Doctrine And Covenants 89Edit

Doctrine and Covenants 89

Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants is commonly known as the Word of Wisdom—a modern revelation that outlines a health-oriented code of living for adherents of the Latter-day Saint movement. Given to the church around 1833, this document marks a turning point where spiritual obedience is inseparable from practical, everyday conduct. It frames physical health as a matter of spiritual vitality, and it has helped shape the lifestyle practices of generations of believers, from dietary choices to abstention from substances deemed harmful.

The Word of Wisdom is distinctive within the scriptural corpus of the Latter Day Saint movement for aligning religious devotion with personal responsibility and social order. It situates health and temperance as duties compatible with faith, family, and work, reinforcing a moral economy in which individuals bear consequences for their choices while benefiting from divine guidance. The revelation explicitly addresses substances and practices that were common social concerns in early 19th-century America, yet its enduring influence reaches far beyond its original historical moment, continuing to guide members in contemporary life. See Joseph Smith for the founder who reportedly received this revelation, and revelation as a literary and doctrinal form through which divine instruction is transmitted.

Text and Provisions

  • Substances to avoid or limit: The revelation warns against uses deemed unhealthy or morally problematic, especially those with potential for public harm. In practice, this has translated into prohibitions on certain intoxicants and habit-forming substances. The tradition most widely observed by members is abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, and avoiding other practices that could impair judgment or health. See Alcohol and Tobacco for broader context and historical discussion.
  • The “hot drinks” clause: A famous portion of the revelation declares that some drinks are not for the body. Over time, church leadership has interpreted this phrase as a prohibition on coffee and tea, while debates continue about the scope of the instruction regarding caffeine in other beverages. See Coffee and Tea for related discussions.
  • Diet and nourishment: The Word of Wisdom emphasizes moderation and balance, encouraging the consumption of grains, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, with meat to be used "in the right measure." This emphasis on wholesome, natural foods aligns with contemporary wellness ideals and has affected dietary habits within the community. See Diet and Wellness for related themes.
  • Spiritual and moral aims: obedience to the Word of Wisdom is framed not merely as personal health but as a spiritual covenant. The blessings connected with adherence include increased physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual strength, which in turn support faithful worship, family life, and productive labor. See Temple for the connection to worthiness and temple-related practices.

Historical Development and Interpretation

  • Origins and reception: The Word of Wisdom was revealed in the early years of the church and was integrated into the church’s living revelation. As with many modern revelations, interpretation has evolved with time and context. The early focus on temperance and restraint reflected broader American concerns of the era while also creating a distinctive religious boundary for the movement. See Temperance movement for historical parallels and Prohibition for related public policy debates.
  • Institutional emphasis: Over the long arc of the church, observance of the Word of Wisdom has grown from counsel to a standard associated with temple eligibility and overall church discipline. This shift has reinforced a sense of shared identity and accountability, while preserving individual agency within the bounds of communal norms. See Temple for the connection between personal conduct and outward sacred practice.
  • Contemporary practice: Today, most adherents view the Word of Wisdom as a living guide that supports personal responsibility, family welfare, and civic virtue. Its influence extends into missionary work, education, and health-related programs within the church. See Latter Day Saint movement for broader institutional and cultural context.

Controversies and Debates

  • Interpretive disputes: A central point of debate concerns what precisely constitutes the “hot drinks” clause and how strictly other provisions should be followed in a modern, pluralistic society. Critics sometimes argue that such dietary rules amount to outdated or paternalistic constraints. From a traditionalist perspective, supporters contend that the Word of Wisdom embodies prudent self-government and aligns with longstanding values of self-discipline and stewardship of one’s body.
  • Personal freedom vs communal norms: Critics may frame the Word of Wisdom as a coercive or intrusive rule. Proponents counter that church members freely choose to accept these guidelines as part of their covenantal relationship with God, and that such self-imposed standards reduce health risks, strengthen families, and improve social cohesion. The emphasis is on voluntary adherence rather than external enforcement.
  • Modern health claims and secular critique: Some secular critics question the causal claims linking adherence to the Word of Wisdom with robust health outcomes. Supporters argue that even if the precise mechanisms are debated, the code promotes patterns associated with healthier living and higher levels of discipline, which can correlate with long-term wellbeing. The discussion often frames religion’s influence on behavior as a positive force for social stability and personal responsibility.
  • Woke critiques and counterarguments: Critics who accuse religious dietary codes of policing bodies or limiting personal choice are common in broader public discourse. From the traditional perspective presented here, the Word of Wisdom is best viewed as a voluntary covenant that emphasizes agency, community standards, and shared moral aims rather than coercion. In this view, the criticisms misinterpret the voluntary nature of the commitment and overlook the ways the code complements personal and familial responsibility, cultural continuity, and civil society.

Cultural and Civic Dimensions

  • Historical resonance with temperance ethics: The Word of Wisdom echoes 19th-century temperance and reform movements in the United States, situating the church within a larger American moral economy while preserving a distinctive religious identity. See Temperance movement for the broader milieu in which these ideas developed.
  • Community formation and social capital: Adherence to the Word of Wisdom has helped create a sense of shared practice among members, reinforcing social networks, mutual aid, and family stability. These outcomes resonate with conservative expectations about self-reliance, responsibility, and civic virtue.
  • Global reach and diaspora life: As the church expanded beyond its American origins, the Word of Wisdom provided a flexible framework for diverse communities to maintain cohesion while adapting to local circumstances. See Latter Day Saint movement for notices on global growth and cultural adaptation.

See also