By Jane Birch
There is no commandment against owning cattle ranches. I’m sure there are many reasons why the Church owns cattle ranches. But one reason is certainly not because the Lord thinks meat is a health food that everyone should be eating (see D&C 89:12–13).
Note that during the 19-century prophets and apostles also encouraged the local production of tea, coffee, tobacco and alcoholic beverages for the Latter-day Saint market “in order to save the money that was being sent out of the territory to purchase these items” (see Dialogue pg. 70). This was before these substances were strictly prohibited by the Church. I think it is safe to say that their encouragement of this industry was not an endorsement of their health value, nor did it imply that the Lord wanted His Saints to consume these substances.
Likewise, the Church used to run a huge sugar business. In fact, Wilford Woodruff said he has a revelation from God that he was to establish the beet sugar industry in Utah. That does not mean the Lord was endorsing sugar as a health food!
In our day, the Church decided to invest in the development of City Creek Mall ($1.5 billion project) in downtown Salt Lake City. The fact that the Church funded this project does not mean everything about the Mall is in harmony with the highest gospel teachings. Retailers, for example, are allowed to sell alcohol and stay open on Sunday.
Eating meat is not prohibited by Church leaders, but the Lord’s counsel is that we eat it sparingly and preferably only in times of need (winter, cold, or famine). I’m grateful the Church is prepared to feed more Saints should these circumstances arise. According to a statement put out by the Church, “investment farms and ranches support the Church’s mission and principles by serving as a rainy-day fund.” President Gordon B. Hinckley “explained why the Church invests a portion of its rainy-day savings in farms and ranches,” by stating:
We have felt that good farms, over a long period, represent a safe investment where the assets of the Church may be preserved and enhanced, while at the same time they are available as an agricultural resource to feed people should there come a time of need. (see “Church-Owned Ranch Balances Agriculture and Conservation in Central Florida”)
This seems in line with the Lord’s words in D&C 89 that meat is ordained for our use primarily during in times of need (see D&C 89:13).
See also: Discovering the Word of Wisdom: Surprising Insights from a Whole Food, Plant-based Perspective by Jane Birch
Last updated April 9, 2019
I believe part of the Word of Wisdom is to raise our food, including gardens and raising animals. There are many, many great life lessons from gardening, raising an orchard and animal husbandry.
Certainly! Thanks for your comment, Mark!
These are valid points. The Church leadership I accept cannot take decisions to referendum or opinion polling. However, although I am sure I enjoy some of the benefits of the C’s current financial structure/subsidies/businesses/ventures, ethical living is something dear to many. I would prefer we do not indulge in cattle farming. It entails a spoiling of the subtle order of peace that some who embrace the religion of Joseph try to live. But reconciling this with economic realities, needs for large disposable cash quantities and a general laissez-faire attitude is not possible unless the church becomes a politicised body.
I am against cattle farming but I won’t shout activist anger out of a speakerphone not polite the fall of the Mormon order. It’s all about peace and fighting the wise fight.
The Church can only advance as quickly as we members advance in light and truth! Let’s increase and spread our compassion!
According to the Joseph Smith Papers the original revelation read, “Yea, flesh also of beasts and of fowls I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, they are to be used sparingly, and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter or of famine.”
Note the “not be used only” here suggests meat should be used at all times.
Note also that God specifically placed animals on the Earth for food – Doctrine and Covenants 49:12 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
49:11 comes out against teaching that we are not to eat meat just before that animals are made for us to eat.
Further when looking at the Bible at Joseph the son of Jacob’s story we see that grains were stored for time of famine, not animals supporting section 89:15 as talking about grains being for times of famine.
I don’t see vegetarianism or it’s more extreme WoE, veganism as being supported by scripture. The sparingly admonition is definitely something we should consider, we are eating far too often leading to eating far too much in our current affluent Western societies. If you are looking for health benefits then have a look at what is coming out from research into intermittent fasting.
Hi Anthony! Thanks for sharing your views. I love to hear from others. I’m also happy to share my views with you.
1. Based on an in-depth historical study of D&C 89:13, I am confident that the interpretation you provide is a mis-reading of this verse. There is no historical evidence for it and plenty of evidence that it is incorrect. I’ve summarized this evidence in this article, if you are interested: Questioning the Comma in Verse 13 of the Word of Wisdom
2. Yes, God ordained the flesh of animals for our use. I think this is important. It is equally important to note that he asks us to use it “sparingly” and “only in times of winter or of famine” or “excess of hunger” (D&C 89:13, 15). According to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST Genesis 9:11)
3. I believe your interpretation of D&C 49 is too narrow. Here are my thoughts on that section, if you are interested: What about D&C 49:18 and 1 Timothy 4:3 where we are told that anyone who commands us to not eat meats is not of God?
4. I believe D&C 89:15 clearly refers to animals, not grains. I provide my reasoning here: What does “these” refer to in D&C 89:15?
5. I think intermittent fasting can be a fine short-term strategy, but it is not a good long-term strategy for most people.
These are just my views. I understand you may think very differently about these topics. No problem! God allows us to study and pray and come to our own conclusions. I wish you well.