Professor Confronts Mormon Leaders on Racism - Lowry Nelson | 2CS 03 | Ep. 1913

In 1947, Lowry Nelson, a respected Mormon academic, challenged the LDS Church's racist policies in a series of letters to top leadership. Occurring on the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement, the First Presidency reacted by doubling down on encoding white supremacy into Mormon doctrine. Nelson wasn't ready to give up though and continued to flirt with excommunication by publishing his correspondence with the brethren in a national magazine. Explore with us the story behind these letters and the national reaction once they became public.
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[@reddish22]

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

[@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?

[@bodytrainer1crane730]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@jeremiahgreen5161]

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

[@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.

[@Ketowski]

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

[@Jayjays964]

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

[@alishabee369]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@chrewtransformation]

Been loving this series!

[@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!

[@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"

[@Mabeylater293]

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

[@natalies4375]

Thanks as always Matt (John)! ❤🎉👍

[@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.

[@brokernathan]

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

[@evanhill9890]

Oooh, this is the good stuff.

[@rmj4978]

Fascinating podcast series!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Wren402]

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

[@ginafrancis4950]

Another incredibly informative episode! Thank you so much!

[@tawneenielsen4080]

I love this guy!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@user-mn447]

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

[@mh-db1ml]

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

[@kentthalman4459]

Today's Q15 don't understand it was doctrine.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@danpiedra3910]

LDS scholars are all in agreement that the early years of the practice of denying blacks priesthood and temple access were never founded on scripture nor a policy enacted by Joseph Smith Jr. Some chose to go with (erroneously) with the "curse of Cain", "curse of Ham", or less valiant in the pre-mortal life theory. The latter was espoused by Orson Pratt as an opinion, but many ran with it. It should be noted that the LDS faith were not alone in this thought process. Many throughout the USA firmly believed that blacks were less than whites, a concept that is clearly wrong, but it was a belief of many in the 17th century. From that point forward many agreed and supported the ban, but many doubted it and sought out more clarification. I firmly believe that these were all mistakes by many leaders who after all, are human, and can have their own opinions, etc. Many felt that it would take a major revelation from the Lord to actually change the practice. What sets Spencer W. Kimball apart, is that he sought unanimity on the matter and take it to the Lord in a way many prior to him, had not. The end result is the lifting of the ban in June 1978. Were there errors made by leaders? Yes. Were there things that could have been changed? Yes. However, the Lord respects personal agency so much (more than we typically like to admit) that he allows leaders to err, knowing that in the end, He will bring all things related to his kingdom in alignment with truth.

[@user-yi2nl9oi5c]

I don’t agree with the comment before mine yes we are all human and make mistakes but you tell me that God only talks to the Top Leaders of the Mormon Church we are all God’s children this man is great thank you John and all the hard and great work 😊❤

[@ryantucker4213]

My favorite President Kimball moment was his standardization of church education material, to be taught on Sundays. This standardization creates a measurable and defined metric. Fast forward to the 90s and secondary education is heavily promoted. The result, succeeding generations learned how to measure in both religious and scientific base sets. Many had not forgotten the game of their youth. One of these things is not like the other. They saw the pharisees collecting their temple money and assigning beams. The people who saw, try to warn the others. The Corperation of the President of the Church of Jesus of latter-day Saints. is the current legal name. Jesus doesn't need a corporation. The Bible says nothing about a Jewish ethno state. You've been co-opted. It's not your fault. You or someone you know fell victim to systematic propogandized indoctrination, curtesy of one Spencer W. Kimball.

[@user-sl6hk8wc5j]

So you're admitting you know the leaders do not hear from God. That's true, because those that belong to the Lord hear his voice. And follow him, Joseph Smith knew and the church knows as fact. To this day, Joseph Smith knew he was a con man. The ban was only lifted when the government stepped in and said you're discriminating against blacks. We're gonna take away your tax-exempt status. Miraculously, oh, spoke with God last night. Blacks can be in the priesthood. You cannot serve both God and money and we all know who the church really works for considering they have pentagrams on their Salt Lake City temple.

[@monyetgoblog7038]

@@danpiedra3910 No room whatsoever when you claim to be in direct communication with the king of kolob

[@edtalbott564]

The leaders proclaim they are the mouthpiece of God. This wasn't just their opinions but taught as doctrine over and over again. They do not get a pass. Can a prophet lead you or the church astray? IMO, yes they have and yes they do. You can't have it both ways.

[@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!