Growing Up Mormon - Religious Doctrine Lesson 1

A new commenter got me thinking about my view on the Mormon Church today.  He brought up a standard meme with respect to the church:  If you have a problem, it can't be the gospel, the church as a whole, or its unerring leadership.  It must be isolated incidents dealing with individuals who are weak and misrepresent God because of their weakness of spirit and sinful nature. 

The truth is far simpler.  The gospel itself creates the weaknesses and abuses in its people.  The Doctrine is flawed, and it focuses and excuses those flaws in its adherents, creating the very situations I experienced as a child, as a young man, and as an adult.

If you teach people that skin color is directly related to righteousness, then you foster racism as a basic tenant. 

    "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 "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed."

    Brigham Young-President and second 'Prophet' of the Mormon Church, 1844-1877- Extract from Journal of Discourses.

Now, you can't teach people that a prophet of the church speaks directly with God and gets revelation from the Almighty in order to lead the restored church and then ignore the words of that prophet.  You just can't do it, because that's like saying the words of God aren't important.  And if you teach people that 'Negroes' are stupid, cursed, and cowardly isn't it reasonable that those teaching will color their actions, speech and attitudes? 

What of the Africans and African-Americans who are members of the church?  What about that as an excuse for the way the church has changed over time?  Given the revelations of the prophets and their very words, it can only result in eventual self-loathing.  I remember my good friend Alma wondering if his skin would lighten if he were just righteous enough.  That belief didn't materialize without reason in his mind.  That belief has a basis:

Until 1981 the scripture 2 Nephi 30:6 in the Book of Mormon taught that dark-skinned Lamanites (Indians) would eventually experience a change in the color of their skin should they embrace the Book of Mormon.

"...their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a white and a delightsome people."

It was taught to us that the Book of Mormon is the most perfect and righteous book of scripture ever handed down from heaven, yet in 1981 that passage was changed to read not white, but pure.  It was taught to me as a child, “White,” and yet when it was changed, my family, my church leaders, and my friends did not accept a change in intent.  We still believed that the darker one's skin, the more weakness in their soul.

The gospel creates the weakness and then when someone like me calls it out, I hear, “it must be a personal experience, not to be ascribed to the entire church.”  Not true.  The cancer in this church's body runs deep, right to its very core. 

More Next Week when I talk about misogyny, homosexuality, and child abuse.

rick, preaching the truth
 

Comments

[a rose is a rose]

speaking of child abuse, have you read any stories on the amish and their punishments for children? NOT too very cool.

i knew a bit about the darker skinned peeps not being good enough to be priests in the world of lds. then suddenly they COULD (well the ones with a penis) be a priest. go figure! that was changed, more than one wife was changed to only one.

what up?

of course i'm not singling out your former religion. i have enough issues (and stories) of the religion i was brought up in

i do so enjoy your mind rick

[Brenda]

I was raised LDS. Never was taught racism. I was taught that all people are children of God and loved by him. We don't know why people of African ancestry were denied the priesthood. Any reasons given (regardless of who said it) were just theories. Throughout ancient history, the priesthood was only given to limited groups. We don't know why.

[CV Rick]

Then, Brenda, you didn't ask questions, and you didn't read the words of the prophets. I did both, and I received direct and complete answers from both my father and the Bishop. They were cowardly in the war in heaven . . . those who distinguished themselves with courage were given white skin. It's not a theory when the prophet says it - it's the word of the Lord. I suggest you immediately go and ask your Bishop if what I've written here is the whole and complete truth . . . because it is, it just isn't sugar coated like the missionaries are taught to address the "sticky problem."

[Jonathan K]

In my opinion, the whole point of having a prophet is so that the church can change over time. From what I've read, most of the country was pretty racist up until 1970, so singling out the church may be a bit unfair. It used to be legal to have slaves in America. Does that mean America is corrupt today, because it had a racist past (as have all countries, peoples, religions, etc)? Should I renounce my American citizenship over that? Many of the church leaders were openly against the ban for many years, but with no success until 1978, since unanimity is required for change.

There was no racism in my home growing up. If the church teaches racism, then you would expect the members to be racist. But they are not. There are more than 250,000 members in Africa now. Next to South America, Africa is where the church is growing the fastest. If they don’t have a problem with the current position of the church, then why should I?

[angrymormonliberal]

Brenda, thanks for the typical LDS response. However, even 50 years ago there was a very good explanation for the priesthood ban, the curse of Cain. Mormon racism, like Mormon political involvement has rarely been as overt as the lynchings of the KKK or the 'foot in mouth' specials of Jerry Faliwell. None the less, it exists and is quite potent. In the 1980's I was taught racist ideas. Concurrent with that childhood the church was waging one of the more effective political campaigns against the equal rights amendment. While I was a teenager in the 90's they ran their campaign against gay rights in California and Hawaii. Part of my issue with the major problems in Mormonism is that they are so sneaky about them. Deny, re-frame, refuse to apologize.

[CV Rick]

That is not true, Jonathan. The Mormon Church is fastest growing in North America. After North America, it's growing fastest in Europe. After Europe comes South America. Please examine your facts before blurting.

Oh, and you're so completely right about not having a problem with the current position. Why should you ever intelligently and curiously question any authority figures? Why bother. It's easier to be led than to lead.

Thanks AML, you state a problem accurately.

[Brenda]

When Joseph Smith was a candidate for U.S. President, one of his platforms was anti-slavey. Also one reason for persecution of the early Mormons was society's fear they'd tip the vote to anti-slavery. I'm sure many of the viewpoints of the day were affected by the whole racist era.
Sorry if you were taught racist ideas. I can only say I wasn't. Sure I asked questions! (I was a teenager once; I lived in the 60's) I was always taught that prejudice is unacceptable.
Oh, and yes, even a prophet can express an opinion or theory, and be wrong. Only Christ was perfect.

[CV Rick]

Brenda, you might want to read the words of your prophets:

Brigham Young said: "I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture (Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p.95).

F.D. Richards confirms this: "the prophet and Apostle Brigham has declared it [the Adam-God doctrine], and that is the word of the Lord" (Millenial Star, August 26, 1854, vol.16, p.534).

"When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy" (Ward teachers message, June 1945).

Joseph Fielding Smith declared that at every General Conference of the church, the speakers are giving forth scripture that is equal to anything in the Bible or Book of Mormon.

So, you're wrong, Brenda. The words of the prophets are perfect, as they are actually scripture. Thanks for playing, go back to the flock.

[Brenda]

Joseph Fielding Smith:
"It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine. You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works." ( Doctrines of Salvation 3:203)

[CV Rick]

Oh Brenda, you're making this too easy . . . here's one of about thirty scriptural references, right from the standard works.

1 Nephi 12:23 And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

Enjoying the game, racist Mormon?

[Brenda]

I'm not playing a game. I was not raised in a racist environment, nor have I felt any hint of it from my church. You obviously are carrying around a huge chip on your shoulder and that's your problem, not mine.

[CV Rick]

Then why do you come onto someone else's blog and try and insist that they are wrong? What I grew up with and what I experienced, combined with the actual doctrines of the church you purport to believe in heartily, say that you do indeed live in and have been indoctrinated in something inherently racist. If you've managed to overcome that, bravo.

I suggest that you read my Alma The Lamanite story, from episode one to episode eight. It'll give you a better idea of what I saw and experienced as a young Mormon boy.

[Brenda]

Your experience was your experience. It was not universal. When you post a blog on the internet that paints the LDS church in a negative light, I reserve the right to tell the other side. You say there's a "cancer" of racism running to the "core" of the church. I say you're wrong. My religion has taught me to respect all people as children of God.

[CV Rick]

Get your own blog then . . tell the world whatever you want to tell them . . . but the unrelenting truth of the matter is that this is my blog and my memoir and everything I write on it with respect to the Mormon Church is from my perspective - I grew up in the church, I studied the church and its doctrines, and I'm no longer in the church. Nothing I write about it is false and everything I write about it is verifiable. You have billions of dollars of doctrinal propaganda behind your efforts to convince people to believe a pack of lies, you don't need to worry yourself over my little corner of the internet. I, however, have only the force of experience and truth to back me up.

[Brenda]

I love the LDS church; it has been the source of everything good in my life. I will defend it whenever, however I can. Just as I would defend my country, my family, or my friends.
The LDS church is not racist. It teaches forgiveness, charity, humility, and the two greatest commandments as taught by Jesus,(Mark 12:30-31).
If you don't want comments, use a format that doesn't allow them.

[CV Rick]

Unfortunately, despite your protestations, your church's own doctrines and prophets teach a racist message . . . it's like putting lipstick on a pig.

I don't mind the comments . . . it's just going to be painful for you to argue against the truth .. . you have faith, I have fact.

[Brenda]

You have your experience, which unfortunately must have been negative. Mine was and is so very positive. I'd be interested to know if you find anything racist in lds.org, which contains our entire doctrine.

Sometimes a person needs to make their former spouse into a monster to justify the divorce. Something to think about.

[CV Rick]

You don't read very well, Brenda. I don't just have my experience to rely on. As you can see by my original post, I have the words of your prophets, I have the doctrine of your leaders, and I have the very books you consider the Standard Works. You have nothing other than your belief that Mormons aren't racist . . . because your prophets, your books, and your history all contradict you. Please try to follow along.

1 Nephi 11:8
1 Nephi 11:13
1 Nephi 12:23
1 Nephi 13:15
2 Nephi 5:21
2 Nephi 30:6
Jacob 3:8
Alma 3:6
3 Nephi 2:15
Mormon 5:15

[Brenda]

The scriptures you listed do sound demeaning to a person of darker skin color. However, you are focusing on a couple of trees and completely ignoring the entire forest.
We know those scriptures are there. However, the bigger picture, the forest, is what is taught in nearly every lesson, sermon, article by the Church. "Love others. Love your neighbor. Be kind to those who mistreat you."
I don't know God's purpose in skin color. I just know he expects me to treat ALL people kindly and with respect. Go back, if you will, and read some of the talks given by Gordon B. Hinckley. His theme has been kindness. Service. Generosity. Patience. Forgiveness. Slow to anger. Humility.

This is what we are taught. There is a lot of difficult-to-understand stuff in the scriptures, Bible especially. One could even say the Bible condones slavery. But we focus on the bigger picture, the teachings of Christ.

If the Church were truly racist, why do they send missionaries to all races and nationalities? Why do they spare no expense or effort to spread the Gospel to all people?

Years ago I dated the only black man at BYU at the time. He was the most popular guy on campus. He also had a solid testimony and this was before 1978. He and I had many conversations about racism. He sometimes felt it from individuals, but never from the church. He trusted the Lord and knew he was just as much a child of God as anyone else.

[CV Rick]

Brenda, don't you get it? You only have faith and some vague assurances that you weren't taught to be racist. You also have some "I had a black friend" anecdotes. Yet I have the words of your leaders, the scriptures you love, and a long detailed history. I have facts, you have faith. You even challenged me to find racism in your doctrine on a propaganda website, but I went one further and listed case after case in your standard works.

You don't have to be shrouded in mystery when it comes to God's purpose with respect to skin color. Joe Smith and Polygamy Young were very clear in oft-repeated sermons that are written down, referenced, and search enabled. Only one who doesn't want to know "God's Purpose" would be still in the dark. Only one who doesn't look too carefully at the lies they live would say something so ridiculous.

Believe what you want, but don't examine it too closely because you'll find an ugly underbelly in that religion of yours. Wait till next week when I show that a man cannot receive the fullness of the glory of heaven without three wives. And a woman cannot enter heaven without a husband. Oh, won't that be fun for an apologist like yourself.

I'd ask you to bring facts, not faith, but I know there aren't any to back up a believer's position in the church of the grand cult - LDS.

[Brenda]

What facts would be acceptable to you? Apparently only certain words of our leaders work for you, not the bulk of them. Do you want me to list all the scriptures that teach how to treat others? I could do that but it would take all day. I can't contend with "your long detailed history", assuming you're talking about your personal history, because it was your experience.

You accuse me of having vague assurances. I challenge you to read the actual words of Gordon B. Hinckley. Is it that you want me to quote him exactly? Do you have the time?

Your sourness and anger will only hurt your spirit and your health over the long run. The LDS church will continue to grow and prosper, regardless of your resentment-filled blogs. You might find more peace if you just forgive and move on.

[CV Rick]

You are unbelievable . . . you don't read what I write. I am saying that the Mormon Church is racist and was founded by racist men based on racist beliefs and that this is a cancer upon the entire belief system. That's what I'm saying . . . then by quotations I'm proving it. That's the correct way to support a position. I don't give a shit what you do. You can plead ignorance for the rest of your life, but if you come onto my blog and accuse me of being wrong, you'd better damned well prove it or you're going to get beaten like a hippie in a redneck bar.

This is My Blog . . . remember that, Brenda. It's my blog and I write whatever the fuck I want to. Once a week - one post out of seven - I choose to write the truth about the Mormon church. I do that because it's a subject in which I'm an expert. I attained that expertise through a lifelong relationship with that church, through studying and at times believing and subsequently understanding, investigating, and proving. This is My Blog and that's what I do.

Funny thing is that my "sourness and anger" aren't hurting me in the least. I don't live anywhere near you creepy people. I don't know any Mormons among my circle of friends, in my neighborhood, in my town, or even encounter any in my life. I happen to be related to some of them, but I don't really talk to those freaks at all. I live a wonderful, productive life with great children and a business I grew from the ground up. I'm doing just fine and once a week I write about the religion I grew up in. Hopefully it will make people think twice in the upcoming election and they won't vote for a lying bastard like Mitt Romney. Hopefully when people have read my blog and they get a knock on their doors from kids in suits and bike helmets, they'll remember and slam those doors in their faces. I'm just making a small difference in a few people's lives, while you come on here and make my case for me better than I could've ever made it on my own. Thanks.

[Brenda]

Good bye CV. It's obvious what your hatred has done to you. I hope you're not teaching that kind of language to your children.

[CV Rick]

Good Riddance

[Success Warrior]

Sheesh! I go away for a few days and come back to this. Meany! Why do you have to pick on the true believers with facts? That's harsh.

For the record, when I was a teacher or priest, I was taught that black skin was the mark of Cain. I believe the church has changed it now to chip implants being the mark of Cain. What ever works for the current era I guess.

I never could figure out how Prophets who supposedly were meeting with Jesus face to face could get things so screwed up.

Speaking of Mitt, he came out and said that he doesn't believe that anyone has talked with Jesus in a long time and now he's trying to backtrack on those words because of course, Mormon presidents *do* talk with Jesus all the time.

I don't think you have to worry about Mitt, Rick. He is going to self-destruct with all his lies.

[CV Rick]

I'm harsh like that S.W. Those darned facts, they get in the way of a good ole' fashioned testimony.

[IlegalPlayer]

LDS Mormons Believe The seed of Cain and Ham are the Africans who where Cursed Black in the LDS Mormon Pearl of great Price Scriptures (This is not in the HOLY BIBLE)

". . . 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)."

"And . . . they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them (Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:22)."

This teaches White Mormons that Black skin is a CURSE FROM the Mormon GOD (THIS IS NOT IN THE HOLY BIBLE)

"...cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing...the Lord God did cause a skin of BLACKNESS to come upon them (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 5:21)"

"And the skins..were DARK,according to the MARK which was set upon their fathers..which WAS A CURSE upon them...(Book of Mormon,Alma 3:6)"

"and the CURSING which hath come upon their skins...(Book of Mormon, Jacob 3:5)"

This teaches Mormons that Black Cain Loved Satan more then God and made oaths and covenants with Satan (This is not in the Holy Bible)

moses 5:28-31 pearl of great price OFFICIAL LDS Mormon scriptures

28...they loved Satan more than God.29 And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat,30 And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands.31 And Cain said:Truly I am Mahan,the master of this great secret...