Debunking Myths: A Thoughtful LDS Response to Claims of Racism in Church History

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A thoughtful and mindful response to Michelle Grim’s critique from Life After Ministry begins with the recognition that discussions about historical issues, particularly those involving race and religion, require nuance, sensitivity, and respect. Below, I’ll address several dimensions of her post while offering an apologetic response rooted in Latter-day Saint theology and a broader historical and theological perspective.

Historical Context and Presentism

One significant issue in Michelle Grim’s critique is her reliance on presentism—judging historical figures and actions by modern standards rather than understanding them within their historical context. When addressing racism within the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s vital to acknowledge the broader cultural, social, and political environment in which the Church emerged. The early 19th century was a time when racism was entrenched in American society, manifesting in slavery, discriminatory laws, and widespread prejudice.

The Latter-day Saint movement did not exist in a vacuum, and its early leaders, like most people of their time, were influenced by the cultural milieu. However, what differentiates the Church is its trajectory of progress toward inclusivity and its scriptural emphasis on the unity of humankind. While mistakes were made—such as the priesthood and temple restrictions for individuals of African descent, which persisted until 1978—these were not unique to the Church but reflected broader societal norms.

It’s disingenuous to isolate the Church’s history of racial policies without examining the pervasive racism found across Christianity and society during the same period. For example, many Christian denominations supported slavery, segregation, and even used the Bible to justify these practices. Grim’s critique falls into a special pleading logical fallacy by singling out the Latter-day Saints without addressing the same or worse issues within broader Christendom.

Christianity’s Complicated History with Racism

Michelle Grim critiques the LDS Church as if it stands apart from the broader history of Christianity, yet Christianity as a whole has faced significant struggles with racism, anti-Semitism, and even violence. Historical examples include:

1. Slavery and Segregation in Christian America: Many prominent Christian leaders and denominations supported slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. Even after abolition, some Christian institutions resisted integration and civil rights.

2. Anti-Semitism: Christian anti-Semitism has roots extending back centuries, culminating in devastating atrocities, such as the Inquisition and pogroms.

3. Biblical Genocide and Difficult Scriptures: Michelle references Jeremiah 48:10 to accuse Latter-day Saints of deceit, but difficult passages like 1 Samuel 15—where God commands the destruction of the Amalekites, including women and children—present challenges for all Christians who take the Bible seriously. These scriptures, while divinely inspired, must be understood through the lens of historical and cultural context.

4. Ongoing Struggles: Racism has not been entirely eradicated from any Christian community. This reality should inspire humility and collective effort rather than judgment and self-righteous condemnation.

Elder Alexander B. Morrison’s Remarks

Elder Alexander B. Morrison’s 2000 article, No More Strangers, is an essential part of this discussion. His statement that the Church has “from its beginnings stood strongly against racism in any of its malignant manifestations” must be understood as aspirational rather than a denial of historical imperfections. Morrison’s remarks emphasize a key theological tenet of Latter-day Saint belief: that all are children of God, equal in worth and divine potential.

Unfortunately, racism—the abhorrent and morally destructive theory that claims superiority of one person over another by reason of race, color, ethnicity, or cultural background—remains one of the abiding sins of societies the world over. The cause of much of the strife and conflict in the world, racism is an offense against God and a tool in the devil’s hands. In common with other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regret the actions and statements of individuals who have been insensitive to the pain suffered by the victims of racism and ask God’s forgiveness for those guilty of this grievous sin. The sin of racism will be eliminated only when every human being treats all others with the dignity and respect each deserves as a beloved child of our Heavenly Father.

Rather than framing his statement as a denial of historical mistakes, it should be seen as a call to repentance and reflection. Morrison’s comments point to the Church’s efforts to move forward, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect among all people. 

If we are to build and maintain strong and righteous individuals and caring communities in the future, we must break down the barriers which separate us from others and build bridges needed to create peace and harmony. This can occur only if we respect, understand, accept, and appreciate others for the admirable qualities they possess. As we respect the right of others to believe and worship as they wish, for example, and they reciprocate those commitments, we join together in respecting, understanding, accepting, and appreciating our differences and each other. People of different backgrounds, cultures, outlooks, capacities, and interests thus are bound together as a community based on common values where the inhabitants are “of one heart and one mind, and [dwell] in righteousness” (Moses 7:18).

The 1978 revelation that extended the priesthood to all worthy males regardless of race was a watershed moment, underscoring the Church’s capacity for divine guidance and progression.

Logical Fallacies and Hypocrisy

Michelle Grim’s post relies on ad hominem attacks and special pleading, where she holds the LDS Church to a standard she does not apply to other Christian traditions. Her critique lacks acknowledgment of the broader historical realities of racism in Christianity or the strides the Church has made in addressing its past. This approach undermines her credibility and raises questions about her motives—whether they are truly to foster understanding or to sow division.

Additionally, the conflation of historical complexities with outright lies ignores the Church’s public acknowledgments and ongoing efforts to confront its history. For example, the Gospel Topics Essay on Race and the Priesthood candidly addresses the Church’s past policies and emphasizes the divine unity of all humankind.

A Call for Charity and Understanding

While it’s easy to point fingers and accuse, the Christian call is one of charity, forgiveness, and humility. Latter-day Saints do not claim perfection in their history or leaders. The Church openly teaches that its leaders, while divinely inspired, are also human and fallible. This is consistent with the broader Christian understanding that God works through imperfect people.

Grim’s critique, though well-intentioned, misses an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Instead of fostering division, we should focus on how all Christians can work together to combat racism, prejudice, and inequality.

Conclusion

The history of race in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, like in Christianity as a whole, is complex and evolving. While mistakes have been made, the Church’s trajectory demonstrates a sincere commitment to improving and living up to its divine ideals. Elder Morrison’s article serves as a testament to the Church’s efforts to move forward in love and unity. Rather than dwelling on past errors, let us focus on building bridges and following Christ’s example of compassion, inclusivity, and grace.