Purpose of Word of Wisdom?

[Levin]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

Mormons do abuse their bodies plenty. Lots of sugary drinks, noodle casseroles, desserts.

SU, I send a sincere thank you for the laugh. I particularly needed it tonight.

[fusnik11]

Originally Posted by Levin

A lot, but an equal number would dive into depression and have no self-help.

Would people actually be happier? Wine seems to bring its connoiseurs an immense amount of joy. And there'd be much less sex without alcohol, and sex is a happy thing. Smoking seems to relieve a lot of stress and have a calming effect. Perhaps we'd have a more up tight world. And the world without coffee . . . I guess everyone would have to drink Mountain Dew in the mornings instead.

The happiest people in the world right now are heavy drinkers and smokers.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

Beer came into being as a staple among the northern Europeans, a way to consume calories that could be stored for long periods. Yes, it made them happier too.

It also tended to have fewer creepy crawlies in it (IOW it was less likely to cause illness or diasease than stored water)

[Levin]

Originally Posted by fusnik11

The happiest people in the world right now are heavy drinkers and smokers.

This brings up an interesting question. Who really are the happiest people in the world right now?

Is it the faithful Mormon couple raising their brood, the father laboring at the office by day, the mother nurturing the kids by night?

Is it the Buddhist monk meditating and praying in the green climes of Southeast Asia?

Is it the cosmopolitan Dutchman, enjoying an uninhibited life surrounded by fine cuisine, sleek design, and on-time trains?

Is it the Chinese rice farmer who battles the rats and performs the back-breaking work every day?

Is it the NBA superstar?

I think Mr. Rogers was the happiest man who ever lived.

[BlueHair]

To answer your original question, yes, I believe the purpose of the WOW is to control the members. It's a good way to test your subjects. If you can control what they eat/drink, what underwear they wear, and a host of other meaningless things, you can get them to do anything necessary to build your organization. I don't believe the church is necessarily sinister, but they know how to keep control of the flock. IMHO, the test of obedience has nothing to do with God. It is a test given by the church for the church.

[Levin]

Originally Posted by BlueHair

To answer your original question, yes, I believe the purpose of the WOW is to control the members. It's a good way to test your subjects. If you can control what they eat/drink, what underwear they wear, and a host of other meaningless things, you can get them to do anything necessary to build your organization. I don't believe the church is necessarily sinister, but they know how to keep control of the flock. IMHO, the test of obedience has nothing to do with God. It is a test given by the church for the church.

Do guys like you ever say anything original? I guess that's why I like SU; he at least comes at issues from different angles sometimes . . .

All conservative religions use food and dress as cultural markers. It's less about control then it is about maintaining the community. For such faiths to prosper, community is essential.

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by Levin

Do guys like you ever say anything original? I guess that's why I like SU; he at least comes at issues from different angles sometimes . . .

All conservative religions use food and dress as cultural markers. It's less about control then it is about maintaining the community. For such faiths to prosper, community is essential.

I know Catholics always have drank a lot of wine, which is the main reason I figure many Protestant sects have forbidden it. The RO like their vodka.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

I know Catholics always have drank a lot of wine, which is the main reason I figure many Protestant sects have forbidden it.

Maybe it's one reason why Protestant faiths have suffered from less clerical buggery.

[BlueHair]

Originally Posted by Levin

Do guys like you ever say anything original? I guess that's why I like SU; he at least comes at issues from different angles sometimes . . .

All conservative religions use food and dress as cultural markers. It's less about control then it is about maintaining the community. For such faiths to prosper, community is essential.

I'm not sure what you meant "guys like you", but I guess the obvious needs to be pointed out once in while to those that can't see it.

I agree with you about the food and dress being cultural markers. They have no real significance other than being a cultural marker. It may be important to that particular community, but useless to everyone else. You'll have to explain to me the difference between maintaining the community and control.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by BlueHair

I'm not sure what you meant "guys like you", but I guess the obvious needs to be pointed out once in while to those that can't see it.

I agree with you about the food and dress being cultural markers. They have no real significance other than being a cultural marker. It may be important to that particular community, but useless to everyone else. You'll have to explain to me the difference between maintaining the community and control.

God is a god of order.