Conference Reports, CR April 1939, Second Day‑Morning Meeting, pg 59; “PUNISHMENT OF THOSE NOT VALIANT
The negro is an unfortunate man. He has been given a black skin. But that is as nothing compared with that greater handicap that he is not permitted to receive the Priesthood and the ordinances of the temple…
What is the reason for this condition, we ask, and I find it to my satisfaction to think that as spirit children of our Eternal Father they were not valiant in the fight…
I cannot conceive our Father consigning his children to a condition such as that of the negro race, if they had been valiant in the spirit world in that war in heaven…
Somewhere along the line were these spirits, indifferent perhaps, and possibly neutral in the war. We have no definite knowledge concerning this…
I firmly believe that God had something to do with the recording of these events, and having them preserved and handed down to us from generation to generation, that we might read, and reading, profit thereby. We are under direct command of the Lord to search the scriptures, where these things are contained. We have been admonished in this conference so to do.” – George F. Richards
Let’s review shall we?
George F. Richards was the son of the Apostle Franklin Richards who served in the Church in the days of Joseph Smith. He and his wife had fifteen kids and he served as the SL Temple President until his death in 1942. One of his children was none other than LeGrand Richards who was also an apostle.
I gave his short bio to illustrate the extent of Mr. Richards’ involvement with Mormonism. The man lived, ate, slept and breathed Mormonism. He knew his religion like the back of his hand and to use the phrase “possibly neutral” is nothing more than a smoke screen to confuse the masses.
How are the Mormon people supposed to know for sure if those who weren’t valiant are black when the leaders don’t know for sure? He also said that he believes God had something to do with the recording of events and it’s for the people to study it out. Hello? Does this make sense to anyone but him?
I was born and raised in Utah Mormonism. The teaching Mr. Richards has promulgated here was a well known doctrine and fed to the people year in and year out. For thirty years I believed I was one of those who were neutral in the pre-existence. My Sunday school teachers told me this; my MIA teachers taught me this and the bishops over my ward taught it from the pulpit.
This qualifies as a false prophecy that was passed on down from one generation to the next for a couple of reasons.
1. It isn’t biblical. There is no pre-existence – 1 Cor 15:44-47
2. God didn’t change anyone’s skin color based on behavior – Romans 10:11-13
3. The Church has also taught there were no neutrals in heaven Doctrines of Salvation 1:65
What you have suggested is not I repeat NOT official doctrine of the church.
Well it’s officially in their writings. And it’s officially taught at Conference. It was officially taught at Sacrament Meetings, etc. This tells me it was officially accepted as doctrine.
We’re praying for you Verl and hope you’ll look to the Bible and what God has to say about these things.
Michelle