I often come upon some very interesting discussions at LDS message boards. The latest is a discussion on "Obesity." Now I know obesity is a very real problem. I know because I am an obese person. I will not pussyfoot around and say I'm overweight or, as Cartman on South Park would say, "I'm not fat. I'm just big boned." I have never been slim and trim. My grandmother, mother and sisters have all had weight problems. We're also like accordions … we lose weight (the accordion goes in) and then we gain weight (the accordion goes out). Weight is an ongoing struggle.
So why did I choose the title "Not Fit For Temple Recommend?" I'll let this member of the Church answer that question:
"I can't help but look around and see how overweight and obese people in society are becoming. It seems this is a problem not only in society, but in the church as well. Simply stated: There's just a lot of fat people. …, shouldn't there be some type of commandment about keeping your body physically fit and healthy? The WoW [Word of Wisdom] commands us to abstain from unhealthy or harmful substances. It doesn't say much in section 89 [of the Doctrine and Covenants] about not becoming overweight, but I think it is ridiculous to look around in sacrament meeting and see the large number of people who cannot fit in their chairs. …, can you keep the WoW in all perfection and be obese? …
"Do you think the Savior is pleased with the person who never drinks and has no tattoos, yet let's his/her body be so fat they need a wheelchair? Or is he pleased with the person who has a tattoo, yet keeps his/her body in great physical shape?"
When I read the following question posited by this brother or sister, you could have knocked me over with a feather!
"Could you go as far as to say you cannot hold a [temple] recommend if you are overweight to the point of obesity with no real medical reason, because you do not consume all things with 'prudence' or 'sparingly' as stated in section 89?"
For my non-LDS readers, Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants can be found
here.
So let me see if I understand what this brother or sister is suggesting. If you are obese with "no real medical reason," "you cannot hold a [temple] recommend." Amazing! When I read this to my hubby Steve, he shook his head and opined that I sure do come across some members of the Church with bizarre opinions.
I would ask this brother or sister if he or she would deny a temple recommend to some of the leaders of the Church. There are definitely some leaders who could be considered obese. Out of respect for these leaders, I will not name them.
Could you imagine a bishop pulling out a scale and weighing you? "Sorry, Sister X or Brother Z, you're clearly obese. I'll have to deny giving you a temple recommend." Yikes! What would you say? How would you feel? Or would you be too stunned as to remain speechless?
In doing some research on Mormons and obesity, I came across this question:
"Mormons believe their bodies are temples and thus extremely sacred If the 1 causes of death to a body are diseases related to obesity why don't mormon leaders enforce and preach anti-obesity?" [Note: I quoted this exactly as it was written.]
The response given to the question was:
"I don't believe that there would be any reason for Church Authorities to go out of their way to preach about not getting fat (and the Church won't 'force' anyone to do anything anyway). However, Church teachings are clear that our bodies are 'temples,' and that people should take care of them and treat them with respect. Yes. Ultimately, it's every one's choice to make for themselves, what they will do with their life.
"Besides, I think there are much more damaging things you can do to your body than simply let it become 'out of shape.'" [Note: Again I quoted this exactly as it was written.]
Granted we should all do our best to remain fit and healthy. One thing I have learned is that even if you are at a healthy weight, that doesn't necessarily mean you won't develop heart disease or diabetes or high blood pressure, etc. I recently heard a report that you are likely to live longer if you are slightly overweight than if you are underweight.
In conclusion, I wonder what this brother or sister would say to individuals with eating disorders (not just overeating, but bulimia and anorexia)? I do believe this brother or sister has a lot to learn.
The floor is now open. Please share your thoughts on this topic.
