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Gramps, What is the Church's stand on Green Tea. I've read that it has many healing properties. I've asked several leaders but no one knows for sure? Thanks. Deb. |
Dear Deb,
The Church's stand on green tea is that it is against the Word of Wisdom and
therefore should be avoided. There is no doubt that tea and coffee contain
substances that could be used for healing purposes. For instance, tea contains
the three major antioxidant vitamins, C, E, and A. It also contains about 2%
caffeine. Regardless of its ingredients, it has been proscribed by the Lord. The
Lord specifically stated that "hot drinks are not for the body or
belly." He did not elaborate on why they are not good, but He did say that
those who obey the Word of Wisdom shall receive health in their navel and marrow
to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasure of knowledge, even
hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
And . . . the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel,
and not slay them (D&C 89:18-21.)
Some people quibble over the wording of the Word of Wisdom because tea and
coffee, per se, are not mentioned, rather the term "hot drinks" is
used. Brigham Young had this to say on that subject: "Many try to excuse
themselves because tea and coffee are not mentioned, arguing that it refers to
hot drinks only. What did we drink hot when that Word of Wisdom was given? Tea
and coffee. It definitely refers to that which we drink with our food. I said to
the Saints at our last annual Conference, the Spirit whispers to me to call upon
the Latter-day Saints to observe the Word of Wisdom, to let tea, coffee, and
tobacco alone, and to abstain from drinking spirituous drinks. This is what the
Spirit signifies through me. If the Spirit of God whispers this to His people
through their leader, and they will not listen nor obey, what will be the
consequence of their disobedience? Darkness and blindness of mind with regard to
the things of God will be their lot; they will cease to have the spirit of
prayer, and the spirit of the world will increase in them in proportion to their
disobedience until they apostatize entirely from God and His ways" (Journal
of Discourses, Vol.12, p.117, 1867.)
Let us not try to rationalize disobeying the commandments because of some
supposed scientific benefit, but rather exercise faith in the Lord to keep his
commandments, even when, and more important, especially when that obedience
requires some sacrifice on our part. Let us remember that the wisdom of this
world is foolishness with God (1Cor. 3:19.)
Gramps