In 1978, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints finally opened their priesthood to all worthy males without respect to race or color. But prior to that time, for about 130 years, members of the Negro race or others with colored skin were generally denied the ability to hold the priesthood. This was due to a belief that Black skin represented a curse and were subsequently unworthy to hold the keys of the priesthood. Even though removing the "ban on Blacks" is viewed as a step in a positive direction, the church has never formally reversed it's teaching or position that Black skin is cursed due to a lack of valiance or performance in the LDS pre-existence.
At this time we would like to share some of the teachings and quotes that supported the church's ban on Blacks followed up with several verses from the Bible to contrast the Biblical view of race to the historical Mormon view.
This post is shared for education and information purposes only and is not intended to be directed against any one person or organization. Furthermore, as a Christian ministry, we are against racial discrimination and do not support it, encourage it or condone racism in any way.
The Admin Team,
Mormon & LDS Facts Ministry
From Joseph Smith, prophet and founder of the LDS Church:
“Had I anything to do with the negro, I would confine them by strict law to their own species, and put them on a national equalization.” ( History of the Church, Volume 5, pages 218-219)
Mormon Scriptures: God curses bad races with black skin
"And the Lord had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them." (2 Nephi 5:21)
"For behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people." (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:8)
Other commentary and quotes by LDS authorities:
"THE NEGROES ARE NOT EQUAL WITH OTHER RACES where the receipt of certain spiritual blessings are concerned, ...but this inequality is not of man's origin. IT IS THE LORD'S DOING, is based on his eternal laws of justice, and grows out of the LACK OF SPIRITUAL VALIANCE OF THOSE CONCERNED IN THEIR FIRST ESTATE [the Mormon pre-existence]." (LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 527 - 528, 1966 edition, emphasis added).
"Negroes in this life are denied the priesthood; under no circumstances can they hold this delegation of authority from the Almighty." (LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 527, 1966 edition).
"Is there reason then why the type of birth we receive in this life is not A REFLECTION OF OUR WORTHINESS or LACK OF IT IN THE PRE-EXISTENT LIFE? ...[C]an we account in any other way for the birth of some of the children of God in DARKEST AFRICA, or in FLOOD-RIDDEN CHINA, or among the STARVING HORDES OF INDIA, while some of the rest of us are born here in the United States? We cannot escape the conclusion that BECAUSE OF PERFORMANCE IN OUR PRE-EXISTENCE some of us are born as CHINESE, some as JAPANESE, some as Latter-day Saints. ...A CHINESE, BORN IN CHINA WITH A DARK SKIN, and with all the HANDICAPS OF THAT RACE seems to have little opportunity. But think of the mercy of God to Chinese people who are willing to accept the gospel. IN SPITE OF WHATEVER THEY MIGHT HAVE DONE IN THE PRE-EXISTENCE TO JUSTIFY BEING BORN OVER THERE AS CHINAMEN, if they now, in this life accept the gospel and live it the rest of their lives they can have the Priesthood, go to the temple and receive endowments and sealings, and that means they can have exaltation. Isn't the mercy of God marvelous? Think of the Negro, cursed as to the priesthood.... THIS NEGRO, WHO, IN THE PRE-EXISTENCE LIVED THE TYPE OF LIFE WHICH JUSTIFIED THE LORD IN SENDING HIM TO EARTH IN THE LINEAGE OF CAIN WITH A BLACK SKIN, AND POSSIBLY BEING BORN IN DARKEST AFRICA.... IN SPITE OF ALL HE DID IN THE PRE-EXISTENT LIFE, the Lord is willing, if the Negro accepts the gospel with real, sincere faith, and is really converted, to give him the blessings of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. IF THAT NEGRO IS FAITHFUL ALL HIS DAYS, he can and will enter the celestial kingdom. HE WILL GO THERE AS A SERVANT, but he will get celestial glory." LDS "Apostle" Mark E. Petersen, "Race Problems - As They Affect the Church," Address delivered at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, August 27, 1954, as quoted in Jerald and Sandra Tanner's book entitled "The Changing World of Mormonism," p. 294. Note: Allegedly, even "if that Negro is faithful all his days," he will never achieve equality with his "white and delightsome" Mormon brethren. Instead he allegedly will go to the celestial kingdom "AS A SERVANT!" (Via http://exmormon.org/d6/drupal/blacks1)
"And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that THE DEVIL SHOULD HAVE A REPRESENTATION UPON THE EARTH as well as God... (LDS Prophet John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 22, p. 304, 1881, emphasis added).
You see some classes of the human family that are BLACK, UNCOUTH, UNCOMELY, DISAGREEABLE and LOW in their habits, WILD, and seemingly DEPRIVED OF NEARLY ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE INTELLIGENCE that is generally bestowed upon mankind. The first man that committed the odious crime of killing one of his brethren will be cursed the longest of any one of the children of Adam. Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been KILLED, and THAT WOULD HAVE PUT A TERMINATION TO THAT LINE OF HUMAN BEINGS. This was not to be, and the Lord put A MARK upon him, which is THE FLAT NOSE AND BLACK SKIN. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race -- that they should be the "servants of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that decree." (LDS Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 290, emphasis added).
Ham will continue to be servant of servants, as the Lord decreed, until the curse is removed. Will the present struggle [the U.S. civil war] free the slave? No.... Can you destroy the decrees of the Almighty? You cannot. (LDS Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p. 250, 1863).
Shall I tell you the LAW OF GOD in regard to the AFRICAN race? If the WHITE MAN who belongs to the CHOSEN SEED mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is DEATH ON THE SPOT. This will ALWAYS be so." (LDS Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p.110, 1863, emphasis added).
"Now we are generous with the Negro. We are willing that the Negro have the highest kind of education. I would be willing to let every Negro drive a Cadillac if they could afford it. I would be willing that they have all the advantages they can get out of life in the world. But let them enjoy these things among themselves." (LDS Apostle Mark E. Petersen, "Race Problems - As They Affect The Church," Address delivered at Brigham Young University, August 27, 1954)
"Though he was a rebel and an ASSOCIATE OF LUCIFER IN PRE-EXISTENCE, ...Cain managed to attain the privilege of mortal birth.... [H]e came out in open rebellion, fought God, worshiped Lucifer, and slew Abel.... AS A RESULT OF HIS REBELLION, CAIN WAS CURSED WITH A DARK SKIN; HE BECAME THE FATHER OF THE NEGROES, and THOSE SPIRITS WHO ARE NOT WORTHY to receive the priesthood are born through his lineage. (LDS Apostle Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 108-109, 1966 edition, emphasis added).
Church Publications Offer Commentary on Racist LDS Scriptures
"The Book of Abraham is rich both in doctrine and in historical incidents. Of the latter the fact of the large influence (if not identity) of Egyptian religious ideas in Chaldea in the days of Abraham is established; the descent of the black race, Negro, from Cain, the first murderer; the preservation of that race through the flood by the wife of Ham--"Egyptus," which in the Chaldean signifies "Egypt," "which signifies that which is forbidden"--the descendants of "Egyptus" were cursed as pertaining to the priesthood--that is, they were barred from holding that divine power; the origin also of the Egyptians--these things, together with the account of Abraham migrating from Chaldea to Egypt, constitute the chief historical items that are contained in the book." (Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.2, Ch.47, Pg.128)
"History and common observation show that these predictions have been fulfilled to the letter. The descendants of Ham, besides a black skin which has ever been a curse that has followed an apostate of the holy priesthood, as well as a black heart, have been servants to both Shem and Japheth, and the abolitionists are trying to make void the curse of God, but it will require more power than man possesses to counteract the decrees of eternal wisdom." (Times and Seasons, Vol. 6, Pg. 857)
What the Bible says:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
"...He (God) gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings;" (Acts 17:25-27)
"Yet to ALL who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD -- children born NOT OF NATURAL DESCENT, nor of human decision or a husband's will, BUT BORN OF GOD." (John 1:12)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to ALL men." (Titus 2:11)
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24)
"But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality." (Colossians 3:25)
"Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (Acts 10:34)
We hope each reader will decide for themselves but, in our opinion, we believe the evidence is clear: The historical teachings of Mormonism does not agree with the Bible when it comes to the Black race and does not represent a restoration of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(c) 2012 Mormon & LDS Facts (Photo Credit: africa)
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