Was the church embarrassed or was the revelation incorrect?
Second Book of Nephi, p.117; (1830): "and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a WHITE and delightsome people."
Today: 2 Nephi 30:6: "and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a PURE and delightsome people."
2007-03-20 03:45:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The history and doctrine of the church clearly shows that they meant the color white and not a synonym for "pure". If you can't face the facts that's your problem.
2007-03-20 04:04:26 · update #1
Hiding racism most likely.
2007-03-20 03:49:32 · answer #1 · answered by Tribble Macher 6 · 1⤊ 6⤋
White means pure in this case. There were no "white" (meaning Caucasian) people among the Nephites/Lamanites, as they were from the Middle east. It was changed to "pure" because that's what it meant, because people like you were determined that it meant race/skin color.
>>The history and doctrine of the church clearly shows that they meant the color white and not a synonym for "pure". If you can't face the facts that's your problem.<<
No, it does NOT clearly show that theymeant the (racial) color "white". It's you who is having a problem facing facts. YOU do not tell us what we believe, or how to interpret our scripture. So, you can believe what you want, but you would be sincerely wrong.
2007-03-20 21:17:24 · answer #2 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the aforementioned replies are correct and well explained. My question to you, MeatBot, is why are you so heavily inclined to point out supposed distortions of the LDS doctrine through time-consuming research as you are doing?
The important question is this: Why do you fight the truth when it stares you in the face? Why are you forcing your testimony of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to falter and wane when it will uplift you? Rather than finding fault with everything about you, concentrate on the truthfulness of what you read.
Added note: May I remind you of the explanation found in the Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon" that is found in the preface:
"About this edition: Some minor errors in the text have been perpetuated in past editions of the Book of Mormon. This edition contains corrections that seem appropriate to bring the material into conformity with prepublication manuscripts and early editions edited by the Prophet Joseph Smith."
2007-03-20 11:01:17 · answer #3 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
From www.fairlds.org
In 1840 the Book of Mormon was "carefully revised by the translator" Joseph Smith and in that edition the words "white and delightsome" were changed to "pure and delightsome." This change seems to reflect the Prophet's concern that modern readers might misinterpret this passage as a reference to Latter-day racial changes rather than righteousness. Unfortunately for subsequent LDS interpreters, following the Prophet's death, the changes in the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon were not carried over into subsequent LDS printings, which were based upon the edition prepared by the Twelve Apostles in Great Britain. Consequently, Latter-day Saints did not reap the benefit of the Prophet's clarification until it was restored in the 1981 edition of the Book of Mormon. Interpreting this passage as meaning that conversion leads to a change of skin color echo a misinterpretation of the Book of Mormon text rather than an anachronism in the text itself.
2007-03-20 10:53:29 · answer #4 · answered by Radictis 3 · 7⤊ 1⤋
In Isaiah they also speak of someone going from a state of scarlett, or sin, to a state of being white as snow, or pure/clean from sin. This is a similar idea, albeit specifically referrencing sin in this instance (rather than it being implied in the Book of Mormon). Of course you are free to say that the history of the church shows otherwise, but if you ask anyone in the church what the actual beliefs are they will inform you it is referring to spiritual cleanliness...and I think what Mormons actually believe is what's probably most important.
2007-03-20 16:39:04 · answer #5 · answered by straightup 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
MeatBot, I have found that your questions in general seem to be full of anger towards all.
Well, we still love you. You are our brother. I testify to you that the Book of Mormon is true. If you take the prophet Moroni's challenge and ask God with a sincere heart he will make it known unto you that this church is true.
Moroni 10:3-5.
2007-03-20 13:41:59 · answer #6 · answered by Michael H 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
From what I have heard "white" meant clean and pure not the color of skin. To make sure the meaning wasn't misunderstood it was changed to pure. This did not change the sentence but made sure the sentence was correctly understood.
2007-03-20 10:54:28 · answer #7 · answered by J T 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that "white" and "pure" both meant basically the same thing in 1830, but not in 1980.
EDIT: "History and doctrine"??? LOL You are a funny guy. Hey, don't get mad at me...I didn't write the dictionary.
2007-03-20 10:53:08 · answer #8 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋