Reasons Why

Many religions prohibit the consumption of products, food or drink which act as stimulants. Mormons in particular forbid the use of caffeine due to its addictive properties and harmful physical and emotional effects.

The interesting aspect is that initially thousands of years ago coffee was used for spiritual reasons during Muslim religious ceremonies where wine was forbidden.

However, the Mormon Church (formally called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) claims that consuming coffee is both physically and spiritually unhealthy.

The prophet, Joseph Smith, stated that “hot drinks are not for the belly” in a revelation called the Word of Wisdom. The doctrine of health was given by Smith in 1833 and has been incorporated into the covenants of the Church. Although it doesn’t specifically refer to “coffee” or “caffeine”, it has been construed to prohibit tea and coffee.

However, it is debated among Mormons as to whether there are spiritual reasons for avoiding caffeine. Some say that avoiding caffeine is not an actual commandment. Nevertheless Mormons are counselled to avoid it since they should only eat and drink “wholesome” things.

Mormons are known to avoid temptations such as coffee in order to bring themselves closer to God. They believe it separates them from the common, regular world.

Many members of the Adventist (the Seventh-day Adventist Church) also keep away from caffeine due to various studies which have been conducted on them. The research has shown a connection between coffee consumption and causes of death such as ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease.