Brigham Young once commented on the origins of the Mormon Health Code, the Word of Wisdom:
“When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet [Joseph Smith] entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.”
Journal of Discourses, vol. 12, p. 158
Even during my true believer days, I always felt it quite convenient that Joseph Smith had this revelation shortly after his wife complained to him about having to clean up after a bunch of dudes who hung out at their house smoking and spitting tobacco on the floor.
Being married, I know the wrath of a woman whose hard cleaning work is undone shortly after she finishes. I have no doubt that someone as opinionated and sure of herself as Emma Smith would have no problem coming down on anyone, including her prophet-husband. Hell, he spent a majority of his life cowering from her and attempting to assuage her.
I find it suspiciously coincidental that when he wrote this, Joseph Smith prohibited the vices that bothered his wife the most and appeased those in the immediate vicinity who were pushing for a temperance movement in the church. It is highly amusing that he then went a step further, prohibiting coffee and tea, in what I see was a jab at the ladies’ and their gossip-filled tea parties. Take that! If you want me to tell the men they can’t drink and smoke, I’m taking away something from you!
I love how he left himself an out on all counts. It was not a “commandment” it was just advice. And Joseph’s favorite drink? Well, beer just happens to specifically allowed!
16. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17. Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain. (emphasis added)
Sorry, remind me, how many drinks were made from barley in 1833? Oh, that’s right…beer and whiskey! Now, I personally think beer tastes like shit and will never get past that smell, but for those who like it, like Joseph Smith apparently did, they should be justified in drinking it AND holding a temple recommend if you ask me (which no one did).
“Now, I personally think beer tastes like shit and will never get past that smell”
You are missing out! And obviously just drinking the wrong beers.
Go for a Blue Moon if you ever get a chance. Absolutely delicious.
That’s what people keep telling me. Well, Blue Moon sounds nice, but is that considered a “girly” beer? I mean, oranges, really? LOL. I have a serious sweet tooth, so if a beer was ever going to strike my fancy, it really would need to be a fruity one.
I just can’t ever fathom liking that yeasty fermented aftertaste that beer leaves. The odd thing is that its even there in the non-alcoholic brews. Nah, I don’t think its for me.
That, and the fact that I’ve promised my wife (a dedicated Mormon) that I would live the Word of Wisdom (even if I do think it’s bunk) will probably keep me from running off to try it anytime soon!