I say that in the nicest way possible. But it kills me to see friends or family of friends who push themselves away from the church because they fall into smoking, drinking, coffee, etc. and feel as though they are breaking a serious commandment.

The Word of Wisdom is exactly that - wisdom. It's in the name, people!

If the Word of Wisdom were originally intended to be treated as it is currently understood by most Mormons, Joseph Smith would have been unworthy to enter the temple (as well as many other early leaders). That's not an attack on Joseph Smith. I love Joseph Smith, and I believe he was one of the greatest men who ever lived.

The Word of Wisdom didn't start to become so strict and Pharisaical in many respects until the Mormon Reformation. I could go on but you get the point.