Question
Hi Gramps,
Vaping is becoming pretty popular. I was just wondering since it is different from smoking. can LDS people do that? I’m guessing no but just wondering.
D
Answer
Dear D,
As active LDS, we can often times get caught up in following the Word of Wisdom to the point of being pedantic and missing the big picture. The old saying of being “penny wise and dollar foolish” comes to mind when you hear some LDS members debate about what is against the Word of Wisdom and what is allowed.
Instead of asking if vaping or soda is against the Word of Wisdom, we should be asking ourselves if we are cherry picking the Word of Wisdom or ignoring what it really means. Elder Boyd K. Packer taught us that Word of Wisdom was “given for a principle with promise” (D&C 89:3). He was correct in saying that principles are not spelled out in detail. Elder Packer continues by saying:
“Members write to us asking if this or that thing is against the Word of Wisdom. There are many habit forming, addictive things that one can drink, chew, inhale or inject which injure the body and spirit which are not mentioned in revelation.”
Vaping is not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom but revelation and perhaps common sense would lead us to believe that vaping is not only a bad idea, but also against the Word of Wisdom. So the answer is yes, vaping is against the Word of Wisdom.
In a way, the Word of Wisdom is like the Law of Chastity and any other church rule. Would you feel uncomfortable asking your bishop if doing this or that act with your girlfriend was violating the Law of Chastity? If the answer is yes, you are probably doing something wrong. Instead of trying to bend or break them and see what we can get away with, perhaps it would be best to err on the side of caution and avoid anything that might be habit forming and affect our relationship with our Heavenly Father and the Spirit.
Gramps
