Without question one of the most troubling passages in the Book of Mormon, this verse has been used to justify racist behavior, and sadly, there is no way getting around it.
LDS and non-LDS alike have to take a serious look inward when it comes to the issue of race, and this verse should not and will not be swept under the rug. Is it offensive? Yes, no doubt. Is it problematic? Yes, no doubt. You can turn a blind eye, you can plug your ears with your fingers-but this verse has still caused untold misery to minorities and it's been used to justify racism in the past.
It was wrong and hideous when it was written, it's wrong and hideous now. The LDS church does allow African Americans and other minorities in the priesthood and now, minorities have the full blessings that the temple provides. It's a good start, but an apology for the racism and in some cases, hatred-that this verse has provided throughout the years would certainly be appropriate.
No comments:
Post a Comment