Word of Wisdom

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

56%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

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

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

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

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

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

Internal variations: The basic institutional norm is stable, but daily lived practice and interpretation of details may 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.