7 Surprising Facts About Why Mormons Absolutely Do Not Drink Alcohol (And The Little-Known Exceptions)

The answer is a definitive and non-negotiable "No," members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as Mormons, are commanded to completely abstain from all forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and hard liquor, as a core tenet of their faith. This strict prohibition is part of a health code known as the Word of Wisdom, which is considered a divine counsel for physical and spiritual well-being. As of today, December 18, 2025, adherence to this principle is essential for members to qualify for baptism, hold leadership positions, and receive a temple recommend, making it a critical aspect of active membership and spiritual practice. This rule extends beyond just drinking, influencing social life, cooking, and even the use of alcohol in medicinal or ceremonial contexts. While individuals have personal agency, and some members may choose to drink, doing so means they are not considered "in good standing" and are ineligible for the highest ordinances of the Church. The foundational text for this practice is found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of modern scripture for the LDS Church.

The Definitive Rules of the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89)

The Word of Wisdom is a revelation received by Church founder Joseph Smith in 1833. While it was initially given as a "greeting, not by commandment or constraint," the counsel eventually became a strict commandment and a prerequisite for temple worthiness by the early 20th century. The core purpose is to provide a law of health with a promise of great temporal and spiritual blessings to those who follow it.

What is Strictly Forbidden?

The modern, interpreted application of the Word of Wisdom is very clear about what members must abstain from to be considered faithful and temple-worthy:

• Alcoholic Beverages: This includes all forms of alcohol—beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and any drink containing alcohol. There is currently a "no exception policy" on alcohol for temple worthiness.
• Tobacco: Smoking, chewing, or any other use of tobacco products is forbidden.
• Hot Drinks: This phrase is officially interpreted by the Church to specifically mean coffee and tea. The prohibition is not based on temperature but on the substances themselves.
• Illegal Drugs: The use of illegal drugs is also forbidden, though this is a modern addition to the interpretation of the health code.

The Surprising Nuance: What is Allowed?

While the prohibitions are strict, the Word of Wisdom also provides guidelines on what members *should* consume, focusing on healthy eating and spiritual strength:

• Mild Drinks: Water, milk, and herbal teas (that do not contain black or green tea leaves) are common and encouraged beverages.
• Grains: Wheat and other grains are encouraged as a staple food.
• Fruits and Vegetables: These are to be used "in the season thereof".
• Meat: Meat is to be used "sparingly" and only "in times of winter, or of cold, or famine".
• Caffeine: Contrary to popular belief, the Word of Wisdom does *not* forbid caffeine. The prohibition on "hot drinks" is specifically about coffee and tea, not the caffeine content. This means members *can* drink caffeinated soda, energy drinks, and hot chocolate.

The Historical Context: Wine, Whiskey, and the Early Church

To understand the strictness of the modern rule, it's crucial to look at the historical context of the Word of Wisdom, which often surprises those outside the faith.

1. Wine for the Sacrament

In the earliest days of the Church, wine was used for the sacrament (communion). The original revelation specified that if wine was used for the sacrament, it should be "pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make" and not the commercially available, often adulterated, wine of the time. This practice has since been replaced by water, which is now universally used for the sacrament in the LDS Church.

2. Joseph Smith and Alcohol

Historical records show that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, and early members did not always strictly abstain from alcohol, especially before the Word of Wisdom became a mandatory commandment. The revelation itself was partly a response to the unruliness and drinking habits of early Church members during their meetings. The shift from a "counsel" to a "commandment" was a gradual process, solidifying the Church's stance on total abstinence over time.

3. The Prohibition on Beer and Light Alcohol

A common question is whether *light* beer or low-alcohol drinks are permitted. The current Church policy is clear: no alcohol is permitted. While some older interpretations of the Word of Wisdom might have allowed for a very limited use of wine, the modern, official interpretation leaves no room for exceptions for any alcoholic beverage if a member wishes to be considered worthy of a temple recommend.

The Spiritual and Social Impact of Abstinence

The decision by members of the LDS Church to abstain from alcohol is not merely a dietary choice; it is a profound spiritual commitment that significantly shapes their daily lives, social interactions, and identity.

A Test of Faith and Obedience

For Latter-day Saints, following the Word of Wisdom is seen as an act of obedience to God's commandments. This obedience is directly tied to receiving promised spiritual blessings, including greater physical health, wisdom, and knowledge. It is a tangible way for members to demonstrate their commitment to the covenant path.

The Social Landscape

Because the prohibition is so central, it creates a distinct social environment within the LDS community. Social gatherings, parties, and even weddings are entirely alcohol-free. This culture of abstinence helps members avoid the potential pitfalls of addiction and substance abuse, which the Church views as a serious spiritual and temporal threat. When Latter-day Saints are in social settings outside the Church, they are often recognized for their choice of non-alcoholic beverages, which becomes a quiet sign of their faith.

The Reality of Non-Adherence

It is important to acknowledge that the LDS Church is a global body of millions, and not every member adheres perfectly to every rule. Some members, particularly those who are less active or who are questioning their faith, may choose to drink alcohol. However, the Church maintains a clear distinction: while individuals have the freedom to choose, full participation in the most sacred ordinances, such as temple worship, requires strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom. The rule remains the same, regardless of individual practice.

Summary of Key LDS Entities and Concepts

The discussion around "Do Mormons drink alcohol" is a gateway to understanding several key concepts of the LDS faith:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS): The official name of the faith.
• Mormons: A common, though less preferred, nickname for members of the LDS Church.
• Word of Wisdom (D&C 89): The divine health code that dictates abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
• Temple Recommend: A card required for a member to enter and participate in sacred temple ordinances, granted only to those who fully adhere to the Word of Wisdom.
• Joseph Smith: The founder and first prophet of the LDS Church.
• Doctrine and Covenants: A book of LDS scripture containing the Word of Wisdom revelation.
• Sacrament: The ordinance of communion, where water is now used instead of wine.
• Abstinence: The practice of completely refraining from a substance.
• Covenant Path: The concept of following God’s commandments to return to His presence.
• Hot Drinks: The specific term in the D&C 89 interpreted as coffee and tea.
• Caffeine Policy: The official stance that the prohibition is on coffee/tea, not caffeine itself.
• Spiritual Purity: The primary reason for the commandment, alongside physical health.
• Health Code: A common descriptor for the Word of Wisdom.
• Temple Worship: The highest form of worship in the Church, requiring strict adherence to all rules.
• In Good Standing: A term used to describe a member who is fully compliant with Church standards.
• Light Beer: Specifically forbidden under the current, strict interpretation.