You said that the D&C 89 section did not say it was a commandment, but yes it is. The D&C student's manual says: Later on, it was announced from this stand, by President Brigham Young that the Word of Wisdom was a revelation and a command of the Lord. [See Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 183–84].” (Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1913, p. 14.)
President Heber J. Grant emphasized that the Word of Wisdom was a commandment and warned those who did not obey it that “the day is gone by when the Lord will trifle with the Latter-day Saints. He has said that His Spirit shall not always strive with man.” (Gospel Standards, pp. 55–56.) Although the Lord allowed a time of adjustment for those who were already members of the Church when the Word of Wisdom was given, today it is expected that all Saints adhere to the commandment.
Valerie WilsonJanuary 13, 2018
It's January, 2018 now, and I am really enjoying reading all of your articles and watching your videos, Jane. I just have one little thing to say, and feel it's OK here. A few years ago I actually fasted and prayed to know what eating meat sparingly meant for ME. I got a direct answer, which I have tried to follow, though I haven't done so perfectly. "Small servings, and sometimes none" was the answer. It is my desire NOW to implement it and follow it exactly. I now consider myself "almost a vegetarian", so I don't feel so labeled. Thank you for opening my eyes and for being a kindred spirit! I appreciate you.
HyrumJanuary 24, 2017
I'm late to the discussion, but I notice that some (correctly) reference D&C 49:19 as support for eating meat, but fail to follow through to verse 21, which says "And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need."
Jane Birch, authorJune 4, 2014
Joyce: Love your comment! But please consider that human beings figured out thousands of years ago how to eat meat in the summer and not get sick. Our Mormon ancestors were as well acquainted with healthy meat handling practices as their neighbors, and there were no large epidemics of people getting sick eating meat in the summers! D&C 89 is clearly meant for us, in our day, as the Lord stated, it is
Jane BirchJune 4, 2014
I love the comments! Thanks everyone!! Just to be clear, I have eaten meat all my life (LOVED it!), but I stopped in 2011 when I realized (1) the health hazards of eating meat; and (2) that forgoing this pleasure is pleasing to the Lord (D&C 89). Surprisingly, I don
AlannaJune 4, 2014
Wonderful article, Jane Birch. We have come to this conclusion in our own family and are on our way to eating a whole foods plant based diet. I am amazed at how clear the scriptures (and even modern day prophets) are on this point.
I believe the day will come when church leaders invite us to live the word of wisdom more fully. As others have pointed out, there are no enforced dietary guidelines right now
JoyceJune 3, 2014
I don't like to eat lots of meat but I love it. I believe that 100 years ago that meat couldn't be preserved or kept cold like it can in modern times, so people didn't eat in the summer. I also believe that we should listen to our prophet today and not just what Prophets said years ago. I haven't heard Pres Monson tell us to stop eating meat. I don't feel I need t be a vegan to be a good member of the church. I believe all foods created by Heavenly Father are good. It's man made foods that can be harmful. Thanks
MichaelJune 3, 2014
Thank you Sister Jane Birch for this wonderful article. Two years ago my 15 yr-old daughter asked me, "why don't members understand this part of the Word of Wisdom because it is so very clear what the Lord would like of us." I didn't have an answer then. We afterwards had a missionary serving in our Ward that would not eat meat if he didn't have to. He really reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because of his wisdom. In 3 or so months he had over 10 baptisms. We have never had a missionary like him. Now I think the reason most of us don't follow it is because we don't consider the blessings available to us. With giving up coffee we get the blessings of the Temple. If we were told that now we have to only eat it sparingly and answer to our use at a Temple Recommend interview then we would consider it because we want Temple blessings. This is such a sad state of obedience on my part as well as many of us.
Winona DaviesJune 3, 2014
I'm not a vegan at all...I very much believe the scriptures when they say animals were put here for the use and benefit of man. However, I also believe the Word of Wisdom is telling us to eat meat "sparingly." Many health experts have said for years that meat should be at most, a condiment or flavoring for our food. I know many health conditions that are directly caused and related to excess eating of meat--just read the American Cancer Society's recommendations on eating. They say eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and minimally eat meat. It's not about politics, and it's not about extending my life-- its about enjoying health and vigor while I'm still alive!
ByronJune 3, 2014
Beautifully written Jane. The prophet Joseph Smith said, I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves". The doctrine is plain and the blessings many.
PeteJune 3, 2014
So where is the New Cookbook available at Amazon and endorsed by CNN that covers, "and barley . . . and for mild drinks, as also other grain". Where does this fit in?
AnneJune 3, 2014
I have pondered a lot on these passages, and have come to your same conclusion. There is just no way to rationalize bacon for breakfast then steak for supper on a given day, especially in the summer. And the other thing is that when we don't eat much meat (except winter and famine) it is PLEASING to the Lord. That is enough for me.
VardellJune 3, 2014
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
See also D&C 49:18 and 59:16-20
vickieJune 3, 2014
My husband says you must be a vegan or someone who doesnt want to eat meat and its why you write this. it also says I think in the last days there will be those who say dont eat this or dont eat that...not to listen to them. I myself dont care to eat lots of meat and in my case was told to eat more fish.
I'm glad to see this discussed openly as it's often on my mind. Whenever I'm asked in an interview if I live the Word of Wisdom, I half-jokingly respond, "No, I don't and neither do you," because of our meat consumption.
When I'm brutally honest about the meaning of "sparingly," it seems to mean "Spare it if you can--don't use it unless absolutely necessary." And yet whenever I've had the meat discussion with other church members, they've always asserted 'moderation in all things' and DC 49:19 "For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance."
But to me it seems that these two D&C admonitions are consistent with in saying "Meat: don't eat it if you can at all avoid it, but if you must, it is no sin."
Interestingly, a sister once told me that she attributed her good health to complete abstinence from meat -- but she regularly consumed seafood, which she did not consider a "meat" because it was not specifically proscribed by DC 89.
Maybe we're uncomfortable as a church being so peculiar as to be stated vegetarians -- to say nothing of the sizeable ranching interests of the Church and some members that would be affected by such a shift. And to be sure, verse 2's "not by commandment or constraint" language is clear, but on the other hand, if obedience to the Word of Wisdom is now incumbent upon all church members as a standard of worthiness, why is it construed so narrowly? Does that not place the church under condemnation? What is the impact on missionary efforts and member retention of selectively avoiding compliance with clear doctrine? Food for thought.
Comments | Return to Story
pamJuly 20, 2020
You said that the D&C 89 section did not say it was a commandment, but yes it is. The D&C student's manual says: Later on, it was announced from this stand, by President Brigham Young that the Word of Wisdom was a revelation and a command of the Lord. [See Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 183–84].” (Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1913, p. 14.) President Heber J. Grant emphasized that the Word of Wisdom was a commandment and warned those who did not obey it that “the day is gone by when the Lord will trifle with the Latter-day Saints. He has said that His Spirit shall not always strive with man.” (Gospel Standards, pp. 55–56.) Although the Lord allowed a time of adjustment for those who were already members of the Church when the Word of Wisdom was given, today it is expected that all Saints adhere to the commandment.
Valerie WilsonJanuary 13, 2018
It's January, 2018 now, and I am really enjoying reading all of your articles and watching your videos, Jane. I just have one little thing to say, and feel it's OK here. A few years ago I actually fasted and prayed to know what eating meat sparingly meant for ME. I got a direct answer, which I have tried to follow, though I haven't done so perfectly. "Small servings, and sometimes none" was the answer. It is my desire NOW to implement it and follow it exactly. I now consider myself "almost a vegetarian", so I don't feel so labeled. Thank you for opening my eyes and for being a kindred spirit! I appreciate you.
HyrumJanuary 24, 2017
I'm late to the discussion, but I notice that some (correctly) reference D&C 49:19 as support for eating meat, but fail to follow through to verse 21, which says "And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need."
Jane Birch, authorJune 4, 2014
Joyce: Love your comment! But please consider that human beings figured out thousands of years ago how to eat meat in the summer and not get sick. Our Mormon ancestors were as well acquainted with healthy meat handling practices as their neighbors, and there were no large epidemics of people getting sick eating meat in the summers! D&C 89 is clearly meant for us, in our day, as the Lord stated, it is
Jane BirchJune 4, 2014
I love the comments! Thanks everyone!! Just to be clear, I have eaten meat all my life (LOVED it!), but I stopped in 2011 when I realized (1) the health hazards of eating meat; and (2) that forgoing this pleasure is pleasing to the Lord (D&C 89). Surprisingly, I don
AlannaJune 4, 2014
Wonderful article, Jane Birch. We have come to this conclusion in our own family and are on our way to eating a whole foods plant based diet. I am amazed at how clear the scriptures (and even modern day prophets) are on this point. I believe the day will come when church leaders invite us to live the word of wisdom more fully. As others have pointed out, there are no enforced dietary guidelines right now
JoyceJune 3, 2014
I don't like to eat lots of meat but I love it. I believe that 100 years ago that meat couldn't be preserved or kept cold like it can in modern times, so people didn't eat in the summer. I also believe that we should listen to our prophet today and not just what Prophets said years ago. I haven't heard Pres Monson tell us to stop eating meat. I don't feel I need t be a vegan to be a good member of the church. I believe all foods created by Heavenly Father are good. It's man made foods that can be harmful. Thanks
MichaelJune 3, 2014
Thank you Sister Jane Birch for this wonderful article. Two years ago my 15 yr-old daughter asked me, "why don't members understand this part of the Word of Wisdom because it is so very clear what the Lord would like of us." I didn't have an answer then. We afterwards had a missionary serving in our Ward that would not eat meat if he didn't have to. He really reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because of his wisdom. In 3 or so months he had over 10 baptisms. We have never had a missionary like him. Now I think the reason most of us don't follow it is because we don't consider the blessings available to us. With giving up coffee we get the blessings of the Temple. If we were told that now we have to only eat it sparingly and answer to our use at a Temple Recommend interview then we would consider it because we want Temple blessings. This is such a sad state of obedience on my part as well as many of us.
Winona DaviesJune 3, 2014
I'm not a vegan at all...I very much believe the scriptures when they say animals were put here for the use and benefit of man. However, I also believe the Word of Wisdom is telling us to eat meat "sparingly." Many health experts have said for years that meat should be at most, a condiment or flavoring for our food. I know many health conditions that are directly caused and related to excess eating of meat--just read the American Cancer Society's recommendations on eating. They say eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and minimally eat meat. It's not about politics, and it's not about extending my life-- its about enjoying health and vigor while I'm still alive!
ByronJune 3, 2014
Beautifully written Jane. The prophet Joseph Smith said, I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves". The doctrine is plain and the blessings many.
PeteJune 3, 2014
So where is the New Cookbook available at Amazon and endorsed by CNN that covers, "and barley . . . and for mild drinks, as also other grain". Where does this fit in?
AnneJune 3, 2014
I have pondered a lot on these passages, and have come to your same conclusion. There is just no way to rationalize bacon for breakfast then steak for supper on a given day, especially in the summer. And the other thing is that when we don't eat much meat (except winter and famine) it is PLEASING to the Lord. That is enough for me.
VardellJune 3, 2014
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. See also D&C 49:18 and 59:16-20
vickieJune 3, 2014
My husband says you must be a vegan or someone who doesnt want to eat meat and its why you write this. it also says I think in the last days there will be those who say dont eat this or dont eat that...not to listen to them. I myself dont care to eat lots of meat and in my case was told to eat more fish.
UNCURLY.com DIY Brazilian Keratin StraightenerJune 3, 2014
I'm glad to see this discussed openly as it's often on my mind. Whenever I'm asked in an interview if I live the Word of Wisdom, I half-jokingly respond, "No, I don't and neither do you," because of our meat consumption. When I'm brutally honest about the meaning of "sparingly," it seems to mean "Spare it if you can--don't use it unless absolutely necessary." And yet whenever I've had the meat discussion with other church members, they've always asserted 'moderation in all things' and DC 49:19 "For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance." But to me it seems that these two D&C admonitions are consistent with in saying "Meat: don't eat it if you can at all avoid it, but if you must, it is no sin." Interestingly, a sister once told me that she attributed her good health to complete abstinence from meat -- but she regularly consumed seafood, which she did not consider a "meat" because it was not specifically proscribed by DC 89. Maybe we're uncomfortable as a church being so peculiar as to be stated vegetarians -- to say nothing of the sizeable ranching interests of the Church and some members that would be affected by such a shift. And to be sure, verse 2's "not by commandment or constraint" language is clear, but on the other hand, if obedience to the Word of Wisdom is now incumbent upon all church members as a standard of worthiness, why is it construed so narrowly? Does that not place the church under condemnation? What is the impact on missionary efforts and member retention of selectively avoiding compliance with clear doctrine? Food for thought.
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