First off I want to tell you the audio that you hear Warren Jeffs talking about the black race, almost all of it was him reading quotes from 19th century Mormon prophets. The bitter people who put out the snipped recording took all of the neutral and positive comments out and only have the worst sounding quotes they could find. He explained the teachings about the black culture and the truth about the black race as the FLDS believe it. Warren Jeffs is no more a bigot than I am. But the term racist can fit us, because we do believe races are different, and are treated differently in the gospel. The term racist and the term bigot are not the same thing to me, as I know that racial identity is widely considered racist. I can't change my heritage no matter how hard I pray about it, and neither can they.
I had an email conversation with a black Mormon man who was looking to the FLDS so he could live polygyny in a religiously sanctioned way, as his wife was unable to have children. We parted on good terms and mutual understanding, although I could not answer all of his questions. For the past few weeks I have been having a really friendly chat with a fellow from Vanuatu, he is a struggling college student who is black as well, I sent him some funds to help him get a camera or cell phone. When I grew up in Salt Lake one of my best friends in grade school, one who came over to play as much as any other, was a black fellow named Michael Scott. I have not a bigoted bone in my body. But I, like those in the black community, understand and accept racial identity and I am glad for my heritage.
The FLDS people believe that we are LITERALLY descendants of Ephraim, the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. As a Israelite, you cannot mix with other races and still be an Ephraimite. It is Biblical to marry within your heritage. In the Old Testament only the sons of Levi could be Priests, and since the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, Only Ephraimites can be priests.
We believe that God made different races for a reason. There is a reason a black man is black a white man is white and a brown man is brown. Although we don't believe in anything but equal rights for all humanity, and even all races can be members of the FLDS church, only Ephraimites can be Priests, Elders, or Apostles.
We believe that the dark skin is a "curse" upon a certain family, but we believe that all people since the time of Adam have "curses" placed upon them. A curse is an obstacle that must be overcome. To us it is equivalent to being born with a disability in some way. God loves all of His children equally, but some are born into the world blind, or deaf, or otherwise handicapped. The black man was cursed as a community because of what their ancient forefathers did. They must live with the curse throughout this life, and can overcome the uncivilized nature of their curse, and be blessed in the next life with all the same blessings that any other child of our Heavenly Father can, including Ephraimites.
Joseph Smith was a strong anti slavery advocate and believed in absolute freedom for all; that was part of the reason he was so hated in Missouri. He even ran for President of the United States in 1844, the year he was murdered; and part of his platform was to free the slaves and give land to them. There were many black people who were members of the church at that time and none can be found who were ordained to the Priesthood. Except perhaps Elijah Abel.
Joseph Smith is widely known to have said that black slaves could be baptized, but not ordained to the Priesthood. Although there is no directly recorded quotation from the Prophet Joseph Smith that he meant ALL of the black descendants of Ham could not hold the Priesthood; we have confirmations from 7 men (four of them Apostles) who said that Joseph Smith told them personally that Negroes could not be given the Priesthood. One of these men is Brigham Young.
Yet according to some historians Elijah Abel was a black man who was ordained to the priesthood by Joseph Smith. I believe that there were two Elijah Abel's and one was black while the other was not. They were both members of the church and left little or no posterity. Joseph Smith translated and wrote the Book of Abraham recorded in the Pearl of Great Price:
ABRAHAM 1:
25 Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal.
26 Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood.
27 Now, Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have the right of Priesthood, notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain claim it from Noah, through Ham, therefore my father was led away by their idolatry;
This is a quote from Joseph Smith:
“Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves, mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated Negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine off many of those they brush and wait on" (History of the Church 5:217) (Read by Warren Jeffs in the very same History Class)
These are quotes of Brigham Young:
"Negroes should be treated like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes. For their abuse of that race, the whites shall be cursed, unless they repent." (Journal of Discourses 10:111)
"Men will be called to Judgment for the way they have treated the Negro." (J.D. 10:250)
We believe in freedom for all, but we also believe that only the blood of Ephraim can be high priests in this day. In ancient Judea only the Levites were allowed to be priests of the Levitical Priesthood, and since the restoration in this day only the Ephraimites are given the Melchizadek priesthood (which can give the Levitical Priesthood). There is a third Patriarchal priesthood that perhaps can be held by the other races, I do not know. In the resurrection all will be blessed according to the faithfulness and virtue they lived up to in this life, and many will be given the High Priesthood. But in this life we are all cursed in one way or another, the black skin is a sign of a curse. We must all overcome our curses and obstacles, to pass the test of life.
Someone asked:
"And what it seems to me was being said [by you] is not that African Americans, or other black and brown folks are bad. What is being said is there is only one group that can have a certain role in this life on earth; that other peoples have different roles; that everyone is loved by God, that every role, although different, is important, and that all roles will change and move forward as we move through our spiritual lives. Am I correct?"
That is exactly right; God has a plan for each of us individually, and each and all are important to Him. The only exception I take with it is the term “African” American because most black people have been full blooded Americans longer than I have. To me the term Negro (Spanish for black), or Black American is less belittling their contributions to this country, and any who do not like those terms have an inferiority complex.
We believe that the Native American people are descendants of a man named Lehi, who left Jerusalem with his family around 600 B.C. They are descendants of Manasseh, the brother of Ephraim, and were later cursed with a dark skin because they apostatized from the gospel. They were cursed with a brown skin because of what their forefathers did. My son has been cursed for what I have done, and must overcome me. My family has been cursed to have a higher obedience requirement because of what my great grandfather did (he joined the church)
There is actually a greater punishment for not obeying the religion if you are baptized FLDS, than if you aren’t. There is a greater punishment in the next life if you are a Priest who apostatizes than if you were never a Priest. The more you are taught, the more is required of you by God to obey what you are taught. In some ways I ENVY the ignorant masses sometimes. A black man will not be punished as much as an Ephraimite for the same sin. A FLDS woman will not be punished as much as a FLDS Priest for the same sin. Women cannot be Priests either.
Showing posts with label racism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label racism. Show all posts
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Top 5 Lies about the FLDS
Lie #1 Girls are forced to marry
No person was ever forced to get married. That is so ridiculously untrue it should not even need to be discussed, but it is so universally believed that it is used to justify the bigotry that exists and the genocide that is being attempted in Texas. No one is forced to do anything in the FLDS after they reach an age to be accountable for themselves, and that is long before marriage. Marriage is the greatest and most important step in life, and is revered more within the FLDS church than it is outside the church. The women who have left the church and say they were once forced to get married are only saying it to get attention and appease the preconceived perceptions of the general public. I feel sorry for those who declare this after they leave. The memories of their whole lives have change to having been forced, abused, and miserable. I do not doubt that they are miserable now, because you cannot lie as they do and be happy. To blame their misery on their former church is ridiculous. It brings me to pity them. There is as much freedom in the FLDS as anywhere else. You always have the freedom to leave if you want. To say they mourn the loss when one leaves is an understatement, but no one is forced to stay. If you do not want to obey the FLDS gospel, feel free to leave; just don’t try to force those who want to stay to leave too. OK? They can choose too can't they? Let them choose to believe what they want, and get on with your own life.
Lie #2 The FLDS exists by pillaging the government for welfare.
This is so absolutely untrue it is laughable. I first heard the term “bleeding the beast” by reading the newspaper, it did not come from the FLDS. The fact that some of the FLDS people have received Social Security, food stamps, and medical benefits from the government is true, but never did the leaders tell the people to do it. In fact the opposite is true. The leaders often recommended staying off government aid. In Texas there was no one on any assistance at all unless you count Social Security. Until now. To think that children were being born for the purpose of taking your tax money is ridiculously stupid. The State governments have been meticulous in investigating all assistance in Hildale and Colorado City, probably more than in any other community in the U.S. because of the continuous accusations, but despite the assumptions there has not even been one case of welfare fraud charged against an FLDS family.
Lie #3 The FLDS do not educate their children
The FLDS believe, as all civil people do, that children should be educated, and that to, by their parents and whomever their parents want them to be educated by. Girls are given the same opportunity as boys, and I believe that there are no better teachers in the world than those in the FLDS church. More girls graduated from high school than boys. And never are the children pulled out of school because they don’t want them to be too smart. Education is the most important thing for everyone on earth, and you can be educated without going to liberal College. The most important education you can get is how to get back to heaven. We are taught that obedience creates happiness, but that does not mean the children are forced to believe as their parents do. They want them to believe as they do, they teach them to believe, but they do what they want with that education. Would you teach your children that what you believe in is wrong? Why would you want the FLDS to?
Lie #4 The FLDS hate black people
We do not hate anyone. We believe that the Negro have just as much right to the salvation of heaven as we do, just not the rights to the priesthood. Joseph Smith said this: “Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves, mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated Negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine off many of those they brush and wait on” (History of the Church 5:217) (Read by Warren Jeffs in History Class)
We believe that the Negro people are our brothers and sisters, all descendants like we are, of Adam, and Noah. But everyone is given different obstacles to overcome. We believe that all people who are born into this world were put here for the same reason, to obey God. We all will be judged by what we do, what we say, and what we think, according to what we have been taught. We also will be judged by what we teach our children. This is the same no matter where you were born, or what color you are. We believe in freedom for all. We believe we lived before we came to earth, and it is there that we were given our calling. God chose our color, our nationality, and our family not by accident, nor against our will. For the black race, they must overcome the curse they were born with. For us, we must live up to, or overcome our heritage also. The black race cannot be a part of the Priesthood family in this life, but we hope to see as many as will pass their own trials and purify their own lives in the highest heaven too. I believe there will be many.
Lie #5 All people besides those in the FLDS will go to hell
The Savior of the world died on the cross for all of Adams children, and that almost all will go to heaven; Sons of Perdition being the lone exception. All will have the happiness that they earn here, in the next life. They will be happier there then they are here. We believe that there are at least three heavens, or degrees of heaven, and that if you want to go to the highest, you must do what it takes to get there, you must sacrifice all earthly things. To us that is what obedience is. Jesus died so that all will be resurrected and have physical bodies again. And His sacrifice gives us the opportunity to save ourselves through righteousness. You will be just as good, or just as bad, after you die as you are here. You will dwell in heaven with those who you are the most like in character.
No person was ever forced to get married. That is so ridiculously untrue it should not even need to be discussed, but it is so universally believed that it is used to justify the bigotry that exists and the genocide that is being attempted in Texas. No one is forced to do anything in the FLDS after they reach an age to be accountable for themselves, and that is long before marriage. Marriage is the greatest and most important step in life, and is revered more within the FLDS church than it is outside the church. The women who have left the church and say they were once forced to get married are only saying it to get attention and appease the preconceived perceptions of the general public. I feel sorry for those who declare this after they leave. The memories of their whole lives have change to having been forced, abused, and miserable. I do not doubt that they are miserable now, because you cannot lie as they do and be happy. To blame their misery on their former church is ridiculous. It brings me to pity them. There is as much freedom in the FLDS as anywhere else. You always have the freedom to leave if you want. To say they mourn the loss when one leaves is an understatement, but no one is forced to stay. If you do not want to obey the FLDS gospel, feel free to leave; just don’t try to force those who want to stay to leave too. OK? They can choose too can't they? Let them choose to believe what they want, and get on with your own life.
Lie #2 The FLDS exists by pillaging the government for welfare.
This is so absolutely untrue it is laughable. I first heard the term “bleeding the beast” by reading the newspaper, it did not come from the FLDS. The fact that some of the FLDS people have received Social Security, food stamps, and medical benefits from the government is true, but never did the leaders tell the people to do it. In fact the opposite is true. The leaders often recommended staying off government aid. In Texas there was no one on any assistance at all unless you count Social Security. Until now. To think that children were being born for the purpose of taking your tax money is ridiculously stupid. The State governments have been meticulous in investigating all assistance in Hildale and Colorado City, probably more than in any other community in the U.S. because of the continuous accusations, but despite the assumptions there has not even been one case of welfare fraud charged against an FLDS family.
Lie #3 The FLDS do not educate their children
The FLDS believe, as all civil people do, that children should be educated, and that to, by their parents and whomever their parents want them to be educated by. Girls are given the same opportunity as boys, and I believe that there are no better teachers in the world than those in the FLDS church. More girls graduated from high school than boys. And never are the children pulled out of school because they don’t want them to be too smart. Education is the most important thing for everyone on earth, and you can be educated without going to liberal College. The most important education you can get is how to get back to heaven. We are taught that obedience creates happiness, but that does not mean the children are forced to believe as their parents do. They want them to believe as they do, they teach them to believe, but they do what they want with that education. Would you teach your children that what you believe in is wrong? Why would you want the FLDS to?
Lie #4 The FLDS hate black people
We do not hate anyone. We believe that the Negro have just as much right to the salvation of heaven as we do, just not the rights to the priesthood. Joseph Smith said this: “Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves, mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated Negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine off many of those they brush and wait on” (History of the Church 5:217) (Read by Warren Jeffs in History Class)
We believe that the Negro people are our brothers and sisters, all descendants like we are, of Adam, and Noah. But everyone is given different obstacles to overcome. We believe that all people who are born into this world were put here for the same reason, to obey God. We all will be judged by what we do, what we say, and what we think, according to what we have been taught. We also will be judged by what we teach our children. This is the same no matter where you were born, or what color you are. We believe in freedom for all. We believe we lived before we came to earth, and it is there that we were given our calling. God chose our color, our nationality, and our family not by accident, nor against our will. For the black race, they must overcome the curse they were born with. For us, we must live up to, or overcome our heritage also. The black race cannot be a part of the Priesthood family in this life, but we hope to see as many as will pass their own trials and purify their own lives in the highest heaven too. I believe there will be many.
Lie #5 All people besides those in the FLDS will go to hell
The Savior of the world died on the cross for all of Adams children, and that almost all will go to heaven; Sons of Perdition being the lone exception. All will have the happiness that they earn here, in the next life. They will be happier there then they are here. We believe that there are at least three heavens, or degrees of heaven, and that if you want to go to the highest, you must do what it takes to get there, you must sacrifice all earthly things. To us that is what obedience is. Jesus died so that all will be resurrected and have physical bodies again. And His sacrifice gives us the opportunity to save ourselves through righteousness. You will be just as good, or just as bad, after you die as you are here. You will dwell in heaven with those who you are the most like in character.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Cultural Awareness Guide
I found a copy of the "Cultural Awareness Guide" that the state has passed out to the those running the shelters that they have taken their little prisoners to. And I want to point out each of the things that they obviously got from "escapees" (or those who have become very bitter) and are bigoted lies.
1-The very first thing under "Culture" is just plain bunk. "Have a deep instilled fear of the outside world" That is just not true whatsoever. Most fear is a result of hatred, and they are taught to love and forgive all. To avoid association with those with lower standards is not because of fear.
2-"Males dominate Females" I don't think these people have met my mother. If the man is the head of the family, does he dominate? "No power or influence can, or aught to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood. Only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned" (I just typed that off the top of my head from being REQUIRED to memorize it).
3- "Distrust all outsiders" I am sure those who have interviewed the children could bunk this one. But to trust after being told your mother is just going for a minute? Why should they trust them?
4- "Electronics are prohibited" TV, and modern music yes. Computers, cell phones, i-pods are very common and have never been prohibited.
5- "Children, while in care, especially young boys, have made derogatory remarks to staff of color" I am sure some have made derogatory remarks to all of the staff, they are children, and they have been kidnapped. They are not taught to be bigots, but to be respectful.
6- "Children in care were initially extremely compliant, but are beginning to “act out” after separation from parents" Well duh!
7-"Children are socialized to believe that sexual activity with adults is positive" Now this one, this one is so sick minded that I would rather not even mention it, but there it is in black and white. Why is bigotry is considered common sense to these people?
8- "No pork" I better stop eating hot dogs!
9- "Occasional fasting for 1-3 days" This came directly from bitterness. Children are never included in fasting unless they want to. Fasting is an extension of prayer, and is referred to as "rejoicing and prayer" You can't fast and be grumpy about it, you might as well eat.
10-"Some children may not have education beyond the 8th grade." This one may be true, but it made me laugh. I bet not one of those six-year-olds have more than an 8th grade education!
11-"Since 4/4/08 children are playing with cars, battery operated toys, riding tricycles, and enjoying other more mainstream toys" The only toys that are discouraged are talking animals, and action figures.
12- "Children do not know the correct names for body parts and are not familiar with the terms “intercourse”, “sexual intercourse,” or “sexual relations”. GOOD GRIEF! Are you people telling me that YOUR children understand these terms?
13- "Clarifier: At this time, it is difficult to determine many of the religious beliefs of this particular community due to their isolation from mainstream society." That is because they are treating mothers like third class animals who are too stupid to tell them. What an insult.
14- "...and discourages the use of conventional medicine." Since when? Sure home remedies are great, but everything is given to man from God, even all of the modern medicines.
15-"They believe personal revelation can come in the form of a strong impression, dream, voice, vision, or “burning of the bosom.” The still, small, voice. A burning peace. I am curious, is this meant to be an insult? The way it is written it seems to be because it has absolutely no bearing on how to treat children.
16-"If children do not conform to high standards set by the parents, they often feel they are failures, and parents may take extreme disciplinary measures to force obedience." Good heavens, I hope that they are not believing this garbage.
17-"Intercourse is referred to as “heavenly relations”, or “marriage relations” Intercourse is not even referred to at all with children under marriageable age.
18- Some of the glossary is really stupid and irrelevant. Not one of those children will know what you are talking about when you say "Lost Boys", or "Poofers". And I have never heard of the "True order of Prayer" garbage myself. This is obviously information attempting to prejudice the workers against these children's parents.
The only thing they are "rescuing" these children from, is believing the gospel of their parents
1-The very first thing under "Culture" is just plain bunk. "Have a deep instilled fear of the outside world" That is just not true whatsoever. Most fear is a result of hatred, and they are taught to love and forgive all. To avoid association with those with lower standards is not because of fear.
2-"Males dominate Females" I don't think these people have met my mother. If the man is the head of the family, does he dominate? "No power or influence can, or aught to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood. Only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned" (I just typed that off the top of my head from being REQUIRED to memorize it).
3- "Distrust all outsiders" I am sure those who have interviewed the children could bunk this one. But to trust after being told your mother is just going for a minute? Why should they trust them?
4- "Electronics are prohibited" TV, and modern music yes. Computers, cell phones, i-pods are very common and have never been prohibited.
5- "Children, while in care, especially young boys, have made derogatory remarks to staff of color" I am sure some have made derogatory remarks to all of the staff, they are children, and they have been kidnapped. They are not taught to be bigots, but to be respectful.
6- "Children in care were initially extremely compliant, but are beginning to “act out” after separation from parents" Well duh!
7-"Children are socialized to believe that sexual activity with adults is positive" Now this one, this one is so sick minded that I would rather not even mention it, but there it is in black and white. Why is bigotry is considered common sense to these people?
8- "No pork" I better stop eating hot dogs!
9- "Occasional fasting for 1-3 days" This came directly from bitterness. Children are never included in fasting unless they want to. Fasting is an extension of prayer, and is referred to as "rejoicing and prayer" You can't fast and be grumpy about it, you might as well eat.
10-"Some children may not have education beyond the 8th grade." This one may be true, but it made me laugh. I bet not one of those six-year-olds have more than an 8th grade education!
11-"Since 4/4/08 children are playing with cars, battery operated toys, riding tricycles, and enjoying other more mainstream toys" The only toys that are discouraged are talking animals, and action figures.
12- "Children do not know the correct names for body parts and are not familiar with the terms “intercourse”, “sexual intercourse,” or “sexual relations”. GOOD GRIEF! Are you people telling me that YOUR children understand these terms?
13- "Clarifier: At this time, it is difficult to determine many of the religious beliefs of this particular community due to their isolation from mainstream society." That is because they are treating mothers like third class animals who are too stupid to tell them. What an insult.
14- "...and discourages the use of conventional medicine." Since when? Sure home remedies are great, but everything is given to man from God, even all of the modern medicines.
15-"They believe personal revelation can come in the form of a strong impression, dream, voice, vision, or “burning of the bosom.” The still, small, voice. A burning peace. I am curious, is this meant to be an insult? The way it is written it seems to be because it has absolutely no bearing on how to treat children.
16-"If children do not conform to high standards set by the parents, they often feel they are failures, and parents may take extreme disciplinary measures to force obedience." Good heavens, I hope that they are not believing this garbage.
17-"Intercourse is referred to as “heavenly relations”, or “marriage relations” Intercourse is not even referred to at all with children under marriageable age.
18- Some of the glossary is really stupid and irrelevant. Not one of those children will know what you are talking about when you say "Lost Boys", or "Poofers". And I have never heard of the "True order of Prayer" garbage myself. This is obviously information attempting to prejudice the workers against these children's parents.
The only thing they are "rescuing" these children from, is believing the gospel of their parents
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