Thank you for pointing out those references. I now understand why an entire article was needed to answer my simple questions. Alexander did state what I’ve long suspected.

“There is, however, no known contemporary evidence of which I am aware that a separate new revelation changed the Word of Wisdom from a “principle with promise” to “a commandment” necessary for full participation in all the blessing of church membership.”

Gen. 9:1-4 demonstrates that Noah was the first human to move from vegetarianism (Gen. 1:29), but Noah also drank wine, etc. The WoW is the law for today and it is clear in it’s prohibition of unnecessary meat eating (D&C 89:14-15) There’s not even an exeption for winter or cold here, so the refrigeration explanation is insufficient.

As a great anecdote: A Full Throttle-drinking coworker of mine recently had to take off work because of kidney stones. He’d drink a minimum of three per day. Coincidence? I think not!

I don’t know about where you are, but here in NC Coke Zero is made with aspartame. Lovin’ it. I’m not a big Splenda fan either.

(Ronan: I’ve really enjoyed reading your reasoned comments and wonderings.)

110, Ronan, I think a better translation of the obvious intent of D&C 49:18 would be something like: “Whoso forbiddeth (with the effect) to (make people) abstain from meats…” There are lots of examples in the Bible and Book of Mormon where things get shortened and condensed when put in writing and potential meanings multiply. The wording probably was chosen to echo the statement in v.15 condemning prohibitions on marriage. However, given the wording of D&C 89, it would be consistent to apply the literal meaning you highlighted – namely, “Don’t forbid someone from being a vegetarian if they choose to abstain from meat altogether, especially, with modern heating and refrigeration systems, if they do not experience what then would have constituted cold or famine.”

Interesting and ironic possibilities.