Word of Wisdom

Word of Wisdom
Name	Word of Wisdom
Caption	Pioneer Memorial, Salt Lake City, near Salt Lake Temple
Introduced	1833
Founder	Joseph Smith
Affiliated with	The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Type	Religious health code
Status	Observed as guideline and commandment

Word of Wisdom is a health code originating in early 19th-century United States religious reform movements and promulgated within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was recorded in 1833 during the formative period of Nauvoo, Illinois and the Latter Day Saint movement and has since influenced church policy, dietary practices, and cultural norms among members in communities such as Salt Lake City, Provo, Utah, and global congregations. Over time it has intersected with public health debates, temperance campaigns, and the church’s organizational development under leaders such as Brigham Young and Gordon B. Hinckley.

Origins and Biblical Context

The counsel reflects influences from contemporaneous temperance and health reform movements exemplified by figures like Sylvester Graham, Ellen G. White, and organizations such as the American Temperance Society and the Young Men's Christian Association. Those movements drew upon scriptural precedents in texts like the Bible—notably passages from Leviticus and the dietary codes associated with Mosaic Law—and from New Testament admonitions found in the writings attributed to Paul the Apostle and Luke the Evangelist. Early 19th-century revivalism surrounding events such as the Second Great Awakening and institutions like Princeton Theological Seminary shaped the moral language and health rhetoric that informed the guidance recorded in 1833.

Doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Within the church’s canonical texts and administrative structures, the guidance is codified as part of the Doctrine and Covenants and taught by authorities including the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Leaders such as Joseph Smith, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, and later presidents like David O. McKay and Thomas S. Monson have interpreted and emphasized aspects of the code in general conferences and manuals produced by the Church Educational System. Institutional bodies including Deseret Industries and institutions like Brigham Young University have reinforced expectations through student standards and employment policies tied to worthiness interviews conducted by bishops and stake presidents.

Historical Development and Implementation

Initial publication in the early 1830s coincided with the church’s migration through locations including Kirtland, Ohio, Independence, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois, before the westward exodus to Great Salt Lake Valley under Brigham Young. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, implementation evolved via policy clarifications by figures such as George Q. Cannon and Heber J. Grant, wartime guidance during World War II, and mid-20th-century public pronouncements by Spencer W. Kimball. Administrative practice has been shaped through church publications like the Ensign and manuals from the Relief Society and Young Men and Young Women programs.

Health and Nutritional Interpretations

Medical and nutritional readings have ranged from strict abstinence from substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and hot beverages to discussions about moderation in use of meat and promotion of plant-based foods. Scientific dialogue has engaged institutions like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University, and researchers publishing in journals associated with American Medical Association and American Heart Association. Public health campaigns—parallel to efforts by organizations such as the American Cancer Society—have examined correlations between adherence and outcomes including cardiovascular health and cancer incidence among cohorts in Utah and other regions.

Cultural and Social Impact

The guidance has contributed to cultural identity among members in places like Salt Lake City, Ogden, Utah, and Provo, Utah and influenced businesses including Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution and hospitality practices at church-owned properties such as those managed by Deseret Management Corporation. It has shaped social norms in family life promoted by programs of the Relief Society and influenced civic engagement in movements like state-level temperance initiatives and interactions with groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). The rule’s presence affects lifestyle choices examined in sociological studies from universities including University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Harvard University.

Controversies and Criticism

Debates have addressed historical ambiguity in the original text, variations in enforcement under leaders like Brigham Young and John Taylor, and tensions with scientific critiques from institutions such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and scholars at Yale University and Stanford University. Critics from secular media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post and commentators associated with organizations including Skeptics Society have focused on issues of autonomy, medical exemptions, and cultural conformity. Legal and ethical disputes have arisen in contexts involving universities, employment policies, and public accommodations litigated in forums influenced by courts such as the United States Supreme Court.

Modern Practice and Compliance

Contemporary practice is guided by official statements issued by the First Presidency and taught in Sunday meetings, institute classes, and at institutions like Brigham Young University–Idaho and Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Compliance is assessed through worthiness interviews conducted by bishops and stake presidents, and adherence statistics are studied by demographers at organizations such as the Pew Research Center and academic centers at University of Utah and Harvard Divinity School. Global variations reflect cultural adaptations in countries with significant membership such as Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, South Korea, and Canada.

Category:Latter Day Saint texts Category:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints