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I have curiosity about Mormons

Started by Aiketa , author of 1 any en 365 fotos 3/2/2010 8:21:07 AM
Hi everyone!
I've been much more in what LDS Churh implies since starting reading CJane and NieNie blogs along with some others mormons blogs.
There are some things I would like to know. My question is why mormons do not drink alcohol, coffe, not smoke, don't do drugs...
I mean, of course some of those things are bad for your health (smoking, drugs), so it's better not to do it. But since, I'm a medical student, some of them are proved to be good in the appropiate amount (such as coffe which protects from some type of gastric cancer and red wine (just one glass a day) which protects from coronary issues).
I mean, why do not give up to each individual to choose what they prefer to do? Which is the reason they say it's not good?

Hope to hear your answer!

P.S: I don't have the intention to judge anything, I just curious of the reason. I hope I have explained it properly (I'm not an English speaker).

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Reply by Lyanna

author of Lyanna Jean Designs 3/2/2010 10:05:39 AM
Simply put, the Leaders of the Church have asked it's members to not partake of those things.

Also, the medical gain that may be present in coffee and wine can most definitely be gained in other avenues.

Blog pic: (want one?)

Reply by Tara

author of Banks Blab 3/2/2010 11:02:19 AM
Hi Nona,
Good question.  And one we Mormons get asked a lot.  Here is the Word of Wisdom as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants.  
 
I also agree with Lyanna.  If you thoroughly read the studies done (because I  have), particularly with red wine, you will find that abstinence from drinking any alcohol at all is just as protective, if not more so, than the glass of red wine a day.  
 

Reply by cheryl

3/2/2010 11:07:02 AM
We believe we have a living prophet on the earth who receieves revelation from God for our well being.  The Word of Wisdom as cited previously was given to Joseph Smith in the 1800's as a code of health for our well being.  It was way ahead of it's time back then to preserve the health of those who followed it.  Of course we still have the choice whether to follow it or not, we do believe in agency governing our choices.

Reply by Aiketa

author of 1 any en 365 fotos 3/2/2010 11:21:53 AM
Thank you so much for all your answers!

Reply by Christine

author of Tender Mercies 3/2/2010 11:58:17 AM

We are indeed given the freedom to choose.  We try our best to make the right choices because we know those will bring us happiness and promised blessings.  I know I am way happier when I'm trying to do right.  If I consistently choose the right even when times are hard I will find happiness.  But the choice is up to me.  The Word of Wisdom has promises in it as well, and I want those blessings! :) I love our church's emphasis on choosing for ourselves and finding out for ourselves what is true.


Sometimes you follow the rules because you were told to. This is where faith comes in--you have to know that there is a reason Heavenly Father has asked you to do this. Maybe it is not even for health reasons,  maybe just to help us to be obedient. I don't know, I'm not a scholar or anything. When you speak strictly about health reasons why you should or shouldn't do something, you can go back and forth about it. For example, yes, red wine has antioxidants, but cranberry juice actually has twice as many. I prefer to not get into the whys. I have decided to do as the Prophet asks, and then pray to have a confirmation and witness of that for myself.

Blog pic: (want one?)

Reply by Shmonae

author of Pink Moss 3/3/2010 1:54:48 PM
Nona!!
Great to hear from you again! I love that you are learning about the church and being open to our beliefs.  It takes a lot of courage to do that. 
To me, the word of wisdom is something that is there to help us.  It isn't to control us or make us "miss out" on life.  It is only counsel that can help us.  One glass of wine may not hurt one person, but may be very addicting to another.  I think we are asked to refrain from drinking is because you never know if you may be someone that will be addicted and this can hurt your body.  Mormons are sometimes looked at like they are not having any fun, but believe me helping my husband quit smoking for YEARS wasn't fun, helping my brother stop drinking for YEARS wasn't fun either.  It is for our safety and happiness.
LOVES :)

Reply by Aiketa

author of 1 any en 365 fotos 3/3/2010 6:32:01 PM
Thank you!! I think it's important to be open to new things that appear in our lifes, so this is what I try to do as I learn about the LDS church.
I am really happy about what you answered. I previously thought that you were prohibit to do those things... but I love that the final decision is on everyones hands. Thank you again!


Reply by Aiketa

author of 1 any en 365 fotos 3/3/2010 6:34:52 PM
Janae, what you said about people looking at to Mormons like they don't have fun. I must admit I once hear that... but I don't comprehend why. What I know about mormons life is mostly about what I read on blogs, and I think their life can be completely fun! I love that you have much love for your families... I having that brings lots of happy moments!

Nona! Hi! I am so glad that you are investigating, and I think it's great that you are willing to look into the details. I think everyone here has done a WONDERFUL job at accurately giving you our reasonings for not drinking/coffee/smoking etc. It's all true.

However, there's something I want to just clarify- someone stated after explaining th Word of Wisdom that we are given the choice of weather we do these things or not. That is ABSOLUTELY true. We are. We are given the choice in all things. But we must be held accountable. And some of the ways that we are held accountable for those actions are the inability to partake of the sacrament on sundays or to hold a temple recommend. If one is unwilling to give up these things (EVEN only an occasional cup of coffee or cigarette) one cannot be baptized.  The Word of Wisdom is not just a guideline or a wise counsil.  It is a commandment that, as a worthy member of the church, we all must follow.


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