How Do Mormons Rationalize These Racist Scriptures In Their Book Of Mormon?

Question

Religion is a strong influencer in politics these days. George W. Bush claims he prays to God to make his decisions (scary if God is behind his actions). In my research, I discovered these passages in the book of Mormon:

"And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity ... 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. And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people". 2 Nephi 5:21-22

"And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done". 2 Nephi 5

Should we feel comfortable having a Mormon who believes in this as our president? Do they do use the same approach Christians use to excuse inhumane, flawed or ignorant references in their bible?

Here are some more racist passages from the book of Mormon.

And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done. 2 Nephi 5:23

So no race-mixing. WOW!

And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey. 2 Nephi 5:24

This actually says dark-skinned people are idle and deceitful.

There are also racist generalizations and mass genocide of people in the bible as well as there were nations the Hebrews hated or were at war with because they wanted their land.

How comfortable do you feel with someone who believes in these types of scriptures literally and think it is God's direct and infallible opinion on matters, leading the country?

Answer 1

How does anyone rationalize the idea of revealed religion?

How do Christians rationalize their antisemitic, homophobic, and misogynistic bible?

Answer 2

Back 600some years before theh birth of Christ, some people left Jerusalem and went to the other side of the world. Some of these people were good, God-fearing people, others were evil. God decided that He didn't want anyone from THOSE particular people to mix, so He gave some of them dark skin.

But, asa the years and centuries rolled on, the dark-skinned people became the righteous ones, while the others didn't, and they not only started mixing with each other, but with others who were already here, or came later.

Now, as for mixing today, guess what? there are many inter-racial marriages within our church and in the temple, too! I should know, I'm one of them. Blacks, whites, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans (North, Central and South), etc., all coming together to worship and fellowship.

So, we don't have to rationalize anything, because if you would actually READ the ENTIRE Book of Mormon, you would know they are NOT racist verses.

Go ahead, read the ENTIRE Book of Mormon. Unless you're too scared.

Answer 3

Oh how I love being a bigot!

Yes! those things are in the BOM, but look at what Fishy pointed out! The bible says the same things. So how are you going to reconcile that??

Anyway, guess I'll go take my kindergartener out of her 80% black school now and put her in one that has more white kids, since they can't be mixin' and all.

geez.

Edit: Did you happen to read 2 Nephi 5:20, where it states the Lord spake the words unto Nephi? He didn't just make the story up.

Answer 4

If you read the Book of Mormon you would find out that the statements that these people describe are very true. It's not saying that all dark people for all time is like this.

In fact there are many times in which the "white" people people could be described exactly the same way if not worse. they get so rich and power they become cursed and "idle".

One other point, according to the Book of Mormon, All (and I mean every single one) of the "white" people were destroyed because they kept killing each other. Now, if the Book of Mormon was really racist, why do all the "white" people kill each other, while all the "Dark" people (notice they are never called black, just darker) survive. "Only the righteous shall inherit this land."

You're being racist thinking there is racism there; and, like any scripture, you should know the story behind a verse before you quote it. Besides, if you really don't like the Book of Mormon, why read it? no one is forcing you. let those who use the bible interpret the bible their own way, and let those who use the Book of Mormon do the same, live and let live.

Answer 5

You know, there was a Newsweek poll this summer that said that the American public was more ready to vote for a Black Man, a Woman, or a hispanic than a Mormon for President. Its obvious there's still biasness and bigotry in this country that need to be overcome although they aren't as easily seen as the color of the skin.

As said before, the Bible talks about the curse that God put upon Cain. These scriptures in the Book of Mormon are similar to the curse that God put upon Cain. Cain killed his brother, was wicked and God put a curse of darkness upon him. I personally don't think it was a literal curse that darkened his skin, but a metaphorical curse.

Anyway, Mormons aren't racist. We aren't bigoted, but for some reason people are quick to point the finger, and tend to act bigoted towards us. All we can do is shrug our shoulders, turn the other cheek and carry on as the honorable Christians we know we can be.

Answer 6

Wow, way to take all of that completely out of context. Not mixing with the seed meant the Lord commanded them not to participate in the Idolatrous behavior and other evil practices the other group had been participating in. (Which is the same reason they were cursed) Also, becoming an idol people was part of that group of people who lived about 2600 years ago. If I called the Greek Civilization barbaric, does that mean that I hate white people?

Answer 7

You have to remember that these passages are specific to the two groups of people discussed in that part of the Book of Mormon. The nephite nation was later totally destroyed ending the doctrine.

I love how the haters like to try and stretch things into the now to try and make us look bad.

Remember, God also commanded that the Isrealites not mix with the people of the land of Caanan.

What about the story of Sampson and Delilah?

Nice try :o) but you should do better research next time

Answer 8

Please...as a human being, you have to you , choice!
Read the last line in the new testament.
Then read galatians
When Gods word is put to the test by man...dont be a
fool...Bush is banking on the spirit which came to this new world with hope and promise...to be able to study
and worship Gods word and as a people be faithful...
It is so ironic how God is always to blame when the power is in your hands if you vote!!

Answer 9

Interesting.

Answer 10

No one loves a bigot. . I believe that Beta_fishy and microbioguy answered this as well if not better than I could, so please make sure to read there answers, and stop being a hater. And next time, actually come up with a question that we have to actually think about to answer. I mean, come on, I could answer that in my sleep.

Answer 11

There is only one bible and until this day no one has been able to fully translated so all existent are tailored for man's purposes. However that said Catholics, Muslims, and Orthodox have the closest translations of three parts, but again man's influence to power has tailored them to their specific purpose. Would make an awesome movie so if you see it coming one day on the big screen tell them you saw the idea of the story here first.............