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Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, Ali dives into the lesser-discussed scriptures in Doctrine & Covenants 49—and what they actually say about eating meat. Many focus on the verses that reject religious food restrictions, but what about verse 21’s bold warning?
You’ll explore:
What “forbidding to abstain from meats” really meant in the 1800s
Why verse 21 might be the most overlooked scripture in the Word of Wisdom
The historical context of Shakers, early LDS prophets, and plant-based living
Direct quotes from Brigham Young, George Q. Cannon, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and others
Scientific data linking overconsumption of meat to heart disease, cancer, and especially rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults
Who should be cautious with a fully plant-based diet due to genetic or medical concerns
Why eating meat "sparingly" is a personal stewardship choice, not a blanket commandment
Ali weaves scripture, prophetic counsel, and modern science into one eye-opening conversation that helps LDS listeners align their lifestyle with God’s preference—without judgment or dogma.
Takeaways:
The Word of Wisdom promotes stewardship and moderation, not rigid food rules
Meat is not forbidden, but using it without true need comes with spiritual and physical consequences
Eating with gratitude (even high-fat food!) can change our body's physiological response
“One size fits most” applies to plant-based living—there are rare, legitimate exceptions
Encouragement is not the same as commandment; compassion must never be coerced
Mentioned Scriptures & Sources:
D&C 49:18–21
D&C 89:12–13
D&C 58:26
1 Timothy 4:1–3
JST Genesis 9:11
Scientific studies on red and processed meat risks (heart disease, cancer, TMAO)
Colorectal cancer trends among young adults (ACS and JAMA data)
Bonus Insight:
Ali explains how the Word of Wisdom is a chiasmus, a literary structure that reveals the central message as the most important: D&C 89:10–11 — eat herbs and fruits with prudence and thanksgiving.
Resources & Links:
💚 Try Better Greens and save 10% with code PLANTWHYS
🌱 Join the PlantWhys Membership for recipes, support, and science-backed strategies: plantwhys.com
🍽️ Subscribe to the PlantWhys YouTube channel for easy, family-friendly plant-based meals
Join the Conversation:
Have you ever reconsidered how often you eat meat based on scripture? What does “need” look like in your life? DM Ali on Instagram @plantwhys or leave a review sharing your thoughts.
Sponsor: Better Greens — Save 10% with code PLANTWHYS https://betterdaysco.com/collections/
