Aurel Gheorghe Supporter

Mormons, as well as some Christian denominations, are against the use of caffeine, or foods that contain caffeine, mainly for health reasons. Caffeine is a highly addictive drug that acts as a central nervous system stimulant. 

Medical science has confirmed the fact that tea, coffee, and soft, or high energy drinks that contain caffeine are causing damage to the human body. Caffeine gives a dangerous, artificial boost to the body. Recently several highly publicized deaths of teenagers who overdosed on high energy drinks containing caffeine caused consternation and concerns to many. 

Although researchers are divided in regards to risks vs. Benefits of caffeine use, the risk factors remain high and cannot be denied. Caffeine gives a pleasant buzz; however, the side effects of large dosages of caffeine consumption can cause jitters, addiction, dangerous irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, twitching, mood swings, and light-headedness. 

Also, as anyone who tried to quit caffeine, knows that it can cause serious withdrawal symptom that includes depression, migraines, irritability, lack of concentration and flu-like symptoms. 

Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Consuming caffeine has harmful effects to the mind and body. We do not glorify God in our bodies when we knowingly take in substances that compromise the one organ through which we hear the Holy Spirit speak to us - our minds.

June 08 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why are Mormons against caffeine?

Mormons (Latter-day Saints) avoid caffeine, primarily coffee and tea, because of the "Word of Wisdom," a health revelation (D&C 89:9) that advises against "hot drinks," which were historically interpreted as coffee and tea, leading to a broader avoidance of caffeinated drinks. However, church guidance clarifies that it's specifically coffee/tea/cola, with many members extending it to all caffeine as a matter of obedience and general health. 

The core prohibition is on coffee and tea. Still, the principle of obedience and general health has led many members to abstain from all caffeinated products, even though sodas are not a strict doctrinal requirement.

While many members and some past leaders associated the ban with caffeine's addictive properties, the Church has officially clarified its stance: 

Why Coffee and Tea Are Specifically Avoided:

1: Obedience: For many, the primary reason is showing obedience to God's commandments rather than following a specific medical rationale.

2: Spiritual Clarity: The Word of Wisdom is viewed as a "principle with promise," suggesting that physical health leads to greater spiritual sensitivity and "hidden treasures of knowledge.

3: Temple Worthiness: Abstaining from coffee and tea is a requirement for receiving a "temple recommend," which allows members to participate in the faith's most sacred ordinances.

4: Historical Context: Some historians note the 1833 revelation occurred during an era of medical "humourism," which viewed very hot substances as harmful to the body's internal balance. 

Some Christians (Christianity is starkly different from Mormonism) also refuse to take caffeine, for medical reasons and other reasons.

The Bible does not rule out a Christian's consuming coffee, tea, chocolate, maté, and sodas that contain caffeine. 

The Scriptures do provide principles that can help us to make wise decisions.

One primary reason is that caffeine is often considered a mood-altering drug, with a stimulating effect on the mind. It can also be addictive. A standard reference book for pharmacists states: "Prolonged, high intake of caffeine may produce tolerance, habituation, and psychological dependence. Physical signs of withdrawal such as headaches, irritation, nervousness, anxiety, and dizziness may occur upon abrupt discontinuation of the stimulant."

The drug caffeine can affect the mind and body. Millions of cups of coffee and tea are consumed daily, leading Dr Melvin Konner to say: "[Caffeine] may, in fact, be the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world." It can increase alertness, raise one's adrenaline level, and speed up circulation and metabolism.

A Christian might feel that he would prefer not to risk becoming dependent on caffeine. If being deprived of his regular intake of caffeine makes him irritable ("coffee nerves"), he might consider abstaining from caffeine as a demonstration of "self-control" (Galatians 5:22, 23). Since the Bible does not address abstinence from caffeine, the decision about coffee or tea must be made individually. Moderation is appropriate if a Christian consumes either.​—Compare Titus 2:2.

Each individual acts in accord with his own resolve without feeling that his decision needs to be imposed on others. 

Each Christian should make a personal decision based on his understanding of the information currently available about caffeine and on the Bible principles that seem to be involved. 

Whatever decision you make regarding beverages and foods containing caffeine, keep in mind Paul's admonition: "Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God's glory."​—1 Corinthians 10:31

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report