History of the Church 2:436-438; “…the first mention we have of slavery is found in the Holy Bible … And so far from that prediction being averse to the mind of God, it remains as a lasting monument of the decree of Jehovah, to the shame and confusion of all who have cried out against the South, in consequence of their holding the sons of Ham in servitude.” – Joseph Smith
1 John 4:20; “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
One of the most incredible talks I’ve ever heard given by a pastor was by Dr, Tony Evans back in the ‘90’s. A book he wrote had just been published and his presence at churches all around was in high demand.
Ed Decker called me one afternoon and invited me to go with him to listen to Dr. Evans who he happened to know personally. I went thinking it’d be something good I could utilize in my ministry life, but little did I know it’d change my personal life as well.
Dr. Evans spoke on race relations within the body of Christ, the geographical history of different races God had created, and historical facts on the history of slavery. While not going into the entire history of mankind and who lived where, the bottom line to slavery is this.
Slavery has been an issue in the world from the beginning of time, but slavery due to skin color wasn’t even thought of until 300-400 AD. Whenever a country decided to invade a neighbor, they’d take its citizens into custody and those people would become the inventory of the victor.
Now here’s the clincher in all this. Countries didn’t invade another country based on skin color. They did so based on water rights, real estate, or because of the god the other nation worshipped.
Skin color and slavery was a complete and total non-issue until c 300-400 AD. You’ll notice this was long after the Bible had been written, not to mention the fact it was in age of grace. (Thanks to one of our readers, I was able to correct the typo which used to say 300-400 BC).
Those who chose to believe the Bible condoned slavery based on skin color was wrong then, just as racism is wrong today. There’s no biblical justification in it, nor can you smooth talk your way around it no matter how you try.
For Mormons who keep writing to tell me Smith didn’t introduce the race problem Mormonism is plagued with, here’s yet another proof this is wrong. I can’t count the number of e-mails I’ve received lately from people trying to make excuses for their beloved prophet. Smith was the instigator of this malicious hatred in Mormonism and the works of those who followed him were and are the culmination of his doing.
As my grandfather used to say ‘Quit being ugly’. I’m praying Mormons will stop justifying this guy, and then open up the Bible and a history book to find out what really happened.
There is a typo in this article. You mentioned slavery as a skin color issue not known until 300-400 ad the first time. The second time you put 300-400 bc. I am positive you meant ad in both cases. Just thought you might want to do an edit. Take care. Great article.
Thank you so much! Appreciate your kindness in letting me know it was there and your encouragement as well. God bless!
Michelle