Question
Gramps,
I know that green tea is against the Word of Wisdom. It seems like there are so many supplements with green tea in it. I know it is wrong to drink green tea but I was wondering what your thoughts are about Indian green tea in a supplement. I am finding it in so many things. Thank you!
Lori
Answer
Lori,
The usage of green teas as to the Word of Wisdom is somewhat controversial in my experience. I know those who argue fervently that it is not included therein, and others who firmly believe it is. The only standard given by the church is “tea”. To some that clearly includes green tea because it is the same plant, leaf, etc., as black tea, but a younger version of it that is processed differently.
I, admittedly, fall on the side of those who stay away from it. But my opinion does not dictate truth. And in this case, whereas the Church has not given specific details in this regard, it falls to each of us to make these decisions through prayer, thought, and listening closely to the spirit.
I would quote the following from the church, however, from a talk by Boyd K. Packer:
“Members write in asking if this thing or that is against the Word of Wisdom. It’s well known that tea, coffee, liquor, and tobacco are against it. It has not been spelled out in more detail. Rather, we teach the principle together with the promised blessings. There are many habit-forming, addictive things that one can drink or chew or inhale or inject which injure both body and spirit which are not mentioned in the revelation.
“Everything harmful is not specifically listed; arsenic, for instance—certainly bad, but not habit-forming! He who must be commanded in all things, the Lord said, “is a slothful and not a wise servant” (D&C 58:26).”
My thinking is that if we consider the addictive nature of these sorts of things in general, we would be wise to avoid use of it that would lead to addiction. Using a supplement of some sort on a daily basis that contains addictive substances doesn’t seem like an ideal way to follow this counsel.
Based on these two ideas: 1. I feel that green tea is “tea”, and 2. It’s addictive even if not in drink form — I choose to avoid it.
Gramps
