Health and Morality

Mormons believe that spiritual and physical things are linked.  If we abuse our body, we are abusing our spirit.  You may have noticed that when you are physically ill, you tend to feel emotionally and spiritually ill as well and when you are sad, you may feel its effects physically.  In this way it is obvious that the spirit and the body affect each other.  In a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created” (Doctrine & Covenants 29:34).  Thus, Mormons believe that all commandments and everything we do affects both our spirit and our body and whatever influences one, affects the other.

 The Word of Wisdom

Mormons believe that the body is sacred and should be taken care of.  The most famous aspect of this belief is what Mormons refer to as the Word of Wisdom.  This is a health code revealed by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Most people know that Mormons do not drink alcohol, coffee, or tea, but the Word of Wisdom also encourages healthy eating of fruits and vegetables.   The text of the Word of Wisdom can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89.

Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of obeying the Word of Wisdom: in fact, Mormons have fewer incidences of heart problems, all forms of cancer, and other diseases because of their adherence to the Word of Wisdom. Many Mormons live a longer life and enjoy a better quality of life. The Word of Wisdom gives numerous items that should either be avoided or used. The things that are to be avoided are strong drink (liquor), tobacco, and hot drinks (tea and coffee). We then read that herbs and fruits should be used in their seasons, meat should be eaten sparingly, and that grain is the staff of life. If people follow these instructions they are told that they will receive:

Health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen (D&C 89:18-21).

The Word of Wisdom urges believers to avoid the following substances which can hurt the body and hence the spirit, too:

"Strong drinks [meaning alcoholic or other harmful beverages] are not for the belly." (D&C 89:7)

"Tobacco is not for the body…and is not good for man." (D&C 89:8)

"Hot drinks [meaning tea and coffee] are not for the body." (D&C 89:9)

Prophets have also counseled us to avoid addictive substances like illicit drugs, which not only ensnare the user, but also dull the mind and a person’s power to resist temptation.  The Word of Wisdom not only admonishes against the use of harmful substances, but it also explains about those foods which are good for man:

"All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

"Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;

"Flesh … of beasts and of the fowls of the air … are to be used sparingly;

"All grain is ordained for the use of man … to be the staff of life …

"All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine." (D&C 89:10–12, 14, 16)

The Word of Wisdom is a law and a principle with promise. When we obey the provisions of the law, we receive the blessings associated with those provisions. However, if we do not obey, there will be both temporal and spiritual consequences.

The Law of Chastity

Mormons believe that the body is a sacred gift from God.  The Apostle Paul described the body as a temple:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Cor 3:16-17).

It is important, therefore, that we treat our bodies with respect and this includes not only keeping it healthy, but also obeying the Lord’s law of chastity and morality.  Jesus said that “not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matt. 15:11).  Elsewhere He said, “whosoever looketh on a women to lust after hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:28). 

This can be summed up by the Thirteenth Article of Faith of the Mormon Church:

We believe in honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul– We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Very simply put, the Lord’s law of chastity is that a person should have no sexual relations outside of marriage.  Sexual relations within marriage are proper and good.  The Lord commanded Adam and Eve to “multiply and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28).  However, we should seek to control these desires and use them only as God has commanded. 

In controlling these desires, we need to avoid impure and unchaste media, including pornography and TV and movies which are preoccupied with sex.  Media frequently trivializes and demeans sexuality as merely an appetite, but the Lord has taught us that this power to create life is sacred and should be treated with respect.

Because sexuality is a gift from God to be used within marriage, the Lord has thus forbidden fornication, adultery, masturbation, and homosexuality.  These acts distort the true purpose of sexuality, which is to produce children and express love and intimacy between married couples.

In 1995, the First Presidency of the Mormon Church issued a Proclamation on the Family.  It says:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

Keeping the law of chastity brings great blessings and peace into our lives.  Those who following this simple commandment need not worry about sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted, out-of-wedlock pregnancies and so forth.  Breaking this commandment is a very serious matter and persons should repent and seek forgiveness from God.  No person can be baptized into the Mormon Church who does not agree to abide by this commandment. 

It is important to mention that, according to Mormonism, victims of rape, incest, or other sexual abuse are not guilty of sin and they need to be helped to overcome the unwanted consequences of someone else’s sin.