Another thing regarding the LDS and the ‘black problem’, is that if you pay attention you will notice the LDS defense is “all churches were racist - you don’t complain about them!”
But the LDS can’t slide on that. There were other racist views in other churches, but because we all (even the Catholics) believe in the ability of the Church to reform (change) we recognize that what the views were were not in line with God.
However, don’t let the LDS pull this fast one on you. The LDS believe that they are NOT reformed. They are the ONE RESTORED Church of Jesus Christ. They believe that Christ set up Mormonism while here on earth and evil ‘pagans’ like Constantine squashed them for political gain thus giving rise to the Catholic church.
As the “One true church” their founding (according to them) is given directly by God. Smith (and the other prophets) speak directly to God. So, racism in Mormonism like denying Blacks the priesthood (and thus true salvation) is either a doctrine of God (which makes God a racist) or it proves the LDS founder and prophets were false prophets and thus Mormonism is not in any way true.
The other ‘out’ they will try is “God changed his mind”. So, in essence they are saying that God, all knowing, all seeing, decided to just ‘change his mind’ on the requirements to get back into his presence because of a lawsuit by the NAACP?? Like polygamy, the blacks and priesthood issue puts them in a quandry - either their church is false or God bows to the temperament and laws of the US Government.
If they weren’t claiming ‘restored’ status, they could say the teachigs were of man and not God, but they do not, by their very claims, allow themselves that luxury.
Thanks reaganaut, good info.