Blog Us A Blog

...

Because of a few ignorant folks, I’ve been prompted to write this:

Just to set the record straight, people of any race/nationality have always been permitted membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Membership is contingent only upon baptism in the church and conformation with church precepts.

Unfortunately, people are often confused by the 1978 declaration of then-President Spencer W. Kimball (officially known as Official Declaration 2). This modern LDS revelation ushered in the changes that allowed all “worthy male members” to hold the Priesthood. Members do not necessarily hold the Priesthood. Think Catholic Church for instance.

If you are unfamiliar with the doctrine and rites associated with the Judeo-Chrisitian concept of priesthood, consult your Old Testament; a long history sets a strong doctrinal precedent for the restriction of Priesthood authority. Note that women are still unable to hold this priesthood: point being here that it isn’t intrinsically about race. It’s a bit deeper.

What I find really appalling is the rampant ignorance that continues to cloud this issue. Honest, where has religious tolerance, the marrow of our nations greatness, gone? Feigned theological authority/eruditeness is especially prominent amongst media members. Given their undeniable influence on public opinion, this low-form demagoguery is downright scary.

Now more than ever, I stand by my claim that ignorance is a choice, and people have no excuse for bigotry.