Related Resources • Cola Drinks and Caffeine • Lesson and Talk Index • LDS FAQs • Basic Beliefs

Elsewhere on the Web • The Lord's Law of Health • Word of Wisdom

Some members of the church drink decaffeinated coffee to avoid the caffeine but according to one church article it states:

"Some people avoid caffeine by switching to decaffeinated coffee. However, several medical investigations over the last decade have shown that between 40 and 50 percent of decaffeinated coffee drinkers have gastrointestinal difficulties, such as ulcers, colitis, or diarrhea. (Goulart, 1984.) Decaffeinated coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid because the roasting of coffee beans releases harsh acids and oils that irritate stomach linings. One study of 13,000 patients in Boston, Massachusetts, area hospitals also showed that the risk of developing myocardial infarction was the same for decaffeinated coffee drinkers as it was for regular coffee drinkers. (Health Letter, 1982.)" (Clifford J. Stratton, "Caffeine--The Subtle Addiction," Tambuli, Mar. 1990, 25)

Another part of the same article states:

"With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided."

Drinking beer that doesn't contain alcohol would be the same. It won't keep you from being a worthy member of the church, but it is advised to not drink harmful drinks. If beer doesn't contain alcohol then what does it contain that may be harmful and/or addictive. Some drinks like apple beer, cedar beer or root beer ar not "beer" products although they have it as part of their name. Those drinks are fine to consume.

Even if it doesn't have alcohol in it, drinking beer and the atmosphere you would most likely be in will keep the Spirit from being with you.

In an article entitled, "The Beer Facts" it quotes:

"A lot of people like the taste of beer, they like to drink beer, and they don’t end up as alcoholics or drug addicts," says Rick, a former beer drinker. "The problem I see is that once you start drinking, the Spirit is going to withdraw from you. So although your drinking might not get out of hand, you still can’t have the influence of the Holy Ghost with you because you’re drinking." (Laury Livsey, "The Beer Facts," New Era, Mar. 1993, 44)

Not only would you be unable to have the spirit, what about the example you are setting? Will people know the beer you're drinking doesn't have alcohol in it? People will know you're a member of the Church, how do you think you will affect them with your example?

My opinion is if you have doubts about whether or not something is right, don't do it. In the long run you'll feel better about yourself and glad that you chose what was best for you and those around you.