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One of the Bloggernacles’ frequent topics is the priesthood ban. I haven’t paid much attention to this issue because it was resolved in 1978; at least that’s how I see it. But for others; many who weren’t even born, or were children in 1978, the priesthood ban seems to be a source of difficulty—a stumbling block to their faith.
Before moving forward, I don’t claim to have any special insight into this subject. My sources are the scriptures and the words of the living prophets—sources all church members have available to them. If someone can use the scripture to show me that what I’ve written is in error, I invite them to do so; I am interested in the truth.
First, a few question to orientate our thinking:
1. Who is the head of the church?
For believing members there can only be one answer—Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 27:8).
2. Does the Lord inspire and lead His chosen prophets?
The scripture answer this question in the affirmative. (1 Nephi 22:2, Amos 3:7).
3. Can a prophet of the Lord err—be fallible?
The scriptures give clear understanding they can, and have. (D&C 1:24-28).
4. Will the Lord permit a fallible prophet to frustrate His will?
No.
The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught. D&C 3:1
5. Has the Lord intervened when a prophet erred on an important doctrinal matter because of the culture they lived in?
Yes, Peter was taught by the Lord in a dream/vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16). This was contrary to Jewish culture, and the Saviors own teachings when He was with His disciples (Matt 10:5-6). He told them not to go to the Gentiles, but now the Lord was sending the gospel to all men. The Lord intervened at this time because it was His will that the Gentiles receive the gospel.
Summary
Based on these scriptures, it reasonable to believe the Lord could have intervened to overrule the ban on blacks and the priesthood early in church history, but it wasn’t His will to do so until 1978.
The ban isn’t the central issue—in my opinion. The central issue is understanding how the Lord works with His fallible prophets to accomplish His will. I believe the Lord is very close to His prophets. He isn’t an absentee Deity. I don’t see any reason, based on the scriptures, to conclude the Lord’s will is ultimately frustrated because of fallible prophets. That would be equivalent to the tail wagging the dog. The history of the priesthood ban doesn’t need to be a difficult subject to deal with. This is especially true for those who have studied the scriptures and thereby understand the “dealings” of the Lord.
Conclusion
The priesthood ban will continue to be a controversial part of church history for some members. I hope those who fall into that camp will have their testimonies grounded and rooted in gospel essentials. If they do, then they will be safe while they wait on the Lord to answer their prayers regarding this aspect of church history.
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That was realy good. I had never thought as far as point 5. I always like to point out that Elder McConkie said in confrence shortly after the band was lifted
“And all I can say to that is that it is time disbelieving people repented and got in line and believed in a living, modern prophet. Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world…. “
Tex-
It should be noted that Elder McConkie did NOT say “we/they were wrong” nor does he say that Brigham Young, or GQC or himself were the ones in need of “repentance” because of their disbelief. At no time did Elder McConkie EVER state that the ban itself was wrong, or improper, or the product of human beings. Those that say that the above statement you quoted is equivalent to him saying so….didn’t know Elder McConkie or his manner of speech and theology very well.
Note that the Lord did not change the revelation in the prophets went to Him in prayer beginning in the 1950′s with David O McKay. There was much disagreement and until the quorum was in harmony in 1978 was the the will there the do what the Lord wanted. Thus, my only addendum to what you said was that the reason it was 1978 may also relate to the fallibility of prophets–they weren’t prepared to know what the Lord wanted concerning this principle.
Another pet theory of mine relates to the Gospel going from the Gentiles to the House of Irael. The times of the Gentiles began coming to a close in the late 1960′s per discussions of Joseph Fielding Smith concerning the state of Israel. The gospel began going from the mostly white European nations to Latin American in the 1970′s so this revelation could be the equivalent of the gospel going from Jew to Gentile in the meridian of time. Since African blood is among the House of Israel currently, the shift was symbolic to represent the shift from the Gentiles to the House of Israel.
I’m not as concerned with the ban itself–which is obviously resolved–as I am about the stupid folklore that surrounds it. Within the past 5 years I have heard the “Blacks were fencesitters in the pre-existence” folklore from two different members–including a full-time missionary, who said that during a lesson!
There’s a big difference between Church leaders saying, “Well, we don’t know why the ban was issued,” as they currently do, and “We don’t know why the ban was issued, AND you should disregard anything said out of racism or ignorance on the subject because it’s incorrect on a moral and theological level, and completely inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” We’ve heard that message in a few different piece and and at different times, but it would be very comforting to hear something like it all at once.
Peter,
I happen to agree with your “pet theory”. The fact is that the letter from the First Presidency announcing the retraction of the ban states that God “…has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come”. I believe the Priesthood was restored in the reverse order it was originally granted in-to the Gentile nations first through Ephraim and Manasseh, and then to Judaic Israel-fulfilling in part the scriptural statements that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Ephraim holds the birthright and responsibility of authority and the Lord has made it clear that certain blessings would be restored to them first and then they would take those blessings to the rest of the House of Israel.
Bro. Jones-
The sad thing is that Brigham Young repudiated the “fence sitting” theory as early as 1869. So how it came to be passed around so prolifically is odd.
“We don’t know” means we don’t know. I believe it means that there has been absolutely no definitive revelation one way or the other. If that is true, then until such revelation comes, then it would be out of line for the First Presidency to make an “official” statement declaring that certain statements made in the past (and/or those who issued them)were unequivocally “racist”, “ignorant” or “completely inconsistent with the Gospel”.
Most of the men to whom such statements are attributed were brilliant and dedicated scriptural students, and faithful, goodhearted men. None of them are here to defend or explain themselves, and none of us have been given the power or stewardship to search their hearts and declare them guilty or innocent. So for me and my house, as long as the living Prophet continues to remain silent, we will too.
SisterofJared–
Great comment! Thanks for sharing.
I just watched “Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons” last night, which was directed by Darius Gray. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Gray)
While they obviously did not spend a lot of money producing it, I highly recommend it. It was honest, didn’t leave out anything, and faith promoting all at the same time. Darius Gray is one of my heroes now. Check it out if you can.
http://www.untoldstoryofblackmormons.com/
adamf–
Thanks for posting the links.