Was Pres Mckay confused about the wow? Decaf Coffee?

[Guest]

In Michael Ash's article, "Up In Smoke" at FAIR, here:

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences ... Smoke.html

He does a rather good job of confirming almost all of the Tanner's criticism and argument re the Word of Wisdom. When I first read this, I was hoping to see him actually debunk the Tanners, but in what became a pattern as I read more and more, the FAIR piece only confirmed my concerns and doubts by conceding SO much and presenting arguments that were a bit of a stretch.

Footnote 135 reads:

Joseph L. Anderson, 8 January 1965, Secretary to the First Presidency wrote to one member (as directed by President David O. McKay), "I am directed to tell you that the drinking of a beverage made from the coffee bean, from which all caffeine and deleterious drugs have been removed, is not regarded as a violation of the Word of Wisdom." ("Decaffeinated Coffee Does Not Violate Word Of Wisdom" Revelations in Addition to Those Found in the LDS Edition of the D&C [New Mormon Studies CD].)

Bolding mine.

So, did Pres. McKay understand the prohibitions on the word of wisdom to cover all "deleterious drugs" rather than to be specific to certain substances (ie., coffee)? Since deleterious simply means harmful or injurious, did Pres. Mckay maen that the word of wisdom, for whatever reason, only intended to prohibit harmful or injurious substances contained in Coffee or Tea, but does not prohibit coffee and tea themselves? And who gets to determine what the "deleterious" elements of coffee and tea are? If it is found that caffeine is not "deleterious" in amounts found in "green tea", for example, but is healthful in many respects, does it then fall outside of the word of wisdom as far as Mckay is concerned?

And, is it the case, that to this day, one can receive a temple recommend while drinking decaf coffee regularly?

The whole word of wisdom comes into question in my mind after reading its history and evolution (as nicely presented by Ash). It seems rather clear that it was merely adoption of the "advice" of the temperance movement and then made a concrete commandment for reasons that make little sense. And it seems that the wow was never really understood (and still is not) by Church leaders.
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[_moksha]

If President McKay offered a nonpharisaical understanding of decaf coffee, then it is much to his credit.

[_collegeterrace]

Perhaps McKay drank decaf?

....post from jason about McKay speaking as a man in 3... 2.... 1.....

[_Jason Bourne]

Perhaps McKay drank decaf?

....post from jason about McKay speaking as a man in 3... 2.... 1.....

\
Hey dip stick. When do I do or say that? I complain about this as a defense more often than not. Pull your head out of your ass and quit jumping up and down on me on whims. Idiot.

[_Gazelam]

I worry that the Church may come after my sweet Red Bull. I hope that doesent happen....sigh......

[_Yoda]

Perhaps McKay drank decaf?

....post from jason about McKay speaking as a man in 3... 2.... 1.....

Exactly what in the hell is your problem?

To my knowledge, Jason has NEVER used this argument. Why do you keep harassing him?

[_Jason Bourne]

Perhaps McKay drank decaf?

....post from jason about McKay speaking as a man in 3... 2.... 1.....

Exactly what in the hell is your problem?

To my knowledge, Jason has NEVER used this argument. Why do you keep harassing him?

He is just so astounded at my incredible intellect and knowledge that he is left with nothing but being able to rant and rave.

Actually I think PP just cannot handle the fact that while one may have some issues or concerns about things LDS one can still be part of the Church and find great satisfaction. PP and Droopy while at opposite poles are really alike in this. For both it is all or nothing. And I am ok with that for them if that is what they choose. Too bad they both seem unable to grant me the same courtesy.

[_Trevor]

he is left with nothing but being able to rant and rave.

Of course, he will just make it up.

[_collegeterrace]

Exactly what in the hell is your problem?

To my knowledge, Jason has NEVER used this argument. Why do you keep harassing him?

He is just so astounded at my incredible intellect and knowledge that he is left with nothing but being able to rant and rave.

Actually I think PP just cannot handle the fact that while one may have some issues or concerns about things LDS one can still be part of the Church and find great satisfaction. PP and Droopy while at opposite poles are really alike in this. For both it is all or nothing. And I am ok with that for them if that is what they choose. Too bad they both seem unable to grant me the same courtesy.

My good goddamn you two!

I figured Jasy would say something like that to help himself remain a half assed Mormon, just like Liz --and Droppy.

And give me a friggin break, Droopy is far from being the model Mormon. He admits he is a recovering 30 year alcoholic and has admitted to very frequent inactivity. He has also admitted that his family is very inactive.

Droopy, Liz, and Jason are the Mormons who sit on the back row of the chapel, if they attend at all.

Just like the dead president Hink said, you are either against Mormons or for them, there is no middle ground.

And yes, I am here to call you hypocrites. Don't like it? Put me on your ignore list like I did with Jersey Girl.

[_Jason Bourne]

I figured Jasy would say something like that to help himself remain a half assed Mormon, just like Liz --and Droppy.

And give me a friggin break, Droopy is far from being the model Mormon. He admits he is a recovering 30 year alcoholic and has admitted to very frequent inactivity. He has also admitted that his family is very inactive.

Droopy, Liz, and Jason are the Mormons who sit on the back row of the chapel, if they attend at all.

Just like the dead president Hink said, you are either against Mormons or for them, there is no middle ground.

And yes, I am here to call you hypocrites. Don't like it? Put me on your ignore list like I did with Jersey Girl.

I have already fessed up to being some what hypocritical. I just don't get why you want to ride my back at every turn when I have nothing to do with the frickin thread. Maybe you won't see this because you say I am now on your ignore list.

I don't need to ignore you though. Your foolish imbecilic behavior is very entertaining in a warped sense and very instructive.