Word of Wisdom

There is a religious health and temperance code with strong disciplinary and identity value.

56%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: The Word of Wisdom is a set of instructions on health, temperance, and substances to avoid.

How the tradition understands it: In contemporary practice it includes abstention from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and traditional tea, along with strong encouragement of a disciplined and healthy life. Observance of the code has also become important for full participation in temple life.

Textual basis or tradition: Doctrine and Covenants 89 is the central reference.

Historical context: The text emerged in the nineteenth century, but its stricter disciplinary application was consolidated progressively.

Common objections: Critics question the selectivity of its application, the historicity of its disciplinary development, and the relation between health counsel and ritual worthiness.

Internal variations: The basic institutional norm is stable, but daily experience and interpretations of details can vary.

Supportive

Articles of Faith

mormonism,articles-of-faith,doctrine,summary

Classic summary of the movement's fundamental beliefs.

Reference: Joseph Smith's Articles of Faith.

Content: The text summarizes beliefs about God, the atonement, ordinances, spiritual gifts, revelation, the gathering of Israel, and Zion.

Use in debate: It is one of the best-known concise formulations of the Latter-day Saint religious identity.

Doctrine and Covenants 89

mormonism,word-of-wisdom,health,doctrine-and-covenants

Revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.

Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 89.

Content: The text gives guidance on foods, drinks, and substances to avoid.

Use in debate: It is the main basis of the Word of Wisdom and the Latter-day Saint health code.