Coffee, now one of the most consumed beverages in the world, was once a controversial drink that faced opposition from religious authorities. Throughout history, different religious groups debated whether coffee was a divine gift or a dangerous substance that should be banned.
This article explores the fascinating history of coffee’s relationship with religion, from its early days in the Islamic world to the Catholic Church’s initial resistance and eventual acceptance.
The Islamic World: Coffee as a Religious Aid and a Threat
The first known coffee drinkers were Sufi monks in Yemen during the 15th century. They discovered that coffee helped them stay awake during long prayers and night meditations. For many, coffee became a spiritual tool, assisting in religious devotion and mental clarity.
As coffee spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and Persia, it quickly became popular in religious and academic circles. However, not everyone welcomed the drink. Some conservative scholars feared that coffee’s stimulating effects could lead to inappropriate behavior or distract people from religious duties.
The First Coffee Ban: Mecca, 1511
The first official attempt to ban coffee happened in Mecca in 1511, when the governor, Khair Beg, declared it illegal. He believed that coffeehouses encouraged free-thinking, political discussions, and even potential revolts against authorities. Religious leaders also debated whether coffee was an intoxicant, which would make it forbidden (haram) under Islamic law.
Despite the ban, coffee remained extremely popular, and in 1524, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent overturned the ruling, officially allowing coffee consumption in the empire.
The Catholic Church and the “Devil’s Drink”
When coffee arrived in Europe in the 16th century, it quickly became popular in cities like Venice. However, many Catholic authorities were suspicious of the dark, bitter beverage that came from the Muslim world. Some even referred to coffee as “Satan’s drink,” claiming that it was an invention of the devil meant to corrupt Christians.
Fearing that coffee could be a dangerous influence, some church leaders called for a ban on the beverage. However, the turning point came when Pope Clement VIII was asked to make a final decision on whether coffee should be prohibited for Catholics.
The Pope’s Coffee Tasting (1600)
According to legend, Pope Clement VIII was urged to condemn coffee, but before making a ruling, he decided to taste it himself. After sipping the beverage, he reportedly said:
“This devil’s drink is so delicious that we should cheat the devil by baptizing it.”
With this statement, the Pope officially approved coffee for Catholics, and the drink’s popularity skyrocketed across Europe. By the 17th century, coffeehouses became important centers of discussion and commerce, particularly in Italy, France, and England.
Coffee and Protestantism: The Rise of Coffeehouses
While the Catholic Church initially hesitated to accept coffee, Protestant societies in Northern Europe embraced the drink almost immediately. Unlike alcohol, coffee was seen as a beverage that sharpened the mind and increased productivity—qualities that aligned with Protestant work ethics.
In 17th-century England, coffeehouses became known as “penny universities” because, for the price of a cup of coffee, people could engage in discussions about politics, science, and philosophy. Some religious leaders even encouraged their congregations to drink coffee instead of alcohol, believing it would lead to a more disciplined and moral society.
The Mormon Prohibition of Coffee
Not all Christian groups embraced coffee. In 1833, Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), introduced the Word of Wisdom, a health code that prohibited the consumption of hot beverages, later interpreted to include coffee and tea.
To this day, most Mormons avoid coffee as part of their religious beliefs, considering it an unnecessary stimulant. Despite this, the coffee industry has grown significantly in Utah, a state with a large Mormon population, with many businesses offering coffee alternatives.
Modern Religious Views on Coffee
Today, coffee is widely accepted across most religious traditions, but some groups still debate its consumption:
- Islam: While most Islamic scholars consider coffee halal (permissible), some conservative groups still question its use due to its stimulating effects.
- Judaism: Coffee is generally considered kosher, and many Jewish traditions embrace the drink, especially during religious discussions.
- Seventh-day Adventists: Many avoid coffee, believing in a natural and stimulant-free diet.
- Buddhism and Hinduism: While there are no strict bans, some monks avoid coffee as part of their practice of reducing worldly attachments.
Conclusion: From Controversy to Global Acceptance
Once considered a dangerous and forbidden beverage, coffee has now become a universal drink enjoyed by people of all faiths. While religious debates over coffee once led to bans and restrictions, its cultural and social significance has made it an essential part of daily life worldwide.
From Sufi monks in Yemen to coffee-loving Popes, history shows that coffee’s relationship with religion has been complex—but ultimately, it has survived every challenge to become the beloved drink it is today.