As promised, today we’re finishing up our look at comments made by Russell Nelson at his stop in Nairobi, Kenya. Yesterday we examined the Mormon ideology of how LDS temple attendance is mandatory for salvation. See SHAMEFUL LDS AFRICAN TOUR for more info.
To give readers a brief note on today’s topic of dowries, it’d be helpful to know that dowries is a hot topic in African countries today. Somewhere in time there was a major reversal of who paid the dowry, and who was the recipient. As it stands today, the bride’s family owes, and it’s a source of contention in many tribes.
Without belaboring this topic, we’ve found some really good info providing the historical aspects of dowries, both then and now.
Here in part is what the Deseret News reported –
“They received a message tailored for eastern Africa, where many tribes continue to insist that grooms or their families provide a dowry or pay a price for a bride.
“That’s not the Lord’s way,” President Russell M. Nelson told about 2,000 Kenyans and other Africans Monday night … “The Lord’s way is to be married in the temple, for time and all eternity, with your children sealed to you.”
He added that if he’d had to pay for his wife, “I would have missed five children, because only with my last five was I out of debt.”
One thing is certain. God doesn’t condemn dowries. Dowries are supposed to be a gift, and not a mandated expectation on either side. And in contrast to what Mr. Nelson stated, the Lord’s way does not include getting married in a temple somewhere. The prophet’s estimation of how he wouldn’t have had all ten kids, is a poor example of true godly leadership.
Genesis 29:16-28; “And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. …”
There are two things to consider regarding the Mormon prophet’s talk.
1.He gave no scriptural references for the teachings he proposed.
2.He inserted controversial opinions on what is almost a political situation taking place today with dowries in Kenya.
The first link below (Women in the Bible) is a good visual for a quick overview.
The second link (Payment of Dowry) is a great article, albeit lengthy, on dowry history from a biblical perspective, and how Christians should handle these in a godly manner.
PAYMENT OF DOWRY AND THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Theological Advisory Group
The other thing to consider with Nelson’s non-descriptive statement is how he threw out comments which can pit one family against another, and provided no resolution for amending the concerns of the day.
His talk reminded me of someone who went in to cause problems, muddy the waters, and then leaves, paying no heed to those it affects.
The last problem in his speech was when he made another statement that had nothing to do with the topic at hand. You’ll notice the order of his priorities and how Jesus’ name seemed like an afterthought. Moreover, it seemed rather patronizing in the way he phrased his comment. As a reminder, you can read the entire talk at ‘Dowry is not the Lord’s way’: In Kenya, LDS President Nelson says tithing breaks poverty cycle.
““I don’t know how long it will take to build that temple,” President Nelson said, “but let’s have a little contest: See if you can build your lives to be ready and your ancestral documentation to be ready for when the temple comes.”
He said it is easier for church leaders to build a temple than it is for them to build a people ready for the temple.
He also emphasized the importance of prophets, the Book of Mormon, the Restoration of the priesthood, family and worshipping Jesus Christ. He said one of the great lessons of his 93-year life is that people are God’s children and he speaks to them.”
As an FYI, Mr. Nelson. The matter of salvation isn’t a ‘little contest’. While the news of another temple being built is noteworthy to the Mormons, we’re wondering why they have to sit around waiting on salvation. What if they die before it’s built? What if they won’t have anyone to do the works for them? Then what?
Pray that the Kenyan people would see this for what it is – a lie.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Shameful indeed. Michelle, I got the most amazing news this morning on FB. My young lds friend & her husband posted a video of a local praise band at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (of all places). Evidently she (Allie) went to school with the lead singer and was invited. The band is “Everline” and on tour promoting their new CD. Looks like they had a great time PTL. Never in a million years did I think that would happen. Especially a couple weeks ago they posted a pic outside the St. George temple. The good Lord has to be working on their hearts. I pray they let Him in. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME.
BTW, I Seriously thinking of going to the Manti pageant and witnessing with the impossible gospel guys. Have a great weekend…Melissa
Oh PTL about your friend! We’ll be sure to pray straightaway! When I was LDS, I couldn’t get enough of being in the presence of my Christian friends,although at the time I didn’t understand why that was. I just knew I ‘felt different’ whenever I was around them. Little did I know it was the presence of the HS!
i just finished an e-mail with Lee Baker about his trip to Liberia. Is this the impossible gospel guys you’re referring to? When is the Manti Pageant this yr? Kirk and I have done missions there, but that was eons ago now.. ’94-96….yikes!
My advice if you go –
Be aware of the extra spiritual warfare aside from the intense spiritual warfare you’ll encounter. It’s very oppressive, spiritually speaking, and if you’re sensitive to that type of thing you’ll sense it right away.
The Manti area is surrounded by active polygamists.They wear everyday street clothes, not the pioneer get up you see from YFZ (Youth for Zion) Ranch group run by Warren Jeffs. I don’t recall the guy’s name that runs the clan down in Manti, but I’m sure they’ve not wandered off too far.
The wives would come out all donning t-shirts in different colors declaring ‘Stamp out Monogamy’. Oh brother…
I’m a hardcore advocate of Christians attending those pageants. The times that we’ve done so in Manti & Nauvoo, we’ve always seen fruit from what the Lord did thru those events.
Be sure to let us know so we can be praying for you, and if you’d like to write up a little something before and/or after, we’d love to post it on the sites!
Hello again, thanks for the encouragement, just hope my friend Allie will pick up God’s promptings and learn God’s saving grace.
I just started looking into the Manti mission. Every June lots of Christians give up time and money to evangelize the annual pageant. They could be in Hawaii sipping mojitos Beach side. In stead of sleeping in a tent. And yes Lee and Kathy have been to the pageant many times. Some go alone, others go in organized groups. Pastor Chip Thompson from Tri-grace ministries has a training workshop before the pageant to equip the attendees with the tools a materials. He and others like Kieth Walker came up with ” the impossible gospel” . And basically you ask if you died now will you go to the celestial kingdom? Have you done all you can do, and have you denied yourself of ALL ungodliness?
Just something I’ve been thinking about in the future. At 53 not looking forward to sleeping in a sleeping bag, but if this is what the Lord has planned for me how can I say no… Blessings, Melissa