Alcohol question

[Draka]

I've been speaking to a friend of mine who lived for a while in Salt Lake City. While in a particular restaurant she noticed that the liquor was not stored at the bar, but in a room closed off behind the bar. Her husband asked why it was not at the bar and the server told them because that way if someone were to ask for a "coke on the rocks" (rum & coke) they can make it up out of sight. If a Mormon doesn't mention the alcohol and they don't see the alcohol put in the drink...then "it doesn't have alcohol in it".

I guess I was just wanting to know the reaction to this. If it was something admitted to, or adamently denied, or acknowledged that it may happen with some. I know alcohol is suppose to be a no-no...so this kind of surprised me a bit.

 

[Bishka]

That's the first I've ever hear of it....

No matter what, alcohol is not allowed.

 

[Vasilisa Jade]

the server told them because that way if someone were to ask for a "coke on the rocks" (rum & coke) they can make it up out of sight. If a Mormon doesn't mention the alcohol and they don't see the alcohol put in the drink...then "it doesn't have alcohol in it".

:cover:

I guess I was just wanting to know the reaction to this. If it was something admitted to, or adamently denied, or acknowledged that it may happen with some. I know alcohol is suppose to be a no-no...so this kind of surprised me a bit.

Everyone knows I LOVE the LDS church and all LDS members so don't think I am generalizing here because this happens with everyone not just LDS.

That was probably a decision from restaurant management to be courteous to customers because their are so many religious peoples in Salt Lake, which would make it a more appealing family enviroment.

Then, when church members that want to be discreet noticed the restaurants bar drink design, they took advantage of it and started ordering discreet drinks like that. The servers then probably formed their own opinions from there.

Here is the thing. The LDS church is quite literally like a big family. And it is HUGE in Salt Lake. People who want to be devious don't want another member of the church witnessing them being devious. They want to "sin" in peace and private. They might be worried about another person judging them or something.

But yes, from what I understood of the Word of Wisdom coffee and tea are suggested to not be ingested, but cigarrettes, alchohol and drugs are a flat out no no. But I might be wrong about the alcohol. That might be another suggested thing that varies from member to member like the tea and coffee. I'm sure an active member will come along and clarify the Word of Wisdom. But that is definately my take on the restaurant situation.

 

[Starfish]

This LDS principle is called the "Word of Wisdom." It involves consuming no coffee, tea, alcohol, tabacco; and would obviously include illegal drugs as we do believe in obeying the law. We are also encouraged towards moderation in all things and this is subject to our own interpretation. It's all left up to individual honesty.
The Word of Wisdom does not mention, for example, caffeinated soft drinks, cold medicines, chocolate or food cooked with a small amount of alcohol, etc. We are to let the Lord's spirit guide us and choose accordingly.
No one is checking our cupboards, smelling our breath, or staking out Starbucks.

Obedience to the Word of Wisdom is one of the requirements for temple admittance or for baptism. However, anyone can attend church and all are welcome as none of us are perfect. Of course there are many things in this world that are unhealthy, beyond the above-mentioned substances, but most are left to our own responsibility to choose wisely.
I have appreciated the freedom I have enjoyed by obedience to the Word of Wisdom. I've never had to live with the horrors of alcoholism, the health problems of smokers, or the addiction to caffeine. It has been a great blessing.

 

[Francine]

If a Mormon doesn't mention the alcohol and they don't see the alcohol put in the drink...then "it doesn't have alcohol in it".

But it still has coke in it!

 

[nutshell]

But it still has coke in it!

So...?

 

[Sola'lor]

I wouldn't doubt it about the restaurant but I believe it is about personal obedience. If someone orders a Coke on the Rocks and they know it has alcohol then they are being disobedient. BUt if there is some drink they don't know has alcohol then they aren't being disobedient because they are unaware of the alcohol. It's something that is about willingness tyo obey. I for one would ask about a drink if I wasn't sure it had alcohol or not in order to try and be as obedient as I can.

But yes, from what I understood of the Word of Wisdom coffee and tea are suggested to not be ingested, but cigarrettes, alchohol and drugs are a flat out no no. But I might be wrong about the alcohol. That might be another suggested thing that varies from member to member like the tea and coffee. I'm sure an active member will come along and clarify the Word of Wisdom. But that is definately my take on the restaurant situation.

Coffee and Tea are also not allowed. Although there are some teas that are allowed and some coffee-like drinks are allowed. The Word of Wisdom as it is written doesn't specify Coffee or Tea but says, 'Hot Drinks.' I personally extend this to any drink that you have to sip delicatly to avoid burning you mouth.

I personally don't drink caffeinated drink but I have before. I wouldn't eat something cooked in alcohol (I've actually done that once too).

But it still has coke in it!

Hahaha. Classic!

 

[Bishka]

I personally extend this to any drink that you have to sip delicatly to avoid burning you mouth.

Including herbal teas, hot cocoa, hot cider and soups?

 

[Sola'lor]

Including herbal teas, hot cocoa, hot cider and soups?

Yes if they are too hot. But if they are cooled down then it's ok for me. I just don't want to burn my mouth. Hehehe.

 

[Starfish]

I happen to love mocha-flavored ice cream. (I even confessed to my Bishop once, but he didn't seem too worried.) And mocha-flavored creme brulee. Oh yuuuuuummmmm. (Now you all know my dark side.) I also remember as a child, being afraid of coffee-cake.
Sorry, this is really off the point.

 

[nutshell]

I happen to love mocha-flavored ice cream. (I even confessed to my Bishop once, but he didn't seem too worried.) And mocha-flavored creme brulee. Oh yuuuuuummmmm. (Now you all know my dark side.) I also remember as a child, being afraid of coffee-cake.
Sorry, this is really off the point.

I think it's funny. I made a killer coffee cake on my mission and some elders had a problem with that.


I confess to partaking of coffee/mocha flavored ice cream and shakes. Those aren't "hot drinks."

 

[Ringer]

Am I missing something here? What's wrong with coffee and certain teas now? Is it pretty much the caffeine since it can be considered a drug? Sorry if this was already explained and I missed it.

 

[nutshell]

It's not about caffeine, otherwise, coke and chocolate would be definite no-no's and they're not. "Hot drinks" is in our religious health code and that has been interpreted to mean coffee and tea. As to what's wrong with it? I'm not sure other than God has told us not to partake.

 

[Draka]

Awww...that really sucks for the kids. No hot drinks? I can't imagine growing up with cold winters, snowmen, and having snowball fights and NOT coming in for a cup of steaming hot cocoa/chocolate...with marshmallows. That has to be one of the best things about playing outside in the cold. Warming up with hot chocolate afterwards.

 

[nutshell]

Awww...that really sucks for the kids. No hot drinks? I can't imagine growing up with cold winters, snowmen, and having snowball fights and NOT coming in for a cup of steaming hot cocoa/chocolate...with marshmallows. That has to be one of the best things about playing outside in the cold. Warming up with hot chocolate afterwards.

As I stated above, "hot drinks" has been interpreted to mean coffee and tea. Hot chocolate with marshmallows is definetly consumed after a cold winter day.

 

[Draka]

As I stated above, "hot drinks" has been interpreted to mean coffee and tea. Hot chocolate with marshmallows is definetly consumed after a cold winter day.

But why just those particular drinks? There are many different kinds of hot drinks and there are also varieties of iced teas and coffees. Can you explain the reasoning behind the unclear lines when it comes to the drinks?

 

[nutshell]

But why just those particular drinks? There are many different kinds of hot drinks and there are also varieties of iced teas and coffees. Can you explain the reasoning behind the unclear lines when it comes to the drinks?

There's no reasoning behind it other than God said so and we believe that.

Why those particular drinks? We believe God said so through His prophets.

There are many different kinds of hot drinks.

As for iced teas and coffees, I do partake from time to time. My reasoning: It's not a "hot drink." Others will abstain. Their reasoning: It's coffee and tea.

Basically, we're given a general law and then it's up to each individual to determine how it applies to them.

 

[Katzpur]

I've been speaking to a friend of mine who lived for a while in Salt Lake City. While in a particular restaurant she noticed that the liquor was not stored at the bar, but in a room closed off behind the bar. Her husband asked why it was not at the bar and the server told them because that way if someone were to ask for a "coke on the rocks" (rum & coke) they can make it up out of sight. If a Mormon doesn't mention the alcohol and they don't see the alcohol put in the drink...then "it doesn't have alcohol in it".

LOL! If that's not the epitomy of rationalization, I don't know what is.

I guess I was just wanting to know the reaction to this. If it was something admitted to, or adamently denied, or acknowledged that it may happen with some. I know alcohol is suppose to be a no-no...so this kind of surprised me a bit.

Many, many Latter-day Saints have never even tasted alcohol, so it wouldn't take more than one big gulp of rum & Coke would likely produce a reaction of, "Yuck! Something's wrong with this Coke!" if the person ordering the "Coke on the rocks" was unaware of the "hidden meaning." I think I'm safe in saying that any Latter-day Saint who orders a mixed drink is probably in the company of people whose religions do not prohibit drinking. This person would be highly unlikely to feel the need to hide the fact that he's having a drink. Drinking is such a no-no that it's just not something Latter-day Saints tend to try to figure out a way how to get around. Any Latter-day Saint who was not living the Word of Wisdom would probably be pretty up front about it.

 

[Katzpur]

I happen to love mocha-flavored ice cream. (I even confessed to my Bishop once, but he didn't seem too worried.) And mocha-flavored creme brulee. Oh yuuuuuummmmm. (Now you all know my dark side.) I also remember as a child, being afraid of coffee-cake.
Sorry, this is really off the point.

I absolutely hate anything mocha-flavored, which is really nice. I know a lot of Latter-day Saints who wouldn't think of drinking a cup of coffee, but who really love the smell. I can't even stand the smell. On the other hand, if it weren't for the Word of Wisdom, I would probably occasionally have a glass of wine with my dinner.

So, neener neener neener! My dark side's darker than yours!

 

[Katzpur]

Am I missing something here? What's wrong with coffee and certain teas now? Is it pretty much the caffeine since it can be considered a drug? Sorry if this was already explained and I missed it.

Coffee and tea are just against our health code, although the scripture itself doesn't specify that it's the caffeine.