205 - Did Brigham Young Enjoy Tobacco? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series

205 - Did Brigham Young Enjoy Tobacco? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series

From Church History Matters by Scripture Central

May 19, 2026 · 1h 8m · Episode 207

About this episode

This episode explores the historical understanding and practices of the Word of Wisdom during Brigham Young's era among early Latter-day Saints.

What did the Word of Wisdom actually look like in the days of Brigham Young? In this fascinating episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how early Latter-day Saints understood, practiced, and sometimes struggled to live the Word of Wisdom during the pioneer era. From frontier medicine and tobacco use to coffee, tea, and homemade alcohol, Brigham Young’s generation approached the revelation in ways that may surprise modern members of the Church. Scott and Casey examine Brigham Young’s teachings, personal example, and efforts to gradually encourage the Saints toward greater obedience while building Zion in the American West. Along the way, they uncover stories about pioneer culture, the economic push to produce local goods instead of importing “Gentile” products, and the slow evolution of the Word of Wisdom from inspired counsel into a temple worthiness standard. This episode provides important historical context for one of the most recognizable practices in Latter-day Saint life today.

People in this episode

Host: Scott Woodward

Guest: Casey Griffiths

Topics covered

  • Word of Wisdom
  • Brigham Young
  • pioneer culture
  • tobacco use
  • Latter-day Saint practices
  • historical context

Keywords

  • Word of Wisdom
  • Brigham Young
  • tobacco
  • pioneer era
  • Latter-day Saints
  • frontier medicine
  • temple worthiness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Latter-day Saints, Church

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