One of the most distinguishing features of faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon) is their complete abstinence from alcohol. Mormons don't drink, not even in moderation or on special occasions. A look at Biblical times and early LDS church history sheds light on the reasons, which even some Mormons do not fully understand.
Alcohol and the Word of Wisdom
The 89th section of the LDS Doctrine and Covenants spells out what Latter-day Saints believe to be the Lord's code of health for His followers, known as the Word of Wisdom. The Lord here admonishes that "inasmuch any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good... strong drinks are not for the belly" (D&C 89: 5, 7.)
This revelation was first given as "a principle with a promise" (D&C 89: 3) but gradually received increased emphasis within the LDS Church. Today Latter-day Saints must abstain from alcohol, in addition to following other commandments, in order to attend the temple.
Wine in the Bible and LDS Church History
Well-intentioned but misinformed Latter-day Saints may argue that complete abstinence from alcohol was always God's law to His people, and that all Biblical references to "wine" really meant "grape juice." Yet critics point out that the prophet Noah was drunk in Genesis 9: 20-24, and Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 4: 46.)
Some instances in the Bible may indeed refer to unfermented grape juice, but it's clear that alcoholic wine was also used in both the Old and New Testament. The Bible does consistently condemn "drunkards" and "winebibbers" (Joel 1: 5, Proverbs 23: 20-21,) suggesting that it was the excessive rather than occasional use of alcohol that was bad in God's eyes.
Notably, some religious groups such as the Nazarites did not drink any alcohol at all (Numbers 6.)
Water Instead of Wine in the LDS Sacrament
When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830, wine was used in its Sunday sacrament services. Before long, a revelation was received "not [to] purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies" for this purpose (D&C 27: 3,) presumably because those who hated the unpopular religious group could have poisoned it. Members were instructed to make their own "pure wine" for the sacrament, and eventually began using water instead.
Today, Mormons drink water instead of wine in their sacrament, or communion. LDS scripture says that "it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it... remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins" (D&C 27: 2.)
Mormons believe that the specific emblems used in the sacrament are not as important as ensuring that they are blessed and passed by those holding proper priesthood authority to do so.
Reasons for the Word of Wisdom
Doctrine and Covenants 89, or the Word of Wisdom, actually gives a few reasons for its own existence. It promises health benefits (scientific research now partially substantiates this claim,) and also explains that it is a warning given "in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days" (D&C 89: 4.)
Many interpret this verse to mean that alcohol may not be bad in itself, but that drinking in any quantity today (the "last days" spoken of in D&C 89) is dangerous simply because of deceptive advertising campaigns and the popular culture that has sprung up around alcohol.
God's Law of Health through Time
Throughout history, Mormons believe that God's laws to His people change according to the circumstances they face. In Old Testament times, God's law of health for His followers was outlined in the law of Moses and included specific provisions about which animals could and couldn't be eaten (Leviticus 11.) God's law of health today is called the Word of Wisdom in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In short, Mormons don't drink alcohol because they believe God told them not to through a modern-day prophet. Biblical study on the subject of wine is interesting and informative, but the real justification for the Mormon avoidance of alcohol stems from Doctrine and Covenants 89 and the revelations given through the prophet at the head of the LDS church today.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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