I recently shared a link on facebook that talks about the history of the Word of Wisdom and how it became an unofficial commandment and even a prerequisite for the temple, no less poorly interpreted. Before we get into this, I would like to point out that many readers will disagree with my premise. There is a strong belief out there that when one dies, it is when God 'calls' them home. Some may articulate the detail that one must be 'obedient' or else you could leave this mortal life early. In other words, your life is protected until it is time for you to go, unless you are 'sinning' and putting your life in jeopardy, then it is all bets off. This concept I disregard for this exploration in fringe mormon thought (although I could say I disregard it completely, but lets leave that for another day).
So back to alcohol. lets begin with me being a fan of the concept of moderation in all things. The majority of us are big fans of this concept taken to its extreme. Many antibodies are merely weakened forms of the viruses you are immunizing against. Once this 'moderate' dose gives its training to your white blood cells, your body becomes stronger, even more ready for a 'real' attack. Moderation should be applied to all facets of life. For the average person, moderating your time spent in most activities gives you time for a well-balanced life. Moderating your nutritional intake will keep you from getting sick or malnutritioned. Moderating your budget will keep you from spending too much on one thing or blowing your money. The list goes on.
Let me be clear at this juncture. This post is not an argument or rationale for alcohol for the greater mormon populace. I am not voicing my opinion to try and persuade anyone to start, continue or agree with me.
So after reading the article I thought to myself, "I bet dad would have benefited from drinking a beer or two in a week". This is mere speculation, just like what mormons do all the time to justify all sorts of things. Yet, giving dad the benefit of the doubt, I think he would have moderated his drinking like millions of Americans do every week. With the benefits reaped from moderating your mild alcohol drinks, one can see a big reduction in stress, thus 'dealing' with the weight of the world on your shoulders that many men burden themselves with, along with all that that entails.
What I didn't really realize is all the startup companies that started in Utah in the genre of breweries when the Saints arrived in the valley. I think of all the breweries dotting the state of Colorado and how many of them are fantastic at what they do, what a shame it is that Utah was deprived of this.
Anyway, my general thought process is that much of Utah could benefit from a beer now and again for the benefits it offers. Reduced stress immediately and long term are the main ones I like to focus on. Nutritionally, I can't argue for its benefits because you can get any nutritional benefit from no less than a half dozen sources. Yet, take pharmaceuticals and alcohol out of the picture and what stress relievers do you have left? Those that are in use, a very small percentage. When I think of my dad, I also think of the social benefit to drinking a cold one. Dad was a raging social retard. I don't presume to know all that went on in his head, but mom knew him with his inhibitions lowered, and I think 12oz. of brewed, malted barley and hops would've lowered his guard just enough to allow him to socialize at a healthy level.
Also, I actually think how nice it could have been to enjoy a cold one with my dad and brothers. My siblings are bad enough without alcohol, I smile to think what would have been with my dad and family with that extra factor in play. There were plenty of times I saw either 'stress fractures' behind his eyes, or the stress building up and showing its ugly head through anger and rage. I knew it all too well, especially after growing up and experiencing it myself. Men who face their responsibilities and aren't the best at hopping, skipping and jumping over it shouldn't be punished by letting it crush them under the insurmountable weight.
So it is, a case for beer, at least in speculation. That way, one cannot do anything but speculate back :)
