Rethinking the Word of Wisdom and Tithing Requirements: A Call for a Return to Joseph Smith’s Vision
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As a conservative Iranian-American and a former Muslim leader turned Christian, I have a unique perspective on the role of religion in people’s lives, especially when it comes to church doctrine and personal sacrifice. Today, I stand with many faithful members in calling on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to reconsider its approach to both the Word of Wisdom and tithing requirements for temple entry and church membership. The vision of our founders, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, prioritized faith and devotion, offering guidance for moral and healthful living rather than rigid mandates. I believe that returning to their original intent by making the Word of Wisdom and tithing practices voluntary and private would bring greater spiritual unity and authenticity to our faith community.
Joseph Smith’s Vision: A Guideline, Not a Commandment
The Word of Wisdom, as Joseph Smith presented it, was originally a “principle with promise” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3). It was shared as wise counsel for physical health and spiritual clarity, and it was never intended as a prerequisite for full fellowship. Brigham Young himself did not enforce it as a strict code of conduct, allowing individual members the freedom to choose how best to follow it. Early Latter-day Saints viewed it as helpful advice rather than an obligatory rule. Only later, as the Church expanded and organized more formal practices, did the Word of Wisdom become an official test of faith and compliance.
The current requirement to follow the Word of Wisdom as a condition for temple recommend interviews has turned this wise counsel into a rigid barrier, potentially alienating faithful members who may struggle with certain aspects. A return to the founders' approach would honor individual agency and the foundational principle of self-reliance, encouraging members to internalize the Word of Wisdom as a personal covenant rather than a requirement.
Tithing: Voluntary Generosity, Not Financial Obligation
Similarly, tithing in the early Church was viewed as a voluntary expression of gratitude to God rather than a mandatory financial threshold. Joseph Smith and Brigham Young emphasized the principle of sacrifice and self-reliance, but they never intended for tithing to be an imposed burden or a condition for full participation in sacred ordinances. Brigham Young’s early instructions emphasized the spirit of giving, encouraging members to contribute according to their means and understanding that circumstances vary widely.
Today, however, mandatory tithing settlement meetings and the requirement of a full tithe for temple recommend renewal can create a culture of financial scrutiny. This process, for many members, has become a source of stress, often driving a wedge between personal finances and spirituality. Tithing should be an act of love and faith, given freely without the pressure of institutional requirements or financial settlements. By removing the obligation of a set tithing percentage and making it a voluntary and private matter, the Church would return to its roots of promoting generosity without mandating financial benchmarks.
The Impact on Faith and Inclusivity
As an Iranian-American and a former Muslim, I know that when religious institutions impose too many restrictions, faith can become a source of judgment rather than joy. In Islam, countless rules regulate everyday behavior, creating a system where faith is often assessed by outward compliance rather than inward devotion. Having experienced firsthand the rigidity of religious requirements in Islam, I see similarities with certain Church practices. For the LDS Church, removing the mandate of strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom and tithing requirements would foster a more inclusive, Christ-centered faith experience.
Jesus Christ himself taught principles of love, sacrifice, and charity, not rules for exclusion or judgment. The Church’s current structure around temple recommends and “tithing settlements” risks putting administrative requirements ahead of the gospel's core message of compassion and repentance. The early LDS Church embodied these values by offering guidelines rather than rigid mandates. It is time we return to that inclusive approach, helping more members feel welcomed and valued regardless of financial situation or personal struggles.
Moving Forward with Faith and Compassion
The Church can honor its roots by treating the Word of Wisdom and tithing as deeply personal commitments rather than prerequisites for temple entry or spiritual standing. Imagine a Church where each member is encouraged to live according to these principles out of personal conviction rather than compulsion—a community where love, grace, and agency are truly central. The history of the LDS Church shows that the founders never intended these guidelines to become requirements; they were meant to inspire members, not restrict them.
Our faith is strongest when it is lived sincerely, without the weight of bureaucratic oversight. Making the Word of Wisdom and tithing optional would remove barriers to worship and temple participation, fostering a more compassionate and Christ-centered environment. The choice to follow these principles should be a matter of personal conviction, a decision between each individual and God.
Returning to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young’s original intent would not only bring us closer to the spirit of early Church teachings but would also allow for a more open, loving, and inclusive LDS community. In this way, the Church would not only honor the legacy of its founders but also create a place where faith can flourish, unencumbered by financial or dietary mandates.
Let us move forward with a renewed commitment to compassion and agency, inviting all to the temple not based on strict compliance but on a shared love for God and each other.
Citations:
Doctrine and Covenants 89:3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89"Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young," Chapter 30, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/teachings-brigham-youngGivens, Terryl. The Crucible of Doubt: Reflections on the Quest for Faith. Deseret Book, 2014.
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