"Mormon church rewrites its racist history"

Salon ^ | March 9, 2013 | Joanna Brooks

[greyfoxx39]

A newly released digital edition of the four books of LDS or Mormon scripture—the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price—includes editorial changes that reflect a shifting official view on issues like polygamy, the Church’s history of racism, and the historicity of LDS scripture.

Perhaps the most significant is the inclusion of a new heading to precede the now-canonized 1978 announcement of the end of the LDS Church’s ban on black priesthood ordination:

The Book of Mormon teaches that “all are alike unto God,” including “black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the Church. During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood. Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African descent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance. The revelation came to Church President Spencer W. Kimball and was affirmed to other Church leaders in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1978. The revelation removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.

Church leaders have long maintained public ambiguity about the history of the ban and its end; they have rarely acknowledged the ordination of early African-American Mormons nor have they cited anti-racist teaching in the Book of Mormon in connection with the Church’s own troubled history on race. The new heading historicizes the ban (suggesting the influence of a robust Church History department) and depicts it as a contradiction to the original impulses of the faith, not corrected until 1978. The heading does, some commentators have noted, offer continuing cover to Brigham Young, whose on-the-record racist statements to the Utah legislature suggest his influence in the evolution of a non-ordination policy. Commentators also note the absence of reference to the fact that black women were not historically admitted to LDS temple worship until the 1978 announcement.

Another significant change is to the introduction to the Pearl of Great Price, a book of scripture long presented as a direct translation of Egyptian papyri obtained by Joseph Smith but shown by Egyptologists to have no connection to their source material. The new edition now characterizes the Book of Abraham as an “inspired translation” of the papyri. Changes to the introduction to the now-canonized official announcement of the end of institutionally-sanctioned polygamy also suggest an effort to historicize polygamy and connect it with Book of Mormon teachers that teach monogamy as “God’s standard.”

These are the most significant changes made to Mormon scripture since 1981.

[Colofornian]

Wow, I am a honky, but I definitely do not agree with that stupid statement. Anyone who believes that crap certainly does not deserve to be POTUS. Hey GOP, you’d better get yourselves a better candidate next time if you want to win the WH.

Well, it's hard to "trump" outright racism, as shown by Mormon leaders, Mormon "prophets," Mormon general authorities, Mormon tithers funding all of that crap, etc.

But when that crap gets politically ignored -- as was done by both the GoP RINOs who pushed Romney...as well ALL of Romney's PRIMARY voters (when there was STILL a choice)...then here you have a case where the openly hostile racists wind up sharing their racist shame & guilt with a good chunk of the GoP.

And where was ANY level of discernment to run such a candidate with such background vs. a candidate whose very race was such the object of Lds racism & discrimination for almost 150 years????

[greyfoxx39]

It is mormonism that is obsessed with racism and has been for more than a century. The Flying Inmans pointed out the fact that running a racist mormon against a black man was a loser. Now the mormon leaders agree with that.

[svcw]

It must be very painful and ever so expensive to try and ride the internet and book stores of the original versions.

[svcw]

So are defending mormoism’s inherent racism?

[greyfoxx39]

It must be very painful and ever so expensive to try and ride the internet and book stores of the original versions.

Nah you forget the mormon church doesn't allow its slaves to read unapproved material. I think the main thing is an attempt to kiss Obama's ring.

[Revolting cat!]

What’s “inherent racism”?

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***I think we could settle this is Moroni the angel would just bring back the golden plates and let us study it.....***

But, Gladen Bishop, leader of the Gladenite mormons told Brigham Young, he had in his posession...

The golden plates from which Smith translated the Book of Mormon;
The Urim and Thummim, which assisted Smith in translation;
The breastplate of Moroni;
The Liahona, an artifact from the Book of Mormon;
The sword of Laban;
A small silver “Crown of Israel” representing the Aaronic priesthood; and
A larger gold “Crown of Glory” representing the Melchizedek priesthood.

Bishop was told to vacate Salt Lake City while he could still move!

He died not long after.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladden_Bishop

[Revolting cat!]

It is mormonism that is obsessed with racism and has been for more than a century.

I'm sure you can point us to Mormon writings "more than a century" old where the word "racism" appears. Thank you in advance.

[Elsie]

Warning, only fabrication, distotion, smears and character assasination are allowed

Why do the heathen rage??

Over posting FACTS straight from the printing presses of MORMONism.

Get out of that hellish 'religion' while you can, Teppe!

[Colofornian]

Dim-o-crats from Salon.com are just pissed off that the Mormons stole a lesson from them about whitewashing (pun intended) their own racist history.

1. I'm fairly sure that the writer of this article (Joanna Brooks) is a Democrat. But...she's ALSO an active Mormon

2. Leave it to the Mormon church that does whatever it can to invite Mormon political leaders (Harry Reid) to their most revered university (BYU-Provo) and provide them a platform before an all-student, all-faculty audience...to say things like:

"I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not in spite of it."
Source: Reid Gets Warm Reception at BYU

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

“Warning, only fabrication, distotion, smears and character assasination are allowed ..... since tar/feathering, imprisonment, mob violence and murder has not been effective in elimintating those pesky Mormons, and makes us look rather .... umm,

unChristian!”

---

Yeah, Joseph Smith died a real hero against those anti-Mormon bigots. First thing they did was launch the Nauvoo expositor, daring to expose his systematic abuse of women and his dictatorial designs, and THEN they got all legalistic on him for innocently having an angry mob burn it to the ground. If only that gun didn’t conk out after a couple of shots, then maybe Ol’ Smith could have killed a few extra of the buggers.

[Elsie]

yep Salon is a left wing bastion of truth.                      

 

(They spelled bastardization wrong.)

 

[Revolting cat!]

" they have rarely acknowledged the ordination of early African-American Mormons "

Explain to me this sentence. Is the author speaking of the ordination of "African-Americans" during the early 1980s? Because before (roughly) the early 1980s "African-Americans" did not exist!

Unexamined nonsense isn't worth reading, someone has said.

[greyfoxx39]

I'm sure you can point us to Mormon writings "more than a century" old where the word "racism" appears. Thank you in advance.

See post #10 this thread by Elsie.

Link

It appears your knowledge of mormon history is quite lacking.

[Elsie]

And yet you can never point to a single instance of any of those on any thread. Why?

Uh.. he CAN'T?

[GJones2]

>”No, I don’t believe anyone is going to hell for supporting Romney over Obozo.”<

Well, then it might be a good idea not to use expressions such as “...selling my soul just to elect another liar...The wrath of God is much more fearful”. (In any case, we don’t have Romney, so enjoy ;-).

[Colofornian]

I'm sure you can point us to Mormon writings "more than a century" old where the word "racism" appears. Thank you in advance.

Well...here's a scanned copy of a letter not even yet half a century old...can easily be gleaned (only 3 pages)...you Revolting cat! tell us if THIS qualifies as "racism":

Lds Church Council of the Twelve Letter to George Romney on Lds Church Letterhead

(Oh, and thanks for the "set up" that allows us to "make the case" for openly

REVOLTING

racism...)

(Hey, there's more than one way to "skin a 'cat! 'round here!")

[greyfoxx39]

Thanks for continually bumping my thread with your uninformed comments.

[Elsie]

“Racism” obsessed much?

Obsessed?

Ma'am; you don't KNOW obsessed!!

We only spend a year of our lives 10/6 going door to door trying to sell our product.

And we only have to follow a few simple rules...

The Rules

1. Learn and obey all missionary rules.
2. Keep your thoughts, words, and actions in harmony with the gospel message.
3. Read only books, magazines, and other material authorized by the Church.
4. Don't debate or argue.
5. Center your mind on your mission.
6. Dress conservatively. Elders: white shirts, conservative ties, and business suits. Sisters: conservative colors and skirts that cover your knees. No floor-length skirts or dresses.
7. Cut your hair regularly.
8. Keep your hair clean and neatly combed at all times in the approved style.
9. Be neat and clean.
10. Bathe frequently.
11. Use deodorant.
12. Polish your shoes.
13. Iron your shirt and business suit.
14. Arise at 6:30 A.M.
15. Study for 2 hours every morning.
16. Proselytize for 10 hours between 9:30 A.M. and 9:30 P.M.
17. Turn off your lights at 10:30 P.M.
18. Exercise regularly.
19. Write in your journal regularly.
20. Follow the "Missionary Gospel Study Program" (31157) for your personal study.
21. Regularly study the Missionary Guide and the Discussions.
22. Attend Sunday priesthood or Relief Society meetings, Sunday School, and sacrament meeting.
23. Attend the general session of Stake Conference.
24. Attend general conference broadcasts if available.
25. Avoid all other church meetings unless you have a special assignment or are brining an investigator.
26. Proselytize as much as possible on weekends and holidays because this is when you'll find people home.
27. End your preparation day at 6:00 P.M. and proselytize from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
28. Wear your missionary uniform in public on preparation day while not engaged in recreational activities.
29. Arise at 6:30 on preparation day and study for 2 hours from the approved books.
30. Take care of your physical preparation for the week on preparation day: wash your clothes, clean your apartment, wash your car, get your haircut, and shop for groceries.
31. Write to your parents every week on preparation day.
32. Write less frequently to your siblings, friends, and acquaintances.
33. Don't communicate with any friends or acquaintances that are within or close to your mission boundaries, except as a part of official mission business.
34. Plan safe, wholesome, and uplifting activities for preparation day.
35. Stay with your companion during all activities.
36. Do not go on road trips.
37. Do not leave your assigned area without permission
38. Do not watch television.
39. Do not view unauthorized videocassettes.
40. Do not listen to the radio.
41. Do not listen to unauthorized audiocassettes or CD’s.
42. Do not participate in musical groups.
43. Do not participate in athletic teams.
44. Do not sponsor athletic teams.
45. Do not engage in contact sports.
46. Do not engage in water sports.
47. Do not engage in winter sports.
48. Do not engage in motorcycling.
49. Do not engage in horseback riding.
50. Do not engage in mountain climbing.
51. Do not embark on a private boat.
52. Do not embark in a private airplane.
53. Do not handle firearms.
54. Do not handle explosives.
55. Do not swim.
56. Do not play full court basketball.
57. Do not play basketball in leagues.
58. Do not play basketball in tournaments.
59. You may play half-court basketball.
60. Never be alone.
61. Seek advice from your mission president if your companion is "having difficulties".
62. Be loyal to your companion.
63. Ask your mission president for help if your companion doesn’t obey the rules.
64. Pray with your companion every day.
65. Study with your companion every day.
66. Plan your work with your companion every day.
67. Take time at least once a week for companionship inventory.
68. Seek to be one in spirit and purpose and help each other succeed.
69. Always address your companion as Elder or Sister.
70. Sleep in the same bedroom as your companion.
71. Do not sleep in the same bed as your companion.
72. Do not arise before your companion.
73. Do not retire after your companion. (apparently, being together is more important than getting the correct amount of sleep that your unique body requires.)
74. Frequently study with your companion the Missionary Guide section on companions.
75. Never be alone with anyone of the opposite sex.
76. Never associate inappropriately with anyone of the opposite sex (conversely, they don't mention whether or not it is against the rules to associate inappropriately with anyone of the same sex).
77. Do not flirt.
78. Do not date.
79. Do not communicate via phone or letter with anyone of the opposite sex living within or near mission boundaries.
80. Do not visit a single or divorced person of the opposite sex unless accompanied by a couple or another adult member of your sex.
81. Try to teach single investigators in a member’s home or have missionaries of the same sex teach them.
82. Always follow the above rules, even if the situation seems harmless.
83. Use the commitment pattern to get referrals from members.
84. Keep your dinner visits with member briefs and during the customary dinner hour in the area.
85. Remember to say thank you to those who feed you.
86. Visit members and nonmembers only at appropriate times.
87. Do not counsel or give medical treatment.
88. Do not stay in the homes of people when they are on vacation.
89. Only write letters to family members and friends at home.
90. Do not telephone parents
91. Do not telephone relatives.
92. Do not telephone friends.
93. Do not telephone girlfriends.
94. Contact your mission president in case of an emergency.
95. Take problems and questions to your mission president.
96. Do not write to the President of the Church or to other General Authorities. Letters from missionaries to General Authorities are referred back to the mission president
97. Respect the customs, traditions, and property of the people who you are trying to convert.
98. Obey all mission rules.
99. Obey the laws of the land.
100. Do not get involved in politics.
101. Do not get involved in commercial activities.
102. Do not give any information about the area.
103. Respect the customs and cultures of those who you are trying to convert to your own customs and culture.
104. Respect the beliefs, practices, and sites of other religions.
105. Do not say or write anything bad about the political and cultural circumstances where you serve.
106. Do not become involved in adoption proceedings.
107. Do not suggest or encourage emigration. (This rule is a bit ironic, given the now-defunct doctrine of gathering the believers to Zion)
108. Be courteous.
109. Provide community service.
110. Do not provide community service that isn’t approved by your mission president.
111. Do not provide more than 4 hours a week of community service.
112. Do not provide community service during the evening, weekend or holidays—those are peek proselytizing times.
113. Your mission president must approve your housing.
114. Keep your housing unit clean.
115. Do not live with single or divorced people of the opposite sex.
116. Do not live where the spouse is frequently absent.
117. Your living unit must have a private bath and entrance.
118. You may occasionally fast for a special reason, but generally the monthly fast is sufficient.
119. Do not fast longer than 24 hours at a time.
120. Do not ask friends, relatives, and members to join in special fasts for investigators.
121. Maintain your health.
122. Eat a healthy diet.
123. Sleep from 10:30 to 6:30.
124. Follow the approved exercise program.
125. Keep your body, clothes, dishes, linens, towels and housing unit clean.
126. Dispose of your garbage properly and promptly.
127. Follow the safety rules for all of your stuff.
128. Seek medical care if you are in an accident or become sick.
129. Be immunized.
130. Spend your money only on things relating to your mission.
131. Budget your money carefully.
132. Keep a record of what you spend.
133. Do not spend more than your companion.
134. Do not loan money.
135. Do not borrow money.
136. Keep a reserve fund of $50 to $100 at all times for transfers.
137. Pay your bills before leaving an area.
138. Pay cash for all resale literature and supplies ordered from the mission office.
139. Do not waste money on souvenirs.
140. Do not waste money on unnecessary items.
141. Be a frugal photographer.
142. Do not accumulate excess baggage.
143. Obey custom laws and regulations.
144. Pay fast offerings each fast Sunday to the bishop or branch president where you serve.
145. Pay tithing on outside sources of income (i.e. interest) to your home bishop or branch president.
146. Evaluate your funds a few months before the end of your mission. If you have more than you need, ask that less be sent so that you can return home without excess money.
147. Do not drive without a license.
148. Drive only Church-owned vehicles.
149. Do not drive members’ cars.
150. Do not drive nonmembers’ cars.
151. Do not give rides to members or investigators in Church-owned cars.
152. Use cars only on approved mission business.
153. Use cars only within the assigned geographical area.
154. Be conscious of safety at all times.
155. Drive defensively.
156. Wear your seat belt.
157. Pray for the Lord’s protection while driving.
158. If your companion is driving, assist him or her.
159. Do not tamper with the vehicle’s odometer.
160. Know bicycle safety rules.
161. Use extreme caution on your bicycle.
162. Do not ride your bicycle after dark.
163. Do not ride your bicycle in heavy traffic.
164. Do not ride your bicycle in adverse weather conditions.
165. Go directly to your new area when transferred.
166. Find your new companion without delay when transferred.
167. Have a maximum of two suitcases and a briefcase.

[svcw]

Ok, maybe this will be easier for you ‘foundational racism’.
Are you defending that?