Dietary Practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Comprehensive Overview

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, has a unique set of dietary guidelines known as the Word of Wisdom. These guidelines, outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants, provide counsel on healthy eating practices and substances to avoid. This comprehensive overview explores the dietary practices of the Mormon Church, including the consumption of pork, beef, and chicken.

The Word of Wisdom: A Foundation for Healthy Living

The Word of Wisdom is a set of health guidelines revealed to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, in 1833. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, moderation, and avoiding harmful substances. The Word of Wisdom specifically mentions the consumption of meat, stating:

“And flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:12)

Pork Consumption: A Matter of Personal Choice

The Word of Wisdom does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of pork. However, some early leaders of the Mormon Church discouraged its consumption due to concerns about trichinosis, a parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked pork. In 1851, Brigham Young, the second president of the Church, advised members to “avoid pork, tea, and tobacco.”

Over time, the Church’s stance on pork consumption has evolved. Today, the Church does not have an official policy against eating pork. The decision of whether or not to consume pork is left to the individual member’s discretion.

Beef and Chicken Consumption: Encouraged in Moderation

The Word of Wisdom encourages the consumption of meat, including beef and chicken, in moderation. Meat is considered a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, the Church emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive meat consumption and maintaining a balanced diet.

The dietary practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are based on the principles of the Word of Wisdom. While the Word of Wisdom does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of pork, it encourages moderation in meat consumption and emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume pork, beef, or chicken is a matter of personal choice for individual members of the Church.