The Mormon Stance on Hot Chocolate: Guiding Principles and Personal Choices
When it comes to morally ambiguous questions or personal preferences like hot chocolate, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon church) offers wise guidance through its teachings. This essay explores the standing on hot chocolate within the Mormon framework, drawing from relevant scriptures and current teachings.
Scriptural Insights and Personal Liberty
The Doctrine and Covenants (DC 58:26–28) provides insightful guidance on personal agency and moral decision making:
For behold it is not meet that I should command in all things for he that is compelled in all things the same is a slothful and not a wise servant wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will and bring to pass much righteousness. For the power is in them wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
This scripture emphasizes the importance of personal choice and agency. Leaders of the church do not typically advise against hot cocoa, and it is seen as a reasonable and harmless indulgence. The emphasis is on doing good and making wise choices rather than strictly following rules without understanding their purpose.
The Word of Wisdom: A Holistic Approach to Health
The Word of Wisdom is a set of health guidelines given to members of the church. It advises against the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and other harmful substances. However, these guidelines do not include hot cocoa as a category specifically forbidden.
The Word of Wisdom is not intended to be a legalistic or rigid set of rules but rather a guide for maintaining good health and strength. Members are encouraged to use common sense and moderation in all things, including the use of hot cocoa.
For those interested in the caffeine content, a website called Caffeine Informer provided historical data on the caffeine levels in various beverages. According to Caffeine Informer, a typical cup of hot chocolate contains a negligible amount of caffeine, approximately 1/10th the amount found in an average cup of instant coffee. This low caffeine content aligns with the church's guidelines on the Word of Wisdom, where even small amounts of caffeine are considered insignificant.
Church Reception and Use of Hot Chocolate
Notably, the church itself has occasionally provided hot chocolate mix as part of food storage kits. This move underscores the church’s recognition of hot chocolate as a benign and potentially nutritious beverage. It is often included as a supplementary item in emergency food supplies, reflecting its status as a versatile and convenient food.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mormon stance on hot chocolate is one of personal choice and moderation. The Word of Wisdom provides valuable guidance on health practices, but hot cocoa is not explicitly included in the list of forbidden substances. Employing the principles of personal agency and common sense, Latter-day Saints can enjoy hot chocolate as a part of their daily lives, as long as they do so in moderation.
As always, the focus remains on living a righteous and healthy life, guided by the teachings and principles provided by the church. Whether you choose to drink hot chocolate or not, the goal is to make choices that honor your commitment to Christ and promote your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.