JOJ650s wrote:
I had no idea that tea and coffee is more or less banned with LDS churches, I imagine that clashing with some cultures pretty hard.
From what I've heard, it doesn't clash as much as much as you might think. Apparently, some missionaries have used it as a great conversation starter about Joseph Smith and the revelation now known as the "Word of Wisdom."
It's also somewhat of a personal choice / revelation. As I mentioned, some members take it to mean no caffeine whatsoever, while others use Red Bulls to get through the day. The Word of Wisdom also advises members to abstain from tobacco and alcohol... yet one of the prophets (leaders of the church), David O. McKay, had a favorite holiday treat -
rum cake. When an incredulous member asked him about it (while he was eating some, no less), his response was roughly....
David O. McKay wrote:The Word of Wisdom forbids drinking alcohol, not eating it!
We Mormons aren't quite as straight-laced as some might expect....
Another example: For Christmas, I bought my wife a fifth of bourbon! She used it to make vanilla extract - and it's dang good!
JOJ650s wrote:I am guessing this also includes ice teas as well since they still have to be brewed first? (Well, with herbal teas being an possible exception.)
It does include iced tea - which was one of the few teas that I did drink before I became a member (that and sun tea). Giving it up wasn't much of a problem.
In fact, the Word of Wisdom does tend to be a snag for a lot of people who are interested in the church (some people
reeeeeealllllly love their Starbucks). It's funny when the priest who was interviewing me (to see if I was worthy of membership) asked if I was willing to obey the Word of Wisdom, I responded with "Yep, no problem." He gave me an incredulous look and said "Really?"
JOJ650s wrote:
Second and third favorite video game genre's? (Already know your favorite is role-playing games, namely turn-based RPGs.

)
I tend to like games with a solid, engaging story, so adventure games would probably be second. A close third place would be 2D brawlers like Street Fighter or Skullgirls, although my reflexes aren't as good as they used to be. I need to practice more....