Can Mormons drink coffee?
According to God's guidance in the Word of Wisdom, Mormons are advised to avoid coffee. Mormons, more properly referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe they are divinely counseled not to drink coffee. In 1833, Church prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from God regarding health, known as the Word of Wisdom. This revelation advises which foods and drink are good for the body and which substances should be avoided. It lists "hot drinks" as one of the harmful substances, saying they are "not for the body or belly." (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:9) Church leaders have explained "hot drinks," means both coffee and tea (excluding herbal teas).
In recent years the Church has clarified coffee drinks that go by different names, as the word coffee isn't always included. The update states, "Drinks with names that include café or caffé, mocha, latte, espresso, or anything ending in -ccino are coffee and are against the Word of Wisdom."
As with all of God's commandments, Latter-day Saints are free to choose. However, to qualify for temple worship or baptism they must refrain from drinking coffee as well as live all other aspects of the Word of Wisdom. Latter-day Saints believe obedience to this revelation will result in blessings of increased physical and spiritual wellbeing.
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