FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Difference between revisions of "Word of Wisdom/Eat meat sparingly"
(mod) |
(m) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
{{Criticism label}} | {{Criticism label}} | ||
| − | + | Do Mormons not keep the Word of Wisdom by not eating meat "sparingly?" | |
{{CriticalSources}} | {{CriticalSources}} | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
{{Conclusion label}} | {{Conclusion label}} | ||
| − | + | Just as past members struggled as individuals and a group to keep some parts of the Word of Wisdom, it is arguable that some members today likewise struggle. As with the former members, the Lord is merciful and has not yet created a "standard" for meat consumption—each member and his or her conscience settles the matter with him or herself. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== == | == == | ||
{{Response label}} | {{Response label}} | ||
| − | + | Joseph Fielding Smith nade the following statement with regard to eating meat: | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
:While it is ordained that the flesh of animals is for man's food, yet this should be used sparingly. The wording of this revelation is perfectly clear in relation to this subject, but we do not always heed it.{{ref|dos.2.148}} | :While it is ordained that the flesh of animals is for man's food, yet this should be used sparingly. The wording of this revelation is perfectly clear in relation to this subject, but we do not always heed it.{{ref|dos.2.148}} | ||
| Line 31: | Line 22: | ||
Thus, each member is encouraged to do better, but as in Joseph Smith's day we ought not to attack or dictate to others. If the Lord is displeased with us individually, he can make his will known by revelation. If He is displeased with the Church as a whole, prophetic authority will give the necessary correction. | Thus, each member is encouraged to do better, but as in Joseph Smith's day we ought not to attack or dictate to others. If the Lord is displeased with us individually, he can make his will known by revelation. If He is displeased with the Church as a whole, prophetic authority will give the necessary correction. | ||
| − | + | 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. | |
| + | |||
| + | In our day, the Word of Wisdom applies in ways in which it did not for Joseph Smith's era—the modern Word of Wisdom forbids a great many other illegal street drugs that received little attention in the 19th century. | ||
=={{Endnotes label}}== | =={{Endnotes label}}== | ||
Revision as of 00:56, 27 December 2013
- REDIRECTTemplate:Test3
Contents
Are we violating the Word of Wisdom if we do not eat meat sparingly?
Questions
Do Mormons not keep the Word of Wisdom by not eating meat "sparingly?"
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here
Answer
Just as past members struggled as individuals and a group to keep some parts of the Word of Wisdom, it is arguable that some members today likewise struggle. As with the former members, the Lord is merciful and has not yet created a "standard" for meat consumption—each member and his or her conscience settles the matter with him or herself.
Detailed Analysis
Joseph Fielding Smith nade the following statement with regard to eating meat:
- While it is ordained that the flesh of animals is for man's food, yet this should be used sparingly. The wording of this revelation is perfectly clear in relation to this subject, but we do not always heed it.[1]
Thus, each member is encouraged to do better, but as in Joseph Smith's day we ought not to attack or dictate to others. If the Lord is displeased with us individually, he can make his will known by revelation. If He is displeased with the Church as a whole, prophetic authority will give the necessary correction.
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.
In our day, the Word of Wisdom applies in ways in which it did not for Joseph Smith's era—the modern Word of Wisdom forbids a great many other illegal street drugs that received little attention in the 19th century.
== Notes ==
- [note] Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56), 148.