One of the most common attacks against the LDS Church is the historic issue of racism. Some are content throwing 2nd President Brigham Young under the bus and blaming his “human side” for this great doctrinal error. However, we can see that Brigham Young is only one of many former Church leaders who approved and taught this doctrine:
To many, this is an automatic blatant red flag. The good news is that eventually in 1978, the LDS Church decided to change this doctrine so that blacks could receive the priesthood, receive their temple endowment and be sealed to their spouse in the temple. While this is a step in the positive direction, they unfortunately are still stuck with the doctrines that branched into the prohibitions of blacks.
“There is a reason why one man is born black and with other disadvantages, while another is born white with great advantages. The reason is that we once had an estate before we come here, and were obedient, more or less, to the laws that were given us there. Those who were faithful in all things there received greater blessings here, and those who were not faithful received less.” – Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, pg. 61
To clearly lay this out, according to the former LDS prophets and apostles, they clearly taught that we all lived in pre-existence. Some of us were faithful and obedient in this previous life while others were not. Those who were obedient were blessed with white skin. Those who were disobedient were cursed with black skin.
This part of the article seems to give us the impression that the “curse of Cain” and “blacks didn’t fight valiantly in pre-existence” were just ideas that floated around in the church. However, this isn’t the case. Both of these ideas were simultaneously taught by LDS Church prophets and apostles as official church doctrine for over 100 years.
For most people, the injustice is what they cry out against. While I would agree with that, the problematic perspective I currently have is more focused on the theological level. It’s important to remember that eternal life is to dwell in the presence of God. And in order to “qualify” for eternal life (as Dallin Oaks puts it), I must receive the priesthoods (as a man) and receiving my endowment. Before 1978, blacks were prohibited from partaking of these ordinances. Therefore, they weren’t allowed to receive eternal life and dwell in the presence of God.
When we boil it down and connect these dots, we understand that for 100+ years, the LDS Church taught God basically said to black people, “Sorry. You cannot enter into my presence because you have black skin.” This is not at all the God that I read about in the Bible.
Galatians 3:26-28 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
God has never cared about the outward race, status, or gender of anyone. God’s Word is clear. Anyone who is truly in Christ is part of his church. Anyone who freely accepts His righteousness apart from works also receives the assurance of eternal life. This God of the Bible would never prohibit anyone from entering into His presence because of their skin color. Below are two other quotes from LDS leaders on this topic in case the previous quotes weren’t clear enough:
“You must not think, from what I say, that I am opposed to slavery. No! The negro is damned, and is to serve his master till God chooses to remove the curse of Ham.” Prophet Brigham Young, New York Herald, May 4, 1855
“Negroes in this life are denied the priesthood; under no circumstances can they hold this delegation of authority from the Almighty. The gospel message of salvation is not carried affirmatively to them…Negroes are not equal with other races where the receipt of certain spiritual blessings are concerned.” Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 477, 1958
This is the best concluding explanation that the Church has to offer. Some are content with this answer, while for others, it creates this uncomfortable and legitimate question:
“The purpose of the prophets and apostles are to guide us in truth. If they were teaching us false doctrine about God and salvation for over 100 years, what assurance do I have that now all of their doctrines are true? What if they are still teaching a number of false doctrines due to “limited understanding” and have yet to receive the new “light and knowledge” from God? Is it wise for me to put my trust in men such as these and uphold them as true prophets of God?”
When we honestly and critically think about this, does it make sense to believe that God would raise up modern day prophets who He knew would teach such hateful and false things about black people? While we do see a theme of black skin being a curse in LDS Scriptures (2 Nephi 30:6 & Abraham 1:26), we never see it anywhere in the Bible.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
My encouragement to you is to put your trust in the Word of God and not in the words of men. The Word of God is the ultimate source of truth if that is what we are truly seeking. If you have doubts about whether or not you can trust the Bible, please check out my Bible Lesson, “Has The Bible Been Accurately Preserved Over Time?”
Please let me know your thoughts, things you appreciated or things that you disagreed with in the comment section below. Thank you for reading and God bless!
JLLDS Ministries 