People have a lot of questions about distinctive Mormon practices.Do a Google search: Do Mormons ______? Results: Do Mormons wash their hair? Can Mormons wear make-up? Can Mormons have french fries? Because LDS do have a number of distinctive practices, this can be confusing. Let’s explore three of them…The “Word of Wisdom” See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng Found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (1833)What it prohibitsAlcoholic beveragesTobaccoTea and coffee. The text says “hot drinks” but LDS prophets have taught that this means tea and coffee.This applies even if you drink them coldCommon reasoning: it must be because of caffeine, so no caffeinated soda sold at BYU (for example)But this interpretation is now largely rejected → caffeinated soda is OKWhat it encouragesFruits and wholesome herbs, including vegetables, are goodGrains are goodMeat is good if used sparingly (specifies: in winter, cold, famine)This is largely ignored and not enforced. Every town in Utah has at least one burger joint.Once it was seen as sound advice, but not really enforced as todayJ. Smith drank wineB. Young used snuff and drank teaIn Brigham Young’s day: alcohol was permitted, but not to excessOver time it became a requirement for full activity in church, for example, for worthiness to enter LDS templeThis applies to the part about alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, but not meatRecent survey: only 45% of Mormons strictly conform / 61% of “very active”⅓ of current Mormons reported consuming coffee¼ reported consuming alcohol; ⅙ reported using tobaccoWord of Wisdom observance is changingAlcohol: Boomers 14%; Millennials 29%Marijuana: Boomers 4%; Millennials 17%Even more dramatic changes in attitude than in practiceAbstaining from alcohol is essential to being considered a good Mormon: Boomers 75%; Millennials 46%Reflections: it is wise to eat healthyIrony: Utah leads nation in several unhealthy dietary practices, like consumption of  ice cream / soft drinks / cookies → more unhealthy than moderate coffee or tea usageBible moves away from strict regulations about foodThese can even be a negative for a XianColossians 2:16 (NLT) So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink.Colossians 2:20-21 (NLT) You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world, such as “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate when we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.Bible points us to broad principles: will it master me? Will it benefit me?1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.1 Corinthians 10:23-26 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience....

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