The Word of Wisdom - A Mostly Ignored Gem of Mormonism

On the (Mormon) Word of Wisdom

Dr. Gregory Lowrey

Here I describe the LDS (Mormon) Law of Diet called the Word of Wisdom contained in the LDS canon scripture the “Doctrine and Covenants” section 89, purported to be dictated directly by Jesus Christ, revealing the “order and will of God” regarding diet.

In Mormon tradition, the “order… of God” would indicate that this is the “manner” of God or in other words the way God lives. The “will of God” obviously indicates that this is the way God wants us to live.

Mormons almost exclusively disregard this “order and will of God” with a fervor, focusing only on not using tobacco and alcohol, and abstaining from coffee and tea, which are not specifically mentioned in the scripture, but were given by later church leaders as the definition of “hot drinks”, as if God needs someone to define what he said - a more literal rendering is much more accurate health-wise.

So, what the Mormons are claiming is that while this manner of eating is not commanded or forced, (verse 3) it is the way they believe God eats and the way they believe God wants us to eat also.

Since there is some interest in my comments about the Word of Wisdom, perhaps we can take a closer look.

I make no apologies for receiving inspired direction regarding my application of this Law.

I believe it was only by studying and seeking true understanding, being willing to follow my inspiration, “no matter what” that I was able to see these things as I do.

I once felt perhaps as you do now, and now it is amazing to me that so many can fail to understand what now appears so plain. That was a time that I also did not understand – well, until I sincerely sought to understand.

I really feel I was spiritually directed to seek understanding of this Law.

I do believe that most “hidden knowledge” is “hidden” right in plain sight.

If one is not willing to really “receive” into their hearts such knowledge, it remains hidden to them, hence the Lord’s comments about “eyes that see not” and “ears that hear not”.

As I read Section 89 in a regular course of personal study, I was caught by a particular verse and my mind was enlightened with a question; a question that nagged at me until I had succeeded in studying more and receiving an answer to that question.

Well, that was in 1976. By now (2000) you may be sure I have heard every argument and most likely read every authoritative writing and talk pertaining to the Word of Wisdom.

For the past two years, I have been writing my own book about it and while I have been hesitant to speak up about the Word of Wisdom for all these past years, even in my healing practice, I now feel inspired to declare as plainly as I can the understanding that has come to me through study and practice of this Law.

I certainly feel that this is a blessing of apparently hidden (in plain sight) knowledge that the Lord has blessed me with and I feel a sense of mission to share this knowledge with my patients and others who desire to achieve true health, live a full life span, receive the promised blessings from this Law, and learn to spare the lives of innocent creatures rather than participate in their needless murder and exploitation.

For the benefit of those who have not read D&C 89 I will include it here in it’s entirety. (Don't worry, it's pretty short)

I expect that this exposition will have value for Mormons and non-Mormons alike and hope that while some may not accept the authenticity of LDS scripture, they will see the intrinsic value of the concepts presented in this particular section as inspired counsel regardless of their acceptance or lack of acceptance of Mormonism in particular.

THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 89

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests,

assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also to 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–

3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the

weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

4 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–

5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you,

behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in

assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the

vine, of your own make.

7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing

of your bodies.

8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is

not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be

used with judgment and skill.

9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath

ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man–

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season

thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord,

have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are

to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in

times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the

staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the

fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine

and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine;

that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground–

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the

horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the

field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also

other grain.

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.

Let’s begin by looking at a few key verses that pertain to this subject. While I would hesitate to apply the common definition of vegetarianism to the Word of Wisdom, I would not hesitate to call it counsel to a “conditional” vegetarianism. The Lord very clearly states and elaborates on His conditions.

Matthew 5:Verse 17-19

17 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Sure, there is hopeful speculation that the Lord would have given the scripture differently if there had been refrigerators on the prairie.

But that is simply hogwash! The pioneers had perfectly satisfactory methods to preserve meat; by canning or salting or jerking (drying). These methods were common and perfectly useful.

The Lord said what He said.

We cannot make a “private” interpretation of it. He elaborated on exactly what conditions allowed the use of flesh for food so as to be quite clear.

If He had meant that we were to refrain from meat eating in summer due to poor preservation techniques, He would have said so.

When Joseph was told to not buy wine from his enemies, the Lord let him know why.

God is not likely to give us His “WILL” in language adapted to the “weakest of all who are or (even) can be called saints” and not express it in terms that even the weakest could easily understand if they truly desired to.

The Lord’s injunction to use meat for food only in times of winter or cold or famine can mean only what the Lord actually said. They are “to be used in times of excess of hunger to save your lives”.

Several parts of the revelation serve to qualify the other portions, so by the time the whole is read, there can be no doubt what the true rendering is.

Only those who seek to justify themselves in rejecting God’s counsel will consider a (private) interpretation outside of a direct reading.

1 Timothy 4:Verse 1-7

1 ¶ NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

This verse (4) is interesting because modern meat eaters consider “nothing to be refused” to mean animals should be eaten at all times, that they need show no restraint.

That interpretation destroys the concept of using animal flesh to “save our lives”, in times of famine or “excess” of hunger, or cold (when there is nothing else to eat) or using these animals as food “sparingly”.

These animals are given as a gift for food and are received with thanksgiving because without them man would die.

They are only to be received under the conditions specified by the Lord, i.e. “to save your lives” When the Lord has specified when animals are good for food (to save your lives) other scriptures relating to animals as food must of necessity be read in light of the specific conditions the Lord has previously set.

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

If eating animals was such an allowable exercise, why does it need to be sanctioned?

What does it really mean that it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer?

No where else does God say that other foods, say an apple perhaps, requires individual sanction before we can eat it.

Taking life, even for food (to save our lives) is a very serious matter and the killing of each animal for this purpose requires the Lord’s individual sanction.

The wholesale exploitation and slaughter of food animals can hardly comply with the Lord’s directive in this regard.

6 ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

What are these “old wives’ fables” He refers to? Could they be the fables stating that we need meat to live, (not true) or that there are certain vitamins we can only get from meat (not true) or that we would be weak without meat (not true) or that we would be insulting God to not eat meat (not true) or that we were designed to eat meat (not true) or that if we didn’t eat meat, we would automatically become devils (not true). I don’t know if I will want to take the space to address all these issues in this post. Maybe I can give a single line on each one, and let you study it out further yourself – or buy my book (when it is published).

Regarding not commanding men to abstain from meats, you may quite rightly may know that I am not commanding, teaching or even suggesting such, because the Lord makes it quite clear that animals are for our use - even as food - under certain well defined conditions, but that they who seek to use animals inappropriately, fall under condemnation when they seek to undermine the Lord in His instruction that He “would that they should not be used” except “to save your lives” and in denying the “word and will of the Lord” they “speak lies in hypocrisy”.

While we have been given the “right” to use animals and everything else on earth any way we choose according to the law of agency - the Lord describes plainly to us how He “would that they should be used” and if we use them contrary to His will, we do so to our own condemnation just as when we exercise our agency to commit other sins, we are within our rights to choose, but we must face the condemnation for our unjust acts.

As meat eaters ignore the Lord’s caution that He will require them to account for “the blood of every beast” and prove to Him that it was necessary to spill that blood “to save their lives” they will bring upon themselves great condemnation.

Is there a difference between warning or advising and commanding or forbidding?

We are commanded to warn one another and the Lord has said all that really should need to be said, but so many people are addicted to eating animal flesh that they do need to be warned regarding the conditions the Lord has put on meat eating.

Still, it would be foolish to try to command someone to refrain from eating meat. Who has the power but God to command or forbid?

Applying this scripture regarding “forbidding” meat eating to vegetarians or anyone else who warns against the dangers of eating meat is simply ignorant and insulting.

I am sure it will not get far with God either. God himself has warned us that even the weakest (spiritually and physically) among us is completely capable of living up to God’s WILL regarding diet.

If we try to weasel our way around a directive “adapted to the capacity of the weak and weakest” we will not have a leg to stand on when we stand accountable before the bar of God.

When we consider the seriousness of different sins, we may be tempted to declare, “well, there are many sins much worse than eating a little meat when I don’t need to”, “If meat eating is my only sin, I should do quite well”.

But if taking life without God’s sanction has no forgiveness in this life nor in the life to come, those who murder animals or cause them to be murdered, simply so they may satisfy their vile craving for blood and flesh, will, I suppose not do so well.

Even within my own household, I exercised the right to prohibit animal (and refined sugar) eating in my home, but at the same time I taught my children that when they were out of the house, they were on their own about what they chose to eat.

Here is another good scripture defenders of unapproved meat eating only want to read part of because the whole of it condemns them…..!

D&C 49:Verse 18-21

18 And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;

19 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin.

21 And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.

The book “The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith” Lyndon Cook, Deseret Book 1981, explains sec. 49.

“15 miles from Kirtland was a community of Shakers who followed a woman prophet Ann Lee who had such an impact on the community and the saints that Brigham Young, years later at the succession in Nauvoo told the dissenters that they could if it pleased them follow Sidney Rigdon or Ann Lee. The Shakers lived communally and believed in celibacy. They preached against marriage, ownership of property and commanded vegetarianism of their “devoted” followers. Also that Christ was a dual being who manifested himself as a man in the person of Jesus, and a woman in the person of Ann Lee. Cook relates “One early convert to Mormonism in Ohio was Leman Copley. A Shaker before his baptism into the LDS Church, Copley was eager to share his newly found faith with his friends in North Union. Copley, it is said, “teased to be ordained to preach” and desired that the Lord should speak on some particulars of his former religion. Pursuant to Copley’s request, section 49 was received by Joseph Smith.”

Thus in an historical context this particular scripture was not so much spoken against those who do not eat meat, but was specifically addressed to the practices of the Shakers, who did in fact forbid.

God himself does not “forbid” us.

We are free to choose.

But He does warn us and shares with us what His “Will” is in regard to meat eating and the consequences we must bear if we are to disregard His will in that matter.

So, would you consider that I am “forbidding to eat meat”?

Why you are welcome to it, but you might be advised to only do it according to the Lord’s will or you condemn yourselves.

We might also be well advised to consider the Lord’s counsel that we need not be commanded in all things and that it is a slothful and unwise servant who will not act until or unless commanded.

He has given us plenty of evidence and guidance for us to make up our minds to follow His counsel and will and not knowingly condemn ourselves.

Of course none of the information presented in this post consider the virtual hell we create in our bodies when we poison them with rotting, animal flesh – that is a whole other post and a half.

Some people want to “invent” a new definition for the word “sparingly”.

Certainly the Lord and Joseph Smith meant that word to be understood according to the common and official interpretation.

Would it surprise you to learn that the majority definition of sparingly simply means to “not use”, to be frugal to the extent that the item (in this case animal flesh) is held in reserve (to save our lives).

Well, here are some dictionary definitions of sparingly and its derivatives.

Use of the Word “Sparingly”

While it is true that the Word of Wisdom does not say that we should become vegetarians, it does say under what conditions meat eating is “the will of the Lord”, and that is “to save our lives” under conditions where the recommended diet is not available, such as famine, which “winter” and “cold” often represented to the saints at the time the revelation was given.

Regarding the injunction that flesh should be used “sparingly

Webster’s Dictionary defines “sparingly” as:

Not being used.

Held for emergency use.

Kept in reserve.

Marked by or practicing careful restraint.

Stresses abstention and restraint.

The definition for restrain/restraint:

To prevent from doing.

To hold back from doing something.

To keep under control, moderate, limit or deprive. (as in only using under the conditions the Lord has set)

The definition of abstain:

To refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.

The definition of abstinence:

Voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods.

I don’t know how the word “sparingly” got to mean to Mormons that we are enjoined to include a little at all times, but that is certainly not what the Lord said. Fortunately, He did qualify his statement more than once and quite clearly.

Main Entry: 1spare

Pronunciation: ’spar, ’sper

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): spared; spar·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sparian; akin to Old High German sparOn to spare, Old

English spær, adjective, scant

Date: before 12th century

transitive senses

1 : to forbear to destroy, punish, or harm

2 : to refrain from attacking or reprimanding with necessary or salutary severity

3 : to relieve of the necessity of doing or undergoing something

4 : to refrain from : AVOID

5 : to use or dispense frugally — used chiefly in the negative

6 a : to give up as not strictly needed b : to have left over or as margin

intransitive senses

1 : to be frugal

2 : to refrain from doing harm : be lenient

- spare·able /-&-b&l/ adjective

- spar·er noun

Main Entry: spar·ing

Pronunciation: ’spar-i[ng], ’sper-

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 : marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)

2 : MEAGER, BARE

- spar·ing·ly /-i[ng]-lE/ adverb

synonyms SPARING, FRUGAL, THRIFTY, ECONOMICAL mean careful in the use of one’s money or resources.

SPARING stresses abstention and restraint . FRUGAL implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle . THRIFTY stresses good management and industry . ECONOMICAL stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage .

Main Entry: ab·sten·tion

Pronunciation: &b-’sten(t)-sh&n, ab-

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin abstention-, abstentio, from Latin abstinEre

Date: 1521

: the act or practice of abstaining

- ab·sten·tious /-sh&s/ adjective

Main Entry: ab·stain

Pronunciation: &b-’stAn, ab-

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English absteinen, from Middle French abstenir, from Latin abstinEre, from abs-,

ab- + tenEre to hold — more at THIN

Date: 14th century

: to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice

- ab·stain·er noun

Main Entry: re·straint

Pronunciation: ri-’strAnt

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French restrainte, from restraindre

Date: 15th century

1 a : an act of restraining : the state of being restrained b (1) : a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence (2) : a device that restricts movement

2 : a control over the expression of one’s emotions or thoughts

Main Entry: re·strain

Pronunciation: ri-’strAn

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English restraynen, from Middle French restraindre, from Latin restringere to

restrain, restrict, from re- + stringere to bind tight — more at STRAIN

Date: 14th century

1 a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something

b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control

2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of

3 : to deprive of liberty; especially : to place under arrest or restraint

- re·strain·able /-’strA-n&-b&l/ adjective

- re·strain·er noun

synonyms RESTRAIN, CHECK, CURB, BRIDLE mean to hold back from or control in doing something.

RESTRAIN suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes . CHECK implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus . CURB suggests an abrupt or drastic checking . BRIDLE implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in .

Should we consider what the scriptures and some of the prophets have said about it?

I like this very brief summary of some scriptures and sayings regarding this issue.

______________________________________________________________

Animals

by Sandra Bradford Packard

Latter-day Saints believe that animals, like humans, have spirits, in the form of their bodies (D&C 77:2).

Like humans and plants, animals were created first as spirits in heaven and then physically

on the earth (Moses 3:5).

Mortal and subject to death, animals will be saved through the Atonement of Christ (TPJS, pp. 291-92).

Humans and animals will eventually live in peace on this earth (Isa. 11:6-9; 2 Ne. 30:12-15; D&C 101:24-26).

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that animals will be found in heaven, in myriad forms, from myriad worlds, enjoying eternal felicity, and praising God in languages God understands (TPJS, pp. 291-92).

Animals, like other “good things which come of the earth…are made for the benefit and the use of man,” but are “to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion” (D&C 59:16-20).

God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the animals (Gen. 1:28), but legitimate dominion is neither coercive nor exploitive (D&C 121:34-46).

He sanctions the eating of animal flesh but forbids its waste (Gen. 9:2-5; D&C 49:18-21).

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST) cautions, “Surely, blood shall not be shed,

only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands” (JST Gen. 9:11).

Destroying animal life merely for sport has been strongly criticized by several Latter-day Saint leaders, including Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Spencer W. Kimball.

Lorenzo Snow called it a “murderous amusement.”

When the Prophet Joseph Smith saw his associates about to kill three rattlesnakes at their campsite, he said, “Let them alone—don’t hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose its venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless before the brute creation, and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety” (TPJS, p. 71).

Heber C. Kimball criticized the use of spurs and whips, saying, “[Horses] have the same life in them that you have, and we should not hurt them” (JD 5:137).

______________________________________________________________

You might be tempted to assume that since some of the most damning words from God concerning killing animals without true need to come from Moses, but before you fall into that false assumption, remember that God did not restore these lost scriptures through Joseph Smith to benefit Moses who was long dead - but these lost words of God were restored for our benefit today.

Due to the specific purposes of “restoration” these words were brought back to instruct us and leave us without excuse if we fail to honor the will of God.

Many people are surprised to find that LDS leaders have spoken against our meat culture.

They were often a little softer than the Lord, but God did make it quite clear when and how animal life was to be taken to save the lives of man.

In the book written as a Melchizedec Priesthood manual “The Word of Wisdom”, Apostle, Dr. John Widstoe relates the following.

At the general and local conferences of the 1880’s much time was devoted to sermons on the “liquor habit,” the “tobacco habit,” and similar vices.26 There is evidence that the church’s governing “Council of Twelve Apostles” took the pledge to obey the “Word of Wisdom” at this time. This program was so effective that in the late 1890’s it was possible for President Lorenzo Snow to state that he believed the Word of Wisdom was “violated as much or more in the improper use of meat as in other things, and (he) thought the time was near at hand when the Latter-day Saints should be taught to refrain from meat eating and the shedding of animal blood.” A matter of economic necessity had been converted into a principle of religious faith.

The following is from a July 1979 Reader’s Digest advertising insert produced by the Church:

“The Word of Wisdom foreshadows modern health research to a remarkable degree. Not only does it counsel against tobacco, but also against liquor, and ‘hot drinks’ - interpreted by the Church to mean coffee and tea.

“Long before modern dietary discoveries, it advised foodstuffs that supply Vitamins A, B and C, protein, calcium, iron and other vital nutrients: all wholesome ‘herbs,’ as vegetables were often known in those days, and fruits in season.”

The revelation on the Word of Wisdom counsels that meat and fowl be used “sparingly.” (D&C 89:12.) Some researchers believe that a diet high in meat is linked with higher incidences of colon cancer and inflammation of the intestine. Many meats also are major sources of cholesterol - unheard of in Joseph Smith’s day - that can clog the blood vessels and damage the heart.

The Word of Wisdom counsels, “All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground.” (D&C 89:16.)

Dozens of books and articles in medical journals, general magazines and newspapers are now flooding the market with information about the positive effects of reducing the amount of meat in daily diets and the benefits of utilizing grains, vegetables and fruits.

Such recent findings indicate that the Word of Wisdom is based on principles of sound nutrition and diet, principles that the Lord, through revelation, made known to Joseph Smith 156 years ago.

Commenting on the Word of Wisdom, President Ezra Taft Benson said: “In this revelation the Lord counsels us to use meat sparingly. I have often felt that the Lord is further counseling us in this revelation against indiscriminately killing animals.” (En., May 1983, p. 54.)

President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “It is a grievous sin in the sight of God to kill merely for sport. Such a thing shows a weakness in the spiritual character of the individual. We cannot restore life when it is taken, and all creatures have the right to enjoy life and happiness on the earth where the Lord has placed them. Only for food, and then sparingly, should flesh be eaten, for all life is from God and is eternal.”

(Hyrum Smith, Times and Seasons, Vol. III., p. 799).

10-13. Wholesome herbs and fruit are good for man; also meat. “Nevertheless, they [the meats] should be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me, that they should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. * * * And why to be used in time of famine? Because all domesticated animals would naturally die, and might as well be made use of by man as not” (Hyrum Smith.).

Brewster, Hoyt W. Jr. Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1996.

Beasts

With the possible exception of the symbolic creatures seen by John the Revelator (Rev. 4:6; D&C 77:2-4), the term beasts as used throughout the Doctrine and Covenants refers to creatures of the animal world. They have been placed on the earth “for the use of man for food and for raiment” (D&C 49:19; 89:12). Nevertheless, man is under strict charge not to waste flesh and to use it sparingly (D&C 49:21; 89: 12-13). “I do not believe any man should kill animals or birds unless he needs them for food,” declared President Joseph F. Smith, “and then he should not kill innocent little birds that are not intended for food for man” (GD, 266).

“Men must become harmless, before the brute creation,” said the Prophet Joseph, “and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the suckling child can play with the serpent in safety” (HC 2:71; italics added). The day will come, according to President Joseph Fielding Smith, when “the animals and all living creatures shall be given knowledge, and enjoy happiness, each in its own sphere.” They will inhabit kingdoms of glory just like man. (CHMR 1:298-99.) Is it inconceivable, therefore, to think that in some unknown fashion they could testify against any who might have abused them? “Let us be merciful to the brute creation,” admonished President [p.40] Heber C. Kimball (JD 5:138). (For further information, see En., May 1978, pp. 47-48; En., Nov. 1978, pp. 44-45.)

Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young. Compiled by John A. Widtsoe. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978. pg 192

I will tell you how you can enjoy health….

Mothers, keep the children from eating meat; and let them eat vegetables that are fully matured, not unripe, and bread that is well-baked not soft.

Ludlow, Daniel H. A Companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants, Volumes 1 & 2. Salt Lake City, Utah: Desert Book, 1978.

49:18 “whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats… is not ordained of God”

See material listed for D&C 89:12-13.

49:18-21 “wo be unto man that… wasteth flesh”

“After Noah came out of the Ark the Lord gave him a commandment, saying: ‘Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.’ Since blood is the life of mortal bodies, the commandment was also given that the blood should be shed, not eaten, when animal flesh is used for food. Moreover, the killing of animals just for sport is a sin. In the revelation under consideration the Lord pronounced a woe on whosoever wasteth flesh and hath no need and who needlessly shed the blood of his creatures. In the word of the Lord to Noah as it is interpreted in revelation to Joseph Smith, the following is found: ‘And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.’

“It is a grievous sin in the sight of God to kill merely for sport. Such a thing shows a weakness in the spiritual character of the individual. We cannot restore life when it is taken, and all creatures have the right to enjoy life and happiness on the earth where the Lord has placed them. Only for food, and then sparingly, should flesh be eaten, for all life is from God and is eternal.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 1:210.)

“But although God has ordained animals for the use of man, He has not sanctioned the order of things under which some have an abundance of food and clothing, while others are destitute; for that very reason ‘the world lieth in sin’ (v. 20). Nor must man waste animal life. To kill, when not necessary, is a sin akin to murder. ‘A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast’ (Prov. 12:10). Man has been entrusted with sovereignty over the animal kingdom (Gen. 1:21), that he may learn to govern, as God rules, by the power of love and justice, and become fit for his eternal destiny as a ruler of worlds.” (Smith and Sjodahl, (Apostles) Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, p. 286.)

“The Lord has given us all good herbs, fruits and grains. These are to be the main foods of men, beast, and fowls. But we should not overlook the fact that they are to be used with ‘prudence and thanksgiving.’ In another revelation (Sec. 59) we are told they are not to be used ‘to excess, neither by extortion.’ The difficulty with most of the human family, is eating too much, and failing to heed his counsel. There would be less disease and mankind would live longer if all would also heed the counsel of the Lord concerning the use of wholesome foods.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 1:385.)

89:12-13

The Lord has ordained the use of flesh “to be used sparingly”

“That man can live without meat is well known, and he may live well if his knowledge is such as to enable him to choose adequate vegetable protein. And, all have the right if they so choose to live without meat.” (John A. Widtsoe, ER 3:155-57.)

So, does the revealed word and will of the Lord according to Mormon Scripture support or condemn indiscriminate, unsanctioned, unnecessary meat eating?

While we are free to choose good or evil, we cannot choose evil and proclaim ourselves agents of God in doing so.

And I have to wonder, if we reject the counsel of God regarding what we eat, how likely are we to reject God in other regards?

Even for persons who do not accept Mormon scripture as authentic, this counsel regarding the use of animal flesh and the sanctity of animal life is about as spiritually authentic as spiritual counsel can get.

Despite any controversy over the authenticity of Mormonism in general, the Word of Wisdom is one of the indisputable authentic truths to sound forth from it’s foundation.

Mountains of modern research of non-religious origin overwhelmingly support the ideas presented in the Word of Wisdom.

The only exceptions being the definition of hot drinks by later church commentators to mean coffee and tea.

A literal reading is more appropriate, as any excessively hot or cold drink is damaging to our health, but coffee and tea have been shown to have some value.

The Word and Will of the Lord: accept it to your health and joy or reject it to your peril.

Dr. Lowrey

PS

Kita thinks I should have pointed out that I am no longer Mormon. I chose to retain the basic perspective I had when I originally drafted this post and that has a decidedly Mormon flavor. I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years now and vegan for 23 years. Kita and I raised our six kids as sugar free vegans. I think my feeling inspired to become a vegetarian was a great blessing, and while I do not need religion or scripture to convince me now that eating animals and breeding them for food is wrong and physically and spiritually unhealthy, it was nonetheless through my study of religion that I was introduced to the idea. I no longer subscribe to many of the ideas regarding spirituality that I did just a few years ago and do not feel that God commands people to do anything. I do believe that we have an inherent moral obligation to do certain things, and I consider that if you believe similarly because you think God commands it, that does not make it of less practical value. I do believe that murder (of man or beast) is destructive to our spirituality and that meat eating impedes our body’s ability to perform to our potential or to think clearly. You shouldn’t need God or the Bible to tell you that poison is just not good food. Still, until I read about it in the D&C, I was acting under the conditioning of my meat-loving culture and had not thought about it clearly, if at all on my own. I am still grateful for the influence that the reading of that Mormon scripture had on my life. I consider at least that Mormon message to be sacred and holy and worth anyone’s serious consideration.

Kita Kazoo comments:

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” Albert Einstein