I’m a black exmo that was adopted by a white Mormon family in the south of the US. Comments about lighter skin meaning lighter spirit, the n-word, and certain families not being allowed to date non whites were commonplace, the extreme anti black racism was so widespread that I never questioned it! However I found out about the Native American boarding schools by the church and that broke my shelf - I realized how effed up it was that my parents and all my “friends” thought I was descended from Cain. (And still do?) I’m 20 now and happy to say I’m much more comfortable outside the church, I can love myself and everyone else. Thanks for making this video, I might send it to the rest of my Mormon family and maybe they’ll understand!
I'm sorry you went thru that. I was raised LDS. I know a lot of my friends and I lobe many things about the church but some of these things we do not like. I struggle with going back because of things like this but then I think I can be part of the change. But I never heard of these schools?
Julie Hicks I’m certainly no authority on it so I’d encourage you to research if you’re curious. I think it’s best to hear from the indigenous people that went through so here’s a nuanced (and graphic) from a Navajo woman www.sltrib.com/news/2018/10/01/lone-holdout-presses-lds/
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Knowing Truth as a person of color in this world is vital. This is imperative for "Liberation of the Mind" and FREEDOM. Ethiopia is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible and is the oldest Christian nation on earth. America was founded on propaganda and lies from its inception to the current era. This alone gives reason to assess "Divine Judgment" upon this nation.
@@juliehicks7858 Natives were NOT placed in boarding schools by the LDS church, but other churches did and it was horribly abusive. What actually happened was Native kids were placed in LDS foster homes during the school months to further their education in the local public schools. Because on reservations there were mostly boarding schools or sometimes schools that struggled. It was not the most ideal situation obviously to be away from their families, but it did help them academically. Many have great relationships with their foster families today and are still invited to Christmas parties etc. Unfortunately there were some abusive foster parents. That’s what that guy’s linked article refers to. And where there was abuse, I do fully agree that the victim deserves justice.
As someone who was born into the Mormonism as a latina I was constantly told that I was descended from the Lamanites. Considering that for the majority of the Book of Mormon the Lamanites were the villains and were cursed with their dark skin for their sins it didn't exactly help my mental health nor my body image growing up. The message the church was sending me was that my cultural heritage was something I should be ashamed of and something I needed to distance myself from and so I did. I've only recently been able to get past that harmful way of thinking so I can go out and learn more about who I really am. So thank you so much for spreading the truth about Mormonism's racist past and present.
@@worldscar6422 Ah yes, a brief period where the people of color are good when the rest of the time, they're depicted as savages, *totally* makes up for it. (And I said "for the majority of the Book of Mormon." Maybe you should actually read what I said.)
@@patriciapages3839 you should actually study the book. And what’s funny is that that happens what? 1000 years ago? You are quite salty about people whom you have never met.
@@worldscar6422 I should study the book? The book I read every single night and every single morning for years? And IDK it kind of seems like you're salty that I'm sharing my lived exiprences with racism. I'm not going to stay silent just because you can't handle the truth about your racist religion. Leave me alone, and actually look in the mirror and think about why you're so quick to disregard my expirences.
When I was Mormon I served a mission in Georgia where there are a lot more black people than here in Utah. In a combined lesson we did with the elders, we talked to a group of people who were Hispanic and black about the word of wisdom. One elder legit shared the scripture about the curse of black skin in the Book of Mormon! I was shocked and my jaw literally dropped! I’m so glad that I’m no longer Mormon and always questioned why there was racism in the BOM and church history. Thank you for sharing this video.
You apparently never understood the book of Mormon then. Yes, the laminites were cursed but the darkening of skin but it was only to distinguish them from the nephites. The color of the skin wasn't the curse per say. You missed the whole entire point and are so readily to inject the woke culture of today and call everything "racist" when in fact it was not. There were many laminites who were more righteous and favored of the lord then the nephites, and in fact the laminites were at times a more righteous people than the nephites due to the nephites hypocrisy.
I remember arguing with my stepmom that I had a problem with the church saying Africans and Indigenous Americans were "marked" for being spirits that were less righteous in the pre-existence. That was what we were taught, even in the late 90s. I thought that was such BS. She would respond "is that all that matters to you?" I said that yeah it was pretty important. The church puts themselves at odds with people simply for existing as god made us, so yeah, I'm gonna question it.. And now that we know scientifically that the amount of melanin in our skin was evolution corresponding to how close our people were to the equator in order to protect the skin from the sun, yet the church couldn't just say, we ARE fallible. Sometimes our human opinions get mixed up with our inspired thoughts. I'd argue that all of it are human opinions, but whatever.
They got to much of that stuff from the tree in the garden and that’s why they think they know everything. That’s why we weren’t suppose to have knowledge of good and evil . Humans are not capable of that level of power and often use their “inspired thoughts” to create chaos. Being humble is the best thing we can do as humans
I’m not saying this to sound heroic by any means, but the number one reason I left the church was when I discovered the longggggg historic levels of racism in the church. It legitimately was horrifying knowing I had joined such a racist religion - no matter how many wonderful people I had met.
I was a member for over 30 yrs and let me tell you , I experienced prejudice many times . I left the church about 10 yrs ago and have never been happier in my life . You’re told you have free agency but do you ? If you don’t follow their rules , you disfellowshipped or excommunicated . I’m 1/2 Native American and Spanish . I’m 68 yrs old and even outside the church grew up with prejudice.
@Samuel Hirsch You know that saying that to people who can clearly see the manipulation in that statement isn't going to change their view, right? All I hear when someone says "I know the ___ is true" is that you are continuing to repeat the rituals that lead you to the feeling of love you are drawn to. I feel the bright light of the Universe within me, my innate goodness and Light. It helps me to love without reservation or restriction, and truly know what it is to love unconditionally. The white-washed, rules oriented religion you follow restricts that, in my opinion, but I'm not going to tell you my connection to the universe is better or more true than yours. Glad you can find a connection to the Light, whatever name you choose to give it. Also, when you copy/paste the same comment over and over, it kind of looks like trolling, although I'm sure you don't mean to.
Missedinsunday.com is a great place to find all the quotes and more. One of the best websites out there for this stuff. Click on the graphic of the quotes and it gives you the sources too
@Samuel Hirsch "...racism and the ignorance of SOME people in the Church..." People such as Bruce R. McConkie, Brigham Young and Joseph Smith perhaps??
Samuel Hirsch I respect your opinion. I’m not going to tell you your feelings are wrong. However, I want to know how you believe that the Book of Mormon is true despite actual research? I’m genuinely curious, I’m not trying to tell you your feelings are wrong. I’m sorry if this offends you, but I’m really curious. Thanks!
I converted when I was 21 and then found out about church history. This topic was my primary wtf... left less than a year in. Got a good mormon girl out too. Her mom was my icu nurse when I almost died in a wreck. She knew we were having sex. She screamed at the top of her lungs while I was clinging to life. Was just her and I in the room. Thought she was going to kill me. Terrifying. I passed it off as an illusion for a little while. Just couldn’t believe what happened. Religions turn otherwise good people into monsters based on totally false information
My parents have been separated my whole life and my dad has always been mormon. My mom was raised JW but has never really believed in religion. My mom dated a lot when I was young and she dated men of every race. I remember one time I was visiting my dad for the weekend and I accidentally called him Ty (my moms at the time boyfriend who was black) and he freaked out on me. "I might accidentally call you your brother or sisters names but at least I get your skin color right." That was the first time I realized my dad was racist. After that i noticed just how often he made these comments. I never understood why and I never really thought to research the church when I stopped going but I've been looking into it more and it all makes sense now! Thank you guys for making your videos! I'm starting to understand why my family is the way it is and why they've been making me feel bad for being different my whole life. Thank you for showing others just how horrible this religion really is. ❤💛💚💙💜
Ex-Mormon living in the middle of Utah Valley. Most of my friends and family are LDS. Glad I found your channel :) I hope you continue doing what you do, I have such a hard time "coming from a place of love" when it comes to religion anymore.
Example of discrimination against all races and nationalities by white American Mormons: BYU has a Study Abroad program. It allows students to travel to other countries to study the language and get new experiences in professional field. Among other rules for its students, there's a rule that forbids dating locals. It says that there maybe some serious cultural differences in regards of dating and they may be dangerous. The girl I still managed to date was an American who was so in love with my culture, she embraced it years ago and was more Яussian than Balalayka (triangular guitar). And I (Яussian) was as American as Benedict Arnold (in the beginning of the Revolution). Yet, our relationship was endangering her education. She could be kicked out from BYU. She nearly had a heart attack every time she thought she saw another BYU student. Like what cultural differences could there be if you are both active Mormons?
Great video. The only thing that bothers me in these conversations is how we (ex-Mormons) tend to say that the church should acknowledge and apologize for its racist past. It sort of implies that it was a mistake or an accident, when in reality it was fully intentional and a critical part of the church’s foundation. It also implies that their racism is in the past and that the church is now actively anti-racist, which it isn’t. Missionary “work” is colonization; as Sam pointed out the entire premise of the Book of Mormon itself is Indigenous erasure; and every single prophet has been white and that most likely will not change any time soon. I could see the potential benefit of an apology in that it would likely awaken a lot of active members to the corrupt nature of the church, but I also think we should be careful not to imply that an apology would absolve the church of its deeply bigoted roots (not saying that this is what Sam meant though; it’s just something I’ve heard implied a few times in the exmo community). If they were to apologize it would strictly be performative. We’ll never see real change in their doctrine, because if they were to try to “fix” the racism in their doctrine they’d be left without any doctrine at all. The church has always been, still is, and will always be inherently racist. My advice for Mormons struggling to grapple with this is to leave. Don’t want around for a meaningless statement. Don’t keep giving your money to a group that goes against your core values as a human being. This church was founded on white supremacy and sexual abuse, and all the statements in the world cannot change that.
I was talking to a friend about how I usually try to be subtle with my comments about the church because I know how members have a tendency to shut down, and she pointed out that if someone is open to hearing something then they'll hear it. and if they're not then they won't no matter how subtle I'm being. I know it's a hard game to play, knowing exactly what to say around Mormons, but just the fact that you're saying anything at all is positive and the people who need to hear it are hearing it
Just found your video and all I can say is , well done. I was raised a Mormon up until I was 13, at which point I saw the hypocrisy and lies in this cult, so I announce to my parents that I was never going back. My father, who wasn't a Mormon, said to me it was one of the happiest days of his life. I have now been an atheist for the last 45+ years. The local bishop tracked me down a couple times to get me back, even threatening to excommunicate me. He was taken back when I said go right ahead and he hasn't been back since.
I grew up in the church and ignored the racist tones. As I got older it bothered me more and more. I never felt like I was part if the community and couldn't make the connection.
I remember back in the day, when I was in the LDS Church when the black ban was new. I struggled with this ban even being a Southerner . Seven years of membership was all I could stomach.
@@mantispid5 1978. 1978 IS WHEN BLACK PEOPLE WERE GIVEN THE PRIESTHOOD. Just 42 years ago. You must be a teenager to say something so naive. Google is right there bud.💻 USE IT.👌
I am ex Mormon. I served an LDS mission during the 1968-70 era. It was difficult to ever explain the question of blacks and the priesthood. I read recently a book by Joanna Brooks called Mormonism and White Supremacy. The author is a Mormon but does an excellent job of discussing this issue. I would recommend it. Thank you for this presentation. Mormonism's approach to blacks has been racist and there seems to be no acknowledgment that it was wrong.
So..... Joseph Smith is my cousin. So my family has been in the church since the beginning. Both of my grandmothers have told me stories of how blatantly racist their fathers were. How they had friends of color as children and their parents refused to allow them in the house. It is also still a large part of the church to claim that people before the civil rights movement were not prepared to allow people of color to hold the priesthood. I even know older people of color who are church members who believe that. The racism is extremely entrenched.
Since evolution through natural selection is fact, and our ancestors all originated in Africa, the "natural" state for humans is to have black/dark skin and brown eyes. It is only because our wandering African ancestors migrated to higher latitudes with less sunshine that we white people evolved to have light skin in order to make sufficient quantities of vitamin D. Blue eyes came from a mutation only about 13,000 years ago. Science facts beat the shit out of religious fictions any day. PS- Sam, you did a really good job on this video. If you haven't seen it, this was a really good rebuttal that Thinker of Thoughts did to 3Mormon's video on Race in Mormonism featuring Kwaku, a slick talking black Mormon dude and some boring milk toast white guy. th-cam.com/video/2c6gY7QfT8k/w-d-xo.html
@@davidkener3754 No! That is nothing like what I said. I think you were trying to make out what I posted as being racist for some reason. Do you see the words "higher evolved" anywhere in my post? What I said is white people evolved for a different climate, that their bodies evolved to fit the environment, lighter skin for greater vitamin D production in the reduced sunshine of northern latitudes. Life evolves over time to better fit a given environment. That is all evolution really is.
I don’t think “natural state” would be an accurate way to say it because we “naturally” evolved so being white is also a natural state. Maybe “original” state?
Growing up Mormon, this stuff is never mentioned. During and after my mission, the cracks in Mormonism began to show. I can attest that to go against something so ingrained in you since birth is scary. But I knew it was necessary. I was taught that these men were prophets, and it was a sin to deny the words of a prophet. So glad my eyes are open. But then again, I have family that I know who will fight to defend the church in every possible. Crazy, because my family is Native American. I can see now how the church as rewritten our history. So I have darker skin because my ancestors were wicked? What happened to the article of faith that states that man will punished for his own sin? Great video, keep it up.
They can't. Their arguments are weak. The only people that would fall for their arguments are those who are not knowledgeable on the subject and/or those looking for reasons to discredit the faith and who don't want hear anything from the other side.
Thanks for covering this topic Sam. I enjoyed your style of presentation. Gonna be sending this to my questioning sister in a year when she graduates BYU and can finally open her mind.
Around November I started watching you guys. I just wanted to say thanks for starting my questioning about the church. I even made a comment saying the church made me happy. Well I’m definitely way happier then I realized I could be. Thank you guys!
Thank you so so much for making this video. You’ve made me feel heard, like I’m not crazy and this is all real. I was raised mormon and it’s caused me so much mental pain. I can no longer stay silent and I feel like you’ve given me a voice through this video
I remember just after my 18th birthday, my parents wouldn't wake me up for church anymore..at least that's fair...so I was like, YES! But I did go back a couple times later, for them, but I wore casual clothing. I'm absolutely sure everyone there in the usual getup (especially the 10-15 yo kids) thought that was devilish :-D
Recently moved to Utah (Provo area to be specific) and have a few tattoos, those 10-15 year-old kids always give me dirty looks because I have them lmao.
@@blakejayyy lmao provo is rough. i remember being a mo kid and being absolutely entranced by strangers who “looked cool” to me. maybe you’re that cool looking stranger to one of those kids you never know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The idea that humans can just make a new book and then say “oh that other one is just Old Testament” just proves all this shit is just made up and not factual
I was most definitely taught that dark non-white skin was a sign your ancestors had been punished.. I'm a bit grateful that I had a lot of unsupervised (4th child) time with the encyclopedia collection
I honestly had NO idea what the actual reason for lifting the Priesthood ban was. I’m actually pretty proud that their tax exempt status was being threatened & people basically boycotting. I always just assumed it was because conversion numbers were dropping.
Thank you!! We have a big file of quotes and thoughts, but just haven't had the heart and mental energy to go there. I'll be sharing this in the meantime. 🙏
Yeah, from what I remember my thinking is they do still think the same thing. I have heard similar language regarding why people in other nations have less then what we have here in USA and how this is the chosen land where he sent the most righteous from the pre-existence and everywhere else is for the less righteous people. So even if they no longer say outright that it’s because they are black or darker skinned it’s definitely implied. Which has always baffled me why any one of color would ever join the religion because it’s right in the book. I’ve heard of young children so internalizing the messages even though they don’t say it explicitly they still get it and treat people as less then... so any way though I have been guilty of the excuses as much as any Mormon so idk
Unfortunately many of my people don’t like to read and study so they will join without reading the Mormon book. Gotta to study to show thyself approved. Devil is in the details.
Thank you for trying to talk directly to folks in the LDS church. I'm indigenous to North America and I was ASTOUNDED to find how many members there are in the church.
Yeah, me too. My indigenous father would always tell me the things out of the book of mormon that get swept under the rug. Especially how bad they shit on us.
They way I used to justify the "skin of blackness" was similar to how many socities seperated those that worked the field and such outdoor versus those in higher class that could stay indoors. The lamanites or whomever lived more of a savage lifestyle of a hunter gathers. I perfer the it's total bullshit explanation.
Thank you I was about to go to this church they came to knock on my door I am mixed white and black my daughter is black. I was going to go to their church and now I’m like no I can’t go. I needed help and was looking for a new church family I am praying God helps me seriously because I am really going through so much but now knowing this I am scared I won’t be able to get help in time 😢
Mormon leaders telling anyone that's brown that they are Lamanites. A missionary told me that as a Māori I am Lamanite. I was like ok but I don't look American Indian lol. We both might be brown but we look nothing alike.
Sam I like what you said that the BOM is inherently racist, I haven't really thought about it that way. Out of 5 siblings in my family only one is still in the church. I wonder how she would respond if I said that the BOM is inherently racist? I believe that those who believe the BOM are standing by, condoning and really endorsing the racism it perpetuates.
Not only that, but as a junior in HS I went to my history teacher after class to ask why the BOM wasn’t taught in history class. She continued to tell me we don’t have the gold plates. ( I could tell she was holding back on judging this question and laughing at me. Later I learned she was exmo) course my indoctrination JUSTIFIED THIS SOMEHOW???? All the signs were there 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Does anyone know of ways in which people can reach out to church leaders in order to request an apology for all of the racist acts the church has taken against poc? Like, are there any petitions going around to sign, or emails of church officials we can use to contact leaders to demand change?
They really can't apologize bc it is DOCTRINE...NOT MAN'S BELIEFS. Blk skin is a consequence of siding w satan in the preexistence so why would the LDS church apologize for treating those who r against god w contempt??? That doesnt make sense. It makes more sense to refuse the priesthood to those who hated god in the preexistence. Blk skin is not random but assigned for a reason. So the racism angle doesnt apply bc per LDS doctrine the souls inhabiting blk bodies were put in those bodies for a reason. And that reason is bc of treason against God...
I don't know if my convert Dad was racist because of Mormonism, or was racist and found a home that supported those preconceived views. Either way, the Church and the racism of its members was one of the first things on my shelf. I couldn't understand back in the 90s why they thought suddenly missionary work would work better in Africa given their history. That and the treatment of Native Americans being referred to as the descendants of the evil characters in their holy book.
Okay so I am currently lds. I am a convert but I was converted young. I understand what you are saying about the book of Mormon being non-historic. I think the church has at times pushed that it is accurate. As far as racism I can concur that we don't have a single family of color in any of the three wards where I live. I did wonder about it and I learned that lds community didn't include people of color until they kind of had to and we're getting poor press. I also know the passage you are referring to I was reading alma and questioning another member about it. They almost excused it by saying well in those times racism was prevalent and it was an outdated concept like they have in the bible. I appreciate that questions are always going to arise and that you address these issues in a respectful and well researched way.
White American Mormons discriminate not just against Africans or Native Americans. It's everyone! Even other Whites. One of the examples in my life. I fell in love with a sister missionary. They can't have any romantic relationships, according to their rules, so I (as a good Mormon boy) reported on myself to her mission president. I didn't tell him the name at first. His first question was: "Is she American?" As if she wasn't American I could date her or something. Official rules don't mention exceptions. Then we continued to talk and he said that I could email a Russian sister after her mission! In my mind I was like: "WTF?! After mission I can email any sister! There are no rules against it! And that Russian sister wasn't even mentioned in our conversation until he did it! She's not the one I had feelings for! What kind of messed up logic is this? I wonder if he even thought of her opinion when he was offering her to me.
Let me add my two cents to this comment. I find it interesting that you two keep using the steps for the repentance as a way of condemning the Mormon church for it's past. But part of the problem that people have when repenting of a sinful life and trying to change are those people who see them making efforts to be better and constantly remind them of who they were, telling them that they are still that person. It doesn't matter what they do to make amends for their past, there will always be those people who refuse to let them move on. There is no longstanding religion in the United States that does not have a past that is mired by racism, so this is not a problem that is exclusive to the Mormon church. Admittedly, the Mormon church was late in changing it's teachings and practices compared to some other religions. But it DID change and it has issued statements explaining where it was wrong and condemning those past beliefs. To quote from that explanation on their website: "Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form." As someone in their 40s who has been a member of the Mormon church all of my life, as well as being part of an interracial marriage, I feel much more qualified than you to speak about whether or not that religion is inherently racist. I will not say that I have never met racist Mormons during my lifetime because I have. I will say, however, that I have met racist people in every religion (and some non-religious people who are racists as well). And I will also say that I've never experienced anything other than love and support from the church for my marriage. Concerning your opinion of the Book of Mormon being a white man's fictional re-writing of the Native American history, that description in and of itself is racist. There are many different people who study ancient American history and quite a few of them are white. To say that any theories given or books written by a white person about any ancient civilization other than the one that their ancestry hails from is completely ridiculous. If you were to apply that same criteria to a person whose it not white, you would immediately be called on it. Even if it is a religious text. The Bible's account of how the world was formed does not agree with the current scientific theories, but no one is calling it an oppressive rewriting of world history. People should understand that there are different views about every historical event and it's up to each person to study the different arguments and make up their own mind. It's not oppression to share your views; that is called freedom of expression. It's what allows you to spout off about Mormons on TH-cam without me censoring you for oppressing me with your viewpoint. And it's a wonderful thing, so be grateful for it and allow others that same freedom regardless of their race. And in regards to 2 Nephi 5:21 (..."wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them..."), those who use that scripture to condemn the Mormon church as racist ALWAYS fail to mention that the book ends with the Nephites being destroyed because they had become more wicked than the Lamanites. So skin color may have been important to Nephi, but it clearly did not determine the righteousness of his descendants. And, of course, the Mormon church does not teach that skin color has any bearing on one's personal righteousness. To quote from that same essay about race and the priesthood on their website: " The Church proclaims that redemption through Jesus Christ is available to the entire human family on the conditions God has prescribed. It affirms that God is 'no respecter of persons' and emphatically declares that anyone who is righteous-regardless of race-is favored of Him. The teachings of the Church in relation to God’s children are epitomized by a verse in the second book of Nephi: '[The Lord] denieth none that cometh unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.'" Here is a link to that entire essay for those who want to read it: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng
And how is it not utterly obvious that this is racist fan fiction when God seem to not even acknowledge whole entire other races of people like Asians and Indians and Latin...
Excuse you? Are u from USA? One thing I don't understand about "Americans" is that they refer to the Americas as if USA were the only country there, alone, and we South Americans are just the rest!. When the Book of Mormon speaks of the land of abundance (When Lehi and his family finish they ocean travel and stop'd in the land of abundance) it refers to Central America (South Méxican and below of their territory). And the fact that China have a religion apart (and its linked with his history) , shows that you don't understand/know the history of other countries. PS. (and yeah u "Americans" were all full racist before 2020, and even with BLM :lul:)
Absolutely horrible ppl! Unfortunately I live directly across the street from a LDS family. I purposely annoy them with my very very dark skin tall son, I make sure he walks to the community swimming pool with no shirt on to see his sinful dark skin😂😂Total jealous losers!
How interesting how the 1800s American society that was vehemently racist happened to host prophets that preached racist views in God’s name. Surely a coincidence…
Thank you for doing this video. I hope it puts some more weight on Mormon shelves. I'm commenting so it gets more traction. Best of luck. Love you guys!
Great video! Much love! 💜 I just thought of a way for RMN to correct the BOM. He can use the same seer stone to receive revelation and change the text.
Have always understood various religions & adherents justified slavery, apartheid, Jim Crow, segregation, colonialism/neocolonialism. But Mormonism takes it to a whole different level, especially in contemporary times. Just wow
I notice she is well spoken, (occasionally spoilt by unecessary swearing.) Maybe she is trying to sound a bit less well-spoken, and middle class by swearing? My message to her...be proud of the fact that you are well spoken. The message you bring does not need to be spiced up by swearing.
@@ShalishaAlston Hi Shalisha, this is a strange comment, I’m not sure what context you’ve heard “well-spoken” in, but you’re adding meaning that is absolutely not there. I was complimenting Sam on being articulate and expressive. In case it helps, I am also a woman from ‘another country’
HOW COULD MORMONS JUSTIFY ONE OF THESE PROPHETS QUOTES? Let alone TWO, THREE, FOUR... A DOZEN!!! even if there’s IMPERFECT prophets not speaking as GOD, then wouldn’t you admit there’s a huge flaw in this system (not full truth on the earth today) after dozens and dozens of them “following the racist times”
It's a damn cult. And WOW are they ever slow to mature. Just moved to Rexburg Idaho and I'm surrounded by Mormons. The college students here act like kids in middle school...it drives me absolutely insane.
2 Nephi 5:21: 21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them. The fact that somebody would believe this book is insane and goes against science nobody can turn black but can turn white with leprosy like Moses sister Miriam
Mormonism isn’t in any way Christian. You can always tell what is and isn’t the word of God by the fruit it produces. Joseph Smith’s books were self absorbed works of fiction, and not products of the Holy Spirit.
So it was not shame for nearly 150 years of discrimination, nor bowing to public opinion that brought about the priesthood change. Strictly an economic issue, when threatened with loss of their tax exempt status. Thanks for pointing that out.
Jman Polo I did not join the Church taking its truth claims at face value. I have my agreements and disagreements with the Church but I still love it at the end of the day.
What does the Mormon church mean by "priesthood". I don't understand. What makes it special? members with theology degrees? Divinity school? Men, woman too? It's very odd to me
When Kirtland temple was dedicated the members shouted during the hosanna shout, also Dallin Oakes was off on the hosanna shout; Nelson was looking at him. :)
Funny story, I was born and raised in Brigham city Utah and in seminary, I was taught that Joseph Smith saw the translation from a hat. But because I believe whole heartedly in magic and God I never questioned it. Also I was naive and never understood what I know now.
great video, but perhaps just a gentle reminder that even when reading a quote in a critical light, a nonblack person probably should not be saying or writing the word "n*gro" at all and should instead maybe just say "n word" or censor it like i did when writing it? (same for any other racial slur that applies to a racial/ethnic group you're not a part of) Like ik you mean well but that's my understanding that it shouldn't be said at all by us. Just a reminder!
While I'm not a fan of the word negro, it was the word commonly used at the time to describe a person of color. It literally means black in Spanish and I believe that's where the usage of the word started. It is very closely related to that other N-word so it definitely makes us uncomfortable. But, in opinion, even if that word was used, we shouldn't sensor that when using it as a direct quote because it drives home the reality of what was being said and how awful their thinking was.
@@TheShatteredhookah I feel what you say in regards to the use of the word negro. I’m less sensitive to it because I’m 40. But I’m a recent convert to the Mormon faith but this information you posted is new to me. Please tell me specific scriptures and passages to confront my branch President with to get explanation. I’m not sure why I clicked on this but I’m glad I did.
Thank you for the information. It’s definitely a lot of knowledge there. I had always heard how racist LDS was, unfortunately most other religions are almost equally as racist. That’s why don’t organized religion.
This has many similarities to the ideologies of the 'KKK'!!😳 This is except - the 'Burning Cross'. I'm certain that these dudes wear the 'White Robes' but without the 'peep holes'.😞
I’m a black exmo that was adopted by a white Mormon family in the south of the US. Comments about lighter skin meaning lighter spirit, the n-word, and certain families not being allowed to date non whites were commonplace, the extreme anti black racism was so widespread that I never questioned it! However I found out about the Native American boarding schools by the church and that broke my shelf - I realized how effed up it was that my parents and all my “friends” thought I was descended from Cain. (And still do?) I’m 20 now and happy to say I’m much more comfortable outside the church, I can love myself and everyone else. Thanks for making this video, I might send it to the rest of my Mormon family and maybe they’ll understand!
Thanks for sharing!!!! 💜💜
I'm sorry you went thru that. I was raised LDS. I know a lot of my friends and I lobe many things about the church but some of these things we do not like. I struggle with going back because of things like this but then I think I can be part of the change. But I never heard of these schools?
Julie Hicks I’m certainly no authority on it so I’d encourage you to research if you’re curious. I think it’s best to hear from the indigenous people that went through so here’s a nuanced (and graphic) from a Navajo woman www.sltrib.com/news/2018/10/01/lone-holdout-presses-lds/
Knowing Truth as a person of color in this world is vital.
This is imperative for "Liberation of the Mind" and FREEDOM.
Ethiopia is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible and is
the oldest Christian nation on earth. America was founded on propaganda
and lies from its inception to the current era. This alone gives reason to assess
"Divine Judgment" upon this nation.
@@juliehicks7858 Natives were NOT placed in boarding schools by the LDS church, but other churches did and it was horribly abusive. What actually happened was Native kids were placed in LDS foster homes during the school months to further their education in the local public schools. Because on reservations there were mostly boarding schools or sometimes schools that struggled. It was not the most ideal situation obviously to be away from their families, but it did help them academically. Many have great relationships with their foster families today and are still invited to Christmas parties etc. Unfortunately there were some abusive foster parents. That’s what that guy’s linked article refers to. And where there was abuse, I do fully agree that the victim deserves justice.
As someone who was born into the Mormonism as a latina I was constantly told that I was descended from the Lamanites. Considering that for the majority of the Book of Mormon the Lamanites were the villains and were cursed with their dark skin for their sins it didn't exactly help my mental health nor my body image growing up. The message the church was sending me was that my cultural heritage was something I should be ashamed of and something I needed to distance myself from and so I did. I've only recently been able to get past that harmful way of thinking so I can go out and learn more about who I really am. So thank you so much for spreading the truth about Mormonism's racist past and present.
Who I really am, very transformative words. I hope you are continuing learning from yourself.
The lamanites actually became the good guys throughout it however. For example, Samuel the lamanite, helaman, and Moroni. Check your facts
@@worldscar6422 Ah yes, a brief period where the people of color are good when the rest of the time, they're depicted as savages, *totally* makes up for it. (And I said "for the majority of the Book of Mormon." Maybe you should actually read what I said.)
@@patriciapages3839 you should actually study the book. And what’s funny is that that happens what? 1000 years ago? You are quite salty about people whom you have never met.
@@worldscar6422 I should study the book? The book I read every single night and every single morning for years? And IDK it kind of seems like you're salty that I'm sharing my lived exiprences with racism. I'm not going to stay silent just because you can't handle the truth about your racist religion. Leave me alone, and actually look in the mirror and think about why you're so quick to disregard my expirences.
When I was Mormon I served a mission in Georgia where there are a lot more black people than here in Utah. In a combined lesson we did with the elders, we talked to a group of people who were Hispanic and black about the word of wisdom. One elder legit shared the scripture about the curse of black skin in the Book of Mormon! I was shocked and my jaw literally dropped! I’m so glad that I’m no longer Mormon and always questioned why there was racism in the BOM and church history. Thank you for sharing this video.
You apparently never understood the book of Mormon then. Yes, the laminites were cursed but the darkening of skin but it was only to distinguish them from the nephites. The color of the skin wasn't the curse per say. You missed the whole entire point and are so readily to inject the woke culture of today and call everything "racist" when in fact it was not. There were many laminites who were more righteous and favored of the lord then the nephites, and in fact the laminites were at times a more righteous people than the nephites due to the nephites hypocrisy.
@@jackburton307 yeah a religion created by a white con man in 1830 isn't racist LOL. Lord of the rings has more merit than your religion.
@@bigbawlzlebowski8886 so if you're a white guy in the 1830 who starts a religion you are racist!? lol what a moron. Go climb back down your SJW hole.
@@jackburton307 Just accept that your religion is racist
@@slothful2039 lol ok woke Karen. Go sjw somewhere else
I remember arguing with my stepmom that I had a problem with the church saying Africans and Indigenous Americans were "marked" for being spirits that were less righteous in the pre-existence. That was what we were taught, even in the late 90s. I thought that was such BS. She would respond "is that all that matters to you?" I said that yeah it was pretty important. The church puts themselves at odds with people simply for existing as god made us, so yeah, I'm gonna question it.. And now that we know scientifically that the amount of melanin in our skin was evolution corresponding to how close our people were to the equator in order to protect the skin from the sun, yet the church couldn't just say, we ARE fallible. Sometimes our human opinions get mixed up with our inspired thoughts. I'd argue that all of it are human opinions, but whatever.
And you would be right. No person on Earth has the answer. I just keep my faith in God/Trinity or the Universe,...
They got to much of that stuff from the tree in the garden and that’s why they think they know everything. That’s why we weren’t suppose to have knowledge of good and evil . Humans are not capable of that level of power and often use their “inspired thoughts” to create chaos. Being humble is the best thing we can do as humans
I’m not saying this to sound heroic by any means, but the number one reason I left the church was when I discovered the longggggg historic levels of racism in the church. It legitimately was horrifying knowing I had joined such a racist religion - no matter how many wonderful people I had met.
I was a member for over 30 yrs and let me tell you , I experienced prejudice many times . I left the church about 10 yrs ago and have never been happier in my life . You’re told you have free agency but do you ? If you don’t follow their rules , you disfellowshipped or excommunicated . I’m 1/2 Native American and Spanish . I’m 68 yrs old and even outside the church grew up with prejudice.
I'm glad you left the church. It would be a great thing if we could overcome prejudice and racism.
@Samuel Hirsch You know that saying that to people who can clearly see the manipulation in that statement isn't going to change their view, right? All I hear when someone says "I know the ___ is true" is that you are continuing to repeat the rituals that lead you to the feeling of love you are drawn to.
I feel the bright light of the Universe within me, my innate goodness and Light. It helps me to love without reservation or restriction, and truly know what it is to love unconditionally. The white-washed, rules oriented religion you follow restricts that, in my opinion, but I'm not going to tell you my connection to the universe is better or more true than yours. Glad you can find a connection to the Light, whatever name you choose to give it.
Also, when you copy/paste the same comment over and over, it kind of looks like trolling, although I'm sure you don't mean to.
Please, post where these statements are written because I wanna show them to my family, that's it, I'm leaving this cult, last straw.
Missedinsunday.com is a great place to find all the quotes and more. One of the best websites out there for this stuff. Click on the graphic of the quotes and it gives you the sources too
I'm proud of you, Matheus! It may be a rough road ahead as you tell people but you gain your real self. *hugs*
@Samuel Hirsch "...racism and the ignorance of SOME people in the Church..."
People such as Bruce R. McConkie, Brigham Young and Joseph Smith perhaps??
Don't believe everything she is saying. Most of what she says is half-truths.
There's a whole community on reddit willing to help you with this as well. Check out r/exmormon
I was so embarrassed to have to believe and find ways to justify the church’s shameful history. What a relief it was all made up 😅
Jacob Young fr!!
Samuel Hirsch I respect your opinion. I’m not going to tell you your feelings are wrong. However, I want to know how you believe that the Book of Mormon is true despite actual research? I’m genuinely curious, I’m not trying to tell you your feelings are wrong. I’m sorry if this offends you, but I’m really curious. Thanks!
@@stingrae919 it actually know I don't
I converted when I was 21 and then found out about church history. This topic was my primary wtf... left less than a year in. Got a good mormon girl out too. Her mom was my icu nurse when I almost died in a wreck. She knew we were having sex. She screamed at the top of her lungs while I was clinging to life. Was just her and I in the room. Thought she was going to kill me. Terrifying. I passed it off as an illusion for a little while. Just couldn’t believe what happened. Religions turn otherwise good people into monsters based on totally false information
Wow
My parents have been separated my whole life and my dad has always been mormon. My mom was raised JW but has never really believed in religion. My mom dated a lot when I was young and she dated men of every race. I remember one time I was visiting my dad for the weekend and I accidentally called him Ty (my moms at the time boyfriend who was black) and he freaked out on me. "I might accidentally call you your brother or sisters names but at least I get your skin color right." That was the first time I realized my dad was racist. After that i noticed just how often he made these comments. I never understood why and I never really thought to research the church when I stopped going but I've been looking into it more and it all makes sense now! Thank you guys for making your videos! I'm starting to understand why my family is the way it is and why they've been making me feel bad for being different my whole life. Thank you for showing others just how horrible this religion really is. ❤💛💚💙💜
Sounds like you are a stronger person who sees the world clearly -- imagine those who are blind to color of skin and their character
Ex-Mormon living in the middle of Utah Valley. Most of my friends and family are LDS. Glad I found your channel :) I hope you continue doing what you do, I have such a hard time "coming from a place of love" when it comes to religion anymore.
Example of discrimination against all races and nationalities by white American Mormons:
BYU has a Study Abroad program. It allows students to travel to other countries to study the language and get new experiences in professional field. Among other rules for its students, there's a rule that forbids dating locals. It says that there maybe some serious cultural differences in regards of dating and they may be dangerous. The girl I still managed to date was an American who was so in love with my culture, she embraced it years ago and was more Яussian than Balalayka (triangular guitar). And I (Яussian) was as American as Benedict Arnold (in the beginning of the Revolution). Yet, our relationship was endangering her education. She could be kicked out from BYU. She nearly had a heart attack every time she thought she saw another BYU student. Like what cultural differences could there be if you are both active Mormons?
Great video. The only thing that bothers me in these conversations is how we (ex-Mormons) tend to say that the church should acknowledge and apologize for its racist past. It sort of implies that it was a mistake or an accident, when in reality it was fully intentional and a critical part of the church’s foundation. It also implies that their racism is in the past and that the church is now actively anti-racist, which it isn’t. Missionary “work” is colonization; as Sam pointed out the entire premise of the Book of Mormon itself is Indigenous erasure; and every single prophet has been white and that most likely will not change any time soon. I could see the potential benefit of an apology in that it would likely awaken a lot of active members to the corrupt nature of the church, but I also think we should be careful not to imply that an apology would absolve the church of its deeply bigoted roots (not saying that this is what Sam meant though; it’s just something I’ve heard implied a few times in the exmo community). If they were to apologize it would strictly be performative. We’ll never see real change in their doctrine, because if they were to try to “fix” the racism in their doctrine they’d be left without any doctrine at all. The church has always been, still is, and will always be inherently racist. My advice for Mormons struggling to grapple with this is to leave. Don’t want around for a meaningless statement. Don’t keep giving your money to a group that goes against your core values as a human being. This church was founded on white supremacy and sexual abuse, and all the statements in the world cannot change that.
I was talking to a friend about how I usually try to be subtle with my comments about the church because I know how members have a tendency to shut down, and she pointed out that if someone is open to hearing something then they'll hear it. and if they're not then they won't no matter how subtle I'm being. I know it's a hard game to play, knowing exactly what to say around Mormons, but just the fact that you're saying anything at all is positive and the people who need to hear it are hearing it
Just found your video and all I can say is , well done. I was raised a Mormon up until I was 13, at which point I saw the hypocrisy and lies in this cult, so I announce to my parents that I was never going back. My father, who wasn't a Mormon, said to me it was one of the happiest days of his life.
I have now been an atheist for the last 45+ years. The local bishop tracked me down a couple times to get me back, even threatening to excommunicate me. He was taken back when I said go right ahead and he hasn't been back since.
I grew up in the church and ignored the racist tones. As I got older it bothered me more and more. I never felt like I was part if the community and couldn't make the connection.
I remember back in the day, when I was in the LDS Church when the black ban was new. I struggled with this ban even being a Southerner . Seven years of membership was all I could stomach.
When the black ban was new??? Wow dude, you must be old as dirt.
@@mantispid5 1978. 1978 IS WHEN BLACK PEOPLE WERE GIVEN THE PRIESTHOOD. Just 42 years ago. You must be a teenager to say something so naive. Google is right there bud.💻 USE IT.👌
@@forgetmenotasmr5909 Derp. When the BAN was new, that was when BY started it around 1850, not 1978 when it ended. L2read
I am ex Mormon. I served an LDS mission during the 1968-70 era. It was difficult to ever explain the question of blacks and the priesthood. I read recently a book by Joanna Brooks called Mormonism and White Supremacy. The author is a Mormon but does an excellent job of discussing this issue. I would recommend it. Thank you for this presentation. Mormonism's approach to blacks has been racist and there seems to be no acknowledgment that it was wrong.
I bet she didnt mention BY and JS being supportive of Democrats who instituted racist laws
So..... Joseph Smith is my cousin. So my family has been in the church since the beginning. Both of my grandmothers have told me stories of how blatantly racist their fathers were. How they had friends of color as children and their parents refused to allow them in the house. It is also still a large part of the church to claim that people before the civil rights movement were not prepared to allow people of color to hold the priesthood. I even know older people of color who are church members who believe that. The racism is extremely entrenched.
@PALI PALI I've been out for about 8 years now. I was out the second I moved out of my parents house.
Since evolution through natural selection is fact, and our ancestors all originated in Africa, the "natural" state for humans is to have black/dark skin and brown eyes. It is only because our wandering African ancestors migrated to higher latitudes with less sunshine that we white people evolved to have light skin in order to make sufficient quantities of vitamin D. Blue eyes came from a mutation only about 13,000 years ago. Science facts beat the shit out of religious fictions any day.
PS- Sam, you did a really good job on this video. If you haven't seen it, this was a really good rebuttal that Thinker of Thoughts did to 3Mormon's video on Race in Mormonism featuring Kwaku, a slick talking black Mormon dude and some boring milk toast white guy.
th-cam.com/video/2c6gY7QfT8k/w-d-xo.html
@@davidkener3754
No! That is nothing like what I said. I think you were trying to make out what I posted as being racist for some reason. Do you see the words "higher evolved" anywhere in my post? What I said is white people evolved for a different climate, that their bodies evolved to fit the environment, lighter skin for greater vitamin D production in the reduced sunshine of northern latitudes. Life evolves over time to better fit a given environment. That is all evolution really is.
I don’t think “natural state” would be an accurate way to say it because we “naturally” evolved so being white is also a natural state. Maybe “original” state?
Growing up Mormon, this stuff is never mentioned. During and after my mission, the cracks in Mormonism began to show. I can attest that to go against something so ingrained in you since birth is scary. But I knew it was necessary. I was taught that these men were prophets, and it was a sin to deny the words of a prophet. So glad my eyes are open. But then again, I have family that I know who will fight to defend the church in every possible. Crazy, because my family is Native American. I can see now how the church as rewritten our history. So I have darker skin because my ancestors were wicked? What happened to the article of faith that states that man will punished for his own sin? Great video, keep it up.
Please do the three hour video on how the Book of Mormon isn’t true!
Samuel Hirsch Test of time. 😂😂
It’s been refuted by a few questions.
They can't. Their arguments are weak. The only people that would fall for their arguments are those who are not knowledgeable on the subject and/or those looking for reasons to discredit the faith and who don't want hear anything from the other side.
Thanks for covering this topic Sam. I enjoyed your style of presentation. Gonna be sending this to my questioning sister in a year when she graduates BYU and can finally open her mind.
Around November I started watching you guys. I just wanted to say thanks for starting my questioning about the church. I even made a comment saying the church made me happy. Well I’m definitely way happier then I realized I could be. Thank you guys!
Awww, yay! So happy reading this comment! 💜
Believing that blacks are the result of the curse on the seed of Ham is the same as believing that God punishes children for the sins of the parents.
Yet, when we bring up slavery, they will yell "I'm not responsible for muh ancestors actions".
I LOVE that shirt, where did you get it?
Urban Outfitters!
Thank you so so much for making this video. You’ve made me feel heard, like I’m not crazy and this is all real. I was raised mormon and it’s caused me so much mental pain. I can no longer stay silent and I feel like you’ve given me a voice through this video
I remember just after my 18th birthday, my parents wouldn't wake me up for church anymore..at least that's fair...so I was like, YES! But I did go back a couple times later, for them, but I wore casual clothing. I'm absolutely sure everyone there in the usual getup (especially the 10-15 yo kids) thought that was devilish :-D
Recently moved to Utah (Provo area to be specific) and have a few tattoos, those 10-15 year-old kids always give me dirty looks because I have them lmao.
Blake Jay Welcome to Utah. 😂😂
@@blakejayyy lmao provo is rough. i remember being a mo kid and being absolutely entranced by strangers who “looked cool” to me. maybe you’re that cool looking stranger to one of those kids you never know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@edie1707 made my night! Thank you!!!
Easy future Mormon explanation for the book of Mormon... "It existed in another dimension duh" lol!
i’ve literally heard that explanation 🙄
@@ZelphOntheShelf no way, lol!
@@ZelphOntheShelf , ?
The idea that humans can just make a new book and then say “oh that other one is just Old Testament” just proves all this shit is just made up and not factual
I was most definitely taught that dark non-white skin was a sign your ancestors had been punished.. I'm a bit grateful that I had a lot of unsupervised (4th child) time with the encyclopedia collection
Horrific!! I was raised Mormon and left 19 years ago the racism being a good part of it but I’ve never heard these quotes so horrific.
Joseph smith disliked this video
And his demons😂
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it! These issues are important to confront as both an individual and society.
I honestly had NO idea what the actual reason for lifting the Priesthood ban was. I’m actually pretty proud that their tax exempt status was being threatened & people basically boycotting. I always just assumed it was because conversion numbers were dropping.
Thank you!! We have a big file of quotes and thoughts, but just haven't had the heart and mental energy to go there. I'll be sharing this in the meantime. 🙏
Yeah, from what I remember my thinking is they do still think the same thing. I have heard similar language regarding why people in other nations have less then what we have here in USA and how this is the chosen land where he sent the most righteous from the pre-existence and everywhere else is for the less righteous people. So even if they no longer say outright that it’s because they are black or darker skinned it’s definitely implied. Which has always baffled me why any one of color would ever join the religion because it’s right in the book. I’ve heard of young children so internalizing the messages even though they don’t say it explicitly they still get it and treat people as less then... so any way though I have been guilty of the excuses as much as any Mormon so idk
Unfortunately many of my people don’t like to read and study so they will join without reading the Mormon book. Gotta to study to show thyself approved. Devil is in the details.
Thank you for trying to talk directly to folks in the LDS church. I'm indigenous to North America and I was ASTOUNDED to find how many members there are in the church.
Yeah, me too. My indigenous father would always tell me the things out of the book of mormon that get swept under the rug. Especially how bad they shit on us.
Imagine being the ones who are targeted by racism by the entire world.
Like Palestinians?
They way I used to justify the "skin of blackness" was similar to how many socities seperated those that worked the field and such outdoor versus those in higher class that could stay indoors. The lamanites or whomever lived more of a savage lifestyle of a hunter gathers. I perfer the it's total bullshit explanation.
Thank you I was about to go to this church they came to knock on my door I am mixed white and black my daughter is black. I was going to go to their church and now I’m like no I can’t go. I needed help and was looking for a new church family I am praying God helps me seriously because I am really going through so much but now knowing this I am scared I won’t be able to get help in time 😢
Read your bible daily and pray. That's all you need. God is everywhere. Although it is nice to have a church - but not at the expense of your soul.
Mormon leaders telling anyone that's brown that they are Lamanites. A missionary told me that as a Māori I am Lamanite. I was like ok but I don't look American Indian lol. We both might be brown but we look nothing alike.
It’s not just anyone who is brown. It’s people Indigenous to the Americas, and also Polynesians of the Pacific.
Has Great Britain/the Queen etc. apologized for the horrors/racism of Colonialization?
Hopefully we’ll live to see the day! The monarchy is stubborn. :/
Well Germany apologized for their Horrors of the Holocaust and WW II
@@Arana975 dont forget ww1
I am 19 struggling to see if I should be part of the church I joined the church last year but with all this history I’m thinking just leaving it
Sam I like what you said that the BOM is inherently racist, I haven't really thought about it that way. Out of 5 siblings in my family only one is still in the church. I wonder how she would respond if I said that the BOM is inherently racist?
I believe that those who believe the BOM are standing by, condoning and really endorsing the racism it perpetuates.
Not only that, but as a junior in HS I went to my history teacher after class to ask why the BOM wasn’t taught in history class. She continued to tell me we don’t have the gold plates. ( I could tell she was holding back on judging this question and laughing at me. Later I learned she was exmo) course my indoctrination JUSTIFIED THIS SOMEHOW???? All the signs were there 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
I love your intro so much. No one changes their worldviews with mic drops and force ❤ although you're great with those zingers, too 😉
🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜
Does anyone know of ways in which people can reach out to church leaders in order to request an apology for all of the racist acts the church has taken against poc? Like, are there any petitions going around to sign, or emails of church officials we can use to contact leaders to demand change?
They really can't apologize bc it is DOCTRINE...NOT MAN'S BELIEFS. Blk skin is a consequence of siding w satan in the preexistence so why would the LDS church apologize for treating those who r against god w contempt??? That doesnt make sense. It makes more sense to refuse the priesthood to those who hated god in the preexistence. Blk skin is not random but assigned for a reason. So the racism angle doesnt apply bc per LDS doctrine the souls inhabiting blk bodies were put in those bodies for a reason. And that reason is bc of treason against God...
Such a great video. Thanks. I'm proud to be a patron. Everyone should give you at least one measly buck a month!
And also give to BLM causes, as you so eloquently said!
aww thank you!!!! 💜💜
Honestly mormonism is like a bad fan fiction of the Bible.
I don't know if my convert Dad was racist because of Mormonism, or was racist and found a home that supported those preconceived views. Either way, the Church and the racism of its members was one of the first things on my shelf. I couldn't understand back in the 90s why they thought suddenly missionary work would work better in Africa given their history. That and the treatment of Native Americans being referred to as the descendants of the evil characters in their holy book.
Okay so I am currently lds. I am a convert but I was converted young. I understand what you are saying about the book of Mormon being non-historic. I think the church has at times pushed that it is accurate. As far as racism I can concur that we don't have a single family of color in any of the three wards where I live. I did wonder about it and I learned that lds community didn't include people of color until they kind of had to and we're getting poor press. I also know the passage you are referring to I was reading alma and questioning another member about it. They almost excused it by saying well in those times racism was prevalent and it was an outdated concept like they have in the bible. I appreciate that questions are always going to arise and that you address these issues in a respectful and well researched way.
Is America a racist country? One way to answer that is the a new religion was founded here that just so happened to be a racist revelation.
White American Mormons discriminate not just against Africans or Native Americans. It's everyone! Even other Whites.
One of the examples in my life. I fell in love with a sister missionary. They can't have any romantic relationships, according to their rules, so I (as a good Mormon boy) reported on myself to her mission president. I didn't tell him the name at first. His first question was: "Is she American?"
As if she wasn't American I could date her or something. Official rules don't mention exceptions. Then we continued to talk and he said that I could email a Russian sister after her mission! In my mind I was like: "WTF?! After mission I can email any sister! There are no rules against it! And that Russian sister wasn't even mentioned in our conversation until he did it! She's not the one I had feelings for! What kind of messed up logic is this?
I wonder if he even thought of her opinion when he was offering her to me.
wow lol
I csnt understand why people would think that dark skin s curse when that very skin protect me from skin cancer and good for sun no curse
Malignant Melanoma is increasing globally indeed.
Why do we hate so much, that - which we haven't got??? 😞
Thank you for sharing your views. These videos have inspired me, but probably not in the way that you would like. ;)
Let me add my two cents to this comment. I find it interesting that you two keep using the steps for the repentance as a way of condemning the Mormon church for it's past. But part of the problem that people have when repenting of a sinful life and trying to change are those people who see them making efforts to be better and constantly remind them of who they were, telling them that they are still that person. It doesn't matter what they do to make amends for their past, there will always be those people who refuse to let them move on.
There is no longstanding religion in the United States that does not have a past that is mired by racism, so this is not a problem that is exclusive to the Mormon church. Admittedly, the Mormon church was late in changing it's teachings and practices compared to some other religions. But it DID change and it has issued statements explaining where it was wrong and condemning those past beliefs. To quote from that explanation on their website: "Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form."
As someone in their 40s who has been a member of the Mormon church all of my life, as well as being part of an interracial marriage, I feel much more qualified than you to speak about whether or not that religion is inherently racist. I will not say that I have never met racist Mormons during my lifetime because I have. I will say, however, that I have met racist people in every religion (and some non-religious people who are racists as well). And I will also say that I've never experienced anything other than love and support from the church for my marriage.
Concerning your opinion of the Book of Mormon being a white man's fictional re-writing of the Native American history, that description in and of itself is racist. There are many different people who study ancient American history and quite a few of them are white. To say that any theories given or books written by a white person about any ancient civilization other than the one that their ancestry hails from is completely ridiculous. If you were to apply that same criteria to a person whose it not white, you would immediately be called on it. Even if it is a religious text. The Bible's account of how the world was formed does not agree with the current scientific theories, but no one is calling it an oppressive rewriting of world history. People should understand that there are different views about every historical event and it's up to each person to study the different arguments and make up their own mind. It's not oppression to share your views; that is called freedom of expression. It's what allows you to spout off about Mormons on TH-cam without me censoring you for oppressing me with your viewpoint. And it's a wonderful thing, so be grateful for it and allow others that same freedom regardless of their race.
And in regards to 2 Nephi 5:21 (..."wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them..."), those who use that scripture to condemn the Mormon church as racist ALWAYS fail to mention that the book ends with the Nephites being destroyed because they had become more wicked than the Lamanites. So skin color may have been important to Nephi, but it clearly did not determine the righteousness of his descendants. And, of course, the Mormon church does not teach that skin color has any bearing on one's personal righteousness. To quote from that same essay about race and the priesthood on their website: " The Church proclaims that redemption through Jesus Christ is available to the entire human family on the conditions God has prescribed. It affirms that God is 'no respecter of persons' and emphatically declares that anyone who is righteous-regardless of race-is favored of Him. The teachings of the Church in relation to God’s children are epitomized by a verse in the second book of Nephi: '[The Lord] denieth none that cometh unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.'" Here is a link to that entire essay for those who want to read it:
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng
And how is it not utterly obvious that this is racist fan fiction when God seem to not even acknowledge whole entire other races of people like Asians and Indians and Latin...
Excuse you? Are u from USA? One thing I don't understand about "Americans" is that they refer to the Americas as if USA were the only country there, alone, and we South Americans are just the rest!.
When the Book of Mormon speaks of the land of abundance (When Lehi and his family finish they ocean travel and stop'd in the land of abundance) it refers to Central America (South Méxican and below of their territory).
And the fact that China have a religion apart (and its linked with his history) , shows that you don't understand/know the history of other countries.
PS. (and yeah u "Americans" were all full racist before 2020, and even with BLM :lul:)
Every single Mormon I’ve met has caused my life utter chaos due to their belief that black skin is a curse. Terrible terrible religion cult.
Hi alex.
Study science and you will see that Black people were the first people on the planet.
Absolutely horrible ppl! Unfortunately I live directly across the street from a LDS family. I purposely annoy them with my very very dark skin tall son, I make sure he walks to the community swimming pool with no shirt on to see his sinful dark skin😂😂Total jealous losers!
Yet another awesome video! Thank you 😊
And on the seventh day while Mormon Jesus rested, Lucifer created basketball.
“Mormon Jesus”
How interesting how the 1800s American society that was vehemently racist happened to host prophets that preached racist views in God’s name. Surely a coincidence…
Great job &every passionate about subject matter! 👍🏽❤️👍🏾❤️
LOL - the mental gymnastics I witnessed (and probably performed myself) by church teachers on the racist denial of the priesthood is astounding.
Thank you for doing this video. I hope it puts some more weight on Mormon shelves. I'm commenting so it gets more traction. Best of luck. Love you guys!
Great video! Much love! 💜
I just thought of a way for RMN to correct the BOM. He can use the same seer stone to receive revelation and change the text.
Have always understood various religions & adherents justified slavery, apartheid, Jim Crow, segregation, colonialism/neocolonialism.
But Mormonism takes it to a whole different level, especially in contemporary times. Just wow
Could u explain it for me? I'm such a ignorant in this subject :d
You are so well-spoken. I would love to hear a three hour video from you on why the church is proven wrong haha
I notice she is well spoken, (occasionally spoilt by unecessary swearing.) Maybe she is trying to sound a bit less well-spoken, and middle class by swearing? My message to her...be proud of the fact that you are well spoken. The message you bring does not need to be spiced up by swearing.
She is so "well-spoken" for whom? A woman? A woman from another country? Even this compliment is back-handed.
@@ShalishaAlston Hi Shalisha, this is a strange comment, I’m not sure what context you’ve heard “well-spoken” in, but you’re adding meaning that is absolutely not there. I was complimenting Sam on being articulate and expressive. In case it helps, I am also a woman from ‘another country’
People been lying on God/Yahuah since the beginining of time
HOW COULD MORMONS JUSTIFY ONE OF THESE PROPHETS QUOTES? Let alone TWO, THREE, FOUR... A DOZEN!!! even if there’s IMPERFECT prophets not speaking as GOD, then wouldn’t you admit there’s a huge flaw in this system (not full truth on the earth today) after dozens and dozens of them “following the racist times”
Right?????
I keep coming back to one of your earlier videos-if you want drive-thru spirituality, without much introspection, then Mormonism is for you.
It was thought of by a 13yo boy and structured by a huge racist named Bringham Young. Yeah they are racist and proud of it.
Can't wait until Kwaku makes a response.../s
Oh god haha
Watching Kwaku defend the Church against racism hurts my soul.
Excellent. And to think , as a black women I was going to give it another chance. No now.
It's a damn cult. And WOW are they ever slow to mature. Just moved to Rexburg Idaho and I'm surrounded by Mormons. The college students here act like kids in middle school...it drives me absolutely insane.
2 Nephi 5:21:
21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.
The fact that somebody would believe this book is insane and goes against science nobody can turn black but can turn white with leprosy like Moses sister Miriam
What is JS mothers biography called? x
The Book of satan's mum
Mormonism isn’t in any way Christian. You can always tell what is and isn’t the word of God by the fruit it produces. Joseph Smith’s books were self absorbed works of fiction, and not products of the Holy Spirit.
leaked quorum of the 12 talking?? Where is that?
Great video btw! So enlightening
It was part of the Mormon Leaks!
Please make that three hour video on why the Book of Mormon is obviously fake. I would love that.
Excellent. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Does anyone know which talks she is referencing? I would just like to be able to quote them myself:)
www.mormonthink.com/blackweb.htm
@@ZelphOntheShelf thank you!
So it was not shame for nearly 150 years of discrimination, nor bowing to public opinion that brought about the priesthood change. Strictly an economic issue, when threatened with loss of their tax exempt status. Thanks for pointing that out.
I love the LDS Church and am even a member but I have never believed the BOM to be a narrative of history. This seems kind of obvious.
👏🏻
How can you follow a church that blatantly holds it up as a true historical record? This boggles my mind..
Jman Polo I did not join the Church taking its truth claims at face value. I have my agreements and disagreements with the Church but I still love it at the end of the day.
What does the Mormon church mean by "priesthood". I don't understand. What makes it special? members with theology degrees? Divinity school? Men, woman too? It's very odd to me
It’s magical powers they claim men have lol
Men are the only ones who can bless anyone, are the only ones who can "lead" a household and the only ones who can hold the highest callings who lead.
When Kirtland temple was dedicated the members shouted during the hosanna shout, also Dallin Oakes was off on the hosanna shout; Nelson was looking at him. :)
Humanity needs to seek moral standards that are greater than religion.
Funny story, I was born and raised in Brigham city Utah and in seminary, I was taught that Joseph Smith saw the translation from a hat. But because I believe whole heartedly in magic and God I never questioned it. Also I was naive and never understood what I know now.
great video, but perhaps just a gentle reminder that even when reading a quote in a critical light, a nonblack person probably should not be saying or writing the word "n*gro" at all and should instead maybe just say "n word" or censor it like i did when writing it? (same for any other racial slur that applies to a racial/ethnic group you're not a part of)
Like ik you mean well but that's my understanding that it shouldn't be said at all by us. Just a reminder!
While I'm not a fan of the word negro, it was the word commonly used at the time to describe a person of color. It literally means black in Spanish and I believe that's where the usage of the word started. It is very closely related to that other N-word so it definitely makes us uncomfortable.
But, in opinion, even if that word was used, we shouldn't sensor that when using it as a direct quote because it drives home the reality of what was being said and how awful their thinking was.
@@TheShatteredhookah I feel what you say in regards to the use of the word negro. I’m less sensitive to it because I’m 40. But I’m a recent convert to the Mormon faith but this information you posted is new to me. Please tell me specific scriptures and passages to confront my branch President with to get explanation. I’m not sure why I clicked on this but I’m glad I did.
So hard to call one religion racist though, when everyone used to be racist. There’s a history of racism in every religion I feel like
Correct.
Thank you, for sharing.
Did any Mormons actually watch this?
Thank you for the information. It’s definitely a lot of knowledge there. I had always heard how racist LDS was, unfortunately most other religions are almost equally as racist. That’s why don’t organized religion.
What did JS mean by a national equalization?
Smith was the L. Ron Hubbard of his time. A con man and a monster.
black people joining the mormon church, is like black people voting for Trump!!
Black lives matter!!!!
Trump cares more about blacks than Biden does, wdym
But those scriptures are definitely extremely racist.
This fictitious, literary garbage is crumbling fast, and dwindling to nothing!!! 😥😞
Great work lady.
It's extreme racism.💚
Interesting video thank you! Have yiu ever done any research on Islam?
This has many similarities to the ideologies of the 'KKK'!!😳
This is except - the 'Burning Cross'. I'm certain that these dudes wear the 'White Robes'
but without the 'peep holes'.😞