LA Times writer, Maria L. La Ganga reported a terribly sad story involving 15-year-old Audrie Pott, who committed suicide after an alleged sexual assault when she had become intoxicated at a party. In light this tragedy I feel prompted to share the following excerpt from my book in hopes to encourage others to use caution and to consider the type of life that they wish to lead:

From Day of Defense, page 102-3

“[Over 150 years ago] Joseph Smith received a revelation…to refrain from… alcohol…as a common health code, known as the Word of Wisdom…God has always condemned drunkenness. To the Galatians, Paul writes, speaking of this topic, “That they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21)…Further, God asks nothing less of his Saints than to “avoid the appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5: 22)

Abstinence from drinking can help to avoid…abuse, and societal ills, or even fatality…The Word of Wisdom protects everyone, even the weakest among us, and while not everyone has a problem with drunkenness, there are many who struggle with addiction and allow alcohol to affect their health and relationships.

How does the Bible reader reconcile…avoiding drunkenness…with the fact Jesus provided wine at a wedding? The New Testament says that Jesus provided what the Bible calls “wine” for a wedding—surely not a scene comparable to taking down several shots at the local bar…wine was a common drink in Christ’s time because water was scarce or unclean.

Such tragedies can be avoided in environments that embrace simple truths and make them an active part of their life. 

Scott Thormaehlen received his Master’s in History in 2016 and taught U.S. History in the Lone Star College system in Houston, Texas and for Alvin Community College. His writings have appeared in Accuracy in Academia, the Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies at Sam Houston State University, LDS Living, Meridian Magazine, and East Texas History – a project by Sam Houston State University.