How Modern Mormons Still Defend Racist Scripture | LDS Discussions 56 | Ep. 1924
Aug 2, 2024
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The podcast critically examines the controversial 'skin of blackness' passages in the Book of Mormon. It highlights modern apologists' attempts to reinterpret these texts while addressing historical racism. The discussion scrutinizes early Mormon teachings on race, including Joseph Smith's perspectives on intermarriage with Native Americans. Moreover, it explores the church's evolving narratives and their implications for marginalized communities, advocating for transparency and accountability in these sensitive discussions. Engaging stories and historical analyses reveal the complexities of racial identity within the faith.
Modern Mormon apologists attempt to reinterpret racist scripture in the Book of Mormon but often obscure historical truths in doing so.
The podcast critiques the historical narratives established by early Mormon leaders regarding race and their impact on Native American communities.
Efforts to redefine racist teachings reflect a denial of lived experiences and the complexity of racial identities in Mormon history.
Brigham Young's leadership shift encapsulated a colonial approach towards Native Americans, emphasizing coercive assimilation under the guise of missionary zeal.
Deep dives
Curse of Blackness in the Book of Mormon
The podcast discusses the teachings in the Book of Mormon regarding the skin of blackness, which is portrayed as a curse inflicted by God on the Lamanites due to their wickedness. This narrative has spurred debates among modern Mormon apologists who attempt to re-interpret the original text, suggesting that the reference to dark skin may imply tattoos or animal fur instead. The hosts emphasize how such reinterpretations distort historical truths, undermining the experiences and realities faced by marginalized groups. Furthermore, they stress the importance of maintaining historical accuracy to uphold the integrity of discussions surrounding these teachings.
Apologetics and Historical Revisionism
The dialogue critiques various contemporary apologetic efforts aimed at redefining historical Mormon teachings, particularly around race and skin color. Julia Sanders, who conducted substantial research for the episode, highlights specific apologists as problematic for their attempts to recast inherently racist doctrines into less offensive narratives. The hosts express concern that these efforts dilute the gravity of the original teachings and ignore the lived experiences of those affected by such ideologies. They advocate for informed discussions about race within the context of Mormon history to provide clarity and promote understanding.
Missionary Work Among Native Americans
The podcast recounts the early history of the Mormon Church's missionary efforts targeting Native American populations, which was intended to propagate the gospel among the Lamanites. Joseph Smith established missions aimed at integrating these groups into the Church. However, despite these efforts, many attempts were met with rejection, leading to frustrations among church leaders who anticipated greater conversions. This dynamic reflects a complex interplay between missionary zeal and the sobering reality of a lack of acceptance among Native communities.
Polygamy and Native American Women
The discussion touches upon Joseph Smith's teachings that permitted men in the church, particularly missionaries, to take Native American wives as part of their polygamous practices. This directive was underscored by the belief that intermingling with 'righteous' white Mormons would eventually purify the Lamanite bloodline, leading to a transformation of their skin color from dark to light. The hosts criticize this notion as a blatant expression of racial hierarchies within early Mormon doctrine, highlighting the objectification of Native women as mere tools for achieving a racially 'pure' society. This narrative further underscores the exploitative nature of the church's early polygamous practices.
Racial Identity and Scriptures
The episode discusses how the early Mormon leadership operated under the assumption that contemporary Native Americans were descendants of the Lamanites, which led to deeply ingrained racial ideologies within church teachings. These ideas perpetuated the notion that dark skin was an indicator of divine displeasure, thus framing racial identity as directly tied to spiritual standing. The hosts assert that Joseph Smith and his contemporaries did not hesitate to define their religious narratives around race, impacting how members of the church viewed and interacted with Native communities. This continued to shape racial narratives within the church well into the 20th century.
The Evolution of Church Attitudes
Brigham Young's leadership marked a significant shift in the church's perception of Native Americans, transitioning from a narrative of noble savages to one of perceived savagery and the need for correction. As the church continued to grapple with the lack of substantial converts among Native populations, Young's leadership endorsed a more coercive approach to assimilation. This reflected a broader colonial attitude, where the church sought to impose its values on Native communities under the guise of missionary work. The podcast indicates that this paradigm shift has had lasting implications on church policies and attitudes toward race and identity.
Contemporary Reactions to Historical Claims
The hosts address modern apologists' reactions to historical racism within the church, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about the origins of Native Americans. They cite examples of how apologetic arguments often ignore or manipulate historical facts to maintain the church's image. This dissonance raises ethical concerns regarding transparency and honesty within the church's teachings, compelling a reevaluation of how racial issues have been addressed historically. The conversation encourages listeners to scrutinize the claims made by contemporary leaders and to seek a clearer understanding of past injustices.
Can ancient scripture be reinterpreted to erase racism? Mormon apologists are attempting just that with controversial 'skin of blackness' passages in the Book of Mormon. But can these efforts stand up to historical scrutiny, or do they merely obscure uncomfortable truths? Critics argue it whitewashes history and denies lived experiences. Join us as we critically examine how modern LDS apologists attempt to explain away racist teachings in early Mormon history and scripture by comparing their modern interpretations with the information they avoid most strenuously--the original words and primary sources of the doctrines to begin with.
