In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Like many religions, Mormonism has a dietary code which all adherents are directed to follow. This code is known as the Word of Wisdom, and the faithful believe that these dietary directions came straight from the Lord by revelation in 1833 to Joseph Smith Jr. Smith is considered by Latter-day Saints to have been the first of many prophets in these final days. For Mormons, it is vitally important that they obey the Word of Wisdom, as failure to do so can result in the *limitation of their church privileges and a loss of desired blessings. There is a problem though with the application of this revelation in today’s Mormonism. [*Edit: My first posted version of this essay made the loss of salvation a result of failure to obey the Word of Wisdom. This is doctrinally incorrect.]

The problem is that the religion doesn’t enforce the complete dietary code, even though they claim that the words of the written revelation are the words of the Lord. Mormonism chooses only to enforce certain parts of the code, making those parts more important than the others, while the written revelation does not refer to any part as being more important, or more damning, than another.

Lastly, in reading the written revelation, one must question whether or not the Lord, or Joseph Smith, ever intended the Word of Wisdom to be enforced in a manner that would, by technicality, restrict those who live contrary to it from gaining Eternal Life through *baptism. [*Edit: I want to clarify that those already baptized are not restricted from salvation by failure to obey the Word of Wisdom, but those not baptized are restricted from being baptized; an ordinance essential to the salvation of the person.]

Piecing Together The Word of Wisdom

Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants and Commentary

What follows is the written revelation of the Word of Wisdom from Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants, a book considered scripture by Mormons. Commentary is also included to point out significant details and aid the reader in understanding the passage.

“Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet. 1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.”

Commentary: This is the introduction of the revelation in section 89, but not part of the revelation itself. Supposedly Emma Smith, the wife of Joseph, was angry with Joseph over the mess left by the brethren of the church after meetings, and it was Emma’s displeasure which lead him to, as Mormon’s claim, inquire and receive the revelation from the Lord. The introduction also breaks down sections of the passage where important items can be found.

“A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you:”

Commentary:

Smith opens by saying that the revelation following his “inspired introduction” is given by “greeting; not by commandment or constraint”. This opens the way for argument regarding whether the Word of Wisdom should be treated as a commandment at all. Mormonism does treat The Word of Wisdom as a commandment. Mormon missionaries teach potential converts, as part of a lesson titled “Commandments” that, “The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith a law of health called the Word of Wisdom…To be baptized and confirmed [you] must…obey the Word of Wisdom” (Preach My Gospel, 78). Baptism, according to Mormonism is essential for salvation. Failure to obey the Word of Wisdom can keep a person from being baptized, thus keeping a person from being saved. This seems to place a great deal of weight on obeying something that the Lord is written to have said was given “not by commandment”. Failure to obey the Word of Wisdom can also limit the progress that a Mormon makes within the church as failure to obey makes one unworthy to serve in various capacities in the church and unworthy to go to the temple, which is necessary to gain the highest level of salvation in Mormon doctrine.

Admittedly, he does go on to say that the Word of Wisdom is the “will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days”. To many, following the will of God is important. However, by combining what is written about the Word of Wisdom being given “not by…constraint” and also being “the will of God”, it seems that anyone who follows the principles of the Word of Wisdom will be blessed by God, but not damned because they choose not to follow the revelation. It is also mentioned that the revelation is given to aid in the “temporal salvation” of a person, not spiritual salvation. Yet in today’s Mormonism, the choice not to follow the revelation effects one’s spiritual salvation arguably more than their temporal salvation.

In fairness, Smith did say that, “No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with and obey it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 117). However, Smith’s enforcement of the resolution seems inconsistent with his actions, as will be illustrated later.

“In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.”

Commentary: In the chapter, “The Lord’s Law of Health” in Gospel Principles, it can be read that, “The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol”. Again the church teaches that the Word of Wisdom is a commandment, when the Lord clearly opened by saying the revelation was given “not by commandment”.

The Lord reveals that the will of God is that no man (and probably woman) should drink “wine or strong drink”. At this point, the meaning of wine is clear; however, what does “strong drink” mean? The church interprets the phrase to mean any alcoholic drink. It’s possible, however, that “strong drink” could have meant liquor. This would mean that beer is permissible. Keep this in mind, as the subject of beer will be discussed again shortly.

There is an exception given here to the drinking of wine. The Lord states that wine can be used for “sacraments”. The catch is that it needs to be “pure wine, of your own make”. The interpretation is “pure wine” is that the wine used for sacraments is to not be fermented, this non-alcoholic. From this Mormons conclude that Jesus must have only drunk non-alcoholic wine. This is a misguided attempt at merging the Jesus of the Bible with the modern revelation of Joseph Smith. It is historically inaccurate that Jesus would not have drunk alcoholic wine. In fact, Jesus is accused of being a drunkard in the Biblical account of his life. Mormons practice baptism by immersion to follow the example of the obedient Christ. If drinking wine was acceptable to Christ, why restrict those who drink wine from following his example by being baptized?

“And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.”

Commentary: The Lord is very clear here about tobacco not being used in or on people’s body.

“And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”

Commentary: What is the meaning of “hot drinks”? Mormons interpret the ambiguous phrase to mean coffee and tea. Why hot chocolate, or even hot water, was not included in the interpretation is difficult to surmise. For Mormons, this interpretation is accepted as something setting them apart as a “peculiar people”. Not drinking coffee and tea, is critical in Mormonism as doing so will keep a person from being baptized, serving in the church, and attending the temple. In Mormonism, drinking coffee and tea, even if the phrase used in the revelation is vague and in need of interpretation, will keep a person from salvation.

At this point it is clear that Mormonism prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea. The church focuses a great deal on these four items and usage of them will keep a person from full activity in the church and even salvation. When a person fails to abide by these prohibitions they are said to have, “a Word of Wisdom problem”.

“And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man— Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.”

Commentary: Herbs and fruits are good for people and God wants them to eat them.

“Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth; And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.”

Commentary: While true that the Lord has given the earth to man to dominate, according to the Word of Wisdom, man shouldn’t eat meat unless it is winter, cold, or there is a famine. The Lord doesn’t want people eating meat unless there is little else to eat. This passage is extremely clear, requiring no translation whatsoever. However, unlike the vague passage above about “hot drinks”, there is no enforced prohibition on eating meat in times other than the winter, when it is warm, or when other foods are available.

This seems to be completely contradictory. Not only has today’s Mormonism taken a revelation given “not by commandment” and enforced it as such, it has chosen only to enforce certain parts, regardless of how ambiguous the wording, and ignore others. Such a practice is tantamount to choosing five of the Ten Commandments to follow and saying that you follow all of them. It is inconsistent with the Biblical portrayal of the history of God for some commandments to be less important than others. When the Lord speaks a command, the command must be followed. Failure to do so resulted in physical and spiritual death. Mormonism’s application of the Word of Wisdom is incompatible with how God has functioned in Biblical history.

Why should a person be refused baptism because they drink a cup of coffee at work each morning, but allowed the ordinance even if they have steak every night in the month of July? If it is the “will of God” that a person abstain from both practices, why is one damning while the other ignored? It seems illogical, especially considering that the the practice that damns had to be interpreted as such and the practice ignored is crystal clear in the written revelation, the words of the Lord.

“All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground— nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.”

Commentary: Grains, vegetables, and fruits have been provided for the nourishment of mankind and all other animals. However, a significant point in this passage is the allowance of beer.

Beer is, “an alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermentation from cereals, usually malted barley, and flavored with hops and the like for a slightly bitter taste”. If “strong drinks” can be interpreted as meaning hard liquor, then it is possible that “mild drinks” made with barely could refer to beer. Such an interpretation is not inconsistent with the wording and context of the written revelation. However, such an interpretation would seem inconceivable to Mormons today as they’ve been taught that all alcohol is prohibited by the Lord.

“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.”

Commentary: This is the closing of the written revelation. The Lord is written as having said that those who follow the Word of Wisdom will be healthy and will be able to gain knowledge and wisdom. Although not expressly mentioned, Mormons believe that following the revelation allows them to be able to hear the whisperings and prompting of the Holy Spirit and be guided in their lives. This is the promise mentioned in the opening passage of the revelation.
Outlining the Word of Wisdom

Below is the “will of God” concerning a person’s “temporal salvation”

Points enforced are marked in green and unenforced are marked in red.

One of the best examples of Joseph Smith’s attitude toward the Word of Wisdom, and his beliefs on it being given “not by commandment” was his establishment of a bar in Smith Mansion House, in Nauvoo, Illinois. A close associate to Smith, Orrin Porter Rockwell was contracted to run the bar/barber shop. Dr. Russell Burrows of Bowling Green University explains that Smith,

“…set up Rockwell in a combination barbershop and a bar—a venture to work in concert with Smith’s Mansion House, which was church headquarters, as well as Smith’s private residence. This hub of the rapidly expanding Nauvoo could well have used the nearby amenities of a barbershop and a bar—and besides, a job there would have given Rockwell an almost perfect chance to watch who had been coming and going from the holy city. Beneath the surface of this unlikely arrangement, it’s almost as though Smith were chuckling at the prospect of a latter-day Samson (one of Smith’s own creation), cutting hair—especially, if ever it were Gentiles’ hair. And Rockwell, for his part, was agreeable, if probably doubtful about the barbering.

The bar tending he would rise to, ably assisted by his church elders, for Smith magnanimously ordered in a polished bar along with a stock of liquors with which to school Rockwell in the more heady spirits and their mixes. And Smith set up this tutelage in a wing of the Mansion House, while—as was convenient—his first and official wife, Emma, was away down river to St. Louis on a trip to buy furniture. Historically, Joseph Smith threw this party some ten years after he had brought out The Word of Wisdom, in which the Persona of the Almighty enjoins: “strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.” But a washed and a combed Rockwell was there behind his bar, setting up his brethren with a warm and a high time of it, when Emma Smith pulled back into town. She got her first look at what was going on and vanquished the prophet—pretty much “horse and foot,” in that splendid old war phrase—by throwing his woozy fraternity from the home where she had been raising children.”

Certainly Joseph Smith, as a prophet of God, would not have established a bar in his own home, or even allowed liquor, if he believed that the consumption of alcohol was damning to the immoral soul.
Conclusion

It has been clearly established that the original intention of the Word of Wisdom was that it not be compulsory. It has also been established that the Mormon church today enforces only a part of the total revelation while effectively ignoring the total. This is an incompatible and inappropriate use of revelation. While it is understandable that Mormonism desires to decrease the negative effects of addiction, the Word of Wisdom shouldn’t be butchered and used piecemeal to limit these effects. If the Mormon church desires to prohibit its members from alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco, it should do so without invoking the revelation. Appropriately used, the Word of Wisdom is guidance on healthy living. While it may be wise to follow what is written as “the will of God”, failure to do so should not be eternally damning.

I’ve mentioned my involvement with the Post-Mormon Community (PMC) on postmormon.org a few times in prior posts and pages. I registered on the site after reading an article about one the the billboards the community uses to let people know of their presence. Since joining, a thousand more have flocked to the website to be among others who are discussing their experiences with Mormonism and helping each other heal after the devastation of having their beliefs, the foundation of their very lives, obliterated.Interest in the site is rapidly growing. In June of 2006, the usage statistics of the site showed over 6,000,000 hits resulting from over 260,000 unique visits, about double the activity of May.

The Post-Mormon Community utilizes billboards to advertise the site. These billboards are paid for by contributions of members. These donations are accepted by the PMC as a 501C Charitable Organization and the PMC discloses their financial reports on the site for public viewing. So far, the PMC has contracted billboards in Logan, UT; Idaho Falls, ID; Provo, UT; and St. George, UT. As of this post, the PMC is raising funds for a large billboard in Salt Lake City, UT.

The PMC also encourages people to meet together in their local communities. These groups, known as chapters, meet together for the “purpose of providing moral support, fellowship and socialization directed toward sustaining individuals and families who have left, are considering leaving or are questioning the beliefs of LDS Church. Chapters are not to be used for promoting a business, a religion, or anything unrelated to the main purpose of the chapter” (chapter FAQ). As of this post, 27 PMC chapters have been started.

As you may know, the LDS Church is more prevalent in the western United States than in the eastern part of the country. The first chapter east of the Mississippi River was the Charlotte North Carolina Post-Mormons. I am pleased to announce the start of the Hampton Roads Post-Mormons chapter of the Post-Mormon Community as the second PMC chapter in the eastern United States, serving the Virginian cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Franklin, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.

Post-Mormonism isn’t about being Anti-Mormon; it’s about being able to seek understanding about the world and oneself outside of the constrictions of any church of philosophy, particularly Mormonism. If you are interested in meeting up with other Post-Mormons in the Hampton Roads area, please send a private message to nxtoracle within postmormon.org, comment on this post, or send him an e-mail at nxtoracle[at]gmail.com

So, tonight I helped my grandmother pick out a laptop from CompUSA to go along with the Verizon FiOS FTTP (Fiber Through To Premises) that was installed at her house today. My grandmother is officially ahead of the curve in technology available to her.

The question is; where on the curve am I? The salesdude at CompUSA really irked me tonight. He was a bit pushy when he didn’t need to be. Even my grandmother noticed. What she didn’t notice was the quick exchanges between he and I. You see, when you get two tech people in a room, there’s bound to be some flexing of digital muscle. At one point, in response to his admonishment to secure my grandmother’s wireless network (which Verizon does by default), I mentioned that I “do this kind of stuff for a living” and know how to go about it. He asked me what I did, and I told him I was currently a Data Support Specialist for the school system. Without missing a beat, and perhaps without any thought, he dismissed any position with the school system being worth the time of someone who knows their stuff. In short, he said that the school system didn’t pay enough. His expression and tone captured his assumed superiority over the person who accepted such pay: me. Later, in response to him saying he was in school, I mentioned I was as well. When asked where, I told him University of Phoenix Online. I think he stopped himself from making a comment right away, but later slipped in that the great thing about his school, ECPI, was the hands on experience and connection to certifications. To sum up the experience; I helped my grandmother buy a laptop and had my choice of employment and school belittled. It was certainly a mixture of joy and disdain.

People at work tell me I’m wasting my time, that my talents and knowledge outweigh the position I’m in. I’m accused of being complacent. I don’t think I’m complacent. I know that I must progress, but I also know that there is more to progress than promotions and salaries. Currently, I help people who make a difference. I help teachers. No, I’m not paid very well, but I get by. I know I can’t stay in this position forever, but I’m going to give it my best while I’m there.

I know the University of Phoenix Online is unorthodox. No, I don’t get the hands on training that I would enjoy. Obviously I’m still debating whether I want to continue the program there. I’m halfway through though, I would like to just finish it.

I know I’m not on the bleeding edge of technology. I’m forgotten more than many ever learn, and I’m only 22! I feel so behind sometimes, and yet so far ahead. What about me? Do I make a difference? Am I on the right track? I hope so. I hope the difference I make is worth the sacrifice given. Whatever the sacrifice may be.

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The usual study of poetry, as I was exposed to it, revolved around Shakespeare and iambic pentameter. To this day I can’t tell you which words are stressed and unstressed, but I can read a line or two well by mimicking Kenneth Branagh’s stunning performance of Hamlet. As an actor, he surpasses many in talent, and yet is so little known. Any actor who can go from being a master of Shakespeare to Dr. Loveless in Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West” is an actor who wins my highest praises.

But let’s focus on poetry.

To dissect poetry is to spend longer on it than is needful. I’m not interested with how many feet a poem includes unless, of course, it to to rise from my desk and walk across the room to fetch me a glass of wine. It’s not important to me. What is important about poetry is the depth and power a poem can have when relating a message in the simplest, and yet dramatic and descriptive, manner.

Enter performance poetry.

What better work of literature to capture to heart of someone like me than that work composed to express its message quickly, powerfully, and aggressively? None!

Introducing Taylor Mali.

Through the wonder of YouTube, I came across a video posted of Taylor Mali performing “What Teachers Make” and instantly knew that I had found a brand of poetry that even I, who grumbles whenever the subject is taught scholastically, could love. His poetry is no less and art than the compositions of Shakespeare. In fact, they are arguably more powerful in that they are more direct.

I invite you to experience Mali for yourselves. His website is http://www.taylormali.com/index.html. Enjoy.

I had been meaning to watch “Jesus Camp” for a while now, but just couldn’t get myself to rent it. Now, after having watched it, I feel deep empathy for the kids who were followed in the film.I was, by almost every measure, one of those kids. I was deeply involved in my Christian faith. I was drawn into it through an evangelical organization called AWANA. I was attracted to the Biblical message of the love of God expressed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Later, as a teenager, I became even more involved and devoted. I witnessed to friends, I read my Bible, I went to Church, Sunday School, and participated in a youth group. I was fast becoming a youth leader, and seriously considered the ministry for my profession. All this because evangelicals target youth.I am grateful that my mind was never closed. I am grateful that this allowed me not to trust in the radical teachings and examples of many evangelicals. But of course, I was too young and too new in the faith to understand or be indoctrinated to those levels. Thank God for that!

When my social situation in life changed, I found it difficult to continue with church and the activities associated with it. I stopped going, and started searching anew for God’s purpose in my life. I eventually wound up becoming a Latter-day Saint, where I once again dedicated myself to my religion. This wouldn’t be lasting either. Again, I am grateful for an continual open mind.

I really hope that the realities of the world overcome the notions built in the minds of the youth in this film. I hope that they may see what was really important and precious about the teachings of Christ. I hope they will learn to love others without regard to their faith, and learn to live in society peacefully. I hope they will one day be able to think critically for themselves, and not through the lenses of the church.