Do Mormons eat Chocolate?
Within the Mormon church, we have what we call “The Word of Wisdom” which is a health code the church received in 1833. Zebedee Coltrin was one who was present when Joseph Smith received this revelation and he later recorded:
“When the Word of Wisdom was first presented by the Prophet Joseph…there were twenty out of the twenty-one who used tobacco and they all immediately threw their tobacco and pipes into the fire.” (Minutes, Salt Lake City School of Prophets, 3 Oct. 1883, p. 56.)
What is the Word of Wisdom and why is it called that?
The revelation begins unlike any other revelation, as counsel, but not a commandment. However, as can be seen above, the brethren present took God’s counsel as serious as if it were a commandment.
Doctrine & Covenants 89
1 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-
2 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-
The revelation continues by counseling members of the church on things to avoid, things to partake of, and a promise as to the benefits of doing this.
Do Mormons drink alcohol?
Among the things Mormons don’t partake of, the following were specifically listed:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Tea
Among the things we are told to partake of:
- Wholesome herbs
- Grains (specifically mentioned wheat)
- Fruit
- Meat, sparingly, and in times of winter or famine
The promise to members of the church for so doing is as follows:
18 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;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 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.
Essentially, by following this counsel, a person will have a clearer mind due to better health. With a clearer mind and obedience to God’s commandments, it is easier to receive revelation and knowledge from God. The ultimate promise is that if you follow this counsel, it is like following the counsel the children of Israel were given to put lamb’s blood on their door posts for protection when the destroying angel swept through Egypt and killed the first born. It’s an act of obedience that brings protection.
So do Mormons eat chocolate? Yes
Do Mormons eat pork? Yes
Do Mormons eat ice cream, pizza, and pretty much anything they want? Yes
We just try to avoid things that are addictive or and bad for the body and mind. This is a word of wisdom. It is just good counsel for people to live by to be healthier and more in tune with the spirit of the Lord. It is good counsel for all people.
If you would like to read the revelation in its entirety, click here: The Word of Wisdom