Thought of the Day about Mormonism, Samoans and My DNA

23 September

stickman-thinking-3Well today proved itself to be an interesting one in the world of Mormon racism. A Google Alert came to my e-mail box talking of a ban on the Samoan language in Mormon worship services in Brisbane where many Samoans reside.

The Church was Johnny-on-the-spot to defend themselves saying there’s no ban on speaking Samoan in wards where only Samoans attend. Ironically though they’ve cut the services where Samoans attend and they said they’ve done this to help Samoans learn how to speak English.  Huh? 

They also mentioned Church sanctioned hymns did not allow for changing the words of the hymn. I guess if  you’re not singing in 1611 English God may not approve?

And this whole scenario brings me to another thought about the LDS Church and racism. In the news link above there’s a two minute video you can watch in addition to reading the newspaper article.  In this video the Church spokesman who was making excuses for the Church is obviously a Pacific Islander (Samoan?) and it made me wonder once again how people of color can accept teachings like this and let me explain why.

A few months back I had a DNA test done for myself at the encouraging of my MS neurologist.  After telling her I knew who my relatives were she continued to encourage me to do it anyway so I acquiesced.

I got the results back a few weeks ago and I have to say that I was and wasn’t surprised. The official report reminded me of getting a pedigree chart from the pound telling you that your pet can sign up to be in the AKC or something.  That aside, with my results in hand I have a few questions for the Church.

Not surprisingly the tests came back showing that I’m European American.  Knew that, thanks. It also stated I’m African American. That was kind of surprising and kind of not, but I’m supposing it’s because my grandmother was labeled “black Welsh” when she came into the country in 1896.

So I e-mailed Melissa with a rhetorical question or two about the race issue because it got me to thinking about Brigham Young’s statements about the black race.

1. Why did an all knowing church send their missionaries to a tiny village in Wales to convert a bunch of black Welsh people if blacks are condemned?

2. Since my official “pedigree” revealed that I’m European American and African American does this mean I’m condemned? I obviously have at least one drop of African blood in me and Brigham Young taught that one drop of African blood means death and being cursed by God – Journal of Discourses 10:110.

3. Why? Why does the Church continue to live in the world of confusion? They’re supporting LGBT lifestyles and shutting down ward buildings filled with people who don’t speak English to “help” them learn how to speak English.  Why is this a concern for them? Why must someone know how to speak English?

4. Personally I’ve always been offended the Church would condemn people for being anything but white and now that I’ve had this DNA testing done my concern/dismay is even more resolute than before. I don’t understand why anyone (especially those of color) would embrace such a teaching into their spirit.

If you’re LDS, no matter what color you are, know that we’re praying for you to see the truth here. God said there’s neither Jew nor Greek and if we can’t take Him at His word then we shouldn’t take Him for anything else either.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor 1:18

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