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People have a lot of questions about distinctive Mormon practices.Do a Google search: Do Mormons ______? Results: Do Mormons wash their hair? Can Mormons wear make-up? Can Mormons have french fries? Because LDS do have a number of distinctive practices, this can be confusing. Let’s explore three of them…The “Word of Wisdom” See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng Found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (1833)What it prohibitsAlcoholic beveragesTobaccoTea and coffee. The text says “hot drinks” but LDS prophets have taught that this means tea and coffee.This applies even if you drink them coldCommon reasoning: it must be because of caffeine, so no caffeinated soda sold at BYU (for example)But this interpretation is now largely rejected → caffeinated soda is OKWhat it encouragesFruits and wholesome herbs, including vegetables, are goodGrains are goodMeat is good if used sparingly (specifies: in winter, cold, famine)This is largely ignored and not enforced. Every town in Utah has at least one burger joint.Once it was seen as sound advice, but not really enforced as todayJ. Smith drank wineB. Young used snuff and drank teaIn Brigham Young’s day: alcohol was permitted, but not to excessOver time it became a requirement for full activity in church, for example, for worthiness to enter LDS templeThis applies to the part about alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, but not meatRecent survey: only 45% of Mormons strictly conform / 61% of “very active”⅓ of current Mormons reported consuming coffee¼ reported consuming alcohol; ⅙ reported using tobaccoWord of Wisdom observance is changingAlcohol: Boomers 14%; Millennials 29%Marijuana: Boomers 4%; Millennials 17%Even more dramatic changes in attitude than in practiceAbstaining from alcohol is essential to being considered a good Mormon: Boomers 75%; Millennials 46%Reflections: it is wise to eat healthyIrony: Utah leads nation in several unhealthy dietary practices, like consumption of ice cream / soft drinks / cookies → more unhealthy than moderate coffee or tea usageBible moves away from strict regulations about foodThese can even be a negative for a XianColossians 2:16 (NLT) So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink.Colossians 2:20-21 (NLT) You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world, such as “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate when we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.Bible points us to broad principles: will it master me? Will it benefit me?1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.1 Corinthians 10:23-26 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.”Special UndergarmentsSee https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/tools/what-is-the-temple-garment?lang=eng Worthy Mormons go to temple to participate in sacred rituals essential for salvation (More next week)Once initiated → start wearing “temple garment”Seen as a sign of the covenants a person makes in temple → constant reminderIt is a special form of underwearTwo parts: top and bottomWarning: discussing this is a sensitive subject on two countsIt’s about the temple, which is considered sacredIt’s about intimate apparelCan only be purchased from the church’s outlets, by those with temple access cardMany LDS view garment as providing spiritual and even physical protectionMany stories in LDS folklore about how sacred undergarments protected from serious accident, fire, etc.Many religious traditions involve some sort of ritual clothingNuns: habit; Judaism: yarmulke; Islam: headscarves; Sikhs: turban; etc.For active Mormons: the undergarmentChanges in practices - always recommended to wear it 24/7, unless impossibleMore recently, emphasis on a lifetime commitment to wear itDifferent perspectives / customs about when it’s acceptable to removeExercising? Doctor check-up? Yardwork? Hot or humid day?Millennial LDS have a more relaxed view of when it’s okay to remove garmentReflections:Bible doesn’t require any kind of special clothing to reflect our commitment to JesusFood StorageGrowing up: 2 years’ supply → today: 1 yearWhy food storage? To prepare for times of adversity, to care for self and neighborHistory of opposition from outsidersCulture of self-reliance from pioneer experienceA belief that things will get bad worldwide before Jesus returnsLDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/food-storage?lang=eng Food supply (3-month and long-term)Long-term defined as 1-year supply “of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans”Drinking waterFinancial reserveReflectionsIt’s wise to plan ahead. Bible: consider the ant.Proverbs 30:24-25 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.But ultimately, we’re called to rely on God’s care and provision.Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.No matter how much money you have in the bank or how much food stored, it could all disappear quickly → need to ultimately trust in God, who promises to provide for his people.