Question about blacks and the priesthood

[durante_angelo]

From i have understood about the topic, there was never a revelation that made it clear if blacks should recieve the priesthood or not wich made me think about what reason there could be to being revelated as late as 1978? Why not sooner?

[Suzie]

Hi, we discussed this topic extensively here:

http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/36633-issues-brigham-young.html

The thread is long but touches most points about Blacks and the Priesthood as well as giving historical background and sources, if you are interested in the topic as I do, I am sure you will find the thread interesting. Maybe you would like to check it out and reply there.

[Dravin]

Hi, we discussed this topic extensively here:

http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/36633-issues-brigham-young.html

The thread is long but touches most points about Blacks and the Priesthood as well as giving historical background and sources, if you are interested in the topic as I do, I am sure you will find the thread interesting. Maybe you would like to check it out and reply there.

If you do comment here please, please, please use the quotation ability of the forum if you want to respond to a specific point made instead of just using the thread as a primer (of sorts). Also note some people have discussed the issue to their satisfaction or moved on from the forum so asking a question of a specific poster from that thread may be hit or miss.

Edited November 12, 2011 by Dravin

[skippy740]

From i have understood about the topic, there was never a revelation that made it clear if blacks should recieve the priesthood or not wich made me think about what reason there could be to being revelated as late as 1978? Why not sooner?

First, the Lord's Church does not, has not and will not make policies based on political pressures. Think of Official Declaration 1. The Saints would be willing to go to prison in order to practice the revealed doctrine of plural marriage... until the Manifesto.

Blacks and the Priesthood | Ask Gramps

The reason it wasn't made sooner, was that to change something that was policy, it must be revealed. The Lord's word and stance would not be revealed until ALL the Apostles wanted it. Revelation to the Apostles must be unanimous. And it can't be unanimous if one or more people are not for the decision.

We are taught in the Book of Mormon to beware of the "traditions of our fathers". Well, we inherited some traditions. When the church was formed, it was 100% new converts! And with LDS culture being what it was (based on revelation), it was difficult to 'undo' the past. It HAD to be by revelation... once everyone wanted it.

If you want more information, I highly recommend clicking on the link in my signature and reading more information there as well as Black LDS Mormons

Edited November 12, 2011 by skippy740

[Blackmarch]

First, the Lord's Church does not, has not and will not make policies based on political pressures. Think of Official Declaration 1. The Saints would be willing to go to prison in order to practice the revealed doctrine of plural marriage... until the Manifesto.

...

I agree for the most part, however, The Lord will give revelation and commandments that he deems necessary for the Church in order for it to improve/posper/grow, which can be influenced indirectly by politics.

[rameumptom]

Lots of good info at blacklds.org

[cwald]

First, the Lord's Church does not, has not and will not make policies based on political pressures.

I have often wondered if perhaps when Stanford came out in the 70's and refused to play basketball game against BYU because of their policy concerning blacks and the priesthood, that kind of shook up the leadership of the church and really made them do some soul searching and praying about the issue?

I don't know why the church made the change to the policy, but, whether it was from political pressure and/or just god knowing things had to change for the church to continue to operate and function, much like the manifesto, I'm just really glad the policy was changed.

[Just_A_Guy]

Some of you may also enjoy this BYU Studies article.