Understanding the Word of Wisdom: A Fundamental Belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Word of Wisdom is a valuable ethical and spiritual guideline in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon Church). This divine revelation, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 89, is a set of dietary and health principles that contribute significantly to the health and well-being of adherents. Its importance is attested by many members who believe it has guided them through life's challenges, including the current global health crises such as the ongoing pandemic.
About the Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom is a commandment given through the prophet Joseph Smith. It outlines a series of principles that reinforce good health practices, including recommendations to abstain from certain substances that may harm the body. For example, it prohibits the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and Shimchah (likely referring to non-standardized intoxicants or drugs).
The Promise and Impact
Adherents are promised a variety of benefits if they follow the Word of Wisdom diligently:
Physical health and vitality Mental and spiritual wisdom Strength and endurance in daily activities Protection from illness and disease, as mentioned in verse 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."Despite its clear benefits, some individuals may occasionally deviate from these guidelines, leading to contradictions and debates within the community. This article explores one such instance where the application of the Word of Wisdom was called into question during a time of unprecedented global challenges.
Questioning the Relevance of the Word of Wisdom
During the recent pandemic, some members highlighted the doctrines of government compliance and medical consultation, suggesting that adhering to governmental guidelines was more beneficial than strictly following the Word of Wisdom. This shift in focus led to discussions about the true interpretation and application of prophetic revelations.
Exegesis and Interpretation
The verse in Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 provides further context for the Word of Wisdom:
"Behold verily thus saith the Lord unto you: 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—to mind the things which are virtuous, lovely, of good report; to avoid the evil; to lay down your crooked minds and be drunk not with wine but with the Holy Ghost; and to put on the new man, which is created in righteousness and true holiness."
The mention of "conspiring men" refers to those who might promote harmful practices or ideologies. In the context of the pandemic, some argued that following governmental health directives was more aligned with God's will, as opposed to disregarding medical and public health advice in favor of adherence to the Word of Wisdom.
The Dilemma of Guidelines and Health Advice
During the height of the pandemic, instances of non-compliance with governmental health measures were observed among some members. The concern arose when faithful adherents may have faced potential health risks by prioritizing adherence to the Word of Wisdom over government guidelines and medical recommendations.
The experience of “The Little Old Ladies” mentioned in the article offers a poignant example of the application (or lack thereof) of the Word of Wisdom during challenging times. These women, following traditional communal practices, enjoyed shared morning tea with their mothers. However, their shared tea habit could be seen as a violation of the underlying principles of the Word of Wisdom, leading to potential restrictions in church membership. This practice became a point of contention, highlighting the tension between adherence to established doctrines and the dynamic nature of health and safety guidelines during crises.
Conclusion
The Word of Wisdom remains a crucial aspect of the Latter-day Saints' faith, providing guidance for health, morality, and spiritual growth. While its application has yielded numerous benefits, the pandemic revealed the challenges of balancing personal health practices with governmental and medical guidance. This article underscores the importance of contextual understanding and the evolving nature of guidance in times of crisis.