207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series

207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series

From Church History Matters by Scripture Central

June 2, 2026 · 1h 13m · Episode 208

About this episode

The episode explores the evolution of the Word of Wisdom and its impact on temple attendance and Latter-day Saint culture.

Join hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths for a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of the Word of Wisdom from the era of Brigham Young to Heber J. Grant. Discover how early Church leaders viewed the revelation as inspired counsel rather than a strict commandment, why enforcement varied across generations, and how attitudes toward tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco gradually changed over time. The episode also explores John Taylor and the intriguing “lost revelation” theory connected to the Word of Wisdom during his administration. Finally, Scott and Casey examine the pivotal moment under Heber J. Grant when full adherence to the Word of Wisdom became a requirement for temple attendance, forever shaping modern Latter-day Saint culture and identity.

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths

Topics covered

  • Word of Wisdom
  • Church history
  • Latter-day Saints
  • temple standards
  • revelation
  • cultural evolution

Keywords

  • Word of Wisdom
  • Brigham Young
  • Heber J. Grant
  • John Taylor
  • temple attendance
  • tea
  • coffee
  • alcohol
  • tobacco
  • lost revelation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Latter-day Saint

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