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Word of Wisdom - FAT!

Word of Wisdom - Fat is in it too!

The Word of Wisdom is a correct doctrine as it is a great guide to the way we ought to treat our bodies for health. It does not advocate being a vegetarian per sey, but it sure is close. People hog meat as though it is rice or potatoes, but this is not what the Lord wishes... "sparingly" was the word used and if one thinks of this word in the context of eatting then we should eat more vegetables. One thing is for sure, we need to exercise too! Now why this post? Take the following example...

In a certain house lived a non-LDS family who were not familiar with the Church's doctrine. They invited their new neighboors (an LDS couple) over for dinner, who recently moved in the area. At dinner the hosts brought out wine and the LDS couple of course rejected it. The hosts then brought out the roast and other dishes and set them on the table. The hosts were amazed as the LDS couple gourged themselves with food. They were already so huge and they had to loosen their belts so that it would cover 52 inches rather than 50. Coffee was brought out for deseret with cake... the LDS couple said, "oh no we do not drink coffee, its bad for you..." and then they eat a huge slice of cake that tasted so good that they asked for seconds. When it was time for them to go the hosts thought to themselves... what kind of religion is this that does not drink alcohol or coffee, but you can eat lots of meat, stuff yourself with calories and not exercise?

With this example you can see what I mean about the Word of Wisdom. It is just what it is 'words of wisdom' and only a 'wise' person will use both the do's and the don't's rather than just the don't's. Ever notice that most Chrisitans are happy with the things they don't do... like they don't kill, or use drugs, etc... but the do's always seem to be much harder to mention.

What are your thoughts on this?

FAT Wisdom Word

That's so true JB. I actually know two men who are not LDS and invited an LDS member for dinner and it happened exactly what you just said in your example. They came to ask me, how come the LDS Church doesn't say anything to members about overeating in what you all call 'Word of Wisdom'?. I tried to explain them a bit since they were kind of confused.
I guess that really God is trying to help us in this one. Remember that when this law came it was not by 'commandment', later on it became a commandment. Can you imagine now  if the Prophet says that God wants us to stop eating meat? can you imagine that!
If a person is overweight is not a reason for instance to not give him a Temple Recommend, the weight you're doesn't make a difference for Salvation. Even though we know it's important, I guess the Church wants to go easy on this subjetc. But a couple of months ago the Ensign showed an article about obesity and over-eating. It was really good to see it.

Word of Wisdom - FAT! Studies Doctrine Mormon

Forgive me what is LDS it sounds like a drug? Is it Lord Deliver a Saviour or something.

FAT Wisdom Word

LDS = Latter-Day Saint, it is short for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To see the official site: https://www.lds.org Now I should mention that this forum is for those who are LDS members only since the doctrine discussed here would only be understood by LDS who have studied the scriptures...

From the board description:
Christian Deep Doctrine
For LDS members ONLY. Discuss the higher doctrines that build faith. No anti,
negative or unrelated content allowed. Think of this board as a classroom - not a
venting station.

FAT Wisdom Word

Not only does the Word of Wisdom advocate eating meat sparingly but it also shows us that grains should be used in times of famine.  Grains of course carry a high content of Carbohydrates which can also lead to one being fat, but they are the most practicle for food storage in case of famine.  Fruits and Vegies are what should hit the plate most often in times when there is no famine and it is not winter.

Word of Wisdom - FAT!

I agree with you Brian. I'm a newly vegetarian and I'm feeling great about it so far. I know that the Church doesn't not encourage vegetarianism, I am doing it because meat was a big part of my meal and I will say, kind of an addiction for me. You know, being from Argentina where we eat beef every single day it becomes part of your life. I had the need to cut it off totally from my diet and I'm doing pretty good so far.

Word Wisdom FAT

Getting down to the brass tacks...it should be "moderation in all things". Grains are part of the Word of Wisdom, but whole grains, not refined flours and white sugar. If we think in terms of foods the way God created them, before we humans ruined them, it helps to know what to eat. I know of quite a few verses where meat is eaten, but it needs to be sparingly. There are just too many food fads that do more damage than good and we need to follow the Spirit when deciding what is to be added to our earthly temples.
And to add a note concerning obesity, I am absolutely convinced that soon they will find just how much of it is caused by what is added to our food that we eat. It is too easy to judge without all the information. When the Lord mentions the .."evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days"...He definitely knew what he was talking about.
Prime example: soda pop with caffeine. The caffeine in the soda causes dehydration, which causes thirst, which causes the craving for more soda. Also, caffeine causes cravings for salty or fatty foods, which causes obesity, which causes a person to sweat more, which causes thirst...yada yada yada...

Word Wisdom FAT Mormon Doctrine Studies

I gave a lesson just this this week at family home evening. I suggested that we need to take care of our bodies because they are Temples. Used scriptures to back this up and then moved into the Word of Wisdom as one of the ways we should take care of our bodies. Now, one of the reasons we are supposed to care for our bodies is so that the Spirit will dwell in our "Temple." We know the Spirit will not dwell in an unclean thing. I extrapolated that if we were not living the Word of Wisdom, our bodies are not really clean and the Spirit won't dwell there. I suggested this could be true of obese people. This was not a popular view with my friend with whom I share FHE each week. (She is not obese) She said she had known several very over weight people who were quite Spiritual. So, then we spoke of how we shouldn't be judgmental. I agree. I think some obesity is genetic (research has absolutely shown this). I think if you are doing your best to live the Word of Wisdom then you will be considered clean. However, if you strap on the feed bag each day and over eat continuously, make no effort to live the WOW beyond the No coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol, make no effort stay somewhat physically fit, the you are not taking care of your Temple and I question if your Temple is clean.

One thought my friend did share for discussion is that she can't recall seeing any obese General Authorities speaking at conference. I don't know if any of them are obese, but if not, it could be an indication that it really is important to the Lord that we do more than just the big thou shalt nots in the WOW.

To reiterate, I am not saying if you are overweight the Spirit will not dwell in you. That would be an extreme point. I am just suggesting that we need to do all we can to take care of our bodies and as much as we can, try to stay at a reasonable weight by diet and exercise. I absolutely believe there are valid reasons for some obesity - genetic and disease caused, however, not all of it is.