you have twisted the word of wisdom to fit your vegan beleifs. 1) you claim that it says "avoid flesh of animals". it does not. its says the opposite "flesh also of beasts and the fowls of the air, i the lord have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving 2) you claim that god has made it possible for man to obtain nutrients from animals in TIMES OF NEED. again it doesnt say that. all it says is that meat is for man however it should be used sparingly. sparingly does not mean "in times of need". eating meat just once per day could be considered using it sparingly. 3) you say that we can easily obtain all the nutrients we need from plants without killing animals. but the word of wisdom doesnt say that. like i already pointed out it says the flesh of beast and fowls of the air is ordained for the use of man. you cant eat the flesh of beast or fowl of the air without first killing the animal
SheriSeptember 22, 2017
There are doctors and science to back up every healthy diet out there. I don't trust any of them. Look into all of the conspiracy hidden within scientific research and you'll see what I'm talking about. Most are in it for the money and recognition, so they falsify scientific findings in order to fit their agenda. Ancel Keys comes to mind here. ("Arm of flesh.") But if there is one thing that they can all agree upon, it's the harm produced by processed junk food. The world has never seen this until now. It is a latter-day phenomenon ... and it shows! For me, I just keep as close to the way that God made things as possible. For instance, I drink whole raw milk from healthy, pasture-raised animals (just as people have done for thousands of years) ... as opposed to the latter-day Pasteurized/Homogenized milk from sick animals that are fed and shot up with all sorts of junk. It's just common sense.
JanetJanuary 3, 2016
Vegan isn't a healthy eating path, unless maybe we were in the garden of Eden, which we are not.
JanetJanuary 3, 2016
I am not in agreement with a lot of what you are espousing. I agree with those posting here that are for moderation. It seems you are doing some twisting to make the Word of Wisdom say what you think, not God's actual will. I eat a lot of meatless meals, lots of lentils, dry beans, grains, but do not consider myself a vegetarian. I agree with the post that mentions how this is a matter of prayer for each one of us.
Sean September 16, 2014
To Richard W
There are numerous research studies that point to plant based diets can actually reverse cancer. Also the main cause of heart attacks is blocked arteries from cholesterol. When you abstain from meat and dairy you consume virtually no bad cholesterol.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
I love the book Elder John Widtsoe wrote with his wife Leah Widtsoe! I even feature it in my book, Discovering the Word of Wisdom. Please note, however, that is was first published in 1937. As good as many parts are, the science is of course very out dated.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for your kind words! My grandmother
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Hi Susan! Please consider that the idiom, "a land flowing with milk and honey" is not meant as a dietary recommendation for the 21st century. In addition, the dietary code God gave the Israelites is much different from what He gave us. God does not command us to abstain from meats, nor do I, nor does anyone else I know! So the caution in D&C 49:18 and 1 Timothy 4 does not apply. The LDS Church has been clear that we are free to eat meat or be vegetarian, as we choose! But let us also pay attention to D&C 49:21
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Good points! Lack of time and space means I can
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Hi Jennifer. Sorry to hear about your friends! I encourage you to not base your decisions on anecdotal evidence as too many factors go into an individual case. Based on scientific data systematically collected from large studies, people who consume the highest levels of dairy also have the highest levels of weak bones. High diary consumption does not lead to strong bones, I
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
I
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for sharing! I am arguing not for a
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
It sounds like you are fearful that a whole food, plant-based diet is not tasty. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth! Not only is it a healthy diet, it is a very delicious and satisfying diet as well! Give it a try for enough time for your taste buds to change!
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for your insights. Yes, as I note in the article, my reasoning here depends more on the spirit than the letter of the law. But please note that unlike plants or meat, the Lord does not ordain the use of dairy or eggs anywhere in D&C 89. Still, my main motivation for cautioning against the use of dairy is eggs is due to the scientific evidence, not D&C 89.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Katherine: I can
Ron MillettAugust 13, 2014
Elder John A Widtsoe's (apostle and biologist) comments might be appropriate: "For example: The Word of Wisdom is not a system of vegetarianism. Clearly, meat is permitted. Naturally, that includes animal products, less subject than meat to putrefactive and other disturbances, such as eggs, milk, and cheese. These products cannot be excluded simply because they are not mentioned specifically. By that token most of our foodstuffs could not be eaten." (Evidences and Reconciliations, 3:155-157)
Janet G.August 12, 2014
Thanks to all who have written so many thoughtful and educational letters. It does give one pause to consider the many choices. I do believe the best course is to read, ponder, pray, and recieve our own direction as to what to do for our famililes health. I went on a raw foods diet for a couple of weeks and promptly lost 20 pounds, which I, being already slender, couldn't afford to lose. As soon as I began again to eat a more varied diet of cooked foods, I regained my normal weight. So use prayer, prudence and observation to make your own best choices.
Jenny HatchAugust 11, 2014
I just popped back in to read the comments and was thinking about an old post I read on Diane Hopkins blog.
She was a homeschooling pioneer at the time and had been eating Vegan with her family, as so many of those in our LDS Homeschool world were doing in the early 90's.
She had titled her piece Why I don't believe in Veganism anymore and shared the story of a major dental issue with the son gestated during a Vegan Pregnancy. His teeth did not erupt normally as had his older siblings and the only difference was the major change in diet. I remember her lamenting all of the dental surgeries and bills to fix his teeth.
I was expecting my fourth child and had chosen to eat Vegan. I made it a matter of prayer to know if my baby would have teeth and bone issues if I abstained from the dairy.
I felt guided to markedly increase my calcium by drinking a quart of fresh pressed green juice every day. I was juicing piles of greens. Spinach, kale, parsley, chard, etc etc...and faithfully juiced until it felt like all I did was wash the juicer for the next session. I have thought about this issue so long and so hard. I think the bottom line for Mothers is to listen to the spirit, recognizing that it may take you and your family several generations to fully and safely wean from animal foods onto 100% plant based food. Each mother has to decide for herself, but knowing that some families have had major issues with Veganism not providing adequate nutrient's for a developing baby should give pause to anyone who wants to jump from a hundred generations of ancestors that have lived on meat and dairy into the wonderful world of whole foods. My heart is with whole foods eating, but I would rather see a Mother build a baby on eggs and milk than so called health food which may or may not provide adequate nutrients for developing bones and teeth. Jenny Hatch
Carol GwynnAugust 11, 2014
I think we have to be extremely careful about accepting research. Research can defend any opinion. I personally feel that any diet that completely excludes one class of foods, such as dairy, is a healthy dose of the "philosophies of men." Moderation in all things is still the best policy.
m tuttleAugust 7, 2014
One of the helps to understanding truth is to study the subject in question in the lives of the prophets, especially latterday. Even Pres. George A Smith who was pretty close to being vegan ate bread and milk as one of his favorite suppers. Elders McConkie, Widstoe, Pres. Benson all expounded on dairy and meat consumption by the Saints. There are others. Again, their dietary example suggests dairy and eggs may at least in moderation be eaten for proper health of the bodies the Lord has provided for our blessing
Byron EltonAugust 6, 2014
These articles are a must-read for any Latter-day Saint interested in health or doing serious study on the Word of Wisdom. Simply put, this it the most well-researched and technically proficient commentary on the Word of Wisdom ever published. Period. Thank you Jane.
Jenny HatchAugust 6, 2014
Jane,
My daughter bought your book and I have been reading it along with these Meridian Articles!
Good Work!
I have been swinging back and forth between Vegan, Vegetarian, and typical Meat based American Diet since I was a student at BYU in 1986...
I built my biggest baby eating an 80% raw foods, mostly vegan, grain based diet in 1996. My son is just about to leave on his mission.
I would like to toss out the idea that for Moms who are pregnant and nursing it can be challenging to get enough calories just by eating Vegan foods, especially if Mom is up breastfeeding at night and chasing toddlers during the day.
When my fourth child was born I tandem nursed him and his older brother for 7 months. I had to eat meat and dairy just to produce the gallons of breast milk I was making every day for two hungry boys.
I have determined that if I had had a vegan chef and all that was required of me was to eat and breastfeed, I could have done it vegan. But there simply were not enough hours in the day for me to eat the 5,000 calories and 180 grams of protein needed to make the milk.
Mamas who are in their child bearing years make very healthy babies eating eggs and milk. I have known quite a few mothers who were able to make a six pound vegetarian/vegan baby, but they did not have the fat reserves needed to breastfeed.
I believe when the Lord promises a land flowing with milk and honey, that an ideal situation is one where Moms know how to nourish themselves to make that liquid nectar called breast milk.
I am mostly vegan, but I do eat eggs and butter once in a while.
As a childbirth educator, I just had to share my testimonial to the Mamas reading.
In health!
Jenny Hatch
WWW.JennyMHatch.com
Susan WymanAugust 6, 2014
For many years I have diligently struggled to comprehend the will of the Lord regarding these now controversial foods. There MUST be more to it than this! Otherwise we would not have such a collection of scriptures from all the standard works describing a Good Land of Inheritance as " a land flowing with milk and honey". We know the Lord is the same; "Yesterday, today and forever." Consider that Abraham fed the 3 angels who visited him, butter and milk. In 1 Timothy 4 we read that in the latter days, one aspect of apostasy would be those commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving...
And while perhaps most meat today is tainted and we should be looking for clean sources, still, even in D&C 49:18 the Lord counsels us that a man who biddeth to abstain from meats, the same " is not ordained of God." So while you make a very good argument, and many experts agree with you, I still strive to know for sure what the LORD'S will is for His Saints regarding today's foods. It would be ever so much easier if our Prophets would spell it out, but perhaps since different bodies can tolerate, or are allergic to, different foods, we must all study it out in our minds and prayerfully seek knowledge on what, in addition to vegetables, fruits and grains, is best for our particular family.
Respectfully yours,
Sister Susan Wyman
David R VanLangeveldAugust 5, 2014
Writer Jane Birch points out (correctly) that you can get calcium without dairy products but she doesn't specify which non-dairy foods are high in calcium. This does a disservice to those who want to "experiment on [her] word" and try a non-dairy and non-egg diet. I know from a nutrition class I took years ago (and a former landlord) that spinach is high in calcium. But what other foods are?
Lisa JonesAugust 5, 2014
I don't know that you have to be convinced byJane's research. I think the best answer for each of us is to do our own research and then go to The Lord with our own questions. Are dairy products good for my body? Should I cut back or cut out meat? Would changing my diet improve my health? Or any other concern or question that we might have about our diet.
Great article. Great references and wonderful information to ponder.
Janet G.August 5, 2014
But dairy does increase the risk of cancer; i.e. the states and countries that consume the highest amounts of dairy products also have the highest rates of cancer.
It has been proven that vegans have more calcium in their blood than those who eat animal products. Leafy greens, legumes, and many other plant foods contain very adequate sources of calcium and other bone-building nutrients. Of course you have to eat enough ot them - don't be one of those picky people who "don't like vegetables" ! (or fruits)!!! What will you say to the Lord when you stand before Him and say, "But Lord, I didn't like what you made for me to eat!"
Robert CowartAugust 5, 2014
Jane thanks for an excellent article on the Word of Wisdom. It has been a source of inspiration for me many times. I would like to comment on what I believe to be a somewhat modern dietary phenomenon. It used to be a habit for a veterinary college for the freshman class to take a new baby calf from its mother,milk the mother ,pasteurize the milk and bottle feed the calf. Without exception within 30 to 90 days the calf would die. The calf cannot survive without the enzymes in the milk which are destroyed by heat. If a calf cannot survive how can anyone expect a human to thrive or survive on dead milk..
I like President Hinckleys comment. I think the Lord would say "It is a slothful servant who has to be commanded in all things"
Bob Cowart
Jennifer WalkerAugust 5, 2014
Several friends of mine break bones on a regular basis. They also do not drink milk. I am not convinced of the writer's statement that dairy does not make stronger bones.
AlexAugust 5, 2014
Unfortunately you are applying man's reasoning to support your interpretation of the word of wisdom. This causes untold problems. One obvious issue is that the cholesterol found in eggs (specifically) is not 'unhealthy' (according to current science) nor are saturated fats necessarily unhealthy (again, according to current science). Butter, for example, if done naturally and not from factory farms, has been found to be one of the healthiest foods that one can ingest.
Richard WAugust 5, 2014
You provide some common sense here, but also a lot of wrestling with the scriptures and stretching of logic. Some recent studies suggest that a vegetarian diet may not be all it is cracked up to be; -Vegetarians visit their doctors more often and are more prone to allergies -They also have 'a 50% increased risk of both heart attacks and cancer' -They are also more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders. On the bright side, vegetarians tend to be more active and less likely to drink and smoke.
Having said that, I suspect that a vegetarian diet does not really cause many of the bad things attributed to it by this study. Rather, I suspect the study did not control for those who seek a vegetarian diet as a silver bullet help them cope with other problems. Moreover, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, saturated fats are not as big of a problem as previously thought as sold by the American Heart Association. The real culprit seems to be sugar..
Nevertheless prudence and thanksgiving seem important in all things.
Be well...
DeanAugust 5, 2014
In our efforts to obtain the perfect food, which it appears that the author considers to be something between carrot greens and okra, do we not miss the deliciousness of a cold glass of milk (except for the lactose intolerant or perhaps even the egg/milk/ice cream/whipped cream/barbecued ribs/hot dog ((gasp!)) intolerant) or steamy scrambled eggs with a side of bacon? Let us enjoy our tasty delights in moderation and stop the worrying about lipids and fatty stuffs for just a few minutes so we can enjoy our few tasty nutritional moments on earth.
Finally, I have little faith in the findings of any group of nutritionists (WFPBers) who categorically state that the world should abandon eggs and milk because if you eat such, you will someday die from some malady sure to spread from eggs and milk and hamburgers. Food fads rage from decade to decade, and I am certain that the WFPBers will be long gone in 3 decades while the rest of us are still enjoying the occasional scoop of Rocky Road ice cream or egg salad sandwich.
Cliff JonesAugust 5, 2014
This is an interesting article about nutritional science. Unlike your earlier articles, however, it is not about the revelation from God known as the Word of Wisdom. As you mention early in the article, D&C 89 is silent on these subjects. This revelation is silent on many things, both good and bad, relating to our health. It doesn't encourage us to drink water or to bathe, sleep or exercise. While there may be many good reasons for making choices about substances and practices not mentioned in this revelation, it's silly to discuss these reasons under the heading of a revelation which, as you point out, doesn't deal with them. Interestingly, the only prophetic source you cite in the article is a prophet warning us against using illicit drugs. God has warned us against that evil through his prophets. To my knowledge, He's been silent so far about the evils of milk and eggs. While it's wise to consider the voice of science, we should recognize the distinction between that voice and the voice of prophecy.
Katherine MooreAugust 5, 2014
While I respect your opinion, for the thousands of us members of the church who have autoimmune disease and are allergic to wheat and food starch, not just Gluten, we have to eat milk and dairy and eggs for protein, as the starch in beans and starchy vegetables causes intense allergic reactions. People have become allergic to dairy as it's ultra pasteurized and drinking it in its pure and raw form is easy to digest. Demonizing eggs and dairy as anti word of wisdom is wrong. The Prophet Joseph in the D&C reminded saints that those who promote veganism and not eating animals is incorrect doctrine. The wisdom that is promised by obeying the word of wisdom is still given to people who eat dairy and eggs. This article while well intended is small in focus and not completely correct.
Comments | Return to Story
oscarMay 30, 2019
you have twisted the word of wisdom to fit your vegan beleifs. 1) you claim that it says "avoid flesh of animals". it does not. its says the opposite "flesh also of beasts and the fowls of the air, i the lord have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving 2) you claim that god has made it possible for man to obtain nutrients from animals in TIMES OF NEED. again it doesnt say that. all it says is that meat is for man however it should be used sparingly. sparingly does not mean "in times of need". eating meat just once per day could be considered using it sparingly. 3) you say that we can easily obtain all the nutrients we need from plants without killing animals. but the word of wisdom doesnt say that. like i already pointed out it says the flesh of beast and fowls of the air is ordained for the use of man. you cant eat the flesh of beast or fowl of the air without first killing the animal
SheriSeptember 22, 2017
There are doctors and science to back up every healthy diet out there. I don't trust any of them. Look into all of the conspiracy hidden within scientific research and you'll see what I'm talking about. Most are in it for the money and recognition, so they falsify scientific findings in order to fit their agenda. Ancel Keys comes to mind here. ("Arm of flesh.") But if there is one thing that they can all agree upon, it's the harm produced by processed junk food. The world has never seen this until now. It is a latter-day phenomenon ... and it shows! For me, I just keep as close to the way that God made things as possible. For instance, I drink whole raw milk from healthy, pasture-raised animals (just as people have done for thousands of years) ... as opposed to the latter-day Pasteurized/Homogenized milk from sick animals that are fed and shot up with all sorts of junk. It's just common sense.
JanetJanuary 3, 2016
Vegan isn't a healthy eating path, unless maybe we were in the garden of Eden, which we are not.
JanetJanuary 3, 2016
I am not in agreement with a lot of what you are espousing. I agree with those posting here that are for moderation. It seems you are doing some twisting to make the Word of Wisdom say what you think, not God's actual will. I eat a lot of meatless meals, lots of lentils, dry beans, grains, but do not consider myself a vegetarian. I agree with the post that mentions how this is a matter of prayer for each one of us.
Sean September 16, 2014
To Richard W There are numerous research studies that point to plant based diets can actually reverse cancer. Also the main cause of heart attacks is blocked arteries from cholesterol. When you abstain from meat and dairy you consume virtually no bad cholesterol.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
I love the book Elder John Widtsoe wrote with his wife Leah Widtsoe! I even feature it in my book, Discovering the Word of Wisdom. Please note, however, that is was first published in 1937. As good as many parts are, the science is of course very out dated.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for your kind words! My grandmother
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Hi Susan! Please consider that the idiom, "a land flowing with milk and honey" is not meant as a dietary recommendation for the 21st century. In addition, the dietary code God gave the Israelites is much different from what He gave us. God does not command us to abstain from meats, nor do I, nor does anyone else I know! So the caution in D&C 49:18 and 1 Timothy 4 does not apply. The LDS Church has been clear that we are free to eat meat or be vegetarian, as we choose! But let us also pay attention to D&C 49:21
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Good points! Lack of time and space means I can
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Hi Jennifer. Sorry to hear about your friends! I encourage you to not base your decisions on anecdotal evidence as too many factors go into an individual case. Based on scientific data systematically collected from large studies, people who consume the highest levels of dairy also have the highest levels of weak bones. High diary consumption does not lead to strong bones, I
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
I
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for sharing! I am arguing not for a
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
It sounds like you are fearful that a whole food, plant-based diet is not tasty. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth! Not only is it a healthy diet, it is a very delicious and satisfying diet as well! Give it a try for enough time for your taste buds to change!
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Thanks for your insights. Yes, as I note in the article, my reasoning here depends more on the spirit than the letter of the law. But please note that unlike plants or meat, the Lord does not ordain the use of dairy or eggs anywhere in D&C 89. Still, my main motivation for cautioning against the use of dairy is eggs is due to the scientific evidence, not D&C 89.
Jane BirchAugust 14, 2014
Katherine: I can
Ron MillettAugust 13, 2014
Elder John A Widtsoe's (apostle and biologist) comments might be appropriate: "For example: The Word of Wisdom is not a system of vegetarianism. Clearly, meat is permitted. Naturally, that includes animal products, less subject than meat to putrefactive and other disturbances, such as eggs, milk, and cheese. These products cannot be excluded simply because they are not mentioned specifically. By that token most of our foodstuffs could not be eaten." (Evidences and Reconciliations, 3:155-157)
Janet G.August 12, 2014
Thanks to all who have written so many thoughtful and educational letters. It does give one pause to consider the many choices. I do believe the best course is to read, ponder, pray, and recieve our own direction as to what to do for our famililes health. I went on a raw foods diet for a couple of weeks and promptly lost 20 pounds, which I, being already slender, couldn't afford to lose. As soon as I began again to eat a more varied diet of cooked foods, I regained my normal weight. So use prayer, prudence and observation to make your own best choices.
Jenny HatchAugust 11, 2014
I just popped back in to read the comments and was thinking about an old post I read on Diane Hopkins blog. She was a homeschooling pioneer at the time and had been eating Vegan with her family, as so many of those in our LDS Homeschool world were doing in the early 90's. She had titled her piece Why I don't believe in Veganism anymore and shared the story of a major dental issue with the son gestated during a Vegan Pregnancy. His teeth did not erupt normally as had his older siblings and the only difference was the major change in diet. I remember her lamenting all of the dental surgeries and bills to fix his teeth. I was expecting my fourth child and had chosen to eat Vegan. I made it a matter of prayer to know if my baby would have teeth and bone issues if I abstained from the dairy. I felt guided to markedly increase my calcium by drinking a quart of fresh pressed green juice every day. I was juicing piles of greens. Spinach, kale, parsley, chard, etc etc...and faithfully juiced until it felt like all I did was wash the juicer for the next session. I have thought about this issue so long and so hard. I think the bottom line for Mothers is to listen to the spirit, recognizing that it may take you and your family several generations to fully and safely wean from animal foods onto 100% plant based food. Each mother has to decide for herself, but knowing that some families have had major issues with Veganism not providing adequate nutrient's for a developing baby should give pause to anyone who wants to jump from a hundred generations of ancestors that have lived on meat and dairy into the wonderful world of whole foods. My heart is with whole foods eating, but I would rather see a Mother build a baby on eggs and milk than so called health food which may or may not provide adequate nutrients for developing bones and teeth. Jenny Hatch
Carol GwynnAugust 11, 2014
I think we have to be extremely careful about accepting research. Research can defend any opinion. I personally feel that any diet that completely excludes one class of foods, such as dairy, is a healthy dose of the "philosophies of men." Moderation in all things is still the best policy.
m tuttleAugust 7, 2014
One of the helps to understanding truth is to study the subject in question in the lives of the prophets, especially latterday. Even Pres. George A Smith who was pretty close to being vegan ate bread and milk as one of his favorite suppers. Elders McConkie, Widstoe, Pres. Benson all expounded on dairy and meat consumption by the Saints. There are others. Again, their dietary example suggests dairy and eggs may at least in moderation be eaten for proper health of the bodies the Lord has provided for our blessing
Byron EltonAugust 6, 2014
These articles are a must-read for any Latter-day Saint interested in health or doing serious study on the Word of Wisdom. Simply put, this it the most well-researched and technically proficient commentary on the Word of Wisdom ever published. Period. Thank you Jane.
Jenny HatchAugust 6, 2014
Jane, My daughter bought your book and I have been reading it along with these Meridian Articles! Good Work! I have been swinging back and forth between Vegan, Vegetarian, and typical Meat based American Diet since I was a student at BYU in 1986... I built my biggest baby eating an 80% raw foods, mostly vegan, grain based diet in 1996. My son is just about to leave on his mission. I would like to toss out the idea that for Moms who are pregnant and nursing it can be challenging to get enough calories just by eating Vegan foods, especially if Mom is up breastfeeding at night and chasing toddlers during the day. When my fourth child was born I tandem nursed him and his older brother for 7 months. I had to eat meat and dairy just to produce the gallons of breast milk I was making every day for two hungry boys. I have determined that if I had had a vegan chef and all that was required of me was to eat and breastfeed, I could have done it vegan. But there simply were not enough hours in the day for me to eat the 5,000 calories and 180 grams of protein needed to make the milk. Mamas who are in their child bearing years make very healthy babies eating eggs and milk. I have known quite a few mothers who were able to make a six pound vegetarian/vegan baby, but they did not have the fat reserves needed to breastfeed. I believe when the Lord promises a land flowing with milk and honey, that an ideal situation is one where Moms know how to nourish themselves to make that liquid nectar called breast milk. I am mostly vegan, but I do eat eggs and butter once in a while. As a childbirth educator, I just had to share my testimonial to the Mamas reading. In health! Jenny Hatch WWW.JennyMHatch.com
Susan WymanAugust 6, 2014
For many years I have diligently struggled to comprehend the will of the Lord regarding these now controversial foods. There MUST be more to it than this! Otherwise we would not have such a collection of scriptures from all the standard works describing a Good Land of Inheritance as " a land flowing with milk and honey". We know the Lord is the same; "Yesterday, today and forever." Consider that Abraham fed the 3 angels who visited him, butter and milk. In 1 Timothy 4 we read that in the latter days, one aspect of apostasy would be those commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving... And while perhaps most meat today is tainted and we should be looking for clean sources, still, even in D&C 49:18 the Lord counsels us that a man who biddeth to abstain from meats, the same " is not ordained of God." So while you make a very good argument, and many experts agree with you, I still strive to know for sure what the LORD'S will is for His Saints regarding today's foods. It would be ever so much easier if our Prophets would spell it out, but perhaps since different bodies can tolerate, or are allergic to, different foods, we must all study it out in our minds and prayerfully seek knowledge on what, in addition to vegetables, fruits and grains, is best for our particular family. Respectfully yours, Sister Susan Wyman
David R VanLangeveldAugust 5, 2014
Writer Jane Birch points out (correctly) that you can get calcium without dairy products but she doesn't specify which non-dairy foods are high in calcium. This does a disservice to those who want to "experiment on [her] word" and try a non-dairy and non-egg diet. I know from a nutrition class I took years ago (and a former landlord) that spinach is high in calcium. But what other foods are?
Lisa JonesAugust 5, 2014
I don't know that you have to be convinced byJane's research. I think the best answer for each of us is to do our own research and then go to The Lord with our own questions. Are dairy products good for my body? Should I cut back or cut out meat? Would changing my diet improve my health? Or any other concern or question that we might have about our diet. Great article. Great references and wonderful information to ponder.
Janet G.August 5, 2014
But dairy does increase the risk of cancer; i.e. the states and countries that consume the highest amounts of dairy products also have the highest rates of cancer. It has been proven that vegans have more calcium in their blood than those who eat animal products. Leafy greens, legumes, and many other plant foods contain very adequate sources of calcium and other bone-building nutrients. Of course you have to eat enough ot them - don't be one of those picky people who "don't like vegetables" ! (or fruits)!!! What will you say to the Lord when you stand before Him and say, "But Lord, I didn't like what you made for me to eat!"
Robert CowartAugust 5, 2014
Jane thanks for an excellent article on the Word of Wisdom. It has been a source of inspiration for me many times. I would like to comment on what I believe to be a somewhat modern dietary phenomenon. It used to be a habit for a veterinary college for the freshman class to take a new baby calf from its mother,milk the mother ,pasteurize the milk and bottle feed the calf. Without exception within 30 to 90 days the calf would die. The calf cannot survive without the enzymes in the milk which are destroyed by heat. If a calf cannot survive how can anyone expect a human to thrive or survive on dead milk.. I like President Hinckleys comment. I think the Lord would say "It is a slothful servant who has to be commanded in all things" Bob Cowart
Jennifer WalkerAugust 5, 2014
Several friends of mine break bones on a regular basis. They also do not drink milk. I am not convinced of the writer's statement that dairy does not make stronger bones.
AlexAugust 5, 2014
Unfortunately you are applying man's reasoning to support your interpretation of the word of wisdom. This causes untold problems. One obvious issue is that the cholesterol found in eggs (specifically) is not 'unhealthy' (according to current science) nor are saturated fats necessarily unhealthy (again, according to current science). Butter, for example, if done naturally and not from factory farms, has been found to be one of the healthiest foods that one can ingest.
Richard WAugust 5, 2014
You provide some common sense here, but also a lot of wrestling with the scriptures and stretching of logic. Some recent studies suggest that a vegetarian diet may not be all it is cracked up to be; -Vegetarians visit their doctors more often and are more prone to allergies -They also have 'a 50% increased risk of both heart attacks and cancer' -They are also more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders. On the bright side, vegetarians tend to be more active and less likely to drink and smoke. Having said that, I suspect that a vegetarian diet does not really cause many of the bad things attributed to it by this study. Rather, I suspect the study did not control for those who seek a vegetarian diet as a silver bullet help them cope with other problems. Moreover, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, saturated fats are not as big of a problem as previously thought as sold by the American Heart Association. The real culprit seems to be sugar.. Nevertheless prudence and thanksgiving seem important in all things. Be well...
DeanAugust 5, 2014
In our efforts to obtain the perfect food, which it appears that the author considers to be something between carrot greens and okra, do we not miss the deliciousness of a cold glass of milk (except for the lactose intolerant or perhaps even the egg/milk/ice cream/whipped cream/barbecued ribs/hot dog ((gasp!)) intolerant) or steamy scrambled eggs with a side of bacon? Let us enjoy our tasty delights in moderation and stop the worrying about lipids and fatty stuffs for just a few minutes so we can enjoy our few tasty nutritional moments on earth. Finally, I have little faith in the findings of any group of nutritionists (WFPBers) who categorically state that the world should abandon eggs and milk because if you eat such, you will someday die from some malady sure to spread from eggs and milk and hamburgers. Food fads rage from decade to decade, and I am certain that the WFPBers will be long gone in 3 decades while the rest of us are still enjoying the occasional scoop of Rocky Road ice cream or egg salad sandwich.
Cliff JonesAugust 5, 2014
This is an interesting article about nutritional science. Unlike your earlier articles, however, it is not about the revelation from God known as the Word of Wisdom. As you mention early in the article, D&C 89 is silent on these subjects. This revelation is silent on many things, both good and bad, relating to our health. It doesn't encourage us to drink water or to bathe, sleep or exercise. While there may be many good reasons for making choices about substances and practices not mentioned in this revelation, it's silly to discuss these reasons under the heading of a revelation which, as you point out, doesn't deal with them. Interestingly, the only prophetic source you cite in the article is a prophet warning us against using illicit drugs. God has warned us against that evil through his prophets. To my knowledge, He's been silent so far about the evils of milk and eggs. While it's wise to consider the voice of science, we should recognize the distinction between that voice and the voice of prophecy.
Katherine MooreAugust 5, 2014
While I respect your opinion, for the thousands of us members of the church who have autoimmune disease and are allergic to wheat and food starch, not just Gluten, we have to eat milk and dairy and eggs for protein, as the starch in beans and starchy vegetables causes intense allergic reactions. People have become allergic to dairy as it's ultra pasteurized and drinking it in its pure and raw form is easy to digest. Demonizing eggs and dairy as anti word of wisdom is wrong. The Prophet Joseph in the D&C reminded saints that those who promote veganism and not eating animals is incorrect doctrine. The wisdom that is promised by obeying the word of wisdom is still given to people who eat dairy and eggs. This article while well intended is small in focus and not completely correct.
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