Do Young Mormons Drink Coffee: Understanding the Cultural Nuances and Norms
The question of whether young Mormons drink coffee is a complex one, rooted in religious beliefs, cultural norms, and personal choices. The Word of Wisdom (WoW), a set of health laws in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explicitly prohibits the consumption of coffee, as well as other substances like tobacco and tea. However, the enforcement and interpretation of these laws vary widely across different generations and geographic regions.
Understanding the Word of Wisdom (WoW)
The Word of Wisdom is a key doctrine of the Mormon faith, intended to promote physical and spiritual health. According to the WoW, consuming coffee, tea, and tobacco is strictly prohibited for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While compliance with the WoW is not a requirement for baptism or membership, its observance is often seen as a sign of faith and commitment to the LDS Church.
Some young Mormons choose to drink coffee despite the WoW, often for reasons similar to those in secular society. Coffee can be a social lubricant, a means of fitting in with peers, or simply a preferred caffeine source. Others abstain as a demonstration of their faith and adherence to the WoW.
Historical Context and Practice
Historically, the adherence to the WoW has varied over time. Anecdotes and personal accounts suggest that in the mid-20th century, coffee consumption was less strictly regulated. The president of Brigham Young University, Dwight A. Carter, had a cup of coffee during a Church meeting in the early 1960s, which was not uncommon back then. This relaxed approach to the WoW can be attributed to the fact that it took many years for the Mormon Church to fully enforce its policies.
Recently, however, there has been a tightening of enforcement, especially in temple attendance and potentially for high-level leadership positions. For instance, temple attendance is barred for those who consume coffee, and this has led to a more rigid disciplinary approach. While coffee consumption alone is not grounds for excommunication, non-compliance with the WoW can lead to disfellowshipping or other disciplinary actions.
The Complexity of Mormon Youth Culture
Mormon youth culture is rich and diverse, with varying degrees of religious observance. Young Mormons face a unique challenge: balancing their faith with the social pressures of their peers. For many young Mormons, coffee is just one of the many temptations they encounter. Other temptations can include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and sexual activities.
Mormanity, a blog on LDS culture and faith, highlights the challenges faced by youth within the church. For example, some young women, like the one mentioned in the original anecdote, might drink coffee behind their parents' backs, feeling the need to conform to popular social norms but also feeling the weight of their faith. Over time, many of these young individuals may either stop drinking coffee or leave the Church altogether.
Mormon Values and Social Identity
Mormanism emphasizes mindfulness, the voluntary pursuit of self-awareness and connection with others. This core value can make coffee, a common product in secular environments, feel alien or even off-putting to young Mormons. For many, coffee consumption is seen as a sign of disassociation from Mormon culture and values.
On the other hand, the voluntary pursuit of spiritual growth and ethical living is valued highly within Mormonism. Adhering to the WoW is seen as a means of expressing one's commitment to the faith and making a statement about who they are. It is a way of distinguishing oneself from secular norms and affirming one's identity as a member of the Mormon community.
Conclusion
While the prohibition of coffee in the Mormon faith is clear, the reality of its practice among young Mormons is more nuanced. Factors such as cultural norms, personal choices, and faith commitments all play a role in determining whether young Mormons drink coffee. The enforcement of the Word of Wisdom has also evolved over time, reflecting changing societal values and the church's priorities.
The discourse around coffee drinking among young Mormons is part of a broader conversation about religious practice and cultural conformity. As the Mormon Church continues to navigate these issues, it is important to recognize the complexity of individual choices and the diverse experiences of young Mormons in their faith journeys.