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Why were African blacks allowed into Mormon priesthood if the Mormon bible forbids it?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The official Bible of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) is the King James Version. The Old Testament restricts all but the sons of Levi from holding the priesthood. This was changed in the New Testament when Christ ordained his Apostles, but He did not specify who could be ordained, only who could be taught. It can be rightly deduced that African blacks (traditionally considered to be the Biblical Canaanites) were never given the opportunity of a priesthood ordination.
When the Church of Jesus Christ was restored in 1830, the opportunity to hold the priesthood was expanded to include every worthy male. Several freed slaves were ordained to the priesthood. A few decades later, it was the consensus among several Church leaders that African Blacks (Canaanites) could be baptized into the Church, but could not receive the priesthood, due to the curse put upon them in Genesis 9:25. For about a century, most white members of the Church were opposed to this priesthood ban and prayed for it to be lifted. In the 1970's, Church leaders praying in the temple received revelation from God that the priesthood should be offered to every worthy male, regardless of race.
The Book of Mormon never says anything regarding race and the priesthood. It says only that all races are welcome to come unto Christ and be baptized to receive eternal life.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) has always allowed blacks to be baptized members of the Church. However, it did not allow black men of African descent to be ordained ministers between about 1845 and 1978. The exception to this rule was the descendents of those black men who were ordained to the Mormon priesthood prior to 1845. They could be (and were) ordained but there were very few of them.
The reason why black men were not ordained to the priesthood has never been the subject of an official church statement. Many within the church presume that it was due to the fact that African Blacks are the decendents of Ham and that it was the result of a punishment given to him in The Bible. Many outside the church have accused Mormons of being racist, but most Mormons were not okay with the policy and fought against it for decades.
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When did Mormons let blacks in their church?
African-Americans have always been allowed to attend, though with discrimination. Joseph Smith seemed to support the laws of that time, and blamed slavery on the "curse of Ham," but otherwise remained an abolitionist. Slaves were allowed to attend, but they had to get permission from their masters to be baptized. After the Mormons were expelled from Missouri, they took on a stronger anti-slavery position and even ordained a few Black Mormon men as priests within Joseph Smith's lifetime. When Brigham Young took over, many men of color were excluded from the priesthood. Black men were not again allowed to to become participating members of the Mormon priesthood until 1978, after Brigham Young had died, and after the church realized how impractical it was to determine bloodlines. A 'revelation' given to the elders of the Mormon Church was responsible for the change in attitude. The FLDS sect still holds to the position that dark skin is a curse for sin, and supposedly is traced back to Cain. Women still are not allowed to participate in the priesthood in any segment of the LDS.
Does kim Rhodes drink or smoke?
No, actress Kim Rhodes does not smoke or drink. This is because she practices the Mormon religion. The Mormon religion forbids drinking and smoking.
What was the religion of African kosh?
Mormon
What is the definition of the mormon priesthood?
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church), 'priesthood' is the power and authority of God. It is by this power that God created all things and by this authority that God governs all things. In mortality, priesthood power and authority can be given from God to man in order to act in His name for the salvation of His children. Most Mormon men are ordained to the priesthood, which means that they are authorized to exercise the power and authority of God when and if they are acting in accordance to God's will. A priesthood ordination enables a man to act in the name of God in performing ordinances (such as sacrament/communion, baptism, or marriage) and bestowing blessings upon others. Because God authorizes men to act in His stead through His priesthood, all people have access to the blessings of the priesthood - including healing, comfort, guidance, revelation, and salvation.
Were blacks always allowed to be Mormons?
African Americans and blacks/dark-skinned people of other heritage have always been able to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church), but they were not able to hold the priesthood until 1978. This means that while they could always be baptized and be participating members of a congregation, they could not hold leadership positions until 1978. The 1978 change was excitedly accepted by a huge majority of Church members and now there are many black/African Church leaders.
What is it about Mormons and black people?
For a period from the late 1800's to the 1970's, Blacks of African descent could not be in the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church). Blacks could be baptized and become members of the Church, but could not hold leadership positions. (dark skinned people of other descent, such as Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, were welcome in the Priesthood.) There is little explanation for why this ban started, and it was a huge issue for many members. I have yet to hear of one Mormon during that time who was happy with the restriction. After years of praying, the Church leadership finally announced that they had received revelation from God that African Blacks could be in the Priesthood. Now, people of all races are welcome into the Priesthood, and the Church is growing steadily in African Nations. Blacks are commonly ordained into leadership positions, not only at the congregational level but at the international level as well. You can learn more about Blacks in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the "Related Links" below.
How do you pronounce melchizedek priesthood?
The word "melchizedek" is pronounced "mel-KIZ-ed-ick" or "mel-KIZ-ed-eck" with the emphasis on the second syllable (KIZ). The word "priesthood" is pronounced "PRE-stood". Within the Mormon Church, most adult men are ordained Elders in the Melchizedek Priesthood. They believe that this is the same priesthood mentioned in the Bible, sometimes spelled "Melchisedec" rather than "Melchizedek".
How did John get back here to restore the priesthood of Aaron to Joseph Smith Do dead people come back to help us?
Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) believe that the deceased can interact with the living, especially if they are sent in errand by God. Mormons believe that this occurred throughout the Bible, because 'angels' are the spiritual embodiments of people who have or will live on earth. So, Moroni (a Book of Mormon prophet) returned to teach Joseph Smith about the Book of Mormon. John the Baptist returned to restore the Priesthood of Aaron to Joseph Smith. Peter, James, and John returned to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood to Joseph Smith. Moses, Elias, and Elijah returned to bestow various priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith.
Why did the Presbyterian or Mormon church not admit people of color prior to the 20 first centery?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) has always accepted people of color into it's membership. It did not allow black men of African descent to be ordained to the priesthood for a period between the 1840's and 1970's. The church has never given an official reason. I cannot speak for the Presbyterian church.
Is LDS Online dating the only Mormon Dating service available?
Yes, LDS Online is a Mormon online dating service. While you do not have to be Mormon in order to join or search, you are not allowed to post or contact Mormon members if you are not one.
Who baptises Mormons?
When Mormons become members of the church, they are baptised by immersion by one holding the priesthood or authority of God. Baptism is a required ordinance that represents the individuals commitment to follow Christ. Baptism can only be administered by an authorized priesthood holder of the Mormon church. Almost all male members of the Mormon church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) hold a level of the priesthood. Most male members ages 16 and up have authority to baptise. Baptism, however cannot be administered by the priesthood holder until approval is received by a church leader who holds priesthood keys or the authority to direct the priesthood in certain cases. Everything must be done in proper order. After baptism, the members record is kept so that the church can be aware of and provide spiritual and temporal support for the needs of the member.
What are Baptists allowed to do?
Baptists are gay! I am a Mormon LDS search it up on the e!!!
