Why Don’t Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Drink Coffee?

Latter-day Saints have been counseled by their leaders and by God not to drink coffee. This inspired counsel is part of a health code members follow in order to live healthier, happier lives.

A man describes his commitment to follow God's commandment to care for the body He has given us.

The Word of Wisdom

In the early 1800’s, God revealed a law of physical and spiritual health that we refer to as the Word of Wisdom. In this law, God details foods that are good for us to eat as well as substances we should avoid because of the harm they cause our bodies.

An Inspired Guide to Good Health: The Do’s and Don’ts

A basket of fruits and vegetables one of the things we should eat found in the word of wisdom

Do: Eat fruits & vegetables

“Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanskgiving” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:11).

A glass of alcohol on a kitchen table with two unused cigarets one of the do nots of the word of wisdom

Don’t: Drink alcohol

“And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:7).

A salad with pieces of chicken and lemon wedge on a kitchen table

Do: Eat meat sparingly

“Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:12).

A woman's yellowed hand with a cigarette one of the do not's of the word of wisdom

Don’t: Smoke or use tobacco

“And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:8).

A man jogs down the street one of the do's of the word of wisdom exersise

Do: Exercise regularly

“To care for your body, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep” (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 25).

A steaming coffee mug on a table with coffee beans one of the don'ts of the word of wisdom

Don’t: Drink coffee or tea

“And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:9).

Bread on a table next to a sheaf of grain one of the do's of the word of wisdom

Do: Eat grains

“All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:14).

A bottle of pills spilled out on a table saying don't use illegal drugs as part of the word of wisdom

Don’t: Use illegal drugs or abuse medications

“Anything harmful that people purposefully take into their bodies is not in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. This is especially true of illegal drugs” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 186).

An inspired health code

In the Word of Wisdom, God says fruits, vegetables, and grains are nutritious and helpful to our bodies. He encourages us to eat meat sparingly. God also cautions us to avoid certain substances, including coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco. In our day, living prophets have also warned us to avoid illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription drugs. God promises abundant physical and spiritual blessings to those who follow this inspired health code.

Though the Word of Wisdom doesn’t outline the rationale behind all of its counsel, modern science has supported and reaffirmed many of its physical benefits. A 14-year study conducted by UCLA followed the mortality rates and health practices of 10,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in California. The study’s results were that Church members who followed the Word of Wisdom had an increased life expectancy of 8 to 11 years longer than the general U.S. population. They also had the lowest death rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Our physical bodies are created after the image of God. They are one of the greatest blessings God has given us. By following the Lord’s counsel, getting adequate exercise, and eating well, we can take better care of our bodies and live a happy, healthy life.

Common Questions

Below are questions often asked about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to see the full list.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are just like anyone else. We have ups and downs and everything in between. Latter-day Saints have a reputation for being a happy, peaceful people. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges. Everyone in life is fighting a hard battle—but when we try our best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have additional strength and peace to make it through.

As far as lifestyle is concerned, Latter-day Saints try to keep Jesus front and center. Our beliefs about the Savior and His teachings affect our day-to-day decisions about how we speak, dress, and act. For example, we try to avoid working on Sundays so we can attend church, serve others, and spend time with family. Faithful members of the Church do not smoke, drink alcohol, or gamble.

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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose not to drink beer because we believe in an inspired health code called the Word of Wisdom that encourages us to take care of our bodies. Most of it is common sense stuff. No illegal drugs. No alcohol. No tobacco. Reasoning for avoiding other substances, like coffee or tea, is perhaps less obvious. However, we believe these instructions came from God, so we abstain from those substances.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many cultural traditions and customs that focus on the family. For example, we try to reserve one night a week for a home evening, or family night. Other activities throughout the week include Church gatherings like potlucks, small parties, or youth groups for teenagers. Many of our traditions are standard—like celebrating holidays with our families—and others are more unique—like offering a blessing for a new baby during church. As families, we pray together, read scriptures together, and on the first Sunday of every month, we even fast together.

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