Difference between revisions of "Word of Wisdom/Tea prevent exaltation"

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Critics quote Joseph Fielding Smith as saying that the consumption of tea may bar someone from the celestial kingdom. Their goal seems to be at least two-fold:
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Joseph Fielding Smith said that the consumption of tea may bar someone from the celestial kingdom.  
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# to imply that such a minor matter as tea consumption should not affect one's eternal destiny, especially if one is saved by grace.
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*Would such a minor matter as tea consumption affect one's eternal destiny, especially if one is saved by grace?
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# to set up a "contradiction" in which one prophet says tea can prevent exaltation, while another prophet—Joseph Smith—is recorded as drinking tea.  The Tanners claim, with barely disguised glee, that Joseph Smith wouldn't be able to get a temple recommend today.
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*Is there a "contradiction" in which one prophet says tea can prevent exaltation, while another prophet—Joseph Smith—is recorded as drinking tea?
  
 
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Revision as of 00:52, 27 December 2013

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Will the consumption of tea bar someone from the Celestial Kingdom?

Questions


Joseph Fielding Smith said that the consumption of tea may bar someone from the celestial kingdom.

  • Would such a minor matter as tea consumption affect one's eternal destiny, especially if one is saved by grace?
  • Is there a "contradiction" in which one prophet says tea can prevent exaltation, while another prophet—Joseph Smith—is recorded as drinking tea?

To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here

Answer


By contrast with Joseph Smith's day, after more than a hundred years church leaders implemented a more stringent application of the Word of Wisdom. Thus, Joseph Fielding Smith's remarks apply to those under the current standards and laws. D&C 89 was clear that the revelation was from God, but it was not made a commandment or "point of fellowship" until the twentieth century.

In the present circumstances, we can now consider Pres. Smith's words (quoted by the Tanners):

Doctrines of Salvation 2:16 - nothing there?[1]

Detailed Analysis

Critics count on "presentism"—they hope readers will judge historical figures by the standards of our day, instead of their day.

The Word of Wisdom was enforced differently in the 19th century than today. It was not the strict test of fellowships that it is for the modern member. Members and leaders struggled with its application, and leaders of the Church were clear that while the Lord expected perfect adherence to the Word of Wisdom as an ideal, he was also patient and understanding of everyone—leader and member—who struggled to alter their habits.

See also: Word of Wisdom: history of its enforcement and Joseph and medicinal "violation" of the Word of Wisdom

== Notes ==

  1. [note]  Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56), 16.
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