Engaging Gospel Doctrine (Episode 51)

Lesson 22

The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”

Hook / We are what we eat (Or even better in German, Man ist, was man isst). This proverb is quite literally true biologically, but also bears social truth–we are who we eat with. Food shapes us physically, spiritually, and socially. The Word of Wisdom is known as the “Lord’s law of health,” as well as creating social distinctions and emphasizing obedience. At the same time, too rarely do members consider the principles behind this requirement past the short list of “don’ts”.
Goal / To help class members thoughtfully consider the principles underlying the Word of Wisdom so that they may enjoy greater spiritual and physical benefits.
Overview /
  • How the Word of Wisdom functions in contemporary Mormonism
  • Discussion of scriptures, focusing in D&C 89
  • Word of Wisdom in its 19th century context
  • History of Word of Wisdom adherence
  • Principles behind the Word of Wisdom
  • Stewardship (our bodies and creation)
  • Agency (avoiding addition)
  • Becoming like God (love, thanksgiving, delight, unifying flesh and spirit)
  • Transformation
  • Obedience

Conclusion
  • The role of the Word of Wisdom in contemporary Mormonism
  • Comments on the actual text of the WoW 21 verses, ⅘ with a ‘not this’ focus
  • The history of the Word of Wisdom (any pertinent reflections/comments) (Libby: bottom up lobbying, cultural context, gradual development)
  • Addiction (Libby :Choc. story)
  • Conspiracies. Not really kidding. *I read somewhere that one of the LDS church’s biggest investments is cattle, and the cattle are feed lot cattle. Is this true? And if it is, what the heck can be done about it? Because the industrial practices are apalling!
  • The underlying principles of wise stewardship of our bodies, spiritual and physical health, and agency (body policing/ modesty, covering body=disconnection from own bodies -Libby)
  • personal perspectives on living the Word of Wisdom–in other words, living well both physically and spiritually

Conspiracies: Corporations and lobbies that seek to manipulate advertising and politics to diminish our agency and awareness—pretty antithetical to the gospel, no?

  • Tobacco companies
  • Meat and dairy
  • Processed foods
  • Soda companies
  • HFCS
  • Government subsidies
  • Education (USDA made the food pyramid, but that was powerfully influenced by meat and dairy lobbies)

Milestones in Word of Wisdom observance

  • D&C given in 1833
  • 1835 printing indicates it is given as counsel or advice
  • 1830s-1900: Drunkenness discouraged, Word of Wisdom discussed but not required
  • Even in 1898 difference of opinion among the Brethren
  • 1901: Lorenzo Snow thinks we should forbid meat; other Brethren say we shouldn’t prohibit beer. Especially Danish beer.
  • 1902: Joseph F. Smith encourages compliance with the word of wisdom—be lenient with old people but deny “habitual drunkards” temple recommends
  • 1905: Adherence strongly encouraged
  • July 1906: Brethren substitute water for wine in their temple meetings
  • 1921: Adherence became a requirement to attend the temple

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