If the church is true, then why is it that church leaders sometimes have said some very hurtful things in the past?
Any thoughts?
I've been reading about some of the things church leaders have said in the past regarding various groups of people, and it sickens\saddens me. Why did some church leaders say that blacks wouldn't ever get the priesthood? And then others said it would come? Some taught that they were wicked and evil. Others acted so much like their own times, acting like African descended members were less blessed to be "cursed" with their skin.
Now, the church has cleaned up some of what has been said in the past.
However, I cannot help but wonder... how can the church be true when hurtful things like this are said? I believe in the church, but I cannot understand why church leaders would be saying those things if they're supposed to be inspired people called of God.
I often make the joke that I'm the Lorax and I speak for the trees... since I speak for those who have no voice. The Congolese orphans. Gay Mormons. Single members. The abused and downtrodden. So I just find some of the things which church leaders have said to be very offensive and hurtful.
3 comments:
I have an easier time justifying past statements than those that we here today. Things of the past can be written off under the auspices of ignorance or a general failure to be in tune with God. But then today I see church leaders, even members of the twelve, making statements that even they should know are disingenuous and often untrue.
I honestly think the skin cursing comments toward African Americans was misattributed. The only ones that were 'cursed' with a 'mark' on their skin were the Lamanites and their descendants. I don't see how that relates to people of African descent. Now, I believe there are also statements that if people with this 'mark' start to live the gospel, then the 'curse' is removed. That's all I know of the topic. Some of it is from scripture and some of it comes from stories and experiences I've heard from other people.
I've heard some similar arguments with the curse---and also that the curse that people experienced wasn't the dark skin (as this was just an outward appearance change) but that it was their separation from God.
I just have a real problem with reading some of what the church leaders have said in the past which is so different from what is said now. Can we attribute all of this to newfound revelation and\or church leaders being mistaken or wrong in the past?
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