Fact Check: The Book of Mormon has racist teachings.

Fact Check: "The Book of Mormon has racist teachings."

What We Know

The claim that "The Book of Mormon has racist teachings" primarily stems from specific verses within the text that have been criticized for their implications regarding race. Notably, 2 Nephi 4:35 (LDS 5:21) mentions the Lamanites receiving a "skin of blackness," which critics argue is indicative of racist theology within Mormonism (source-2). This verse has been a focal point for discussions about the racial implications of the Book of Mormon, as it has been interpreted to suggest that skin color is a divine punishment for disobedience.

Additionally, the text underwent changes over time, particularly in 2 Nephi 30:6, where earlier editions referred to the Lamanites becoming "a white and delightsome people," a phrase that was changed to "a pure and delightsome people" in 1981. This alteration has been interpreted as an acknowledgment of past racial biases (source-3). Historically, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) also enforced racial restrictions, barring individuals of African descent from priesthood and temple ordinances until 1978 (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of racism in the Book of Mormon is substantial, particularly when examining the text's historical context and specific passages. Critics like Adam Oliver Stokes highlight that the verse referencing "skin of blackness" has been a point of contention, often cited as evidence of inherent racism within the text (source-2). Furthermore, Max Perry Mueller's work discusses how early Mormon ideology was intertwined with racial concepts, suggesting that the Book of Mormon's narrative reflects a "white universalism" that has shaped the church's racial attitudes over time (source-3).

However, some proponents argue that the Book of Mormon's teachings on race are not inherently racist and that interpretations have evolved. For instance, some scholars suggest that the text's original intent was misunderstood or misapplied by church leaders who held racial prejudices (source-4). This perspective posits that the Book of Mormon contains a more complex view of race that could be interpreted differently in contemporary contexts.

The reliability of the sources varies; academic articles such as those from the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies and Harvard Divinity Bulletin provide scholarly insights, while other sources may reflect personal interpretations or biases. For example, articles from Rational Faiths and Fair Latter-day Saints offer counterarguments that downplay the racist interpretations of the text, emphasizing the need for contextual understanding (source-7, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that "The Book of Mormon has racist teachings" is Partially True. While there are specific passages that have been interpreted as racist, and the historical context of the church's teachings on race supports this view, there are also arguments suggesting that these interpretations may not fully encompass the text's intended message. The evolution of language and doctrine within the church further complicates the narrative, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive understanding of race in recent years. Thus, while the text contains elements that can be viewed as racist, the broader context and evolving interpretations suggest a more nuanced reality.

Sources

1. Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
2. ‘Whiteness’ in the Mormon Archive - Harvard Divinity Bulletin
3. Mormon teachings on skin color
4. The Charge of "Racism" in the Book of Mormon
5. Racism in the Book of Mormon
6. The History of Racism and White Supremacy in the Mormon Church
7. RACISM IN THE BOOK OF MORMON - Rational Faiths