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/Almon Babbitt followed Joseph"
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Revision as of 01:30, 24 June 2009
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Contents
Criticism
Critics charge that Joseph Smith violated the Word of Wisdom, and that another member (Almon Babitt) followed his example.
Source(s) of the criticism
- Jerald and Sandra Tanner, The Changing World of Mormonism (Moody Press, 1979), 472.( Index of claims )
Response
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
Babitt's case
Babitt was tried by the high council for much more than Word of Wisdom violations:
- On the 19th, a charge was preferred before a council of the Presidency, against Elder Almon W. Babbitt, for not keeping the Word of Wisdom; for stating the Book of Mormon was not essential to our salvation, and that we have no articles of faith except the Bible.
- Elder J. B. Smith testified that Elder Babbitt had assumed the prerogative of dictating to him in his preaching; and that he was not keeping the Word of Wisdom.
- Elder Babbitt said that he had taken the liberty to break the Word of Wisdom, from the example of President Joseph Smith, Jun., and others, but acknowledged that it was wrong; that he had taught the Book of Mormon and Commandments as he had thought to be wisdom, and for the good of the cause; that he had not intended to dictate to Elder J. B. Smith, but only to advise with him.
- The council reproved Elder Babbitt, and instructed him to observe the Word of Wisdom, and commandments of the Lord in all things;....[1]
The more serious charges against Babbitt are
Conclusion
The Word of Wisdom was not enforced as rigorously, or with the same requirements, in Joseph Smith's day. Many speakers emphasized
But, many—if not all—of the events with which the critics wish to shock the modern member have nothing to do with the Word of Wisdom at all. They are concerned about medical practice, not the social or recreational use of substances. The critics' tactics are akin to pointing out slyly that President Kimball used morphine—while not mentioning the fact that the morphine was prescribed for cancer pain by a physician.
Endnotes
[note] History of the Church, 2:252. Volume 2 link