Two weeks ago, a great awakening shook Mormondom as closet caffeine addicts chugged their first guilt-free Cokes. In response to a statement on NBC’s “Rock Center with Brian Williams,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement clarifying the Church’s stance on caffeine, stating that Church health practices do not mention the use of caffeine.
Although few people in the Church still live by an imaginary anti-caffeine law, for those outside Club Mormon, this is big news.
“Journalists — from The New York Times’ columnist Maureen Dowd to The Associated Press — have often stated that Mormons don’t drink caffeine. Last week, NBC News’ hour-long feature on Mormonism made the same mistake, prompting the church’s initial statement on its website,” Peggy Fletcher Stack wrote in an article on The Huffington Post’s website.
Although caffeine was never actually banned, its consumption has always been a taboo. During his appearance on “60 Minutes” in 1996, President Gordon B. Hinckley commented that Mormons avoid caffeine. Bruce R. McConkie (and other church leaders) also made many similar remarks during his life.
This release from the Church sparked a fiery conversation, which soon moved to the BYU campus in Provo. A representative for BYU claimed there was “no demand” for caffeinated drinks.
“No demand”? My mother doesn’t drink caffeine, but I think she is probably the only one left. According to www.LDSLiving.com, caffeine is served in the Church’s Joseph Smith Memorial Building and other restaurants on Temple Square. I’m no marketing expert, but I would bet that BYU dining services probably wouldn’t suffer for adding a caffeinated beverage to the menu.
The Church is a private institution; if the Church doesn’t want to sell caffeine on BYU campuses, it doesn’t have to. But c’mon BYU, do you really think there is no demand?
BYU students have taken it upon themselves to prove to BYU Dining Services there is a demand. The Facebook page “BYU for Caffeine” sprung up, attracting both students and nonstudents. “Pepsi” and “Coke” logo shirts dot the campus, as students sport the most rebellious gear they can come up with to support their cause.
According to Stack’s article, the page, created by a BYU student, was later taken down. The creator said the page was becoming “too contentious.”
Caffeine is obviously not a healthy option. We all know the dangers of an over-buzzed study session, or a friend who can’t get through the day without a Dr. Pepper. But if this were a health issue, even the wholesome Sprite or a chaste root beer couldn’t avoid the controversy.
If this were about health, maybe BYU needs to get rid of its fast food court or, heaven forbid, the fudge shop in the BYU Bookstore. However, this discussion is not about health. It is about “demand,” and BYU students are demanding.
Let them drink coke.
Although few people in the Church still live by an imaginary anti-caffeine law, for those outside Club Mormon, this is big news.
“Journalists — from The New York Times’ columnist Maureen Dowd to The Associated Press — have often stated that Mormons don’t drink caffeine. Last week, NBC News’ hour-long feature on Mormonism made the same mistake, prompting the church’s initial statement on its website,” Peggy Fletcher Stack wrote in an article on The Huffington Post’s website.
Although caffeine was never actually banned, its consumption has always been a taboo. During his appearance on “60 Minutes” in 1996, President Gordon B. Hinckley commented that Mormons avoid caffeine. Bruce R. McConkie (and other church leaders) also made many similar remarks during his life.
This release from the Church sparked a fiery conversation, which soon moved to the BYU campus in Provo. A representative for BYU claimed there was “no demand” for caffeinated drinks.
“No demand”? My mother doesn’t drink caffeine, but I think she is probably the only one left. According to www.LDSLiving.com, caffeine is served in the Church’s Joseph Smith Memorial Building and other restaurants on Temple Square. I’m no marketing expert, but I would bet that BYU dining services probably wouldn’t suffer for adding a caffeinated beverage to the menu.
The Church is a private institution; if the Church doesn’t want to sell caffeine on BYU campuses, it doesn’t have to. But c’mon BYU, do you really think there is no demand?
BYU students have taken it upon themselves to prove to BYU Dining Services there is a demand. The Facebook page “BYU for Caffeine” sprung up, attracting both students and nonstudents. “Pepsi” and “Coke” logo shirts dot the campus, as students sport the most rebellious gear they can come up with to support their cause.
According to Stack’s article, the page, created by a BYU student, was later taken down. The creator said the page was becoming “too contentious.”
Caffeine is obviously not a healthy option. We all know the dangers of an over-buzzed study session, or a friend who can’t get through the day without a Dr. Pepper. But if this were a health issue, even the wholesome Sprite or a chaste root beer couldn’t avoid the controversy.
If this were about health, maybe BYU needs to get rid of its fast food court or, heaven forbid, the fudge shop in the BYU Bookstore. However, this discussion is not about health. It is about “demand,” and BYU students are demanding.
Let them drink coke.
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