This article examines what Mormon scriptures say about meat consumption, focusing on the Word of Wisdom and related revelations. It discusses the historical context, interpretations of 'sparingly,' the controversial comma in Doctrine and Covenants 89:13, and insights from church leaders. The article highlights the lack of clear guidance and encourages personal reflection on meat consumption in light of scripture.
As Thanksgiving approaches, a traditional feast often centered around turkey, many wonder what Mormon scriptures say about meat consumption. Should members abstain from meat, or is it permitted? This article delves into the scriptural revelations, historical context, and interpretations surrounding this question.
Joseph Smith revised Genesis 9:11 to state:
"And surely blood shall not be shed only for meat to save your lives. And the blood of every beast will I require at your hand."
This revision emphasizes that blood should not be shed except for meat to save lives, discouraging killing for sport or recreation. It reflects the early 19th-century frontier context where animals were often killed indiscriminately.
This revelation clarifies:
"Whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats... is not ordained of God. For behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air... are ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment... but woe be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need."
Here, meat is ordained for use, but killing or wasting animals without need is condemned. The Lord also warns against forbidding others from abstaining from meat.
The Word of Wisdom states:
"Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air... I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, they are to be used sparingly. And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter or of cold or famine."
This introduces the principle of using meat sparingly and suggests meat consumption should not be limited only to times of winter, cold, or famine.
The 1828 Noah Webster dictionary defines "sparingly" as:
Thus, the Word of Wisdom counsels moderation and frugality in meat consumption.
He emphasized that meat should be eaten sparingly, noting that proteins are essential but only about 10% of food intake for the average adult, and more should be avoided.
He suggested the Lord counsels against indiscriminate killing of animals, implying meat consumption should be thoughtful and necessary.
The phrase "it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter or of cold or famine" has been subject to debate due to the presence or absence of a comma after "used."
Some argue the 1921 comma insertion changed the meaning, suggesting meat should only be used in times of winter, cold, or famine. Without the comma, it reads as pleasing that meat is not used only in those times.
A scholar argues that "only" historically meant "except," so the comma clarifies the original intent rather than changing it. The comma helps modern readers understand the verse as meaning meat should not be used except in times of winter, cold, or famine.
An 1842 talk by Hiram Smith was published twice:
This suggests the comma was used earlier than 1921, complicating the errant comma theory.
Verses 14 and 15 state:
"All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts to be the staff of life... and these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger."
This affirms that animals are for use primarily in times of famine or hunger, reinforcing moderation.
A faithful scholar notes the difficulty in defining these terms globally and in modern contexts, highlighting the need for further prophetic guidance.
Hiram Smith (1842) interpreted the Word of Wisdom as encouraging sparing use of animals, primarily in times of winter or famine, reflecting the 19th-century context of domesticated animals.
Today, industrialized animal farming vastly differs from that era, raising questions about how these teachings apply.
Despite scriptural counsel to use meat sparingly, most Latter-day Saints consume meat regularly without much discussion or challenge within the church.
The Word of Wisdom is often selectively interpreted, focusing on prohibitions against alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, while meat consumption is largely overlooked.
The scriptural teachings on meat consumption in Mormonism emphasize moderation, gratitude, and necessity. However, ambiguity remains regarding the interpretation of "sparingly" and the conditions under which meat should be consumed.
Church leaders have provided limited guidance, leaving members to interpret and apply these teachings individually.
This topic invites thoughtful reflection on personal dietary choices in harmony with scriptural principles and cultural realities.
What are your thoughts on meat consumption in light of these teachings? Have you encountered the comma controversy before? How do you interpret "sparingly" and "times of winter, cold, or famine"? Share your perspectives and experiences.
This exploration encourages a deeper understanding of the Word of Wisdom and invites ongoing dialogue within the community.
