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Marcus Martins on Scripture and Racism in the LDS Church (Part 3)
A religious scholar examines scripture and institutional challenges around race and belonging in the modern LDS Church.
By Todd Noall
Marcus Martins on Racism in the LDS Church (Part 2)
A sociologist and pioneering missionary reflects on what it means to navigate racism in Mormonism through decades of lived experience.
By Todd Noall
Blacks in Mormonism: Cain, Able, and the Priesthood (Part 3)
How the restriction on the priesthood for those believed to be descendants of Cain related to broader priesthood patterns and Joseph Smith's prophecy.
By Todd Noall
Blacks in Mormonism: Cain, Able, and the Priesthood (Part 2)
Exploring how Cain and Abel figure into the priesthood hierarchy and the theological framework that led to historical Church restrictions on blacks.
By Todd Noall
Blacks in Mormonism: Cain, Able, and the Priesthood (Part 1)
Understanding the scriptural definitions of the sons of God, sons of men, and sons of perdition in relation to Cain and Abel.
By Todd Noall
Blacks in Mormonism: Exploring the Origins of Racism
Understanding racism as a systemic evil rooted in false philosophies that dehumanize others.
By Todd Noall
Joseph and Emma Smith's Journey Through Plural Marriage
Doctrine and Covenants Section 132 reveals a personal revelation to Joseph meant to be shared with Emma, addressing the delicate balance between faith and doubt in plural marriage.
By Todd Noall
Joseph Smith vs. Brigham Young: Approaches to Plural Marriage
Unlike Brigham Young's later and more open practice of polygamy, Joseph Smith's approach to plural marriage was cautious, quiet, and kept largely concealed from public knowledge.
By Todd Noall
Church Leader's Insights to Revelation Regarding Blacks in Mormonism
Senior Church leaders explain why the Church has disavowed historical explanations for its priesthood restrictions and what this means for understanding ongoing revelation.
By Todd Noall
Joseph Smith's Revelation on the New and Everlasting Covenant
Joseph Smith's revelation about plural marriage, documented in Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, offers insights into the Abrahamic Covenant and the new and everlasting covenant.
By Todd Noall
Spencer W. Kimball's Revelation Removing Racial Restrictions
President Spencer W. Kimball's prayerful process to receive revelation removing all racial restrictions from the priesthood illustrates a pattern of faithful seeking and patient waiting for God's timing.
By Todd Noall
Joseph Smith Polygamy: Introduction to Joseph Smith's Revelations
Exploring Doctrine and Covenants sections 129–132 and how Joseph Smith sought divine guidance on plural marriage and the celestial kingdom.
By Todd Noall