What is the history of the word of wisdom from Mormon theology?

Answer 1

The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1833. His wife, Emma, had been getting really annoyed when cleaning up after meetings he held with the men of the Church because many of them used chewing tobacco and spit it on the floor. Also, both Joseph and Emma found it unbecoming for a man of God to be chewing tobacco, drinking, etc.

Joseph inquired of the Lord what he should do in this situation and received the revelation, which is now contained in Doctrine and Covenants 89. After questions arose, Joseph later clarified "hot drinks" in verse 9 as coffee and tea. (To read the revelation, go to http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89/)

This revelation was considered more of a guideline rather than set rules for almost 100 years, when members were required to be living the Word of Wisdom to qualify for baptism or access to the Church's Temples.

Now, most members take the Word of Wisdom quite seriously, although understandibly having to adjust a bit for modern times (various whole grains mentioned in the revelation are not readily available, and processed foods, soft drinks, etc did not exist in 1833). For the most part, Church members avoid any kind of alcohol or coffee, but will drink non-caffeinated herbal teas or hot cocoa. Many members avoid all caffeinated drinks and energy drinks, but others do not. They avoid any kind of smoking or illicit drugs, but will take prescribed medications. They try to eat whole grains and fresh produce, but will also visit fast food restauraunts on occassion.

One most note that at the time the revelation was given, there was no medical consensus that tobacco and coffee could have negative health effects, or that one should eat a balanced diet high in grains and produce. These discoveries did not come until over 100 years after the revelation.