Mormons not only have a history of controversial views against blacks, but also questionable practices and beliefs that conflict with Jews and Christians. Can we justifiably criticize Reverend Wright and Obama's belief system without questioning Mitt Romney and his well known Mormon beliefs?
In the 1990's, Jewish groups vocally opposed the LDS' (Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons) practice of baptism for the dead on behalf of Jewish victims of the Holocaust and Jews in general. According to LDS Church's general authority, Monte J. Brough, "Mormons baptized 380,000 Holocaust victims." Some might say they did this as an act of service and compassion - and perhaps that truly was their motivation.
But the more important point to make is that Mormons believe they can control a person's salvation.
To think that you're in control of someone's individual salvation goes against the very principle of Christianity. The bible is clear that each person's salvation should be sought after by oneself and one's individual belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Psalm 3:8 says, "Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people." And in Acts 4:12, it states, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Romans 10:10 further clarifies the process of salvation, that confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart brings about salvation. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Thank God that our salvation is found in Jesus Christ, because if man were in control at times he just might think you or I are WORTHY... or worse, UNWORTHY, according to his understanding.
In addition to the Book of Mormon, Mormons use other books as fundamental Mormon doctrine: Articles of Faith, Doctrine of Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and the Journal of Disclosures. The Articles of Faith are an informal creed composed by Joseph Smith, Jr. as part of an 1842 letter sent to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat. It lists thirteen fundamental doctrines of Mormonism. The Pearl of Great Price, Journal of Disclosures and Doctrine of Covenants are a collection of choice materials such as speeches, writings and sermons touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrine used for teaching in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Most LDS denominations view the Articles of Faith as the authority for their basic theology. Some denominations, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have adopted the articles as holy scripture. This is the denomination to which Mitt Romney belongs.
Mormons welcomed all people to Mormonism regardless of color. However, they excluded most people of black African descent from Priesthood ordination. These exclusionary practices continued until September 30, 1978. Ironically, this points to Mormonism as being a separatist and elitist religion.
See, the problem many people have with right wing conservative Christians is that they will claim Christianity only when it seems to apply. How does the fact that someone is Republican supersede their anti-Christian doctrine and beliefs? Shouldn't allegiance be to Christ before a political party? I Christians accept Mormonism as a Christian religion, then in fact we are accepting false doctrine and setting ourselves up for deception.
Some very racist ideas were taught as doctrine and enforced, such as a dark skinned Mormon could not hold the priesthood. Apostle Mark E. Petersen banned inter-marriage and enforced segregation. In The Journal of Disclosures, vol. 10 p. 110, Brigham Young himself stated that inter-marriage would result in death on the spot as penalty, and that this "will always be so."
Brigham Young was very clear on this, saying, "Do you want me to tell you about God's view on the African Race? Should the white man, who belongs to the chosen family, mix his blood with Cain's family, then the penance of bud's law is death. It shall forever be so." (Journal of Disclosures, Vol. 10 p. 110)
Despite historical abuses of scripture pertaining to slavery across Christianity, the bible clearly reveals how God feels about race. Consider how God responded to Miriam and Aaron when they spoke against Moses because he had married an Ethiopian woman. He scolded them harshly and struck Miriam with leprosy. (see Numbers 1)
If race is an issue with you, God has a problem with you. If blacks are not forgiving for slavery and past transgressions, God has a problem with them. This is what God says, not what Damon says.
In further writings, LDS describe dark skin as a curse and mark from God. The Book of Mormon, published in the late 1820's, states the following ab out a group of people who rebelled against God.
"And [God] had caused the cursing to come upon them, yeah, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; 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, save they shall repent of their iniquities." (2 Nephi 5:21, emphasis added)
For readers who may be unfamiliar with the Holy Bible, I want to make it clear that the above text is NOT from the Holy Bible, but rather from the Book of Mormon. There is no book of Nephi in the Holy Bible.
On February 6, 1835, a prominent leader of the Mormons, W.W. Phelps, wrote a letter theorizing that the curse of Cain survived the deluge by passing through the wife of Ham, son of Noah, who according to Phelps was a descendant of Cain (Messenger and Advocate 1:82). In addition, Phelps introduced the idea of a third curse upon Ham himself for "marrying a black wife". (Id.) This black wife, according to Phelps, was not just a descendant of Cain, but one of the pre-flood "people of Canaan" (not directly related to the Biblical Canaanites after the flood).
There is no way we can accept Mitt Romney as a vice-presidential candidate without scrutinizing his belief system. In all fairness, we should evaluate his Mormon beliefs with the same fervor that some scrutinized Barack Obama's, whose beliefs were under fire simply due to his association with one controversial pastor. I think if the same standards are applied, we - especially Christian Conservatives - should determine Mitt Romney disqualified for the position of Vice President.
Mormons have a clearly negative, even loathsome view of people of African descent. Their belief system is downright elitist. Mormonism contradicts with Judaism, Christianity and basic humanity. The bible tells us that God is not a respecter of persons - he does not put one before another. But we will be judged on our belief system, or more specifically our belief in Jesus Christ as the author and finisher and source of our salvation.
Until next Saturday, this is Damon J. Smith. Please email me at damon@damonjsmith.com and visit www.DamonJSmith.com