Word of Wisdom, Part 3

Shawn McCraney emphasizes that true hope and salvation lie in Jesus Christ, not in political figures or government leaders, asserting that what believers seek has already been found in the teachings and person of Jesus. The church's role is to focus on spiritual guidance rather than political involvement, urging Christians to embody and share Jesus' message as the solution to personal and worldly troubles, rather than engaging in social activism or political battles.

Jesus' teachings emphasize the Christian duty to spread the message of True Hope to those affected by the world's troubles, paralleling how Jesus himself reached out to the needy. In contrast, the translation of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith is described as a divine dictation process, using the Urim and Thummim, which M.T. Lamb critically examines in his book, "The Golden Bible," offering new perspectives challenging its authenticity compared to the concise and profound nature of the Bible.

Shawn's teaching critiques the inconsistencies in the way early Latter-day Saints, including leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, interpreted and applied the Word of Wisdom, a health code reportedly revealed by God. Highlighting historical debates among LDS leaders, Shawn points out the fluctuating enforcement of the Word of Wisdom, questioning its validity as a divine statute, given that adherence varied significantly from strict observance to a more relaxed approach over the years.

The teaching emphasizes the evolution and strict enforcement of the Word of Wisdom (WOW) in the LDS Church from the early 20th century, particularly under leaders like Heber J. Grant and Joseph F. Smith, including the rejection of tobacco, alcohol, and even caffeinated drinks, despite some inconsistencies with original revelations. This enforcement highlighted the belief that strict adherence was vital for church leadership qualifications and temple admission, reflecting a broader trend of institutional regulation in response to societal influences like the Prohibition movement.

The Word of Wisdom (WOW) in the LDS Church was canonized as doctrine, but it was originally given as a principle with a promise rather than a commandment, highlighting discrepancies in Mormon apologetics and how authority can overshadow personal spiritual experiences. The focus on institutional adherence to the WOW for temple privileges reflects larger issues of authority, control, and manipulation within the church, rather than the doctrine's original intention of encouraging healthful living.