LDS Church urges members to call out racism in their congregations

[sock puppet]

When asked if there was anything overtly racist within The Book of Abraham, Chat GPT responded with…

The issue of racism in the Book of Abraham often arises in relation to a particular passage in Abraham 1:21-27, which describes the Egyptian priesthood. Specifically, in Abraham 1:26, it mentions that "the blackness of the skin" came as a curse and marks a group of people, implying a racial distinction that has been interpreted in various ways by readers of the text.

The most overtly problematic element comes from the interpretation of the curse associated with the "mark" of skin color. Historically, some LDS leaders, including Brigham Young and others in the 19th and early 20th centuries, interpreted this to justify a belief that people of African descent were cursed, thus using these scriptural passages to rationalize the racial segregation and discrimination of the time. This view was in alignment with racist ideas prevalent in society during that era.

So the overt racism within The Book of Mormon, and the overt racism within The Book of Abraham, aligns with racist ideas that prevailed in the societies of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Coincidence? Or a red flag?

Mid-20th Century too. George Albert Smith and the rest of the Big 15 in August 1947, and through the 1960s into the 1970s.

[MG 2.0]

I Have Questions wrote: ↑
Chat GPT wrote:↑
[Whether or not The Lord of the Rings] contains elements of racism is a topic of debate and interpretation.

IHQ wrote: ↑
I approve this message.

You've been warned about abbreviating a posters words before, it’s dishonest and bad faith posting. Why do you default to dishonesty when you’ve been found to be wrong? Actually, I don’t care why you do it, so don’t answer that.

What part of what is written is either not accurate or you don't agree with? (another question that will likely remain unanswered)

Regards,
MG

*bump

[MG 2.0]

IHQ, why are you willing to see racism in the Book of Mormon but not in the Lord of the Rings trilogy?

Regards,
MG

*bump

[I Have Questions]

When asked if there was anything overtly racist within The Book of Abraham, Chat GPT responded with…

So the overt racism within The Book of Mormon, and the overt racism within The Book of Abraham, aligns with racist ideas that prevailed in the societies of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Coincidence? Or a red flag?

Mid-20th Century too. George Albert Smith and the rest of the Big 15 in August 1947, and through the 1960s into the 1970s.

You’re quite right. The Church has been blessed with racist leadership for much of its existence.

[MG 2.0]

Mid-20th Century too. George Albert Smith and the rest of the Big 15 in August 1947, and through the 1960s into the 1970s.

You’re quite right. The Church has been blessed with racist leadership for much of its existence.

It's been a mix. On top of that I think there had been an ongoing question as to the Book of Abraham and its influence over some of the early brethren and their views.

And those views taking hold. Then Armand Mauss came along...and others.

It took a while for scripture----men----culture----God to align themselves together. Not the first time.

Regards,
Mg

[Marcus]

When asked if there was anything overtly racist within The Book of Abraham, Chat GPT responded with…

So the overt racism within The Book of Mormon, and the overt racism within The Book of Abraham, aligns with racist ideas that prevailed in the societies of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Coincidence? Or a red flag?

Mid-20th Century too. George Albert Smith and the rest of the Big 15 in August 1947, and through the 1960s into the 1970s.

Yes. It's interesting how many of the Mormon god's 'revelations' aligned with situations where Mormons were being pressured to catch up with the morals of society.

[Moksha]

IHQ, why are you willing to see racism in the Book of Mormon but not in the Lord of the Rings trilogy?

Regards,
MG

*bump

MG, do you suspect Orcs would still be excluded from the priesthood despite their inherent conservatism? What about Balrogs being declared the ones mighty and strong, in Central and Southern Utah? Balrogs would make a formidable front line for BYU football.

(Are you worried about that Fire and Scaley Skin curse?)

[MG 2.0]

*bump

MG, do you suspect Orcs would still be excluded from the priesthood despite their inherent conservatism? What about Balrogs being declared the ones mighty and strong, in Central and Southern Utah? Balrogs would make a formidable front line for BYU football.

(Are you worried about that Fire and Scaley Skin curse?)

I would like to meet you sometime. What a mind!! I don't think anyone else here would hold a candle to your ability to do what you do with words in a way that, yes, makes an exhibition/show of your thoughts and feelings in regards to the LDS Church...but the way you do it!

What talent.

Regards,
MG

[I Have Questions]

Mid-20th Century too. George Albert Smith and the rest of the Big 15 in August 1947, and through the 1960s into the 1970s.

Yes. It's interesting how many of the Mormon god's 'revelations' aligned with situations where Mormons were being pressured to catch up with the morals of society.

I’ve long held the view that Mormon Prophetic “revelation” comes as a reaction to activism against it, not as something proactive. The Church follows society like a spoilt child finally acquiescing to its parents instructions - begrudgingly, and far too late. It’s the way it has always been. The Word of Wisdom revelation came as a reaction to Emma standing up for herself for once, as an example.

Unfortunately with racism, the Church is riddled with it, unsurprisingly given the teachings the leaders have delivered over many many decades. If the Church really wanted change, the leaders would take strong action and set a clear example by removing racist passages from its scriptures. They serve no purpose other than to justify members and leaders in their racism. Unfortunately the First Presidency and Apostles are too cowardly to act strongly - because they know the ranks are filled with white supremacists, or white supremacy leaning folk - people who won’t consider themselves racist but who fundamentally wouldn’t want black neighbours, for example.

Oaks and Co. must put up, or shut up. The call to stop being racist is mealy-mouthed spin at best unless or until real decisive leadership is shown.