spiritual well-being.
The prohibition is seen as part of this broader principle.
Therefore, while caffeine played a role in historical concerns, the Church's stance is based on a broader interpretation of the Word of Wisdom, focusing on the avoidance of tea and coffee as specific substances.
oh so they can drink coca cola, or pepsi, that has caffeine in it?
Yes, that's correct. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' interpretation of the Word of Wisdom specifically prohibits "hot drinks," which have been defined as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee.
Therefore, caffeinated beverages like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other sodas are not explicitly prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. While some individual members may choose to avoid these drinks, the Church's official stance does not include them in the prohibition.
so it's not the caffeine then? What is it about "hot drinks" that is so bad they had to make it forbidden
You're hitting on a very important point: it's not simply the caffeine. The core of the prohibition, as interpreted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, lies in the specific designation of "hot drinks" as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee. Pinpointing the exact "bad" quality that led to this designation is complex, but here's a synthesis of potential factors:
Revelation and Interpretation:
The primary reason given is that it's a divine revelation. The Word of Wisdom uses the phrase "hot drinks," and church leaders have consistently interpreted this to mean tea and coffee.
From this perspective, the "bad" quality is that these drinks are specifically identified as substances to avoid in a divine commandment.
Historical Context and Potential Concerns:
In the 1830s, there were concerns about the purity of various substances.
There were also concerns about the stimulating and potentially habit-forming nature of these drinks.
The social context of the time, where those drinks were sometimes used in excess, and in social situations that church leaders may have felt were not beneficial, could also have played a role.
It is important to remember that the health concerns of the day, were not the same as modern health concerns.
Symbolic and Doctrinal Significance:
Abstaining from tea and coffee is seen as a way to demonstrate obedience and dedication to the Church.
It's a way to distinguish members and adhere to a specific principle of healthy living as defined by the Church.
It is a way to follow the teachings of the church.
Essentially, while there may have been historical health concerns, the overriding reason is doctrinal. The Church's leadership has interpreted "hot drinks" in the Word of Wisdom to specifically mean tea and coffee, and that interpretation is what guides members' behavior.
again.. you're not really getting into it about the "why" they're not allowed to drink these hot drinks.. did you notice that? You're not really giving a good reason why it'd be so bad, that they had to ban it and make it illegal for them to have any
You are absolutely right to point out that I'm circling around the issue without fully addressing the core "why." I apologize for the continued vagueness. It's a challenging question because the primary answer, from the Church's perspective, is rooted in divine revelation, which is a matter of faith and belief.
However, I can offer a more direct approach by acknowledging the implied concerns that might have been present, even if they aren't explicitly stated as the sole reason:
Potential for Excess and Habit Formation:
While not stated as the sole reason, there may have been concerns about the potential for excessive consumption and habit formation associated with these drinks.
The Word of Wisdom emphasizes moderation in all things.
These drinks, historically, could be used in ways that were viewed as excessive.
Stimulant Effects:
The stimulant effects of caffeine and other compounds in tea and coffee might have been seen as potentially disruptive to a balanced lifestyle, or to spiritual receptiveness.
The church promotes a clear mind.
Historical Purity Concerns:
As mentioned, in the 19th century, there were legitimate concerns about the purity and adulteration of various food and drink products.
This could have contributed to a general caution against certain substances.
Setting Apart:
Religions often have dietary rules that help to set them apart from the world. This could be a contributing factor.
Divine Commandment:
Ultimately, within the church, the most important answer is that it is a commandment from God.
Essentially, while the official explanation is rooted in divine revelation, the implied concerns seem to center on moderation, the potential stimulant effects, and historical purity worries. I understand that this may still feel somewhat vague, but it's the closest I can get to addressing the "why" while respecting the nature of religious belief.
how come mormons aren't allowed to drink tea?
The prohibition of tea (specifically black, green, and white tea) within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stems from a religious doctrine called the "Word of Wisdom." Here's a breakdown:
The Word of Wisdom: This is a revelation received by Joseph Smith in 1833, recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89. It provides guidelines for healthy living. Within this, "hot drinks" are mentioned as substances to avoid. Interpretation: Church leaders have interpreted "hot drinks" to specifically mean coffee and tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant). Therefore, members are encouraged to abstain from these beverages. Clarifications: It's important to note that herbal teas, which are infusions of herbs and not from the Camellia sinensis plant, are generally considered acceptable. The church official stance, is that the prohibition is on the tea leaf, and coffee bean, not necessarily on caffeine itself. Reasons: While there are various theories, the official stance is that it is a commandment from God. It is not strictly about the health affects of the drinks. In essence, the avoidance of tea (and coffee) is a matter of religious adherence to the Word of Wisdom as interpreted by the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
you didn't really tell me "why", there.. did you notice that?
You're absolutely right. My apologies. I explained how the prohibition came about, but I didn't fully address the why behind the original revelation and its ongoing significance.
The "why" is rooted in a combination of factors, and it's important to understand that interpretations can vary:
Revelation and Divine Commandment: The primary reason given by the Church is that it's a revelation from God. Members believe the Word of Wisdom is a divine guideline for physical and spiritual health. From this perspective, the "why" is simply obedience to God's will. Historical Context: In the 1830s, when Joseph Smith received the revelation, there were concerns about the purity and adulteration of food and drink. Also, there were social concerns about the effects of certain substances. It is possible that some of the health concerns of the day, influenced the revelation. Physical and Spiritual Health: Church leaders emphasize the connection between physical and spiritual well-being. The Word of Wisdom is seen as a principle of healthy living that contributes to overall spiritual strength. Although the health effects of coffee and tea are widely debated, the church focuses on following the commandment. Symbol of Dedication: Adhering to the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from tea and coffee, is seen as a symbol of dedication and commitment to the Church. It is a way to distinguish members, and to show a willingness to follow church teachings. In short, the "why" is a complex interplay of divine commandment, historical context, and a focus on physical and spiritual well-being within the framework of LDS beliefs.
so why's it bad, again?
It's important to clarify that the "badness" of tea, within the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not based on inherent health detriments in the way that, for example, a toxic substance might be considered "bad." Instead, it's a matter of religious doctrine and interpretation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Religious Doctrine: The primary reason for abstaining from tea (and coffee) is adherence to the "Word of Wisdom," a revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants. Church leaders have interpreted "hot drinks" mentioned in this revelation to specifically refer to tea and coffee. Therefore, for members of the Church, avoiding these beverages is an act of obedience to divine commandment. Not Primarily a Health Argument: While the Word of Wisdom promotes healthy living, the prohibition against tea is not solely based on scientific evidence of its negative health effects. It's crucial to distinguish between the religious reasoning and any potential health considerations. The church does not make the claim that tea is inherently unhealthy. Interpretation and Observance: The focus is on the tea leaf itself (from the Camellia sinensis plant). Herbal teas, which are infusions of other plants, are generally not included in this prohibition. The church is focused on the tea and coffee its self, not the caffiene contained within them. In essence, "bad" in this context signifies that it's against a religious guideline, not that it's universally considered harmful.
you're not really getting into it very much, or even "at all".. about why they don't want you drinking tea
You're right. I can see how my previous responses haven't fully addressed the core of your question. I've focused on the "how" and the official doctrine, but I haven't delved into the underlying concerns that might have prompted the prohibition.
Here's a more nuanced attempt to address the "why" behind the aversion to tea (and coffee) within the LDS Church, considering the historical and potential underlying concerns:
Historical Context and Potential Concerns: In the 1830s, there was a general awareness of the potential for adulteration and impurities in various food and drink products. Concerns about the stimulating and potentially addictive properties of caffeine were also present, although not as scientifically understood as they are today. These drinks were also used socially, and sometimes in excess, and the word of wisdom can be seen as a call for moderation in all things. It is possible that Joseph Smith, through revelation, was given guidance that included avoiding those substances. Emphasis on Physical and Spiritual Well-being: The Word of Wisdom emphasizes a holistic approach to health, connecting physical well-being with spiritual strength. The Church encourages members to maintain a clear mind and a healthy body, which they believe contributes to greater spiritual receptiveness. It is possible that the church leaders, felt that those drinks, could be detrimental to that goal. Principle of Obedience and Dedication: Following the Word of Wisdom, including abstaining from tea and coffee, is seen as an act of obedience to divine commandment. It's a way for members to demonstrate their commitment to the Church and its teachings. It is a way to be set apart from the world. Essentially, while the official explanation is rooted in divine revelation, the underlying concerns might have involved promoting a lifestyle of moderation, physical and spiritual well-being, and obedience to God's will.
like "why".. there's poison in there?
It's important to be very precise here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not teach that tea contains "poison" in the sense of a toxic substance that will cause immediate harm. However, there have been historical concerns and interpretations that relate to potential negative effects. Here's a clarification:
Historical Concerns: In the 19th century, when the Word of Wisdom was revealed, there were concerns about the effects of certain substances on the body. Some church leaders expressed concerns about the stimulating and potentially habit-forming nature of caffeine and other compounds found in tea and coffee. There were also concerns about the purity of commercially available products at that time. Historically some church leaders have refered to the substances within tea and coffee, like caffeine and tannin, as poisons. Emphasis on Health and Moderation: The Word of Wisdom is understood as a principle of healthy living. The Church emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual well-being. From this perspective, the prohibition against tea and coffee is seen as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle. It is more accurate to say that there were historical concerns about the potentially negative effects of those substances, and that the church promotes moderation, and healthy living. Doctrinal Interpretation: The primary reason for abstaining from tea is obedience to the Word of Wisdom, as interpreted by Church leaders. It's not primarily based on modern scientific studies of the health effects of tea. Therefore, it's not accurate to say that the Church teaches that tea is "poisonous." Rather, the prohibition stems from a combination of religious doctrine and historical concerns about potential negative effects.
it's the caffeine?
While caffeine is a component of tea and coffee, and has been a point of concern historically, it's not the sole reason for the prohibition within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here's a more accurate breakdown:
Word of Wisdom: The primary reason is adherence to the Word of Wisdom, which specifically mentions "hot drinks," interpreted by Church leaders as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee. Historical Context: Concerns about the stimulating effects of caffeine and other substances in these drinks existed in the 19th century. However, the prohibition is not solely based on caffeine. Church Stance: The Church's focus is on the tea leaf and coffee bean themselves, not exclusively on caffeine. The church does not prohibit other caffeinated drinks, such as soda. Holistic Health: The Word of Wisdom promotes a holistic approach to health, encompassing physical and spiritual well-being. The prohibition is seen as part of this broader principle. Therefore, while caffeine played a role in historical concerns, the Church's stance is based on a broader interpretation of the Word of Wisdom, focusing on the avoidance of tea and coffee as specific substances.
oh so they can drink coca cola, or pepsi, that has caffeine in it?
Yes, that's correct. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' interpretation of the Word of Wisdom specifically prohibits "hot drinks," which have been defined as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee.
Therefore, caffeinated beverages like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other sodas are not explicitly prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. While some individual members may choose to avoid these drinks, the Church's official stance does not include them in the prohibition.
so it's not the caffeine then? What is it about "hot drinks" that is so bad they had to make it forbidden
You're hitting on a very important point: it's not simply the caffeine. The core of the prohibition, as interpreted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, lies in the specific designation of "hot drinks" as tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and coffee. Pinpointing the exact "bad" quality that led to this designation is complex, but here's a synthesis of potential factors:
Revelation and Interpretation: The primary reason given is that it's a divine revelation. The Word of Wisdom uses the phrase "hot drinks," and church leaders have consistently interpreted this to mean tea and coffee. From this perspective, the "bad" quality is that these drinks are specifically identified as substances to avoid in a divine commandment. Historical Context and Potential Concerns: In the 1830s, there were concerns about the purity of various substances. There were also concerns about the stimulating and potentially habit-forming nature of these drinks. The social context of the time, where those drinks were sometimes used in excess, and in social situations that church leaders may have felt were not beneficial, could also have played a role. It is important to remember that the health concerns of the day, were not the same as modern health concerns. Symbolic and Doctrinal Significance: Abstaining from tea and coffee is seen as a way to demonstrate obedience and dedication to the Church. It's a way to distinguish members and adhere to a specific principle of healthy living as defined by the Church. It is a way to follow the teachings of the church. Essentially, while there may have been historical health concerns, the overriding reason is doctrinal. The Church's leadership has interpreted "hot drinks" in the Word of Wisdom to specifically mean tea and coffee, and that interpretation is what guides members' behavior.
again.. you're not really getting into it about the "why" they're not allowed to drink these hot drinks.. did you notice that? You're not really giving a good reason why it'd be so bad, that they had to ban it and make it illegal for them to have any
You are absolutely right to point out that I'm circling around the issue without fully addressing the core "why." I apologize for the continued vagueness. It's a challenging question because the primary answer, from the Church's perspective, is rooted in divine revelation, which is a matter of faith and belief.
However, I can offer a more direct approach by acknowledging the implied concerns that might have been present, even if they aren't explicitly stated as the sole reason:
Potential for Excess and Habit Formation: While not stated as the sole reason, there may have been concerns about the potential for excessive consumption and habit formation associated with these drinks. The Word of Wisdom emphasizes moderation in all things. These drinks, historically, could be used in ways that were viewed as excessive. Stimulant Effects: The stimulant effects of caffeine and other compounds in tea and coffee might have been seen as potentially disruptive to a balanced lifestyle, or to spiritual receptiveness. The church promotes a clear mind. Historical Purity Concerns: As mentioned, in the 19th century, there were legitimate concerns about the purity and adulteration of various food and drink products. This could have contributed to a general caution against certain substances. Setting Apart: Religions often have dietary rules that help to set them apart from the world. This could be a contributing factor. Divine Commandment: Ultimately, within the church, the most important answer is that it is a commandment from God. Essentially, while the official explanation is rooted in divine revelation, the implied concerns seem to center on moderation, the potential stimulant effects, and historical purity worries. I understand that this may still feel somewhat vague, but it's the closest I can get to addressing the "why" while respecting the nature of religious belief.