BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Latter Day Saints LDS wow Question

This question will most likely only make sense to LDS.

The Word of Wisdom talks specifically about nutrition. Meat in moderation and grains etc.

If we aren't eating nutritionally but are abstaining from alcohol and drugs etc. Can we be considered temple worthy?

I don't know if this is an appropriate question or not or whether it is decided between the Bishop and the individual. It is just something that I have been wondering lately and your views on this (if you have any) would be most interesting.

Thankyou

In the bible, we are told to take care of our body since it is the Temple of God. I was taught not to drink, smoke, write on myself or do anything that would damage my body, as it was God's temple, a place where the Lord dwells. Your question is a good one. We don't often realize that good nutrition is another way to take good care of God's Temple. However, I believe personally that as long as I maintain my body in the most healthy way that I can, so that I can do God's will, then I have accomplished what God was teaching in the bible. Moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy body and not doing harm to the Temple of God (IMHO). <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Trish

If you smoke or drink, no you may not receive a temple recommend to enter the Lord's Temple. But, some parts of the Word of Wisdom are not part of the temple recommend, but we are encouraged to practice such as eating right, exercise and plenty of rest. Althought we as LDS have been taught this for years, scientist and nutritionists are now seing the benefits of living this healthy lifestyle.

Personally, I think that the smoking, drugs and drinking are considered harsher due to the effect it can directly have on our spirits, compared to the "lesser" effect on the spirit our diets and exercise play. But, we all have our free agency to choose the path we chose to live.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints website

In my opinion if we are addicted to anything (such as chocolate) it is a violation of God's Temple (our bodies). On the other hand, I have recently heard a statement made by a friend (not LDS) "Everything in moderation except moderation". I do not believe eating some red meat or rye grain violates the WOW, but if you eat exclusively that or to excess OR if you feel conviction in your spirit then you need to counsel with your bishop.

thankyou for your responses. The reason I originally wrote this was because I have been struggling with anorexia. I did not know whether I was temple worthy or not and I did not want to go and see my bishop about it. I have come to the understanding, like many of you, if it turns into an addiction, then it is a violation of the word of wisdom. I have just spent a month in hospital (and will continue to be in there longer - i am just on day release) in recovery and I have had a lot of time to evaluate my life and my thoughts and feelings. This experience has been both wonderful and horrible for me.

I think that we all need to study the word of wisdom in depth and come to an understanding if what is really required of us. We all know about no alcohol, no smoking, no hot drinks. But how many of us know about the section of meats and grains AND do what it says?

Laura

Laura -

Maybe I'm reading too much into your question, but given your anorexia, I would highly recommend you speak with your Bishop and/or your home teacher about your Word of Wisdom concerns - the Bishop for help in understanding the WoW and your home teacher for help in following the whole of the WoW. As an anorexic, your concept of "moderation" is most likely NOT God's concept. I think it could be really easy to continue the restrictions that come from the anorexia under the guise of following the WoW if you don't have an outside check.

I'll be praying for you!

Julie

Thankyou Julie. I have been putting it off, but I just phoned my Bishop and he is going to come round very shortly and visit me in my home while I am on day release from the hospital. This will be the first time that I have spoken to anyone from church about my anorexia. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things when I get out of hospital.

Thanks all for your replies.
Laura

Laura -

Good for you!

Julie

keeping the word of wisdom for temple worthy you abstain from drinking alchol, smoking, and from illegal drugs, and not be hooked on prescription drugs as well. the rest you accomplish on your own between you and Heavenly Father. it is a progression thing for than on...i hope this helps...but talking with your bishop always is a good thing and a sure thing.

boy did i goof....i didn't read on to get more information...i am glad that you are going to see the bishop. he is a great source of spiritual strength and help. take care of yourself.
i think this sit is great... i came on because of tatting and found an LDS site ....great!!!!