Well, it's not really a hard and fast *rule* that Mormons aren't supposed to drink caffeinated beverages. There are the "black and white" guidelines that we've all come to know and love about Mormons, who consider these rules to be commandments. These include things like "no smoking", "no alcohol", "no premarital sex". You know, all the good stuff. There are also the "grey areas". These are things that have been strongly suggested - but according to my knowledge aren't going to get you in serious trouble. You're just supposed to avoid them. These include things like drinking Coke or Pepsi, or perhaps watching rated "R" movies. Why no Coke? Well, it has to do with another Mormon belief about always being in control of oneself. Things that can cause addictions are generally bad. Since we all know that caffeine can be addicting - that's bad.

This answer is not to disagree with nor contend what has already been written. The simple answer is this: God has made it clear, since the very beginning, that we are left to make our own choices in regards to His commandments. God, in His infinite wisdom, understands that human nature cannot and will not be compelled to do something it does not want. In fact, human nature is about being free to choose. As to the Word of Wisdom, it is something that is to be followed for a healthy life. In this evidence is found about diets and dieting, when to eat certain foods for the most productivity, etc. Further revelation can be received through prayer and meditation because let's face it, not everyone is the same. A diabetic cannot eat the same foods as someone with a heart condition. Also, every natural element on this planet has been put here for the benefit of man. Cocaine, morphine, heroin, tobacco, caffeine, wine, etc are all beneficial to the human race as long as they are used correctly. However, there in is the trick, using it correctly. Abuse is very easy to accomplish and care coupled with medical knowledge AND experience is should be strictly adhered to. In short, it comes back to the member and their level of commitment to the Lord in obedience to the commands that are set forth.

I agree with Bob, although when Pres. Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace, he made a statement that pretty much set a new standard for cola drinkers. We don't do it.

To answer the question that was posted (why do Mormons abstain from caffeinated drinks), rather than answer a question that was not (why are Mormons required to abstain from caffeinated drinks), here is my response. Some Mormons abstain from caffeinated drinks because they have extrapolated that since tea and coffee are prohibited and both contain caffeine, it must be the caffeine that is bad. As has already been repeated several times, this is nothing but personal opinion and is not an official practise. It is simply personal preference and tradition.

Because we are to avoid unhealthful things. Caffeine, as a "recreational drug," is not healthful. Some (like myself) don't use caffeine except when we need a mild stimulant for health or safety reasons and prefer one which is relatively benign. Far from being an excuse, when given the choice between pharmacueticals and caffeine, caffeine wins hands-down.

because its addicting and thats not good ^-^

The truth is that they cannot drink caffeinated beverages,although some will drink soda for "headaches". Hot drinks are prohibited in general because of scripture, but in practice, it is interpreted to mean herbal teas and hot chocolate are usually accepted.

To be honest, we don't really know why the Lord prohibited coffee and tea. It has been assumed that it is because of the caffeine they contain, but the prohibition does not officially extend to other caffeinated beverages. Some of our leaders have discouraged these other beverages, but this has never been raised to the same level as the prohibitions against coffee or tea. Others have proposed other reasons for this restriction, but we really don't know why the Lord forbade them. By the way, herbal teas and hot chocolate are allowed.

lisa boyd, well from what i was told, tea is different,because it comes from the skin hyde of a horse. However,taking the hyde off of a horse process' tannic acid by making tea juice. I was told this by my husband,in which he is a mormon,true leader of jesus christ of latter-day saints.And that's where tea comes from.

because it is not good for you.And facts have included that it is made from tannic acid,which is very bad for you.

There are some erroneous facts posted on this question that some need to consider about tea. Tannic acid from tea is NOT the same tannic acid used in tanning leather. There is huge difference in the chemestry in the type of tannic acid in tea that happens to have the same name. (see teatalk.com/science/tannin.htm) Further, recent research on tea suggests that tannin (the tea kind) also contain anti-oxidents, Medscape (a fairly reliable medical website) suggests that tannin is helpful in the treatment of liver encymes, diabetes with properties helpful in metabolizing glycemic levels, and may be helpful in assisting with treatments of some cancers. The question posed concern mainly with caffeine. Tannins (the tea kind) are actually not toxic but medicinally helpful. Cultures around the world for centuries have been using tea for its medicinal properties. (google: history of tea)

Matt 15:16-19 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. "

If you want to know the answer to this question, I suggest you read the source: D&C 89 (link) http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89 "Hot drinks" were later defined specifically as coffee and tea. Drinks like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper did not exist back then, and are avoided by many Mormons based on the supposition that the warning here relates to caffeine, which also was not discovered as a substance until long after this revelation. The main point here is that every herb and grain is created for a purpose and should be used for that purpose. Tobacco is good for wounds of cattle, for example, but it was never meant by God to be smoked or chewed. The Jews also had/have a dietary code that proscribed eating meat from animals that have cloven hooves, like pigs. This probably saved them from a variety of diseases common in that day, and also served a symbolic purpose to early Christians, when Peter had a vision instructing him to now eat such things, as God had made them clean. (He was referring to being allowed to preach to the Gentiles.) On a deeper level, Mormons believe that the "body is a temple" in which the Holy Spirit may dwell, and if we are addicted to drugs of any kind, including caffeine, it could disrupt our ability to recognize God's voice or influence, which are sometimes critical to our temporal survival (think DUI) and certainly play a part in our spiritual welfare and progression. I think Proverbs 31 in the Old Testament is instructive. A mother tells her son that strong drink is not for princes, but for those who are ready to perish. If we understand our true role in relation to God, we will partake of nothing that keeps us from enjoying the full benefits or fulfilling the spiritually royal responsibilities associated with that role. Put very simply, those who live by this counsel can expect to enjoy both spiritual and physical benefits. As a Mormon myself, I believe that the discipline it takes to avoid certain things has helped refine my character. Will I go to hell if I drink caffeine? No. Will I limit my potential for learning and growth and lose both spiritual and physical benefits? Yes.

We need to be careful and check our facts before we go and label caffeine as "harmful." While it certainly CAN be, so can water - you can die from water intoxication. There are many positive effects of caffeine. Caffeine is an ergogenic: increasing the capacity for mental or physical labor. A study conducted in 1979 showed a 7% increase in distance cycled over a period of two hours in subjects who consumed caffeine compared to control tests. Other studies attained much more dramatic results; one particular study of trained runners showed a 44% increase in "race-pace" endurance, as well as a 51% increase in cycling endurance, after a dosage of 9 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. The extensive boost shown in the runners is not an isolated case; additional studies have reported similar effects. Another study found 5.5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body mass resulted in subjects cycling 29% longer during high intensity circuits. Caffeine citrate has proven to be of short and long term benefit in treating the breathing disorders of apnea of prematurity and bronchopulmonary displasia in premature infants. The only short term risk associated with caffeine citrate treatment is a temporary reduction in weight gain during the therapy, and longer term studies have shown lasting benefits of treatment of premature infants with caffeine. Caffeine makes pain relievers 40% more effective in relieving headaches and helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief. Several large studies have shown that caffeine intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) in men, but studies in women have been inconclusive. According to one study, caffeine significantly reduces the risk of heart disease in epidemiological studies. There is no scientific evidence for the mistaken but common belief that caffeine consumption causes stunted growth in children. I'm sure the "higher-ups" know about those of us with a "problem" with caffeine, and I think it is safe to say that if caffeine truely was not allowed, they probably would have cleared up the confusion and said so by now. P.S. There's a good talk by Elder Quintin L Cook, of the twelve, entitled "Looking Beyond the Mark." And I quote: "Certain members have wanted to add substantially to various doctrines. An example might be when one advocates additions to the Word of Wisdom that are not authorized by the Brethren and proselytes others to adopt these interpretations. If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark." "When we look beyond the mark, we are looking beyond Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we might be saved. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Jacob saw that the Jews would look 'beyond the mark' and stumble in their search for the Holy One of Israel, this literal Son of God to be known as Jesus Christ: 'By the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.'"

...back in the day, wine was grape juice, so there wasn't any commandment to not drink wine, if you have ever drank any type of alcohol, you definately understand the description of a "burning" sensation...henceforth the " hot drink" that we are to avoid. not hot chocolate or herbal tea. as far as the tannic acid thing...makes sence to me...i don't want my tummy looking like cow hide...and if you have ever drank coffee, well you also know that it will upset your tummy...bottom line...if it's bad for you don't do it. no one says that you are forbidden to eat chocolate donuts, but i don't think you were ment to eat a dozen or more a day for life...get my point?