Pop quiz: what is the doctrinal reason for Mormons not drinking alcohol?
- They believe they will be damned if they drink alcohol.
- They don't like the taste.
- They have been brainwashed into believing that the act of alcohol drinking is evil and that even a single, accidental sip of the vial liquid will destroy their soul.
- They don't actually know why – they just don't do it for fear of not getting a temple recommend or being excommunicated from the church.
- They believe in the promise of the Word of Wisdom which states that if they don't drink it (among other things) they will be healthy, and have energy and a clear mind that is able to gain wisdom.
- All of the above.
If the question were "Why don't Mormons drink alcohol?"… then the answer would probably be "6. all of the above." But, the doctrinal answer is 5.
It is not really about good vs. bad, it is not really about holy vs. evil, it is not really about heaven vs. hell. It is about health. The specific scripture says – eat fruits and vegetables, eat whole grains, limit meat intake, exercise, and avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. There really isn't any voodoo or even dictatorship from Deity. It is a "word of wisdom" about how to care for our bodies and mind. And, most health nuts and/or health care providers would agree that this a recipe for food consumption success.
Why the pop quiz? While at work yesterday a pharmacy technician went on a rant about how "God doesn't care if you drink alcohol or not" and "when I die I refuse to believe that God will ask me if I drank alcohol, and if I say 'yes' he will sent me straight to hell." After several minutes of eavesdropping I found out he was talking about the darned Mormons.
This is funny because he inappropriately characterized the doctrine of the Plan of Salvation, our understanding of heaven and hell, and then argued that the whole religion was ludicrous based on this "commandment" alone.
To this man I say, you are right – God will not damn you for drinking alcohol; in fact, he will be unlikely to "damn" you for most of your silly decisions, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't respect our bodies and strive to be better each day. Secondly, God will not ask you if you drank alcohol or not. He knows. He will judge you on all of your decisions, how you loved/served your fellow man, and whether or not you lived up to your potential and individual responsibility (based on your understanding and circumstances).
For the purposes of foreshadowing my core beliefs, the judgments of God are relative but not permissive. Therefore, the mere act of alcohol consumption will not damn you.
But wouldn't it be a good idea to not drink it anyway?
Yes. The answer is yes.
In terms of a risk/benefit analysis, the risks include, but are not limited to: disinhibition with resultant poor decisions/ lack of judgment, addiction potential with resultant poor decisions/self (and family) destructive behavior, liver failure with varices, ascites, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. Do these happen to everyone… no. But, why risk it?
You risk it because the benefits outweigh the risks.
So, the benefits include…? Feeling relaxed in social situations? … hum… anything else?
Now. Here's my question… Why is alcohol so important? SERIOUSLY! What is so precious about alcohol that it sends people into a tailspin when they hear that a group of people CHOOSES not to drink it? Why are people so compelled by it that they rant and rave at the very thought that a religion would counsel against its use? As far as I am concerned, even outside of religion, it would be wise to avoid it.
Attention "alcohol drinkers of my blogging community" I ask you … What makes alcohol so important?
11/24 @ 8:51 am: Wednesday burst of inspiration - Looks like they are the ones drinking the Kool-Aid...
