 |
Dear
Gramps. My husband likes to drink non-alcoholic beer, which you could say is
carbonated hops, a soothing herb. He told the stake presidency and the stake
presidency (counselor) said, “Well, if you don’t have a problem with it,
neither do I.” What do you
think the prophet would say or has he said anything about this? Maybe he
needs a shirt that says, “Don’t worry, it’s non-alcoholic.” Also, in
regards to green tea, it is supposed to be a highly beneficial herb. Is it
in the same class as black tea? I have some in my cupboard but have not
opened it while awaiting an answer. Suzanne, from Tennessee |
Dear
Suzanne,
Non-alcoholic
drinks are not against the Word of Wisdom. I think that the only thing we need
to be concerned about, as you have implied by the T-shirts idea, is not to give
a false impression that as members of the Church we openly flaunt its
principles. It may be surprising how many people take license to disobey the
principles of the gospel when they can point to the example of someone else
doing the same.
With
respect to your question about green and black tea, the only difference between
the two is that black tea leaves are merely roasted green tea leaves. It’s
true that tea does contain some beneficial substances, like some of the
vitamins. However, all of the beneficial elements can easily be obtained from
other sources, so in spite of the rationalization of some people, the Word of
Wisdom still stands as a commandment to the Church.
Gramps