A reader asked whether there was any early Christian evidence in support of the LDS "Word of Wisdom", our code of health. Here's my answer:

No. In fact, Jesus apparently drank enough wine to be criticized as a "winebibber" (Matt. 11:19). However, Joseph Smith never claimed that the Word of Wisdom was a restoration of anything. Rather, the revelation itself specifically spells out the major reason why the health code was revealed. "Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation." (D&C 89:4) All one has to do is take a look at the tobacco executives, beer commercials, and drug cartels of today to realize that the Word of Wisdom is not just a health code, but an amazing, fulfilled prophecy. It stands on it's own without any corroboration from former dispensations.