Origins of the Topic
Does God really care about what skin color we have?
There have been some denominations that try to interpret God's Word concerning people's skin color, usually to justify a certain skin color as inferior to other skin colors. The key issue here is what does God care about our physical appearance? Similar to this is what is God's Word about any people being inferior (or not equal) to other people?
Commentary: It is noteworthy that Biblical Hebrew contains no term to express that property of light known as color (see Color). Color is specified as an analogy to another object. So the colors mentioned in the Bible typically refer to something other than a color. An important color is black, which is used to describe the separation between people and God. As black is used as an analogy, it does not refer to the physical color black, but to the lack of wisdom people have in not understanding God's Word.
Old Testament
A vail/veil in the tabernacle is used as a separation from God - Key Verse - 
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| Exodus 26:33 - And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. |
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A veil symbolizes the lack of understanding God's Word - Key Verse -
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Exodus 34:29-35 [29] And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. [30] And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. [31] And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. [32] And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai. [33] And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. [34] But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. [35] And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Commentary: The Hebrew transliteration of verse 29 is, "And it came <hayah> to pass, when Moses <Mosheh> came <yarad> down <yarad> from mount <har> Sinai <Ciynay> with the two <shnayim> tables <luwach> of testimony <`eduwth> in Moses' <Mosheh> hand <yad>, when he came <yarad> down <yarad> from the mount <har>, that Moses <Mosheh> wist <yada`> not that the skin <`owr> of his face <paniym> shone <qaran> while he talked <dabar> with him.
The reference to the shine (Hebrew "qaran") on Moses face is also used in Exodus 34:30 and 35. Strong's number: 7160; Hebrew: qaran; Pronunciation: kaw-ran'; a primitive root; to push or gore; used only as denominative from 7161, to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays: --have horns, shine." The people of Israel could not stand to look at this shining, so Moses used a veil to separate himself from the people. He removed the veil when speaking to God, so the shine was something that did not concern God. The veil/vail represents that people with sin will separate themselves from the perfectness of God. The symbolism of this veil representing the separation of people who do not truly understand God's Word is further described in 2 Corinthian 3:12-18. |
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People that understand (and do) God's Word will have their veil removed and receive salvation - Key Verse -
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Isaiah 25:6-9 [6] And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. [7] And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. [8] He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. [9] And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Commentary: God will remove the covering from the faces of his people "and the veil that is spread over all nations" and "we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." God uses wisdom and understanding to remove the vail of unbelief. Those that understand (and do) God's Word will receive salvation.
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When people sin, they cover themselves with a veil - Key Verse -
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Isaiah 30:1-3 [1] Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: [2] That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! [3] Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. Commentary: When people sin, they add a covering (i.e. veil) to themselves and that covering is not of God.
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"Black" is used to describe the separation between people and God - Key Verse -
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Joel 2:6 - Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
Commentary: The Hebrew transliteration of this verse is, "Before their face <paniym> the people <`am> shall be much pained <chuwl>: all <kol> faces <paniym> shall gather <qabats> blackness <pa'ruwr>."
The Hebrew word for blackness is pa'ruwr. Strong's number: 6289; Hebrew: pa'ruwr; Pronunciation: paw-roor' from 6286; properly, illuminated, i.e. a glow; as noun, a flush (of anxiety): --blackness. This concept of a "black glow" is mentioned as a condition which is the opposite of the shining on Moses face. "Black" is an analogy used to describe the separation of people from God. |
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"Black" is used to describe the separation between people and God - Key Verse -
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Nahum 2:10 - She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.
Commentary: The description here (empty, void, heart melts, pain) are the conditions that separate people from God. In Hebrew, the heart represents wisdom, so the reference to "heart melteth" indicates a lack of wisdom
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New Testament
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The closer to God we become, the whiter we become - Key Verse -
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Matthew 17:1-2 [1] And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, [2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Commentary: Jesus appeared the same as Moses (Exodus 34:29-35). His clothing appeared white. The whiteness is described in Mark 9:3, "And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them." These things were a change from how Jesus appeared a little time before and how he appeared afterwards. So, this change in appearance is not a permanent change, but associated with the closeness with God.
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People that believe in God are described as being white - Key Verse -
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John 4:34-38 [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. [35] Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. [36] And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. [37] And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. [38] I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. Commentary: People that believe in God are described as white (the white in the fields). This parable is very similar to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20).
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Scales is another symbol for veil. When Saul/Paul received the Holy Ghost (i.e. wisdom), the scales (veil) fell from him - Key Verse -
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Acts 9:16-18 [16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. [17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. [18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. |
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A sheet is the same as a veil - Key Verse -
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Acts 10:9-11 [9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: [10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, [11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Commentary: The sheet is the same reference to the veil that covers all nations in Isaiah 25:6-9.
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The veil is spiritual flesh (skin) - Key Verse -
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Hebrews 10:16-20 [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. [19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; Commentary: These verses connect the concept of the veil to flesh (i.e. skin). The veil covers the hearts of people (see 2 Corinthian 3:12-18). This flesh (skin) is not Jesus' physical skin, but his spiritual skin
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When people turn to God, this veil (skin) is taken away - Key Verse -
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2 Corinthians 3:12-18 [12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: [13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: [14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. [15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. [16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. [17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. [18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Commentary: People have a veil over their heart (lack wisdom) that separates them from God. The knowledge and wisdom that Jesus gave to us is the way to remove this veil. When people turn to God, this veil (skin) is taken away.
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Book of Mormon
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People who harden their hearts to God's Word will separate themselves from God - Key Verse -
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2 Nephi 4:31-38 [31] Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying: That inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. [32] And behold they were cut off from his presence. [33] And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. [34] For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; [35] Wherefore, as they were white, and exceeding 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. [36] And thus saith the Lord God, I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities. [37] And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed: for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. [38] And the Lord spake it, and it was done. Commentary: The analogy of this separation is blackness, which the opposite of the whiteness associated with people that are close to God (e.g. Jesus and Moses). The description of not hearkening to God's Word and hardening their hearts is the same description as in Hebrews and 2 Corinthians. The analogy of blackness is also the same concept as in Joel and Nahum. The skin mentioned here is not the physical skin, but the same spiritual skin as mentioned in Hebrews.
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Again, scales are the same as a veil - Key Verse -
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2 Nephi 12:82-86 [82] And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers. [83] And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; [84] And their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes: and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a white and a delightsome people. [85] And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered, also shall begin to believe in Christ: and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land; [86] And as many as shall believe in Christ, shall also become a delightsome people. Commentary: Compare these verses with Acts 9:16-18.
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People can change from being separated from God to being close to God. This changes their spiritual appearance - Key Verse -
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3 Nephi 1:52 - And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites, were numbered among the Nephites: and their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites;
Commentary: The color shift is no different than the descriptions of blackness and white in the Old and New Testaments that describe the separation or closeness to God. The nature of Hebrew to use color by analogy is used here. Since great belief (whiteness) can be seen by people on occasion (Exodus 34:29-35 and Matthew 17:1-2), then it is also likely that great unbelief (blackness) can also be seen by people on occasion.
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Wisdom and knowledge of God dispels the darkness - Key Verse -
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Alma 12:132-135 [132] Now this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that King Lamoni was under the power of God; [133] He knew that the dark veil of unbelief being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness; [134] Yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting light was lit up in his soul; [135] Yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God; therefore, what the queen desired of him, was his only desire. Commentary: Again, the analogies of darkness (separation from God) and light (closeness to God) are described. The veil is used to describe the covering that they use to separate themselves from God. But, wisdom (see Glory) dispels the darkness.
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The veil that seaprates us from God can be removed by faith in God - Key Verse -
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Ether 1:68-72 [68] And it came to pass that when the Brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones, one by one, with his finger; [69] And the vail was taken from off the eyes of the Brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the Brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear. [70] And the Lord saw that the Brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him, Arise, why hast thou fallen? [71] And he saith unto the Lord, I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood. [72] And the Lord said unto him, Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so, ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this? Commentary: The veil, again, is used to describe the separation from God and when it was lifted from the brother of Jared, he saw God (part of God). It only requires faith to remove the veil.
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Wisdom and knowledge of God will remove the veil that we cover ourselves with - Key Verse -
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Ether 1:82-84 [82] And now, as I, Moroni, said I could not make a full account of these things which are written, therefore it sufficeth me to say, that Jesus shewed himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner and in the likeness of the same body, even as he shewed himself unto the Nephites; [83] And he ministered unto him, even as he ministered unto the Nephites; and all this, that this man knew that he was God, because of the many great works which the Lord had shewed unto him. [84] And because of the knowledge of this man, he could not be kept from beholding within the vail; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; |
| Our unbelief covers us like a veil. Belief in God can rend this veil away |
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Ether 1:110-111 [110] Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief. [111] Behold, when ye shall rend that vail of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you; |
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When our faith is strong, the veil of unbelief cannot be put back on our hearts and we can see the mysteries of God (see Mysteries) - Key Verse -
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Ether 5:18-21 [18] And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God. [19] And there were many whose faith was so exceeding strong even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the vail, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad. [20] And behold we have seen in this record, that one of these was the Brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger, he could not hide it from the sight of the Brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith. [21] And after the Brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the Brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he shewed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the vail. |
Statements of Belief
- No Found or Stated Position
- Consistent with Scripture
- Partially Consistent with Scripture
- Inconsistent with ScriptureAnabaptism -
Anglican -
Assyrian Church -
Church of Christ -
Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -
Bible (Inspired Version)
Genesis 7:6-10
[6] And again the Lord said unto me, Look, and I looked towards the north, and I beheld the people of Cainan, which dwelt in tents. [7] And the Lord said unto me, Prophesy; and I prophesied saying, [8] Behold, the people of Cainan which are numerous, shall go forth in battle array against the people of Shum, and shall slay them, that they shall be utterly destroyed. [9] And the people of Cainan shall divide themselves in the land, and the land shall be barren and unfruitful, and none other people shall dwell there, but the people of Cainan; for, behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever. [10] And there was a blackness came upon all the children of Cainan, that they were despised among all people.
Genesis 7:27-29
[27] And it came to pass, that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth, and he beheld, and lo! Zion in process of time was taken up into heaven. [28] And the Lord said unto Enoch, Behold mine abode forever. [29] And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam, and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam, save it were the seed of Cain; for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants.
Section 36:12c-e (revelation given June 1830)
[12c] And the Lord said unto Enoch, As I live, even so will I come in the last days--in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfill the oath which I made unto you, concerning the children of Noah: [12d] and the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day, shall the heavens be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; [12e] and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve; and righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear the testimony of my Only Begotten;
Section 38:2b (revelation given early 1831) - I am in your midst and ye can not see me, but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day: wherefore, gird up your loins and
Section 67:3a-c (revelation given November 1831)
[3a] And again, verily I say unto you, that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye humble, the veil shall be rent, and you shall see me and know that I am; [3b] not with the carnal, neither natural mind, but with the spiritual; for no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God; [3c] neither can any natural man abide the presence of God; neither after the carnal mind; ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore continue in patience until ye are perfected.
Section 98:5a (revelation given December 16, 1833) - Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
Section 116:1a-4b (revelation given May 4, 1865)
[1a] Hearken! Ye elders of my church, I am he who hath called you friends. Concerning the matter you have asked of me: [1b] Lo! It is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me: [1c] Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs according to the promise. [2a] Be ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish: [2b] haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me. [3a] Loosen ye one another's hands and uphold one another, that ye who are of the Quorum of Twelve, may all labor in the vineyard, for upon you rests much responsibility; [3b] and if ye labor diligently the time is soon when others shall be added to your number till the quorum be full, even twelve. [4a] Be not hasty in ordaining men of the Negro race to offices in my church, for verily I say unto you, [4b] All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have spoken it.
Genesis 7:6-10
[6] And again the Lord said unto me, Look, and I looked towards the north, and I beheld the people of Cainan, which dwelt in tents. [7] And the Lord said unto me, Prophesy; and I prophesied saying, [8] Behold, the people of Cainan which are numerous, shall go forth in battle array against the people of Shum, and shall slay them, that they shall be utterly destroyed. [9] And the people of Cainan shall divide themselves in the land, and the land shall be barren and unfruitful, and none other people shall dwell there, but the people of Cainan; for, behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever. [10] And there was a blackness came upon all the children of Cainan, that they were despised among all people.
Genesis 7:27-29
[27] And it came to pass, that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth, and he beheld, and lo! Zion in process of time was taken up into heaven. [28] And the Lord said unto Enoch, Behold mine abode forever. [29] And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam, and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam, save it were the seed of Cain; for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants.
Section 36:12c-e (revelation given June 1830)
[12c] And the Lord said unto Enoch, As I live, even so will I come in the last days--in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfill the oath which I made unto you, concerning the children of Noah: [12d] and the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day, shall the heavens be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; [12e] and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve; and righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear the testimony of my Only Begotten;
Section 38:2b (revelation given early 1831) - I am in your midst and ye can not see me, but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day: wherefore, gird up your loins and
Section 67:3a-c (revelation given November 1831)
[3a] And again, verily I say unto you, that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye humble, the veil shall be rent, and you shall see me and know that I am; [3b] not with the carnal, neither natural mind, but with the spiritual; for no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God; [3c] neither can any natural man abide the presence of God; neither after the carnal mind; ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore continue in patience until ye are perfected.
Section 98:5a (revelation given December 16, 1833) - Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
Section 116:1a-4b (revelation given May 4, 1865)
[1a] Hearken! Ye elders of my church, I am he who hath called you friends. Concerning the matter you have asked of me: [1b] Lo! It is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me: [1c] Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs according to the promise. [2a] Be ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish: [2b] haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me. [3a] Loosen ye one another's hands and uphold one another, that ye who are of the Quorum of Twelve, may all labor in the vineyard, for upon you rests much responsibility; [3b] and if ye labor diligently the time is soon when others shall be added to your number till the quorum be full, even twelve. [4a] Be not hasty in ordaining men of the Negro race to offices in my church, for verily I say unto you, [4b] All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have spoken it.
Commentary: Commentary: These statements and actions for treating every person equally has always existed in the Church since Joseph Smith, Jr. Records of free blacks receiving the priesthood are Black Pete (ordained 1831 Ohio), Elijah Abel (ordained 1835 Ohio), Joseph T. Ball (ordained 1837 Massachusetts), Isaac van Meter (ordained 1837 Maine), and Walker and Enoch Lewis (ordained Fall 1843-Nov. 1844 Massachusetts). Joseph Smith III always supported equality for all people. The statements on the veil and the references to black describing people separated from God in the Inspired Version are consistent with the scriptures.
(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -
Book of Moses, 7:6-8 [6] And again the Lord said unto me: Look; and I looked towards the north, and I beheld the people of Canaan, which dwelt in tents. [7] And the Lord said unto me: Prophesy; and I prophesied, saying: Behold the people of Canaan, which are numerous, shall go forth in battle array against the people of Shum, and shall slay them that they shall utterly be destroyed; and the people of Canaan shall divide themselves in the land, and the land shall be barren and unfruitful, and none other people shall dwell there but the people of Canaan; [8] For behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people.
Book of Moses, 7:21-22 [21] And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever. [22] And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.
Book of Moses, 7:60-62 [60] And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah; [61] And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve; [62] And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 38:7-8 [7] But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me; [8] But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 67:10-13 [10] And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. [11] For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God. [12] Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind. [13] Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 101:22-23 [22] Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; [23] And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
Manuscript History of the Church, 13 Feb. 1849, LDS Church Archives. In 1849, Brigham Young was willing to assert that all Mormon blacks were ineligible for priesthood ordination. Young's 1849 statement, one of the earliest known declarations of black priesthood denial, came in response to a question posed by Apostle Lorenzo Snow concerning the "chance of redemption ... for the African." Young replied:
The curse remained upon them because Cain cut off the lives [sic] of Abel, to prevent him and his posterity getting ascendency over Cain and his generations, and to get the lead himself, his own offering was not being accepted of God, while Abel's was. But the Lord cursed Cain's seed with blackness and prohibited them the priesthood, that Abel and his progeny might yet come forward, and have their dominion, place, and blessings in their proper relationship with Cain and his race in the world to come.
Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Vol. 4, p. 97. In 1852, after listening to a Brigham Young speech in the Tabernacle, Wilford Woodruff records the following Brigham Young quote in his journal:
"Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him Cannot hold the priesthood ... I will say it now in the name of Jesus Christ. I know it is true & they know it. The Negro cannot hold one particle of Government ... if any man mingles his seed with the seed of Cane the only way he Could get rid of it or have salvation would be to Come forward & have his head Cut off & spill his Blood upon the ground. It would also take the life of his Children."
Journal of Discourses, 10:110, In a sermon given on March 8, 1863, Young stated, "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."
Journal of Discourses 22:304, John Taylor, August 28, 1881, And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God; and that man should be a free agent to act for himself, and that all men might have the opportunity of receiving or rejecting the truth, and be governed by it or not according to their wishes and abide the result; and that those who would be able to maintain correct principles under all circumstances, might be able to associate with the Gods in the eternal worlds. It is the same eternal programme. God knew it and Adam knew it.
Joseph Fielding Smith to Mrs. Floren S. Preece, 18 Jan. 1955. By 1955 the view that Elijah Abel was ordained by exception to a general rule against black priesthood was denounced by Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith. In response to a private inquiry, Smith rejected Jenson's account of Abel, suggesting that there were two Elijah Abels in the early Church-one white and the other black. Jenson had confounded the "names and the work done by one man named Abel ... with the name of the Negro who joined the Church in an early day.
LDS First Presidency Announcement, June 8, 1978. He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows there from, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.
Apostle LeGrand Richards, 16th August 1978 (The announcement in June 1978 was not a revelation). "the Presidency came with this little document written out to make the announcement - to see how we'd feel about it - and present it in written form. Well, some of the members of the Twelve suggested a few changes in the announcement, and then in our meeting there we all voted in favor of it - the Twelve and the Presidency."
Book of Moses, 7:21-22 [21] And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever. [22] And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.
Book of Moses, 7:60-62 [60] And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah; [61] And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve; [62] And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 38:7-8 [7] But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me; [8] But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 67:10-13 [10] And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. [11] For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God. [12] Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind. [13] Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.
LDS Dotrine and Covenants, Section 101:22-23 [22] Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; [23] And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
Manuscript History of the Church, 13 Feb. 1849, LDS Church Archives. In 1849, Brigham Young was willing to assert that all Mormon blacks were ineligible for priesthood ordination. Young's 1849 statement, one of the earliest known declarations of black priesthood denial, came in response to a question posed by Apostle Lorenzo Snow concerning the "chance of redemption ... for the African." Young replied:
The curse remained upon them because Cain cut off the lives [sic] of Abel, to prevent him and his posterity getting ascendency over Cain and his generations, and to get the lead himself, his own offering was not being accepted of God, while Abel's was. But the Lord cursed Cain's seed with blackness and prohibited them the priesthood, that Abel and his progeny might yet come forward, and have their dominion, place, and blessings in their proper relationship with Cain and his race in the world to come.
Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Vol. 4, p. 97. In 1852, after listening to a Brigham Young speech in the Tabernacle, Wilford Woodruff records the following Brigham Young quote in his journal:
"Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him Cannot hold the priesthood ... I will say it now in the name of Jesus Christ. I know it is true & they know it. The Negro cannot hold one particle of Government ... if any man mingles his seed with the seed of Cane the only way he Could get rid of it or have salvation would be to Come forward & have his head Cut off & spill his Blood upon the ground. It would also take the life of his Children."
Journal of Discourses, 10:110, In a sermon given on March 8, 1863, Young stated, "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."
Journal of Discourses 22:304, John Taylor, August 28, 1881, And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God; and that man should be a free agent to act for himself, and that all men might have the opportunity of receiving or rejecting the truth, and be governed by it or not according to their wishes and abide the result; and that those who would be able to maintain correct principles under all circumstances, might be able to associate with the Gods in the eternal worlds. It is the same eternal programme. God knew it and Adam knew it.
Joseph Fielding Smith to Mrs. Floren S. Preece, 18 Jan. 1955. By 1955 the view that Elijah Abel was ordained by exception to a general rule against black priesthood was denounced by Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith. In response to a private inquiry, Smith rejected Jenson's account of Abel, suggesting that there were two Elijah Abels in the early Church-one white and the other black. Jenson had confounded the "names and the work done by one man named Abel ... with the name of the Negro who joined the Church in an early day.
LDS First Presidency Announcement, June 8, 1978. He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows there from, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.
Apostle LeGrand Richards, 16th August 1978 (The announcement in June 1978 was not a revelation). "the Presidency came with this little document written out to make the announcement - to see how we'd feel about it - and present it in written form. Well, some of the members of the Twelve suggested a few changes in the announcement, and then in our meeting there we all voted in favor of it - the Twelve and the Presidency."
Commentary: The LDS Church had the same revelations from Joseph Smith, Jr. as the Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branches about what the blackness represented (separation from God, not physical color), but made an interpretation (physical color) that was completely inconsistent with the scriptures, perpetuated the inconsistency through several Presidents of the Church, and was rewriting history in order to justify their inconsistent interpretation. Even the "revelation" to correct their inconsistent interpretation was not a revelation, indicating an inconsistency in documenting the history of correcting their inconsistent interpretation.
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