145 - D&C 89 CFM - A Deep Dive on the Word of Wisdom - E34 August 18-24

Summary

Church History Matters: Episode 145 - D&C 89 CFM - A Deep Dive on the Word of Wisdom

Podcast Information:

Title: Church History Matters
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Description: The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey where they dive deep into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History.
Episode: 145 - D&C 89 CFM - A Deep Dive on the Word of Wisdom - E34 August 18-24
Release Date: August 12, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode delves into Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, commonly known as the Word of Wisdom. Scott and Casey explore its historical context, evolution, controversies, and enduring impact on the lives of Latter-day Saints.

2. Understanding the Context of the Word of Wisdom

a. Immediate Context

Scott begins by highlighting that the Word of Wisdom is a revelation that significantly impacts every Latter-day Saint, stating, "This is one of those revelations that touches down into the life of every Latter Day Saint, Right. Not only making us a distinct people, but like this is brought up probably more than any other revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants" (00:00).

Casey emphasizes that the revelation wasn't created in isolation but was influenced by the prevailing cultural and health reform movements of the time. She explains the setting in Kirtland, Ohio, where heavy tobacco use among members of the School of the Prophets led Joseph Smith to seek divine guidance: "When they assembled together in this room after breakfast... a large chew of tobacco would then be taken" (02:42).

b. Broader American Context

Scott adds that during the 1830s, America was experiencing intense public discourse on diet, health, and temperance. Movements like temperance, which officially started in 1826, advocated against alcohol consumption and influenced the content of the Word of Wisdom. He references figures like Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister whose dietary reforms resonated with the revelation's themes: "Graham was out there preaching and advocating his dietary reforms" (06:10).

Casey notes that these health reform ideas were widespread in areas like Oberlin College, a hub for such movements, thereby embedding the Word of Wisdom within the larger societal reforms (09:00).

3. Evolution of the Word of Wisdom: From Counsel to Commandment

Casey and Scott discuss how the Word of Wisdom transitioned from advisory counsel to a binding commandment over time. Initially, observance varied among church members, with some adhering strictly while others approached it with moderation. Casey mentions Joseph F. Smith's role in elevating the revelation's importance: "Heber J. Grant... observing the Word of Wisdom became a requirement to receive a temple recommend" (19:48).

Scott highlights that by the early 20th century, especially around the 1920s during Prohibition, the Word of Wisdom aligned closely with national temperance laws, further solidifying its role as a commandment: "At least in principle... it is the will of God" (22:09).

4. Content of Section 89: Principles and Practices

a. Introduction and Audience

Scott reads the opening of Section 89, noting its broad audience: "A word of wisdom for the benefit of the council of high priests assembled in Kirtland... the whole church" (14:24). Casey addresses debates on whether the introductory verses are part of the revelation, explaining their inclusion in later editions of the Doctrine and Covenants (15:25).

b. Prohibitions and Guidelines

The duo examines specific verses:

Verses 5-7: Address alcohol, emphasizing its appropriate use solely in sacrament services and denouncing drunkenness. Scott notes, "Strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies" (35:00). Casey corroborates Joseph Smith's stance against drunkenness with direct quotes from his journals (37:39).
Verse 8: Discusses tobacco's limited use for medicinal purposes. While initially some members adhered strictly, modern science contradicts the historical use of tobacco for bruises or cattle, raising questions about the revelation's contemporary relevance (40:11).
Verse 9: Refers to "hot drinks," historically understood as tea and coffee. An 1842 editorial in the Times and Seasons supports this interpretation, but today, medical consensus often praises moderate consumption, complicating adherence (42:11).
Verses 10-15: Offer positive counsel on using herbs, fruits, and meat with prudence and gratitude. Scott and Casey discuss how these guidelines reflect both historical context (e.g., limited refrigeration in the 1830s) and ongoing personal interpretation within the church (47:40, 52:05).

c. Promises and Blessings

In versing concluding the section, they explore the promises tied to obedience: "All Saints who remember to keep and do these sayings... shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones... shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge" (55:21). Scott underscores the intertwined nature of spiritual and temporal blessings, emphasizing that the Word of Wisdom serves both purposes (57:31).

5. Controversies and Modern Interpretations

a. Outdated Recommendations vs. Modern Science

Scott and Casey tackle how certain recommendations from 1833 don't align with today's scientific understanding. For instance:

Tobacco for Bruises and Cattle: Once considered medicinal, modern medicine rejects this practice. Scott remarks, "His words... seems like he's accommodating their current understanding" (62:45).
Coffee and Tea: Initially discouraged due to prevailing health concerns, modern studies often highlight their health benefits when consumed in moderation. Casey points out that the church's stance is rooted in faith, not purely scientific reasoning: "It's the word of wisdom, but it's also an act of faith that I abstain from those things" (65:40).

b. Temple Recommend Questions

They discuss how the phrase "Do you understand and obey the Word of Wisdom?" serves as a broad gauge encompassing various prohibitions beyond Section 89. Casey defends the current phrasing, advocating for its breadth to include substances not explicitly mentioned in the revelation, such as cocaine or vaping, as guided by later church statements (70:39, 75:57).

Scott suggests more specific questioning but Casey cautions against over-legalism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a spiritual dialogue rather than rigid enforcement (73:25).

6. Temple Recommend Questions and Practical Implications

Scott shares insights from his experience in church leadership, expressing the tension between his desire to delve deeper into members' understanding of the Word of Wisdom and the structured, open-ended nature of temple recommend interviews. Casey agrees, highlighting that the current approach fosters personal reflection and spiritual growth rather than legalistic scrutiny (78:06, 80:35).

7. Consequences of Section 89

Casey underscores the profound impact Section 89 has on church members:

Temple Access: Adherence to the Word of Wisdom is a prerequisite for temple recommends, making it pivotal in members' spiritual journeys.
Cultural Identity: Observance sets Latter-day Saints apart, often providing protection from societal pressures related to substance use. Casey recounts personal anecdotes illustrating how adherence has positively influenced her life and interactions (80:35, 84:08).

Scott reinforces that the Word of Wisdom is central to the identity of church members, shaping daily choices and fostering a unique communal ethos (84:36).

8. Conclusion

Scott and Casey conclude by reaffirming the Word of Wisdom's significance in church history and contemporary practice. They highlight that while some aspects of Section 89 are rooted in historical context and may appear outdated, the revelation's core principles of temperance, good judgment, and obedience remain timeless. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on related sections (90-92) of the Doctrine and Covenants, promising further exploration of the Word of Wisdom's multifaceted role in the lives of Latter-day Saints.

Notable Quotes:

"The enduring value of this revelation lies in its call to temperance, good judgment, discernment, good health, obedience to God, trusting God." — Scott (00:21)
"The Word of Wisdom is a major thing that differentiates Latter Day Saints from other Christian religions." — Casey (00:10)
"If Joseph Smith had foreseen that people would use electronic devices to spew hot steam into their lungs as a nicotine delivery system, man, like, he was good." — Casey (12:40)
"Revelation. So here's what we know. When the Revelation is first published... there was a shift in how this was perceived." — Casey (15:25)
"I have a lot of people sometimes raise questions about hot drinks." — Casey (43:29)
"The conscience of the Word of Wisdom is so valuable where the Lord says, I speak unto men according to their own language and their own understanding. I'm okay with that." — Casey (68:45)
"The Word of Wisdom... is way more than what's in section 89." — Casey (74:39)
"The Word of Wisdom doesn't just touch physical health but also imparts spiritual and emotional well-being." — Casey (57:31)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the conversation between Scott and Casey, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a nuanced understanding of the Word of Wisdom's historical significance, practical application, and ongoing relevance within the Latter-day Saint community.