Race, Curses, and the Book of Mormon | Marvin Perkins

Key Concepts

• Curse of the Lamanites
• Skin color in scripture (black and white)
• Spiritual darkness vs. literal skin color
• The 1978 Revelation on the priesthood
• Interfaith vs. interracial marriage
• Separation from God as a curse
• The importance of scripture study and personal revelation

Skin Color in the Scriptures

• Word "Black": The word "black" appears 44 times in the scriptures (26 in the Old and New Testaments, 18 in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price). Only a small fraction of these references pertain to people, and even fewer specifically to skin color.
• Old Testament Examples: Job 30:30 ("My skin is black upon me") is interpreted as anguish, not literal skin color. Song of Solomon 1:5-6 ("I am black, but comely") is linked to being looked upon by the sun. Jeremiah 8:21 and 14:2, Lamentations 4:8, Joel 2:6, and Nahum 2:10 use "black" to denote gloominess or dejection, supported by Hebrew idiom footnotes.
• Book of Mormon Examples: Moses 7:8 and 7:22 refer to a "Blackness" upon the children of Canaan and the seed of Cain. The video argues that this refers to spiritual darkness, not literal skin color.
• Word "White": The word "white" appears 104 times in scripture, with only 26 references to man, and 18 of those referring to leprosy. The remaining eight are all in the Book of Mormon.
• Book of Mormon Examples: 1 Nephi 11:13 (virgin "exceedingly fair"), 1 Nephi 13:15 (Gentiles "white and exceedingly fair"), Mormon 9:6 ("spotless"), 2 Nephi 26:33 ("black and white"), 3 Nephi 2:15 ("skin became white"), 3 Nephi 19:25 & 30 ("white as the countenance and garments of Jesus"). The video argues these refer to purity and righteousness, not literal skin color.
• Modern Revelation and Scriptural Updates: The 1978 Revelation and subsequent 1981 scriptural updates added footnotes to key passages, directing readers to interpretations focused on spiritual darkness and purity rather than literal skin color. For example, 2 Nephi 5:21 and 30:6 now have footnotes linking "skin of Blackness" and "scales of darkness" to spiritual blindness.
• Elder McConkie's Statement: Elder McConkie's statement to CES teachers is cited, emphasizing the importance of following living prophets and discarding past interpretations that contradict current revelation.

The Curse of the Lamanites

• Definition of "Curse": The video argues that a curse is a separation from God due to sinful living, not a predetermined condition based on lineage or skin color.
• Scriptural Support: Doctrine and Covenants 29:41, Moses 4:5, Alma 3:18-19, and 1 Nephi 2:21 are cited to support the idea that curses are a consequence of individual or collective wickedness, leading to separation from God's presence and blessings.
• Anti-Nephi-Lehies: The example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in Alma 23 is used to illustrate how embracing righteousness removes the "curse" (separation from God) and fosters positive relationships.
• Interfaith Marriage: The video argues that the "mixing" referred to in scriptures like 2 Nephi 5:23 and Alma 3:8-10 pertains to interfaith marriage (marrying outside the covenant) rather than interracial marriage. The updated footnotes in the scriptures support this interpretation.
• President David O. McKay's Statement: President David O. McKay's statement that "there is not now and there has never been a Doctrine in this church that Negroes are under a Divine curse" is emphasized.
• 2nd Article of Faith: The second Article of Faith ("We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression") is used to support the idea that individuals are accountable for their own actions, not for the supposed sins of their ancestors.

Reaching African-Americans

• Understanding Language and Culture: The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the "language" (hidden cues and shared experiences) and culture of African-Americans to effectively share the gospel.
• Addressing Concerns: Missionaries and members should be prepared to address the common perception among African-Americans that Mormons are racist and that blacks are cursed.
• Personal Testimony: It is crucial to study the issue of race and the priesthood, pray for understanding, and gain a personal testimony before speaking on the subject.

Conclusion

The video argues that the Book of Mormon is not inherently racist and that interpretations suggesting otherwise are based on misunderstandings of scripture and outdated views. By examining the scriptures in light of modern revelation and focusing on the spiritual meanings of terms like "black," "white," and "curse," a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the gospel can be achieved. The key takeaway is that the gospel is for all people, regardless of skin color, and that true righteousness is based on individual choices and adherence to God's commandments. The video encourages viewers to study the scriptures, seek personal revelation, and engage in respectful dialogue to promote understanding and unity.