The Word of Wisdom is the common name of a section of the Doctrine and Covenants,^[1] a book that consists of what many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement consider to be revelations from God. It is also the nickname of the code of health based on this scripture. The health code is practiced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where compliance to its prohibitions is a prerequisite for baptism or entry into the church's temples. Other factions within the Latter Day Saint movement may interpret the health code differently. Wikisource has original text related to this article: The Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes abbreviated and cited as D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of several denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Latter Day Saints teach that the Latter Day Saint movement began with a Revelation from God (see History of the Latter Day Saint movement). ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... For other uses, see Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Christian religious act of Baptism. ... The Salt Lake Temple, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the best-known Mormon temple. ...

Origin

According to Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the Word of Wisdom was received in 1833 as a revelation from God. After Smith's death, Brigham Young claimed that the revelation was given in response to problems encountered while conducting meetings in the Smith family home: Joseph Smith redirects here. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death. ...

"When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet [Joseph Smith] entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry."^[2]

Word of Wisdom revelation

The revelation contains four parts:

1. an introduction;^[3]
2. a list of substances that should not be ingested, including wine, strong drink, tobacco and "hot drinks";^[4]
3. a list of foods that should be used, some with certain limitations;^[5] and
4. a divine promise to those who follow the guidelines.^[6]

For other uses, see Wine (disambiguation). ... Shredded tobacco leaf for pipe smoking Tobacco can also be pressed into plugs and sliced into flakes Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. ...

Introduction

The introduction and explanation as presented by Smith is:

A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— Given for a principle with a promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—^[3]

Prohibitions

Among the substances which the revelation indicates should not be ingested, the first is "wine or strong drink", which the revelation says should not be drunk.^[7] (An exception is allowed for the use of "pure wine" as part of the sacrament ordinance,^[8] though the LDS Church today uses water in place of wine.) The revelation also advises against the consumption of tobacco^[9] and "hot drinks".^[10] In Mormonism, the Sacrament is the Lords Supper, in which participants eat bread and drink wine (or water, in the case of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the late 1800s). ... In Mormonism, an ordinance is a religious ritual of special significance, often involving the formation of a covenant with God. ...

Prescriptions

The Word of Wisdom revelation also suggests proper uses for certain substances. While "strong drinks" are not to be ingested, they are appropriate when used "for the washing of your bodies";^[11] likewise, while human ingestion of tobacco is forbidden, tobacco is said to be "an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgement and skill."^[9]

The list of foods and substances which the revelation encourages the use of includes "wholesome herbs [and] every fruit in the season thereof"^[12] and "that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground".^[13] It also prescribes the use of "all grain", which is described as "the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field".^[14] Barley and other grains are recommended for use in making "mild drinks".^[15] The flesh of "beasts and of the fowls of the air" may be used "sparingly" and "with thanksgiving",^[16] and ideally only in winter, cold weather, or during famine.^[17] Flesh of wild animals is to be eaten only in times of famine or "excess of hunger".^[18] For other uses, see Barley (disambiguation). ... The word grain has several meanings, most being descriptive of a small piece or particle. ... For other uses, see Winter (disambiguation). ... <nowiki>Insert non-formatted text hereBold text</nowiki>A famine is a social and economic crisis that is commonly accompanied by widespread malnutrition, starvation, epidemic and increased mortality. ...

Divine promise

The Word of Wisdom states that it comprises a "principle with promise".^[19] The promise given to those who followed the advice of the word of wisdom is as follows:

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall 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.^[6]

Application by Joseph Smith, Jr.

Originally, abiding by the recommendations and prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom was not considered mandatory: it explicitly declares itself to be "not by commandment or constraint".^[19] In February 1834, however, Joseph Smith, Jr. proposed a resolution before the high council of the church that stated, "No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with and obey it."^[20] This resolution was accepted unanimously by the council.^[20] Year 1834 (MDCCCXXXIV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... In Mormonism, a high council is one of several different governing bodies that have existed in the church hierarchy on many Latter Day Saint denominations. ...

In 1842, Smith's brother Hyrum, who was the Assistant President of the Church and its presiding patriarch, provided an interpretation of the Word of Wisdom's proscription of "hot drinks": 1842 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1800—June 27, 1844) was the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Assistant President of the Church (also referred to as Associate President of the Church) was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Presiding Patriarch (also called Presiding Evangelist, Patriarch over the Church, Patriarch of the Church, or Patriarch to the Church) is a church-wide leadership office within the priesthood. ...

And again "hot drinks are not for the body, or belly;" there are many who wonder what this can mean; whether it refers to tea, or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea, and coffee.^[21]

Joseph Smith later confirmed Hyrum's interpretation:

I understand that some of the people are excusing themselves in using tea and coffee, because the Lord only said "hot drinks" in the revelation of the Word of Wisdom .... Tea and coffee ... are what the Lord meant when He said "hot drinks."^[22]

"[N]ot observing the Word of Wisdom" was one of five charges leveled against David Whitmer on April 13, 1838, which led to his excommunication.^[23] Nevertheless, contemporary records indicate that Joseph Smith, Jr. was not, himself, a strict observer. Smith is recorded at various times as drinking tea^[24] and wine,^[25] and smoking tobacco.^[26] David Whitmer (January 7, 1805–January 25, 1888) was an early adherent of the Latter Day Saint movement who eventually became the most interviewed of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... is the 103rd day of the year (104th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... | Jöns Jakob Berzelius, discoverer of protein 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Excommunication is a religious censure used to deprive or suspend membership in a religious community. ... Joseph Smith redirects here. ...

Interpretation by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Adoption as binding

After Smith's death, several factions emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement. The largest of these groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was led by Brigham Young. At a general conference of the church held on September 9, 1851, Young declared that the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom revelation were a binding commandment for all Latter-day Saints.^[27] For other uses, see Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (disambiguation). ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death. ... The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting meant for instruction of all members of the Latter Day Saint faith. ... is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1851 (MDCCCLI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... A Latter-day Saint is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and should not to be confused with the different, though similar term Latter Day Saint. ...

Adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom was not made a requirement for entry into LDS Church temples until 1902. However, even then, church president Joseph F. Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea.^[28] Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple.^[28] Around the turn of the century, the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom were not strictly adhered to by such notable church leaders as Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley, Charles W. Penrose, Emmeline B. Wells, and George Albert Smith.^[28] In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant made adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom an absolute requirement for entering the temple.^[28] The Salt Lake Temple, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the best-known Mormon temple. ... Year 1902 (MCMII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. ... Joseph Fielding Smith, Sr. ... A stake president is a title held by a Mormon religious leader who oversees a unit of the church called a stake. ... Anthon Henrik Lund (15 May 1844—2 March 1921) born in Aalborg, Denmark was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a prominent Utah leader. ... Matthias Foss Cowley (1858–1940) (commonly known as Matthias F. Cowley) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1897 until his death in 1940. ... Categories: LDS stubs ... Emmeline Blanche Woodward Harris Whitney Wells (February 29, 1828-April 25, 1921) was an American journalist, editor, poet and womens rights advocate. ... George Albert Smith (April 4, 1870 – April 4, 1951) was an influential religious leader and the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. ... Heber Jeddy Grant (November 22, 1856 – May 14, 1945) was the seventh President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ...

Today, adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom is required for baptism^{[citation needed]} and for entry into temples of the LDS Church.^[29] Adherence to the prescriptions of the Word of Wisdom and the revelation's counsel on the use of meat have never been made obligatory. This article is about the Christian religious act of Baptism. ... The Salt Lake Temple, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the best-known Mormon temple. ...

Official modern interpretation

The church's official statement on the interpretation of the Word of Wisdom is short: it reaffirms the long-standing meaning of "hot drinks" and extends the substances covered by prohibition:

The only official interpretation of "hot drinks" (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term "hot drinks" means tea and coffee. Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician.^[30]

Although avoiding the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom is a requirement for admission to LDS temples,^[29] violation of the Word of Wisdom no longer results in church discipline, as it once did;^[28] the church instructs its leaders that church discipline "should not be [used] to discipline or threaten members who do not comply with the Word of Wisdom".^[31] A disciplinary council in the context of Mormonism is a trial during which members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be excommunicated, or expelled, from the church for a number of different sins or misdeeds. ...

Popular application

Alcohol

The prohibition of "wine or strong drink" is widely interpreted as a blanket prohibition of all alcoholic beverages, regardless of the level of alcoholic content of the drink. The revelation suggests that making barley-based mildly alcoholic beverages (such as beer) may be permissible,^[15] and as recently as 1901 Apostles Brigham Young, Jr. and John Henry Smith argued that the revelation did not prohibit beer.^[28] Today, however, there are few Latter-day Saints who view the consumption of such drinks as permitted by the Word of Wisdom.^{[citation needed]} Alcoholic beverages An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, although in chemistry the definition of alcohol includes many other compounds. ... For other uses, see Beer (disambiguation). ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a special witness of the name of Christ who is sent to teach the principles of salvation to others. ... Brigham Young, Jr. ... John Henry Smith (September 18, 1848–October 13, 1911) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from October 27, 1880 until April 7, 1910. ...

Hot drinks

Generally, members of the church view the prohibition on "hot drinks" as covering coffee and tea, whether or not the drinks are hot. There is generally thought to be no prohibition against herbal tea, hot chocolate, or malt drinks, such as Ovaltine or Milo. For other uses, see Coffee (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (L.) Kuntze Camellia sinensis is the tea plant, the plant species whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea. ... Herbal tea A tisane, ptisan or herbal tea is any herbal infusion other than from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). ... For the beverage, see Hot chocolate. ... Malted barley Malting is a process applied to cereal grains, in which the grains are made to germinate and then are quickly dried before the plant develops. ... Ovaltine is a brand of sweetened milk flavoring product made with sugar (except in Switzerland), malt extract, cocoa, and whey. ... Packets of Milo drink. ...

Meat

The Word of Wisdom states that meat should not be eaten, except "in times of winter, or of cold, or famine".^[17] While a minority of church members adhere to this restriction, most do not.^{[citation needed]} Although from 1898 to 1901, church president Lorenzo Snow repeatedly emphasized the importance of eating meat sparingly,^[28] compliance with this injunction has never been made mandatory. An official church publication suggests that because "[m]odern methods of refrigeration now make it possible to preserve meat in any season", the Word of Wisdom's limitations on the time of eating meat is not as important as observing the counsel to use it "sparingly".^[32] Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. ... Lorenzo Snow (April 3, 1814 – October 10, 1901) was the fifth President (1898-1901) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the last president of the 19th century. ...

Ambiguities and areas of debate

Cola and other caffeinated beverages

A longstanding issue among members of the church is whether it is permissible to ingest drinks containing caffeine that are not coffee or tea. In 1918, Frederick J. Pack, a Latter-day Saint professor at the University of Utah, published an article in an official church magazine in which he reasoned that because Coca-Cola contained caffeine, which is also present in tea and coffee, Latter-day Saints should abstain from Coca-Cola in the same way that they abstain from the Word of Wisdom "hot drinks".^[33] Since Pack's article, many Latter-day Saints have come to believe that the reason tea and coffee are proscribed is the presence of caffeine in the drinks. However, the church has never stated that this is the reason for the prohibition. Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Frederick James Pack (February 2, 1875–December 2, 1938) was a professor of geology at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University and a writer on the deleterious effects of tobacco on human health. ... The University of Utah (also The U or the U of U or the UU), located in Salt Lake City, is the flagship public research university in the state of Utah, and one of 10 institutions that make up the Utah System of Higher Education. ... The wave shape (known as the dynamic ribbon device) present on all Coca-Cola cans throughout the world derives from the contour of the original Coca-Cola bottles. ... Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans. ...

The church has no official stance on the consumption of caffeinated beverages and the consumption of such does not constitute a violation of the Word of Wisdom. However, a number of church leaders have discouraged the use of such products. For example, in 1922, Church President Heber J. Grant counseled the Latter-day Saints: Year 1922 (MCMXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. ... Heber Jeddy Grant (November 22, 1856 – May 14, 1945) was the seventh President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ...

I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola [sic] alone. There are plenty of other things you can get at the soda fountains without drinking that which is injurious. The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for itself.^[34]

Two years after making this statement, Grant met with a representative of the Coca-Cola Company to discuss the church's position on Coca-Cola; at the conclusion of their second meeting, Grant stated that he was "sure I have not the slightest desire to recommend that the people leave Coca-Cola alone if th[e] amount [of caffeine in Coca-Cola] is absolutely harmless, which they claim it is".^[28] Grant never again spoke out against the use of cola drinks. The Coca-Cola Companys headquarters in Atlanta, GA. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is an international beverage and food manufacturer whose headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States of America. ...

Approximately fifty years later, the church issued an official statement which stated:

With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.^[35]

Because of such statements, some adherents believe that caffeine is officially prohibited under the Word of Wisdom.^{[citation needed]} Some members who hold that caffeinated soft drinks are prohibited distinguish between foods with naturally occurring caffeine and those in which caffeine is an additive.^{[citation needed]}

Other areas

Speculation also exists concerning the use of alcohol as a cooking ingredient or the use of decaffeinated coffee or tea.^{[citation needed]} The church has taken no official stance on either. Alcoholic beverages An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, although in chemistry the definition of alcohol includes many other compounds. ... Decaffeination is the act of removing caffeine from coffee beans and tea. ...

Health studies regarding Latter-day Saints

A 14-year selective study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom tracked the health of 10,000 moderately active LDS people in California and ended in 1987. Of these non-smoking, monogamous non-drinkers, Enstrom concluded from the study "that LDS Church members who follow religious mandates barring smoking and drinking have one of the lowest death rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—about half that of the general population. ... Moreover, the healthiest LDS Church members enjoy a life expectancy eight to 11 years longer than that of the general white population in the United States." The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for whites in the general population is defined as 100. For males in the study, the SMRs "are 47 for all cancers, 52 for cardiovascular diseases, and 47 for all causes; the SMRs for females are 72 for all cancers, 64 for cardiovascular diseases, and 66 for all causes." For LDS high priests who never smoked cigarettes, exercised, and had proper sleep, the mortality rate was less. The results were largely duplicated in a separate study of an LDS-like subgroup of white non-smoking churchgoers in Alameda, California.^[36] Binomial name Ucla xenogrammus Holleman, 1993 The largemouth triplefin, Ucla xenogrammus, is a fish of the family Tripterygiidae and only member of the genus Ucla, found in the Pacific Ocean from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Palau and the Caroline Islands to Papua New Guinea, Australia (including Christmas Island), and the... Epidemiology (Greek epi = upon, among; demos = people, district; logos = word, discourse), defined literally, is the study of epidemics in humans. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... Faithfulness redirects here. ... Alcoholic beverages An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, although in chemistry the definition of alcohol includes many other compounds. ... High priest is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Nickname: Location in the state of California and Alameda County Coordinates: , Country State County Alameda Government  - Mayor Beverly Johnson (D) Area  - Total 23. ...

Some Latter-day Saints^[Who?] use studies such as these to extol the Word of Wisdom as divine guidance, the value of which will be recognized in time.^{[citation needed]} However, the studies correlate health primarily with the prohibition against tobacco and, perhaps, church attendance. Critics^[Who?] reject these studies in part because other factors may be credited for Latter-day Saints' longevity and health.^{[citation needed]}

Notes

For other uses, see Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (disambiguation). ... RLDS redirects here. ... The Journal of Discourses (often abbreviated J.D.) is a 26-volume collection of public sermons by early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith is a book compiling selected sermons and portions of sermons and sundry teachings of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Times and Seasons was a nineteenth-century Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly at Nauvoo, Illinois, from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ... 1842 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Church Educational System (CES) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consists of several institutions that provide religious and secular education for Latter-day Saint elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and adult learners. ... History of the Church (cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; later entitled History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) is a seven-volume work of history outlining the early history of The Church of Jesus... is the 70th day of the year (71st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1843 (MDCCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... History of the Church (cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; later entitled History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) is a seven-volume work of history outlining the early history of The Church of Jesus... History of the Church (cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; later entitled History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) is a seven-volume work of history outlining the early history of The Church of Jesus... is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1843 (MDCCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... History of the Church (cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; later entitled History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) is a seven-volume work of history outlining the early history of The Church of Jesus... History of the Church (cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; later entitled History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) is a seven-volume work of history outlining the early history of The Church of Jesus... The Millennial Star was the longest continually published magazine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being printed from 1840 until 1970. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Thomas G. Alexander is an American historian and academic who acts as the Lemuel H. Redd Professor of Western History at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. ... Church Handbook of Instructions (formerly the General Handbook of Instructions) is a two-volume book of instructions and policies for leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Church Handbook of Instructions (formerly the General Handbook of Instructions) is a two-volume book of instructions and policies for leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... The Church Educational System (CES) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consists of several institutions that provide religious and secular education for Latter-day Saint elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and adult learners. ... The New Era is an official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... The Church Educational System (CES) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consists of several institutions that provide religious and secular education for Latter-day Saint elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and adult learners. ...

References

• Full text of Section 89, of the LDS Church's Doctrine and Covenants.
• The cited Associated Press article and discussion of Word of Wisdom by Jeff Lindsay (the full article is about halfway down the page)
• The Watchman's discussion of the UCLA study
• Enstrom, JE. (1989 Dec). "Health practices and cancer mortality among active California Mormons". J Natl Cancer Inst. 6:81 (23): 1807–14. PMID 2585528. 
• Ford, Clyde (1998), "The Origin of the Word of Wisdom", Journal of Mormon History 24 (2): 129–54, <http://content.lib.utah.edu/u?/jmh,13129>.
• Larson, Stan (1988), "Synoptic Minutes of a Quarterly Conference of the Twelve Apostles: The Clawson and Lund Diaries of July 9–11, 1901", Journal of Mormon History 14: 97–119, <http://content.lib.utah.edu/u?/jmh,16400>.
• Thompson, Brent G. (1983), "'Standing between Two Fires': Mormons and Prohibition, 1908–1917", Journal of Mormon History 10: 35–52, <http://content.lib.utah.edu/u?/jmh,17670>.
• Bush, Lester E., Jr. (Autumn, 1981). "The Word of Wisdom in Early Nineteenth-Century Perspective". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 14:3: 46–65.