Doctrine and Covenants 134:12; “We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to interfere with bond-servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men; such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude.”
Acts 10:34-36; “¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all.”
I was reminded of the LDS scripture the other day while posting something on our Facebook page, and it surprised even me when I read over it again.
Joe Smith announced this false prophecy while living in Kirtland, OH, on August 17, 1835. It was at this time disagreements of slavery were starting to take shape, and people were literally drawing lines in the sand to mark the place of which side he was on. While Smith was doing that, another scene had emerged on America’s landscape…
Professor and Theologian Charles Finney, was a prominent member, and co-founder of the Ohio Anti-Slavery Society which began in March 1835. Their group was one of the earliest in the Abolitionist Movement which was given birth to in 1833, through the country’s 2nd Great Awakening Era.
After the signing of self-authored promissory notes by Mr. Finney’s group to protect African Americans from violence and slavery, he, and others in the movement, took it upon themselves to become itinerant preachers and spread the good news of Jesus while trying to convince Ohioans to join other Abolitionists.
Now, with our mini-history lesson behind us (!), our attention is turned back to Smith’s false prophecy, so that we might ask a couple of questions –
Why would it be wrong to share the gospel with slaves? As we’ve just seen, hundreds, if not thousands of other Christian Americans were risking their lives to spread the gospel, and promote freedom for all in this country.
If Joe was carrying on his biblical vernacular for the sake of appearances this late in the game, someone should have told him that living in 19th century America was nothing like it was during the Roman Empire where the majority of the earth’s population were slaves.
Why would God want anyone to remain a slave if they were living in a country built upon the principles of religious freedom? If God ordained America to be in existence, why wouldn’t He want freedom for all?
Why did Mormons seem to run away from fighting for freedom? Mr. Finney and his friends started their group in March 1835, and continued their fight for another 30 years until the Civil War finally ended on April 9, 1865.
If you call yourself a Christian, where have you been? For 30 long, and bloody years, this country fought for everyone’s right to be free, and somehow the Church found a way to distance themselves from it.
Furthermore, why is this ‘scripture’ still in the Mormon canon? The war ended 151 years ago. Certainly, there ‘s been enough time to impeach that verse, and/or erase it altogether!
Should Mormons today, like my own mother, heed the advice in this ‘inspired’ word from the Mormon god? Although slavery is long gone, the African Americans and other races, are still present, so now what? Are they still exempt from hearing the gospel?
One more thing…
Why is the Church preaching in African countries when this ‘scripture’ is couched in their canon?
I know , From my perspective people of all types seem to have been hypnotized when converted. This sounds crazy , but the congregation gathered sit and smile and proclaim ” I know THE church is true, Joseph Smith was a profit ” blindly following SOMETHING , my daughter has never been the same since becoming a Mormon !
Hi there Robert and/or Tonya –
Wanted to let you know we’re praying for you! How long has your daughter been in the Church? Is she African American, or non-white? We pray you’re able to have somewhat of a relationship w/ her, albeit it strained at this point I’m sure. No doubt you’re heartbroken, and rightly so!
Keep the faith dear one – we’ve seen more people leave within a yr or two, more times than not.
Let us know how things are going and what support we can provide for you!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
[…] Aside from the secret temple ceremonies, we’ve written about this in a few articles. See Don’t Share Gospel with Black Slaves — Joe Smith announced this false ‘prophecy’ while living in Kirtland, OH, on August 17, […]
[…] Aside from the secret temple ceremonies, we’ve written about this in a few articles. See Don’t Share Gospel with Black Slaves — Joe Smith announced this false ‘prophecy’ while living in Kirtland, OH, on August 17, […]