Can I be a Mormon?

Question

Only problem is that I am Black and born in Nigeria. The book of Mormon said that I am a curse because of my Black skin. Does this mean I an "unworthy" to be a Mormon and marry a white Mormon woman and have children with?

Answer 1

Yes, you can convert and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Color doesn't matter. The Book of Mormon does not say that it was skin color that cursed the Lamenites. It was their actions that cursed them, and their change in skin color was an outward symbol of their actions. Also, their skin color did not change to black, but to a darker color than it was previously. Think tan, because they also chose to strip down to their undies so they naturally tanned out in the sun.
If you want to marry a white woman, who's stopping you? As long as you both love each other, it's no ones business but your own.

Answer 2

The Church is growing very fast in Nigeria. The Book of Mormon is not referring to blacks at all, it was referring to the descendants of Laman and Lemuel, who originally came from the land of Jerusalem, and who were cursed for their rebellion against God. This was something that happened AFTER they were already grown up and mature. The dark skin was not the curse itself, it was a sign of a curse, and it was meant to keep those who were still following God's commandments from marrying non-believers. The descendants of the Lamanites are now coming into the Church in record numbers, and we have over 1 million members in Mexico City. I am not sure if you are trying to marry a white Mormon to become a member of the Church. That is not a requirement for membership. Also, there are a lot of anti-Mormon sentiments on the Internet. Think of how a few sites balance out against 12 million members, and counting. Also, there are several examples of awesome black pioneers who came west. I have a booklet about them that the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum carries.

Answer 3

As of 1978, all worthy male members can hold the priesthood and enjoy all temple blessings.[1] Also, in Exodus 20:5-6, the Lord states that He will punish up to through three or four generations past the one that hates Him, but will show mercy to those that love and obey him.

So I hope that answers your question. No, you are not unworthy. As for the history behind blacks and the priesthood, I don't fully understand it, but God does.

God bless.

Answer 4

There are NO restrictions placed on black persons within the Mormon Church. Yes, blacks had been denied the priesthood for centuries until a revelation came forth to the prophet in 1978 that reversed that order.

Worthy males of any nationality or skin color may be ordained within certain time periods. All people are invited to the LDS church in membership or just to visit.

You may still carry the noticable black skin passed on by Cain (edited), but it is no curse upon you. Don't let the naysayers shade your judgment. Contact your local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ask for the missionaries to teach you. You won't regret it.

Answer 5

The Book of Mormon has been edited from its original form to change this. This isn't, however, the only negative propaganda about Blacks from the LDS church.

Blacks were always allowed to be members, but they weren't allowed to hold the priesthood. I'm not sure where Joseph Smith originally wrote about this. In 1978, God apparently changed his view on this (convenient) and gave a revelation to church leaders to allow Blacks to hold the priesthood.

Read this website, it has some interesting quotes from Mormon leaders about Blacks.

http://www.xmission.com/~country/reason/black_1.htm

Also, before you join the LDS church, please take a look at this website. Make sure you know the clear differences between Mormonism and true Christianity...so you know what you're getting into.

http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm

Answer 6

Yes, you can become a member of the church. I have met a few Ibo speaking Nigerian members. As others have indicated, the church does not determine who we should marry. It is up to each individual member. Worthiness is based on obedience to the laws of the Gospel and faithfulness in keeping our covenants with our Heavenly Father.

God bless.

Visit this link to find a chapel near you:
http://www.lds.org/basicbeliefs/meetinghouse/0,6017,352-1,00.html
If you would like, request a visit from the missionaries:
http://www.lds.org/sharefriend/1,14111,3724-1,00.html

Answer 7

This isn't an answer to the original question, but to "Bro. John's" comment.

Actually, today's Book of Mormon is not the third revision it's the seventh. There were so many revisions to the Bible that nobody knows how many variant texts exist.

Alma
http://byteline.blogspot.com

Answer 8

LOL! The Old Testament also mentions skin as a curse, but you can be Christian right? There are some famous Blacks in the Church. I just bought a religious CD by Gladys Knight. I know several couples with interracial marriages betweem blacks and whites who are members. Feel free to find a member and explore our beliefs.

Answer 9

No you are not curse the people of that time were cursed for not following the laws of God. I am Mormon and we except all people My husband and I are a very different couple he is Hispanic and I am White. We have children. Our lives are so great since we have converted, We have been extremely blessed. We welcome you and invite you to share external life in heaven with us. I was a die hard baptist christian now I have learned so much about our life here and what our plan is. I encourage you to follow your heart.

Answer 10

That's ridiculous. There are many black Mormons. I have several in my ward. We have interracial families a s well. Gladys Knight is Mormon and she is black.