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As the Civil War approached, economic change and urbanization were accompanied by increasing poverty, ordinances were relaxed and alcohol problems increased dramatically. Apparently influenced by Dr. Benjamin Rush's widely discussed belief that the excessive use of alcohol was injurious to physical and psychological health, about 200 farmers[citation needed] in a Connecticut community formed a temperance association in 1789 to ban the making of whiskey. Similar associations were formed in Virginia in 1800 and New York State in 1808. Within the next decade, other temperance organizations were formed in eight states, some being state-wide organizations. In the late nineteenth century, most Protestant denominations and the American wing of the Catholic Church extended support of the movement to limit or restrict the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These groups believed that alcohol consumption led to corruption, prostitution, spousal abuse and other criminal activities. The reform movement met with resistance by brewers and distillers. Business owners were also fearful of women having the right to vote, because it was expected that they would tend to vote for temperance.

Drifting wrote:Why did it need God to give Joseph Smith the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom when it's contents we're already in existence and being actively promoted in the area?

As the Civil War approached, economic change and urbanization were accompanied by increasing poverty, ordinances were relaxed and alcohol problems increased dramatically. Apparently influenced by Dr. Benjamin Rush's widely discussed belief that the excessive use of alcohol was injurious to physical and psychological health, about 200 farmers[citation needed] in a Connecticut community formed a temperance association in 1789 to ban the making of whiskey. Similar associations were formed in Virginia in 1800 and New York State in 1808. Within the next decade, other temperance organizations were formed in eight states, some being state-wide organizations. In the late nineteenth century, most Protestant denominations and the American wing of the Catholic Church extended support of the movement to limit or restrict the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These groups believed that alcohol consumption led to corruption, prostitution, spousal abuse and other criminal activities. The reform movement met with resistance by brewers and distillers. Business owners were also fearful of women having the right to vote, because it was expected that they would tend to vote for temperance.

Tobin wrote:Actually, the Word of Wisdom is not soley about abstinence from alcohol. In fact, the only thing it says is avoid strong drink and wine (because of its suspect quality at that time) made by others. It actually says they should make their own wine and use it in the sacrament. Something they aren't doing today. I point this out sometimes for fun in GD, and people always interpret pure wine = grape juice. However, the word 'juice' existed in Joseph Smith day and it doesn't say grape juice. Also, there is no admonishment against weaker alcohol like ales, beer, and so on. In fact, when water supplies are suspect, it would be foolish not to drink those instead. I also point out that the Nephites made wine and so did Jesus (and other places in the New Testament also say these mild drinks are fine). If it were so bad, why did those groups not have a problem with it?

Buffalo wrote:The Lord needed the world to know that tobacco is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle.

just me wrote:

Buffalo wrote:The Lord needed the world to know that tobacco is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle.

and rye for the fowls and swine!

Drifting wrote:Why did it need God.....

subgenius wrote:

Drifting wrote:Why did it need God.....

ask God yourself.

Buffalo wrote:

subgenius wrote:ask God yourself.

I just did. God said he had nothing to do with the Word of Wisdom. He said Joseph made the whole thing up, along with all the other "revelations."

You're welcome!

just me wrote:I got a busy signal.