Mormon Professor Confronts Church on Racism - The Lowry Nelson Story w/ Matt Harris | Ep. 1913

[@lilatueller]

Love this stuff! Something that people often neglect to include is that not only did the church baptize black people, but they also took their money while denying them the priesthood and temple rights for 150 or so years

[@annedodgson8677]

Providentially True…and we get nothing from works as Christ took care of our sins…but we all now know none of us are better than how dark skinned were treated as the major body of the LDS church will never arise to a high enough position to be given the 2nd anointing…so karma at its best

[@bodytrainer1crane730]

I would have LOVED to talk with Lowry Nelson. What an intelligent, interesting, prolific and courageous person.

[@reddish22]

If Mormonism ever housed a single “prophet” worth following: it was Lowry Nelson.

[@christianwangsgard8779]

I really appreciate this topic. Finding out about the churches old teachings of interracial is what caused my shelf to break while being in the Bishopric and being someone in an interracial marriage. Thank you so much Mormon Stories for highlighting this book!

[@Mabeylater293]

History is a pesky little thing. LEARN IT. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO!! My fiancé is a black ex Mormon

[@barbaralael5092]

I was in the temple in 1978 when the ban was lifted. The temple President addressed us and said he believed it wS the prayers of their dead ancestors that influenced the General Authorities. We as as LDS members never questioned anything! Now years later I see it as cruel and crazy! I left the Church years ago.

[@robinmartin6829]

So horrid

[@KGchannel01]

This bit of history teaches so much about where doctrines really come from, and the dangers of religious authority and dogma gone unchecked. And how things could go so differently if leaders listened to the divergent voices and gave them a real hearing. Lowry Nelson looks like the more prophetic one in the story, for sure! I'm very excited for the upcoming Hugh B Brown episode, even though I know what a frustrating/disappointing story that can be as well!

[@Vetionarian]

Hey John! I'm a believing member who would call myself sem-active and I really enjoyed this episode. Thank you for putting this together! The ban on priesthood should have never been in place and racism is certainly not in line with Jesus Christ's teachings. It never was. I struggle with the racial issues that existed and still somewhat exist in church culture and I never knew about Lowry Nelson before. He was quite a pioneer of equality! He could smell the bigotry and wanted to do something about way before his counterparts. What an example!

[@Ketowski]

Wow, I’ve learned so much about the Mormon church and its history in the country. Thank you!

[@jswallet]

I am learning so much about the church through the historical facts being presented here. This is fascinating!

[@williamhaddock1838]

You are clearly not a fan of the church John, so I love the fact that Matt will talk to anyone that wants to hear the truth, he says it like it is with no maliciousness or agenda. I am a member and not a fan of the Church but Love Christ and the Gospel. Thoroughly enjoying the series btw, good job.

[@markkrispin6944]

So why are you still member of a racist religion?

[@Jayjays964]

Matt Harris is brilliant! He knows this stuff like the back of his hand!

[@valeriebrogan1953]

As an older member, I clearly recollect being taught the 'actual reality' of the black people being cursed because of their 'behaviour' in the pre-existence. This was taught very specifically in seminary, Sunday school, from pulpits and so on. Was this a result of this doctrine, which was supposed to have limited circulation, being leaked into the general population of the Church?

[@monyetgoblog7038]

@@valeriebrogan1953 was still taught in the 90s as well

[@hardwork8395]

Correct. I remember hearing they were less-valiant or fence sitters.

[@alishabee369]

I am 45 and remember this was taught.

[@Dutchess0909]

European convert here from 1966. Clearly remember this.

[@LisaFerguson-lw8il]

@@alishabee369 Have the leaders ever fully and openly apologised for their vile racism?

[@andreapatton1054]

I was born in the 80's and my father clearly said not to date outside my race and religion because it "complicates things"

[@brokernathan]

I served my mission in Bulgaria. There is a significant Romani (Gypsy) population. We were told to not actively proselyte to them.

[@Joyfulness87]

We're you ever told why not to proselytize? The Roma are originally from India, not Africa.

[@jeremiahgreen5161]

Lowry Nelson is a hero of mine because of this. So glad you are covering it.

[@guideme1503]

Spectacular show! No longer walking on eggshells! It’s time!

[@ryant6134]

I’m as white as can be and come from the pioneers the went to Utah. My family is 75% Irish/Scottish/Scandinavian. BUT…I have 1% DNA from subsaharan Africa. So, I would have been banned from receiving the priesthood based on the church’s teachings/policies. That’s WILD.

[@aBrewster29]

Aside from the intrinsic terribleness of the ban, I am most disheartened by the degree to which leaders allowed bad fruits to accumulate and escalate before enough had the humility to consider a change. This is absolutely playing out again today on LGBTQ acceptance.

[@bodytrainer1crane730]

@@aBrewster29 💯

[@suthatheplee2777]

It seems they could not SEE around corners that were decades away. Would it not be interesting to know Wendy’s view about these prophets ability see down the road and around the corners of the 1950s, 60s and 70s?

[@mellisagreen7801]

The leaders are the bad fruit. They are the ones that teach all this discrimination

[@Wren402]

I love this series. I’m already a monthly donor and series like this is why.

[@user-ck4vz4jo6e]

Loved this episode. Matt Harris is amazing!

[@halzbog1180]

Perfect example of false prophets and men who claim to speak for God. What an awesome podcast.

[@chrewtransformation]

Been loving this series!

[@ginafrancis4950]

Another incredibly informative episode! Thank you so much!

[@xochitlkitty]

@53 min purity, purity, purity. I’m beginning to think this concept is at the root of all authoritarian organizations. I guess it’s the way to maintain Us vs. Them.

[@barbaralael5092]

Great point!

[@bookmedia67]

The Nation is the oldest progressive magazine in the US, founded by abolitionists. It was very left wing. It’s quite interesting that Nelson chose that venue actually. It was certainly not just another Life magazine. I would love to learn more about progressive Mormons who stood against the far-right conservatives prevalent in the church during the 20th century. Fascinating history of dissent.

[@natalies4375]

Thanks as always Matt (John)! ❤🎉👍

[@terryberwick760]

I actually posted a comment on the church's KZbin the other day. When a man of colour bared his testimony. I asked the question of if the racism doesn't bother him. The church replied.

[@WaffleSalad]

Really? What did they say/what vid?

[@terryberwick760]

​@@WaffleSaladHi it wasn't a video. It was a photo with a testimonial. The picture was of a coloured man with his son I believe. It was around a week ago if you scroll through their channel

[@terryberwick760]

​@@WaffleSaladmy understanding of their reply was an apology of how they got it wrong and they have been inclusive since 1978

[@WaffleSalad]

@@terryberwick760 thank you :)

[@rmj4978]

Fascinating podcast series!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KGchannel01]

I enjoyed hearing a little of the backstory of J Reuben Clark, and I would buy a warts-n-all bio by Matt Harris! Clark seems like a consequential but largely forgotten figure in Mormon history.

[@tawneenielsen4080]

I love this guy!

[@alishabee369]

No wonder my Mexican grandpa hated himself and his kids 😢 and why my white grandma was so cruel to their kids.

[@evanhill9890]

Oooh, this is the good stuff.

[@pseudointellectual7843]

The word is "brethren," not "brotherin." Brigham Young said "brotherin." BY has been called semi-literate, but anyone who touts a "doctor's" degree should know better. "brethren" has just two syllables, whereas "brotherin" has three. Disappointing.

[@dystoniaawarness3353]

It's really external in the community and how bad racism and racist are in Utah. So not understanding if the public didn't know how come even to this day the prevalent ignorant racism and HIGH volumes of racist in Utah?? Starange

[@monyetgoblog7038]

@@dystoniaawarness3353 they have a trillion dollars and are racist with a smile on their face and magick underwear beneath their clothing 🤣🤣🤣

[@dystoniaawarness3353]

@@monyetgoblog7038 Oh I know ty. My family lived it first hand in Utah. My bio back children and family were tormented. Children not only verbal n word but physically attacked. It's not getting better. I ran back to wa to protect my chidren but the damage and ptsd was done. Better now but ppl need to wake up. ty

[@susiekathryn8570]

My husband and I have left the church but our belief in God is stronger than ever. The Calvary church has taught us so much about God and the Bible. We left Mormonism, but not God.

[@rebeccahansen1786]

When I hear the church had concerns with the “thinking people” in the church, I’m reminded of Donald Trump saying that he loves the uneducated.

[@janemaas4225]

Very interesting. What I found on this presentation: the number of people who questioned doctrine were in turn scrutinized by church hierarchy. That is scary.

[@robinmartin6829]

Donny and Marie were asked this in interview 70s Donny said he didnt know why but it was scripture. He admitted in his book he didnt read Book of Mormon till at least late teens. They are all blinkered and clueless. Julie UK Osmond fan for 55 years! Church of England Christian. I think the interview was Barbara Walters. Of course the church kept the Osmonds on side.....thinking of the tithing 🤔 candidates for 2nd anointing i bet. Fabulous series as ever non Mormon fascinating 🎉

[@barbaralamanuzzi3688]

Yes this I learned also. No longer a member after 42 years. Had name removed

[@wayward_lamanite]

My mom and adopted dad married when I was five years old. My mom is native american and my dad is white. The Bishop cautioned my mom to marry within her race but the state president said that it was okay that they marry and be sealed because my dad was raised on a reservation and understood the culture. However, my dad was never allowed to socialize with the natives. So he really did not know the culture at all. His parents were extreme racist and had been members of the church grom the beginning and children of polygamous families. After they were married, I remember being at church and two ladies were talking in the hallway and did not notice me. I overheard one lady state, Oh, those 2 might have to get divorced, my husband told me beause it's an interracial marriage. I already knew what that meant, because, as a half native child, I had already experienced racism. As they were gossiping about my parents. I stood there and started to cry knowing that my parents would divorce if church leadership told them they could not be married. On my 18th birthday, my dad signed the adoption paperwork and shortly after we went to the temple to be sealed as a family. I've asked my parents over the years how they dealt with the racism within the church and they both say prophets are men and cannot always speak for god! Sometimes being human just gets in the way.

[@carriereid4234]

As a convert in 1978 in the UK my first question to the missionaries was 'why can't black have temple marriage?'. The answer I got was technical about the need to hold the Melchezedic priesthood. I had no idea what that meant but was told that it would change at the 'correct time'. I starting praying that the time was right.....3 weeks later it all changed. So I didn't check out in depth...but did laugh about the insanity of the pre-selection based on behaviour in the pre-existance. When applied to me, this meant I wasn't good either because I was born to a non-member family in the UK. All of the crazy doctrines I learned over-the-counter years seemed to come from the Pearl of Great Price. so I always hated/ignored that 'scripture'. I've been out since about 1997/8. If only I had access to the Internet back in 1978 I could have saved myself a lot of trouble and trauma. This series is amazing. Thank you Mormon Stories ❤

[@mxnjones]

I have never been Mormon. One of the reasons I find the LDS church so interesting is because of the meticulous histories-both of individual families and its institutional history-they have kept since the very beginning. I wish I had this kind of history available about my own family and community, but alas… The racist history of the church is quite troubling and has led to the church’s racist present, one they might not be able to fully shed until all the faithful saints make themselves aware of this past and deal with the emotional fallout of this knowledge.

[@wmjas]

How funny is it that the apostle who questioned white supremacy was literally named “hue be brown”?

[@user-mn447]

Could you please post the letter he reads about the “Doctrine” that they released?

[@davepowder4020]

So how many "anti-Mormons" are fans of Trump's Project 2025? Is the prospect of removing all anti-discrimination law something to be celebrated?

[@terryberwick760]

I would say anti discrimination laws are still important. Some ppl need boundaries to behave appropriately sadly.

[@tonelove666]

Dump trump

[@Teajay21]

What? Anti discrimination laws don't prevent criticism they prevent certain groups from being excluded due to bigotry. Why would anyone want to remove those unless they wanted license to act on their Prejudice?

[@tonelove666]

@@davepowder4020 dump trump

[@mh-db1ml]

Was Ruben Clark having nervous breakdowns because He knew this was all a lie? It has to be something to seriously considered!

[@maam-yj8ph]

I think it was George Albert Smith, the actual president that was in poor health consistently enough that J Reuben Clark essentially became the defacto President.

[@rstevenhanson]

Mount Rushmore for sure! If you were to take the names off those letters and have members read them, they would think Lowry's letters were from the First Presidency!

[@active6302]

It's only the last 60 years or so that racism is wrong. Before that it was accepted and practised. Who says one side or the other is right?

[@icecreamheadache]

I appreciated learning that white members of interracial families were also barred from the temple. That made me super curious, what was the policy about whether Black members should pay tithing? Since it seems like one of the main perks of tithing is getting a temple recommend, and Black/interracial members couldn't go, so... Or was the church more than happy to take Black members' money while barring them from almost everything? (When I write it out like that, I kinda feel I know the answer. 🙄)

[@guzmanesi]

In spanish. Dios bendiga a David O McKay, Hugh B Brown, Adam S. Bennion y John A Widtsoe por intentar abolir la prohibición

[@CatskillsGrrl]

I’m already a monthly donor.

[@carl2499]

John, we're not all related to Neanderthals. You should correct this because you've been repeating it across episodes.

[@guzmanesi]

1:04:04 in spanish Dios bendiga a su siervo el Elder John Henry Smith por entender que todos somos iguales

[@jessicawinn8654]

Where do I get the help they tell me that I’m going to hell

[@alishabee369]

Don't bother listening to them. They are projecting. ❤

[@monyetgoblog7038]

Eternal Mormonism would be hell

[@user-sl6hk8wc5j]

The Bible it's the only word of God from Genesis to revelation. Everyone else is a liar.

[@sean9854]

@@user-sl6hk8wc5j Which Bible? The Protestant with 66 books, Catholic with 73, or , Ethiopian Coptic with 88?? It’s interesting that all the apocryphal works validate and are harmonious with LDS teachings..no wonder the men of the world wanted to keep them hidden

[@keithbryner40]

Seed of Cain? That sounds like Serpent Seed Doctrine from the Christian Identiy movement. Yuck!

[@Cassie-pt7mt]

No one is more racist than schools, who limit admitions of certain groups, even if they are more qualified, in favor of other "more desirable" groups. Hypocrites.

[@joelweidenfeld471]

Pondering ignorant rash

[@user-hl1yp6jr8r]

I believe in Jesus Christ 💓🤟 hallelujah Hallelujah 💛😇 Amen ✔️ Jesus is my Redeemer and my Savior... YESSSS!

[@robertnomann6194]

I would love to watch some of your posts. But there is a major problem with them: they are ALL, ALWAYS sooooo freaking LONG!!! Or should I just say long winded? I swear Mormons, current AND ex, must love the sounds of you own voices! I have watched one video to the end, and I promise you it was non-succinct and/or poorly edited. How many people actually watch to the end? Not as many as you’d like I’d wager. How many people can spend 3 or 4 hours a day watching your daily posts??? And it’s not just your posts. Almost every ex-Mormon content poster has the same disease! It would almost be comical if it wasn’t just so flipping (I trying to use Mormon friendly cursing) irritating! Maybe you could post fewer vids and spend more time in prep and editing. I hope you can accept my criticism in the constructive way it’s intended. Thanks!

[@paulaaustin8365]

Long winded response. LOL

[@susanhaney3437]

Listen to it on 2x speed

[@stephaniewatson1727]

There are some parts of our Mormonism that cannot be exorcised.😂🤷‍♀️

[@cherylkeith1488]

Some of us appreciate all the detail.

[@barbaralael5092]

Do you have attention span deficit? I'm so sorry.

[@Jayjays964]

Matt Harris is brilliant! He knows this stuff like the back of his hand!