A Moral Question

[Traveler]

Just for fun – I thought I would ask a question. I have attempted to live a life without getting tangled up in the things of the world. I do not drink nor do I encourage anyone else to drink. I believe it is morally wrong to drink.

Something interesting is happening. I own several businesses and there are several other businesses that I am involved as a partner. One business that I am involved as a partner provides rare imported fruits to fine hotels, restraints and caterers. It has been discovered that one of the rare imported fruit juices is a great mixer with alcohol. But there is a problem. Because the wholesale of the juice is a concentrate bar tenders must be trained on how to use it. I have been asked to help put together a training program for bar tenders on how to use our juice.

There are a number of fine LDS member involved either directly or indirectly with the alcohol business. Should I get involved with the bars and mixing of drinks or should I just pay someone else to do what I have a moral problem doing of doing myself?

The Traveler

[LittleWyvern]

I think this depend on whether you have a moral problem with doing so. Other LDS members who may work in restaurants may not have moral problems with serving alcohol, and others in different jobs may, but this decision seems like one you (and everybody else individually) should make entirely on your own, using your own judgment. Sorta like the question of whether or not you want to eat or drink foods that contain caffeine.

[applepansy]

What is the difference between you doing it or you paying someone to do it for you?

[jasokell]

Hmmm, interesting question. I work at Walmart and sometimes customer's buy beer and such. I have been told by the bishop and others that it is ok to sell it because others are making the choice to drink it, not me.

In my opinion, I would say, showing others how to mix drinks goes a little far, so I would ask to have someone else do it, or if you must, then pay someone else to do it. I think it does go a little far, to encourage others to violate the word of wisdom.

[hordak]

What is the difference between you doing it or you paying someone to do it for you?

I 2nd that. Whether it is right or wrong is up to you (the OP)to decide (I see nothing wrong with it) but pawning it off on someone else wouldn't change your "liability" either way.

[Dove]

If you are going so far as to posting it as a question on a thread, it would seem to show that it's bothering you.

Traveler, we all make decisions everyday about moral questions....Larry Miller made the decision to pull "Brokeback Mountain" from his movie theatres, yet his theatres show rated "R" movies all the time.....I choose not to work Sundays, and declined a job where I would raise money for planned parenthood as they condone and help women get abortions.......this when I reeeally need a job an not much else is forthcoming.

I think it's up to you to decide where you draw the line in moral decisions. However, I believe that sure blessings are there to be had when one chooses on the side of righteousness......Sure, I really need a job right now, but options are coming through, I still have a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back. Better yet, it's kept me out of a field I have really grown to dislike, telemarketing, and I am now being considered for other, better job opportunities.

I always feel better in my conscience when I err on the side of righteousness in matters like these, especially when it's already bothering me. There's such a wide arena of choices in business when selling products. Sure, this juice may mix well with alcohol, but with that being said, it's probably a great mixer with other many other combinations of juices/sodas/waters/possibilites as well.