(This is the second in a series of common questions from Mormon.org. For other Q and A posts, click on the “Q and A” label at the bottom of this post.)

Q: Elder Hafen, I’m a member, but I’m still confused about a few things about the Word of Wisdom. I know that we’re supposed to avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, illegal drugs, and that kind of thing, but how do we get those specifics? D&C 89, where the Word of Wisdom is revealed, doesn’t say anything about illegal drugs! Also, why can’t we drink coffee or tea? The others I can understand, but isn't tea supposed to be good for you? Finally, is caffeine against the Word of Wisdom? I know that lots of other members in my ward don’t drink caffeine, but I saw my Bishop drink a Pepsi the other day. Was he sinning?
               Sincerely,
                    Concerned Member

A: Those are some good questions! Since there are actually a few different questions here, we’ll break it down a little.

     a. How do we get the specifics about the Word of Wisdom?
     You’re definitely right that we don’t have that many specifics. If one interpreted D&C 89 word for word without taking anything else into account, then many people would likely think that it was fine to drink wine as long as they made it themselves, but that drinks such as hot chocolate are against the commandment. Fortunately, as with all other commandments and aspects of the gospel, God doesn't give us a commandment and then say, “Well, have at it!” Instead, he sends living prophets to council us, reveal additional guidance and revelation, and to clarify commandments that He has given. Through the insight and guidance of many modern prophets, we've grown to know so much more about many of the commandments that God has given us, including the Word of Wisdom.

     b. Why can’t we drink coffee or tea?
     Sometimes, the initial reasons for a commandment aren't entirely clear. Some commandments, such as not stealing, have benefits that we can see immediately simply by looking at the nature of the commandment itself. Other commandments, such as paying tithing, might not have benefits that are immediately seen, but as we follow these commandments, those blessings become more apparent. The Word of Wisdom fits into both categories - avoiding things such as alcohol and drugs clearly have great physical benefits for our bodies. However, the benefits of avoiding coffee and tea aren't as clear. Like all commandments, however, when we do our best to follow every aspect of the Word of Wisdom, that is when we will start seeing all of the blessings that it provides - not only physical blessings, but spiritual ones as well. One example we can use in this situation is that of Joseph Smith, when he very first received the revelation about the Word of Wisdom. At the time, it was thought that things such as smoking were actually healthy. Later, as science progressed, they learned that such things were actually very bad for our bodies. In brief, Heavenly Father has made our bodies, and knows what is best for them. If we listen to the guidance He gives us, we’ll be safe and blessed, both in a physical sense and a spiritual sense.

     c. Is caffeine against the Word of Wisdom?
     No, not specifically. In addition to helping us know a few specific substances that are wrong, prophets have helped to clarify the base principle of the Word of Wisdom - we should avoid any sort of addictive substance that takes away our agency, or right to make choices. Some members of the Church consider caffeine to fit into this category, and thus make it a point to avoiding beverages or other substances that contain it. Other members of the Church don’t feel that it is something that is addicting or causing problems for them, so they don’t go to the same steps of avoiding it. Neither of these groups of people are more righteous or more correct than the other - they’re making their own choices and deciding what is best for them. Because caffeine is not something we’re specifically counseled to avoid, it’s a personal decision. If anyone isn't sure about it, I would encourage them to make it a matter of prayer, and ask God what they think they should do.

I hope that I was able to help answer your question, Concerned Member! If anyone has any additional questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments below this post, and I’ll be happy to answer them for you! Also, please let me know if you have any questions that would you like to see if future "Q and A" posts!