How much do you really know about the book of mormon. One of the missionaries told the man that he was taking the verse out of context and reiterated that the church is not racist, that their message, christs message, is one of love for all people, regardless of race. The book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ, however, was written by man. Specifically, the book of mormon was prepared for our day so that we would learn and grow by readings the words of ancient prophets in the americas. There are many verses i like to use when i am witnessing to mormons. Racism results in hatred, fear, and inhumane treatment toward someone because of the nation theyre from or the color of their skin. The racism of the mormon church god is not a racist. They want to give a message of comfort and support to other parents who are navigating the difficult conflicts that can arise in families. Simply put, if both the bible and the book of mormon were inspired by god, then they never would contradict each other. While mormons will ask you to pray about the truth of the book of mormon in order to receive a revelation of its truthfulness from god, the bible offers a different way of testing new revelation, telling us to examine prophetic utterances carefully 1 thess. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. Mauss, a president of the mormon history association, the churchs racist beliefs originated within protestant denominations from which many mormons converted. Hopefully these verses will help jumpstart your new year with hope and encouragement.
Knowing the lords plan when death comes brings comfort, hope, and assurance to those who lose loved ones, or who themselves feel the end of mortality. As discussed in our december 10th come, follow me blog post by jasmin gimenez, the book of mormon prophet nephi recorded a panoramic vision of future events 1 nephi 1114. Surprisingly to some, the book of mormon likewise teaches that there is only one god in all of existence. The stick of judah is obviously the bible, since the jews are through the tribe of judah. The book of mormon is also very clear about the physical nature of the resurrection. There are many book of mormon passages i like to use when i am witnessing to mormons. The book of mormon account retains the key words found in both. Is it time to pull the curtain on the book of mormon. You are my witnesses, declares the lord, and my servant whom i have chosen. I will provide the kjv rendering of the verse and, in about 100 words, explain how each can be used. Imagine that the point is the bible and each line represents a different interpretation of a scripture or teaching in the bible. Every item on this page was chosen by a womans day editor. Criticism of the church of jesus christ of latterday.
My interpretations of race and racism and scripture draw upon the works of dr. Given the political climate in 2019 and the blatant racism in the book of mormon, it seems like it is past time for white americans to stop supporting the musical. Some of these scriptures simply confirm what is taught in the bible and other modern revelations. The book of mormon has no claim to validity due to its lack of incorporation into the biblical cannon. Mormon prooftexts from the bible christian research institute. Interestingly, while the urim and thummim are called interpreters, alma 37. Mormons can finally say we got it wrong over black priest ban. A statue of brigham young, second president of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints stands in the center of salt lake city with the mormon temple spires in the background 19 july 2001. Mormons grapple with churchs history of discrimination.
The book of mormon makes four changes in this chapter, and the septuagint supports each change. Bible verses about racism scripture quotes about equality. Racism in the lds church statements about race in the book of mormon. The bible vs the book of mormon bible reasons bible verses. Mormons grapple with churchs history of discrimination amid. A new edition of the latter day saints scriptures acknowledges that the ban overturned in 1978 was never proclaimed by god. Remarks by president brigham young, delivered in the tabernacle, great salt lake city, october 9, 1859. The most reprehensible part is that those racist elements are attributed to god. Mormons believe the bible to be the word of god as far as it is translated correctly.
Test how much you know about the book of mormon now with our quiz. Book of mormon racist teachings life after ministry. The words skin of blackness were removed from the introductory italicized summary in 2 nephi, chapter 5, in describing the curse god put on. For future reference, simply click on our bom foundation series. Gods word is a great source for starting over and moving forward. Perhaps two of the most interesting variations are found in quotations of isaiah 2. The bible was the premise for the mormon book and the teachings of the mormon church. Here are the 10 of the most common passages i cite regularly.
Here are the 10 of the most common verses i cite regularly. These bible verses about kindness will make it easier for us to do good. How are the book of mormons teachings about the godhead. There are several key and famous passages from the holy book, but did you pay enough attention in sunday school to be able to guess which books those passages came from. Criticism of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. It is the word of god and, like the bible, gives us guidance and inspiration in our daily lives. Chapter 25 of the book of numbers verses 1 tells of when the israelis began to intermarry it uses the term commit whoredom with the moabites, a neighbouring ethnic group with a different religion. Learn the christian concepts that were specific to the prophets, particular to jesus and contemplated by kings, queens and regular folks of times past. Bible references supporting the beliefs of the lds church. The bible reminds us that there are things to be grateful and thankful for.
When the bible and book of mormon are studied together, as illustrated here, they shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace 2 nephi 3. The man felt that this verse is proof that the book of mormon and its followers are racist against people with black skin. A historian looks at the legacy of racism in the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. How well do you decipher common holy books when they look super odd and vowelless. The book of mormon, dark skin, and racist theology religion. In verse 15 the lord told ezekiel precisely what to write on the two sticks, and it was not the bible and the book of mormon. Those who read the book of mormon and diligently apply its precepts into their. Read these powerful bible verses relating to the context of racism. Lds newsroom issued a statement the following day declaring the gospel of jesus christ. In total, approximately 30 percent of the book of isaiah is quoted in the book of mormon one source counts 478 verses in the book of mormon which are quoted from isaiah. According to scholars, the generations of ham include the africans, which in turn, made them slaves throughout many generations.
It can be reached by looking at the definition of racism, which correctly discerns other racist and non racist texts, and testing that definition against the contents of the book of mormon. This is because, according to his angelic guide, this portion of the vision would later be written by john, one of the apostles of the lamb. God created each of us worthy and cares about every single person regardless of skin color. Finding the bible verses you want in your hard copy bible is one option for bible study. Theological foundation for racism in the lds church. Other blinding blinding not knowing where darkness, as a symbol of sin bigotry darkness of evil sibling love but the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. The book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. The sticks being referred to are the are companions to each other making one.
Even in our darkest hours, its important to step back and take a moment to count our blessings. Look deep into the book of mormon, even the newlyupdated online version, and you will still find verses like alma 3. Eugene england, a second witness for the logos, in by study and also by faith. From the mid1800s until 1978, the lds church prevented most men of black african descent from being ordained to the churchs lay priesthood, barred black men. Other passages, however, offer unique and unparalleled insights about the nature and character of each member of the godhead. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the book of mormon was written for the intent that ye may believe the bible.
Race and the priesthood repeats its denunciation of all variations of racism. Amulek explained, the spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form. The bible and the book of mormon strengthen each other. These books, known as the book of mormon and pearl of great price published by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints are racist as the list of verses below show. See ludlow, companion to your study of the book of mormon, 199. Foolish interpretations of the bible have created the misconception that god approves of racism and slavery. Invite students to listen for blessings that are available to those who study the bible and the book of mormon together. However, nephi was instructed to not record the conclusion of his vision. That is, if you believe the book of mormon is inspired fiction or jusst plain, made up, then you can attribute the color change to 19th century racial ideas. Only one god in the book of mormon surprisingly to some, the book of mormon likewise teaches that there is only one god in all of existence. The stick of joseph referred to is the book of mormon.
But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. When i saw the book of mormon, all i knew was that everybody loved it from oprah winfrey to jon stewart. Pick any mormon wardhouse, sit in the pews for a year of sundays, and youll never hear that verse cited. The book of mormon and racial reconciliation religion news service. Jesus preached about discrimination and commanded that we love our neighbor as ourselves and to not judge others based on how they look. After referencing the verse s, i will, in about 100 words, explain how each can be used. Mormon prooftexts from the bible christian research.
The book of mormon explicitly quotes the prophet isaiah, containing 19 chapters of the kjv of isaiah in their entirety, along with parts of a few other chapters. Can you identify these books of the bible if we take away all of the vowels. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church has been subject to criticism and sometimes discrimination since its early years in new york and pennsylvania. This is a list of some of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints doctrines and beliefs and the bible passages that support them. How to respond to accusations of racism in the book of. Country living editors select each product featured. Answer our questions to see which biblical verses hold the concepts that are most like y. Here are the 21 passages containing all the racist verses in the bom, and the pearl of great price. On the other hand, the book of mormon easily is exposed as fiction when compared to and contrasted with the bible, which mormons claim is the word of god. Every major protestant denomination in history has taught that. Contradictions between the book of mormon and the bible.
Those who read the book of mormon and diligently apply its precepts into their own lives will. God is very clear in scripture that all humans are made in the image. Be sure to check back often for our updates of other categories. What does the book of mormon teach about the afterlife. The other possibility, if you dont hold to the historicity of the book of mormon, is what jared anderson responded on the ms fb group. Regarding this book, joseph smith said, the book of mormon is the most correct of any book on this earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.
How to respond to accusations of racism in the book of mormon. Rns the book of mormon both challenged and reinforced 19thcentury ideas about race and set the stage for a religions controversial. One of the most successful musicals of all time, the show has won nine tony awards and. I do not think i am in the least inferior to those superapostles. The book of mormon contains many linguistic similarities to the king james bible kjv. Studying the bible and book of mormon together helps us. This provoked the rage of god who commanded moses to hang them. He was told to write, for judah, and for the children of israel, his companions then take another stick, and write upon it, for joseph the. This is a collection of scripture quotes exemplifying gods command to judge not by appearance, but judge by right judgment. Bob jones university is just one example of how american christians have used the bible to promote racism. We dont scramble the bible book names on this test, but without vowels, it might be even more challenging to identify them.
Race was the defining criteria for how these practices would be. The history of racism and white supremacy in the mormon church. Russell stevensons work, for the cause of righteousness. In 1852, president brigham young publicly announced that men of black african descent could no longer be ordained to the priesthood, though thereafter blacks. The curse include being the lowest of servants to his relatives genesis 9. It took smith less than 3 months to translate the writings and publish it into a 588 volume. The bible and the book of mormon church of jesus christ.
Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that ones own race is superior. But, the internet can be a great resource when you want to find a specific bible verse too. The doctrine of the godhead is developed in several book of mormon passages. Mormon people are extremely strict about their lifestyle. For those who are unwell and looking for encouragement, these bible verses for the sick should be at the top of your reading list every item on this page was chosen by a womans day editor. Other blinding blinding not knowing where darkness, as a symbol of sin.
Early mormon teachings spoke of black people as inferior, cursed by god and unworthy to serve as clergy. God wants us to treat others with kindness, but thats not always easy. The book of mormon, dark skin, and racist theology. The bible affirms that all men are created equal and all bear the image of god. Another alleged racism in the bible is when god cursed ham and his descendants. In these passages, some words have been lost from the greek and others from the hebrew. The racism of the mormon church god is not a racist jason.
Remember that the mormon version of god is not the god of the bible. How many straight lines could a person draw through a single point on a piece of paper. Lehi, the first prophet of book of mormon, was a descendant of the tribe of joseph. There is a healthy respect for bible verses that make the mind work. And whereas the bible is organically linked to the earthly ministry of jesus christ by extensive surviving manuscript evidence going back as far as a. You know the bible, but how much do you know the bible.
Few verses in the book of mormon are as problematic and controver. Apologetics press the bible versus the book of mormon. This exceeds even the ku klux klan level of racism. Verses are cited in the order they are listed in the book of mormon.
Its important to read these bible verses about racism and prejudice so we can fully understand gods love for all. In the late 1820s, criticism centered around the claim by joseph smith to have been led to a set of golden plates from which the book of mormon was reputedly translated in the 1830s, the greatest criticism was for smiths. The bible states that god does not show favoritism. Each book contained footnotes and other scripture helps that referred to the other book, thereby uniting the two in a new way. The book of mormon contradicts itself and the bible. He continued, even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost. We may earn commission on some of the items you ch. The curse of cain or mark mentioned in biblical scripture is never said to refer to black skin. The book of mormon musical is extremely racist by claire. I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities. Christ of latter day saintscommunity of christ in all references to the book. He was told to write, for judah, and for the children of israel, his companions then take another stick, and write upon it, for joseph the stick of ephriam, and for all the house of israel, his. Racism in the book of mormon mormons in transition.
The church published a new edition of the book of mormon in 1981, replacing a promise that the righteous would become white with a promise that they would be made pure 2 nephi 30. The bible the bible was originally written languages of the people composing it. In some cases, entire passages are duplicated in the book of mormon. Book of mormon, book of abraham, racism, sexism, and homophobia appear prominently in ex mormon. Despite what your pastor told you, mormon s do believe in the bible and our beliefs are in there, when you look at other verses besides john 3.
So much so that in the current united states culture, racism is perhaps the single worst sin. Thanks to the book of mormon and these other revelations, latterday saints today are blessed with greater knowledge about the next life than any other known group of people in history. I submit that these racist verses of the book of mormon can be reinterpreted while maintaining ones belief in the historicity of the book of mormon. Top 40 inspirational book of mormon scriptures lifey. There are some verses in the book of mormon which imply the. As a point of comparison we may look at the same isaiah passage as found in the dead sea scrolls, translated from hebrew into english by two contemporary scholars, theodor gasler and geza. Recent literary appreciations of the book of mormon include marilyn arnold, sweet is the wordreflections on the book of mormon its narrative, teachings, and people american fork. Not until 1978 did the church lift the ban that barred. When the northern and southern baptists split in 1845 over the issue of slavery, southern baptists were using an obscure reference in genesis to justify owning slaves the socalled mark of cain. The fact that these racist elements are in there is not the worst part. The tanners also illustrate church racism by quoting sections of the book of mormon which describe dark skin as a sign of a curse and a mark from god to distinguish a more righteous group of people from a less righteous group, and by citing passages describing white skin as delightsome while dark skin is portrayed as unenticing 2 nephi 30. Church removes racial references in book of mormon headings.
If there were only two bible verses that you had to know when witnessing to mormons, i would recommend that you know isaiah 43. However, the chapter heading to the latterday saint edition of the scriptures, in referring to these same verses, reads, nephites shall speak as a voice from the dust. The world is doing a good job in repenting of its racism of the past. 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. Racism in the book of mormon yep, its there rational. However, by definition some of the past practices of the mormon church as well as practices and views within the pearl of great price, book of mormon and even the bible particularly the old testament are racist. But there are also other forms of prejudice that must be examined, for example colorism and xenophobia. What follows is simply the text of book of mormon passages reflecting racist notions. When the northern and southern baptists split in 1845 over the issue of slavery, southern baptists were using an obscure reference in genesis to justify owning slaves the. Sometimes the quotation is explicit, as in the second book of nephi, which contains 18 quoted chapters of the book of isaiah other significant connections between the two books include book of mormon words and phrases that only appear in. Why is some of the book of mormon identical to the bible. Bible references that support mormon doctrines and beliefs.
1143 415 1066 144 1250 1599 1439 611 1308 816 1049 892 974 713 1301 1333 787 1668 1145 156 1342 1048 713 1164 1048 134 1072