SiZ (Test): racist

What A-Bott Black Mormons

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCKLMgr5srwjfIL-FT9pFKMYKlCSyhUxtmIdItCZ3YKSZrEJvshCiekONncYmS0g1bG2obsw22prAWDFg8b1gAEvBA2TTs3KCyyKqA4GUvi5YDzemdkwjU5qPyonETb1WHJ3kffFJuy0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCKLMgr5srwjfIL-FT9pFKMYKlCSyhUxtmIdItCZ3YKSZrEJvshCiekONncYmS0g1bG2obsw22prAWDFg8b1gAEvBA2TTs3KCyyKqA4GUvi5YDzemdkwjU5qPyonETb1WHJ3kffFJuy0/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Imagine that a loved one comes to you and tells you that they have been deeply hurt by words uttered by another. What do you do? You may speak to the person that hurt them, you may try to comfort them, you may know how they are feeling and share a personal experience with them, and you may hurt because they hurt, or shed tears because seeing them weep causes you to do the same. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are taught that all mankind are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, therefore we are all brothers and sisters. We are one another’s loved ones; in essence we are a family. In a recent Washington Post article entitled <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-genesis-of-a-churchs-stand-on-race/2012/02/22/gIQAQZXyfR_story.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Genesis of a church's stand on race</a>, BYU religion professor Brother Randy L. Bott was attributed to making the following statements: <blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;">“God has always been discriminatory” when it comes to whom he grants the authority of the priesthood, says Bott, the BYU theologian. He quotes Mormon scripture that states that the Lord gives to people “all that he seeth fit.” Bott compares blacks with a young child prematurely asking for the keys to her father’s car, and explains that similarly until 1978, the Lord determined that blacks were not yet ready for the priesthood.</div></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRsleTtNqXoOok3mOBuBz6-5h_wHSujt8yrOO-adokiAwrjnsaQ5nVwS8vBL3YqzS76C15X3f502YUPPVsSBR812zEPvna4bXzcUX5k-BF8ehspmpLDT5IZ22vQ46Gwxk2Cs1ae3TswU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRsleTtNqXoOok3mOBuBz6-5h_wHSujt8yrOO-adokiAwrjnsaQ5nVwS8vBL3YqzS76C15X3f502YUPPVsSBR812zEPvna4bXzcUX5k-BF8ehspmpLDT5IZ22vQ46Gwxk2Cs1ae3TswU/s320/2.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_L._Bott" target="_blank">Randy L. Bott</a>, BYU Provo </td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;">“What is discrimination?” Bott asks. “I think that is keeping something from somebody that would be a benefit for them, right? But what if it wouldn't have been a benefit to them?” Bott says that the denial of the priesthood to blacks on Earth — although not in the afterlife — protected them from the lowest rungs of hell reserved for people who abuse their priesthood powers. “You couldn't fall off the top of the ladder, because you weren’t on the top of the ladder. So, in reality the blacks not having the priesthood was the greatest blessing God could give them.” </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">The saying goes "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." How untrue. We felt the sting of these words as did many of God's other children. Sometimes it may seem as though a particular issue has nothing to do with us and if we don't relate to the plight of another it can be easy to be apathetic. As Christians we believe in following the Savior's example by doing as he did; loving one another, bearing each other's burdens, comforting the weak and lifting each other up, because yes, we are our brother's keeper. Family members do not always see eye to eye and the things we choose to do and say can deeply impact and affect our brothers and sisters, as do our responses to their feelings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded to the Washington Post article with <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/racial-remarks-in-washington-post-article" target="_blank">Church Statement Regarding 'Washington Post' Article on Race and the Church</a> and also issued the following official statement: <blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church" target="_blank">The Church and Race: All Are Alike Unto God</a>: The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SNOs6NHrUnd7CIczTlDDk62qOhhXKLpgtmJIes2mzeSnYbjfQed3nF-vvflh0VWIyfTQFZ7UUeuFPgyyVD2r2-c4T6RfMD-vxSkAzEPk6ZDkTHtTKVvMayd5dmy4kvVmbiXetdXsGUA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SNOs6NHrUnd7CIczTlDDk62qOhhXKLpgtmJIes2mzeSnYbjfQed3nF-vvflh0VWIyfTQFZ7UUeuFPgyyVD2r2-c4T6RfMD-vxSkAzEPk6ZDkTHtTKVvMayd5dmy4kvVmbiXetdXsGUA/s200/1.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.”</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Recently, the Church has also made the following statement on this subject: “The origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear. Some explanations with respect to this matter were made in the absence of direct revelation and references to these explanations are sometimes cited in publications. These previous personal statements do not represent Church doctrine.” </blockquote>We highlighted portions of the statement that had especially particular meaning to us. The acknowledgment that prior to 1978, black Saints held the Priesthood and some where even ordained during the "restriction," brings new life and awareness to the stories of black pioneers such as <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2011/06/elijah-abel-black-mormon-pioneer.html" target="_blank">Elijah Abel</a> and his family. The statement firmly shows the Church's intolerance of racism, even past racism by members. And it speaks to issues such as those of the statements in the Washington Post article, making it clear that explanations that have been given regarding why blacks were not given full membership in the Church are pure speculation. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwt-TBJpuMl21fc4FMKpw5EsBVAhmiMLMX25qx-gDi8vaAHVumfAp66XDsd-YrGoOAGXxVIK9-uWJDTSMTJqhrTc9SjaEa9LY-HvOgBWmKjycmMAjRCriIIFdZrYluLnyJtlaBSX6duE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwt-TBJpuMl21fc4FMKpw5EsBVAhmiMLMX25qx-gDi8vaAHVumfAp66XDsd-YrGoOAGXxVIK9-uWJDTSMTJqhrTc9SjaEa9LY-HvOgBWmKjycmMAjRCriIIFdZrYluLnyJtlaBSX6duE/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We have been asked by many if we are "satisfied" with the Church's response or if we "buy it?" We can tell you that statements such as those in the Washington Post article and the unsolicited explanations offered to us by Church members and leaders cut to the core. Many times it has been said, "What can you do?" "They'll never respond." "They don't care how black Mormons feel." A response has been made, "they" do care.  The Church's statement speaks directly to some of our qualms. We were also asked, "So that's it, it's fixed?" Our response is; there is always work to do in God's kingdom. We have read and reread these statements and urge all to do the same. Just as the spotlight is shone on the questions about our faith, so should it shine on the much needed responses. So share, tweet, retweet, pin and post, because we think that they are well worth reading, processing, digesting, thinking and praying on. Remember, the family that prays together stays together and we truly feel blessed to be a part of our family in Christ. Your Sistas in the Gospel, Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel</div>

What A-Bott Black Mormons

Imagine that a loved one comes to you and tells you that they have been deeply hurt by words uttered by another. What do you do? You may spe...

I Am Unashamed

<div style="text-align: center;">November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s320/2.bmp" yr="true" /></a> </div> Sista Laurel's response: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Above is the 11th <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=fc2539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Article of Faith</a> of <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</a> The line in that sentence that stood out to me the most as I pondered and prayed on this question was: “according to the dictates of our own conscience.” <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dictate">Dic-tate</a> [v. dik-teyt, dik-teyt; n. dik-teyt] verb, -tat-ed, -tat-ing, noun 6. a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.: to follow the dictates of one's conscience. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conscience">Con-science</a> [kon-shuh ns] –noun 1. the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action: to follow the dictates of conscience. 2. the complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions or thoughts of an individual. "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you." I know that I am a child of God. A loving Heavenly Father provided a Savior for me, Jesus Christ. I have gained this testimony through experiences both spiritual and temporal. I strive to live a Christ-like life, but I am imperfect. I have fallen short, I do fall short, I will fall short. I am thankful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for my sins, so that I have the opportunity to stand again each time I fall. My testimony, this knowledge, and this goal have all contributed in my decision to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always thought of spirituality and faith as being personal. This thought process has helped me to develop a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Also, I find that my faith is not sedentary. With each passing day it can grow and it can waiver and in both instances I rely heavily on these personal relationships. If at any time I have questions regarding religion, my faith, spirituality, membership in the church to which I belong, etc., I have always consulted with the Lord through prayer and have always received answers to my prayers. Through my testimony in prayer and according to the dictates of my own conscience I am an unashamed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sista Laurel Sista Beehive's response: Pastor Rick Warren, was asked the question, " Do all religions lead to God"? His response was, "Think about the logic of this. Can I go into a phone booth and dial any phone number and get home? No, there’s only one number that’ll get me home. I could be sincere, but I could be sincerely wrong. The truth is, all roads don’t lead to Rome and all roads and all religions don’t lead to God". In following that same thought pattern the scriptures teach in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. While it is not my responsibility to try to explain away the painful, yet historic teachings of past church practices (not only in the LDS Church). Nor is it my intention to defend the crippeling history of our "free" country, a place that we all call home. Jesus is the way, Jesus, my elder brother, the only one who could, atoned and sacrificed for me, he alone is the truth and the light. I am grateful for parents who taught me to recognize and yield to the teachings of the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful that I was blessed with a strong Pentacostal family that encouraged me to develop a personal relationship with the Lord, so that when the time came in my life where I would need to testify of the truthfullness of the Holy Ghost I would be able to do so in my own words. So that when the day came for me to become a soilder in God's army, I would be armed with a truth that I was willing to stand on and if needs be die for. I have found that truth in the church that I've choosen to embrace. I have a personal relationship with my Father in heaven who loves me and has been merciful to me. It is ultimately because of this love that I feel "No Shame"!! for my choice in worshiping the Lord my God, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I make no apologies to my anonymous Brotha/Sista for being a member of the LDS church. Just as I make no apologies to any of the Brothas/Sistas of the LDS faith for the race, or lineage that I was born into. Jesus atoned for me! He suffered and died! It is because of his love for me that eternal life and not death is possible. In closing, I feel that it's approiate for us all to be reminded: "Love thy neighbor" is not a cliché; it is a commandment from God. In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. He said, all the other commandments, all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments (v. 40). Sista Beehive <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

I Am Unashamed

November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officiall...

What A-Bott Black Mormons

I Am Unashamed

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