Episode 244: What About the Word of Wisdom? | A Conversation with Linda Hamilton
Though Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants describes itself as a “principle with promise,” “to be sent by greeting, not by commandment or constraint,” contemporary Church leadership has elevated some of its prohibitions to the level of requirement for temple worship. Other suggestions this section contains seem to be completely ignored. To complicate things, current medical research hasn’t always supported the specific tenets that have been designated “commandments.” No wonder lots of Latter-day Saints have lots of feelings about the Word of Wisdom and its application in our daily lives and choices! In Episode 244, Cynthia and Susan are joined by historian Linda Hamilton for a conversation unpacking it all. What do you think about the Word of Wisdom? What aspects of it feel relevant to your faith life? What are the narratives of women we find in its history and practice? And what parts of Word of Wisdom lore actually hold up to historical scrutiny?
Notes & Quotes:
You can connect with Linda here
ALSSI Ep. 219, Embracing Your Journey | A Conversation with Linda Hamilton
The Word of Wisdom in Early Nineteenth-Century Perspective, by Lester E. Bush Jr., Dialogue Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3
Mormon Pioneer Historic Resource Study
The Word of Wisdom: From Principle to Requirement, by Thomas G. Alexander, Dialogue Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3
Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, by Linda King Newell & Valeen Tippets Avery
I am a huge fan of the Word of Wisdom. And I'm actually going to defend the advice not to drink tea and coffee. Kate Holbrook once mentioned that the Word of Wisdom is a law of community health. That insight changed how I think about it: these principles are not just about me but about the wellbeing of all of the Lord's children. At the time this revelation was given, the US still had slavery. Coffee and tea (and tobacco) are tied up in the history of slavery. In many parts of the world, the workers producing these goods are still being treated poorly and are living in the aftermath of colonization. I think there's a strong argument that part of the reason for avoiding these products is that the conditions of their production were hurting the Lord's children. While some of these circumstances have changed, the main reason for caffeine today seems to be so that we can work longer for our employers. I think we should pause about whether this is a good thing.
Loved the episode and the insight.
Something I wanted to bring up that doesn't deal directly with the WoW, Linda mention the verse "we are saved by grace, after all we can do." I don't know if this has been brought up before, but Dr. Dan Mcclellan, who spent years working with the church helping translate the BoM, pointed out on his YouTube channel that in the 1820's, this phrase was not uncommon, and was understood to mean "we are saved by grace, despite all we can do."
Anyway, thanks for all y'all do!