Coffee, tea, and cola drinks

Most Mormons see caffeine as a possible reason why the Word of Wisdom forbids coffee and tea. Take note, however, that what we know about caffeine we’ve learned from science, not from God.

Many Mormons view the amount of caffeine as a measure of acceptability. For example, Diet Pepsi contains less caffeine than coffee or tea and is therefore considered by some to be acceptable in moderation.

Others see Pepsi as just a mild form of tea or coffee. Yet when it comes to chocolate, most of these same individuals say the amount of caffeine does matter. Chocolate is okay, they say, because it contains less caffeine than coffee, tea, or Pepsi.

Problem:   According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a 1.45 oz Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar contains 31 mg caffeine. By comparison, a 12 oz can of Diet Pepsi contains 35 mg caffeine.

Solution:   The Lord's will is not made known to us by science. Scripture comes from God, not from science. God reveals His will through apostles and prophets. And the united voice of today’s First Presidency and Twelve states:

“The only official interpretation of ‘hot drinks’ [is] that the term ... means tea and coffee.” (2010 Handbook 2, 21.3.11.)

As the New Era has advised LDS youth: "The Word of Wisdom prohibits tea and coffee, but we are left to make our own decisions on other foods and beverages which contain caffeine." (Jan. 1997, 34.)

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Additional information

1.  Temple worthiness.

We must avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. Note especially 1.15 (temple preparation), 1.24 (children), and 1.25 (investigators).

1.1  Thomas S. Monson:   “The Apostle Paul declared: ‘Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?... The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.’ (1 Cor. 3:16–17.) Brethren, it is our responsibility to keep our temples clean and pure. “Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Any form of alcohol is harmful to your spirit and your body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, and shorten your life.” (Ensign, May 2010, 64.)

1.2  Gordon B. Hinckley:   "We are expected to live the Word of Wisdom, to refrain from alcoholic drinks, to refrain from the use of tobacco, to refrain from the use of tea and coffee." (Ensign, July 1997, 72.)

1.3  L. Tom Perry:   "The Word of Wisdom contains some very positive aspects. It encourages us to use grains, particularly wheat, and to use fruits and vegetables and the sparing use of meat. It is also noted for its prohibition—absolute prohibition—against the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Added to this has been the counsel of the Church leaders to abstain from the use of such drugs as marijuana, cocaine, etc., and the abusive use of prescription drugs." (Ensign, Nov. 1996, 36.)

1.4  Boyd K. Packer:   "The habit-forming substances prohibited by that revelation—tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco—interfere with the delicate feelings of spiritual communication, just as other addictive drugs will do." (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 61.)

1.5  Ezra Taft Benson:   "If any revelation given to Joseph Smith is susceptible to scientific investigation, it is the dietary health code known as the Word of Wisdom. In that revelation given in 1833, Church members were directed to abstain from coffee, tea, tobacco, and all alcoholic beverages. "Those who obey the commandment are promised “health in their navel and marrow to their bones” (D&C 89:18). Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833. Today medical science has validated the soundness of that revelation." (Ensign, Mar. 1994, 4.)

1.6  James E. Faust:   "When I was young, the health benefits of the Word of Wisdom, including abstinence from tobacco, alcoholic drinks, tea, and coffee, were not as well established as they are today. However, the spiritual benefits have long been validated. (Ensign, May 1992, 7.)

1.7  Thomas S. Monson:   "Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well- being." (Ensign, Nov. 1990, 46 & 98.)

1.8  Gordon B. Hinckley:   "I think of what we call the Word of Wisdom. This is a divine code of health received through revelation in 1833, 157 years ago. It proscribes alcohol and tobacco, tea and coffee, and emphasizes the use of fruit and grains." (Ensign, Nov. 1990, 53.)

1.9  Russell M. Nelson:   "[The] Word of Wisdom includes sound nutritional guidance and simple instructions. We are not to drink alcoholic beverages. (See D&C 89:5–7.) We are not to use tobacco. (See D&C 89:8.) We are not to drink tea or coffee. (See D&C 89:9.) And in this same spirit, we are not to use addicting drugs. (Ensign, Nov. 1988, 8.)

1.10  Russell M. Nelson:   "In 1833 the Prophet Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom by revelation. It includes these simple directives: We are not to drink alcohol, tea, or coffee, and we are not to use tobacco. Prophets in our generation and in this conference have told us also to avoid harmful drugs." (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 69.)

1.11  Ezra Taft Benson:   "The Word of Wisdom is one of the recognized and distinctive practices of members of the Church. Generally, others not of our faith acknowledge that members in good standing abstain from tobacco, coffee, tea, and all alcoholic beverages.... “What are the provisions of the law known as the Word of Wisdom? The revelation defines and admonishes abstinence from harmful substances and beverages in these words: 'Strong drinks [or, in other words, alcoholic or harmful beverages] are not for the belly.' (D&C 89:7.) Tobacco is not for the body ... and is not good for man.' (v. 8.) 'Hot drinks (defined as tea and coffee) are not for the body.' (v. 9.)" (Ensign, May 1983, 53-54.)

1.12  Spencer W. Kimball:   "Perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of the Church is the fact that its people abstain from liquor, tea, coffee, and tobacco. Of course, there are some who apparently have not the courage nor the testimony to follow this program, but numerous thousands observe it strictly." (Ensign, Nov. 1974, 5.)

1.13  Boyd K. Packer:   "Members of the Church abstain from alcoholic beverages—all of them, all of the time. The same is true with tobacco. And if that were not enough, habit-forming stimulants—tea and coffee—are not used." (Ensign, Nov. 1974, 88)

1.14  Boyd K. Packer:   "I had a missionary in Denmark ask a question: 'I am striving for perfection. Some of the other missionaries say, "You are foolish; you can’t really be perfect." What do you believe?' I said I believe the scriptures: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' (Matt. 5:48.) And then I humbly admitted that I was perfect in some things. Now, I am perfect when it comes to never touching tobacco— never. Alcohol—never. Tea, coffee—never. I am perfect there. Now there are many things where I am not perfect yet. But I am perfect when it comes to committing murder. I have never done that. I will never do that. We can be perfect, a little bit at a time, always perfecting ourselves, becoming Latter-day Saints." (New Era, Mar. 1977, 7.)

1.15  Boyd K. Packer:   “What you learn spiritually depends, to a degree, on how you treat your body. That is why the Word of Wisdom is so important. “The habit-forming substances prohibited by that revelation—tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco—interfere with the delicate feelings of spiritual communication, just as other addictive drugs will do. “Do not ignore the Word of Wisdom, for that may cost you the ‘great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures’ promised to those who keep it. And good health is an added blessing” (As quoted in Lesson 2, Temple Preparation Seminar Teacher’s Manual, 6.)

1.16  Thomas S. Monson:  "Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well- being. Any form of alcohol, including beer, is harmful to your spirit and your body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, and shorten your life." (New Era, Oct. 2008, 2–5.)

1.17  Boyd K. Packer:   "Keep the Word of Wisdom, [it] is a key to both physical health and revelation. Avoid tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco, and narcotics." (Ensign, Nov 2006, 85-88.)

1.18  Boyd K. Packer:   “Care for your body; avoid habit- forming stimulants, tea, coffee, tobacco, liquor, and drugs (see D&C 89:3–9). Such addictive things do little more than relieve a craving which they caused in the first place.” (Ensign, Nov 2000, 72–74)

1.19  Dallin H. Oaks:   “According to one study, 75 percent of adult converts in North America had to give up at least one of these substances mentioned in the Word of Wisdom—tobacco, alcohol, coffee, or tea—and 31 percent had to give up smoking, a very addictive habit.” (Ensign, Mar. 2003, 52–58)

1.20  Boyd K. Packer:   “We avoid addictive drugs and tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.” (Ensign, Nov. 2003, 24-27.)

1.21  Dallin H. Oaks:   “The Lord’s command [is] that we abstain from alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee (see D&C 89).” (Ensign, Nov. 2003, 37.)

1.22  James E. Faust:   “When I was young, the health benefits of the Word of Wisdom, including abstinence from tobacco, alcoholic drinks, tea, and coffee, were not as well established as they are today.” (Ensign, Jul 2005, 2.)

1.23  Gordon B. Hinckley:   “We don’t smoke, we don’t drink, we don’t even take tea or coffee.” (Ensign, June 2000, 18.)

1.24  Primary Lesson:   “Discuss which substances the Word of Wisdom specifically tells us are harmful to our bodies (see D&C 89:5–9). Explain that the Prophet Joseph Smith defined ‘hot drinks’ as tea and coffee. Modern prophets have added drugs, when used inappropriately, to this harmful list.... Satan tries to convince us through advertising and peer pressure that disobeying the Word of Wisdom is fun and exciting and that it will not harm us. Discuss with the children the ways others might try to get them to use tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, or drugs.” (Primary 6, 177.)

1.25  Preach My Gospel:   “Our bodies are sacred. We should treat them with respect and reverence. The Word of Wisdom teaches that we are to eat healthy foods. It teaches very specifically that we are to avoid harmful substances, including alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. We must also avoid harmful drugs in any form. To be baptized and confirmed, those you teach must give up these substances. People who obey the Word of Wisdom are more receptive to spiritual truths..” (p.78.)

1.26  Words to Know:   “Word of Wisdom: A commandment from our Father in Heaven that tells us what we should or should not eat or drink. It says specifically that we should not use alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee.” (Gospel Fundamentals, 278.)

2.  Cola drinks.

We should use wisdom in caring for our bodies. Note especially 2.6 (official neutrality on cola drinks).

2.1   Spencer W. Kimball:   “With reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken any attitude on this but I personally do not put them in the class as with the tea and coffee because the Lord specifically mentioned [those ‘hot drinks’]." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 202.)

2.2   Priesthood Bulletin 1972:   “There has been no official interpretation of [the] Word of Wisdom except that which was given by the Brethren in the very early days of the Church when it was declared that ‘hot drinks’ meant tea and coffee.

“With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.” (As quoted in Liahona, Mar. 1990, 27.)

2.3   LDS Welfare Services:   "There is no current Church policy that would preclude a bishop issuing a temple recommend to a person who consumes cola beverages." (Ensign, Jan 1981, 10.)

2.4   Bruce R. McConkie:   “The negative side of the Word of Wisdom is a command to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor. Abstinence from these four things has been accepted by the Church as a measuring rod to determine in part the personal worthiness of church members. When decisions are made relative to the granting of temple recommends or approving brethren for church positions or ordinations, inquiry is made relative to these four items. Obviously the standard of judgment must be uniform throughout the Church, and local officers are not at liberty to add other items to this list.” (Mormon Doctrine, 1966, 845.)

2.5   Counsel to LDS Youth:   "The Word of Wisdom prohibits tea and coffee, but we are left to make our own decisions on other foods and beverages which contain caffeine." (New Era, Jan. 1997, 34.)

2.6   Church Position Statement:   The following statement has been published in official Church media on at least seven different occasions.

“With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter.”

1.  New Era, May 1972, 50.
2.  Ensign, June 1972, 46.
3.  Ensign, Jan. 1981, 10.
4.  Liahona, Sept. 1981, 9.
5.  Liahona, Mar. 1990, 25.
6.  Young Women Manual 3, 138 (in current use).
7.  Institute of Religion Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, 209 (in current use).

2.7  Questions and Answers at LDS.org:   “A lot of things aren’t mentioned specifically in the Word of Wisdom. What about things like caffeine or supplements? Are these OK?”

Answer:   “ ‘The only official interpretation of “hot drinks” (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term “hot drinks” means tea and coffee. Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician’ (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 21.3.11).

“President Boyd K. Packer said:  ‘The Word of Wisdom was “given for a principle with promise” (D&C 89:3).... A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Generally principles are not spelled out in detail....

“ ‘Members write in asking if this thing or that is against the Word of Wisdom.... We teach the principle together with the promised blessings. There are many habit-forming, addictive things that one can drink or chew or inhale or inject which injure both body and spirit which are not mentioned in the revelation.... Obedience to counsel will keep you on the safe side of life’ (“The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises,” April 1996 general conference).

“[President Gordon B. Hinckley said:] ‘Some have ... used as an alibi the fact that drugs are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. What a miserable excuse. There is likewise no mention of the hazards of diving into an empty swimming pool or of jumping from an overpass onto the freeway. But who doubts the deadly consequences of such? Common sense would dictate against such behavior’ (“The Scourge of Illicit Drugs,” October 1989 general conference).“ (January 2011, https://lds.org/youth/ask/top/physical-health.)