Drawing Lines
...is, adding that they were somehow "less valiant" than other races in the spirit world before this life. All attempts to get the church to renounce these notions have been rejected. According to William E. Paden, “the polarization of two kinds of behavior - such as pure and impure, right and wrong, appropriate, inappropriate, good and evil, holy and sinful-is the fundamental form of religious systems that has a thematic richness and structuring importance comparable to that of mythic prototypes, ritual time, and holy objects” (Paden, 141). Black people were not “valiant” in the pre-existence, and therefore, they are "less worthy." “Religions draw lines. They distinguish between what is compatible and what is incompatible with the sacred” (Paden, 141). In the case of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, the line was drawn between those parishioners of African descent, and all those not of African descent. The doctrine, for a century, put blacks on the “other” side. Though they can now become ordained, the doctrine concerning the curse is still in use. Black parishioners are still reminded of their inferiority, because of a pre-existence they could not control. They are lumped in with the children of “Ham”, and so they are descended to be the “servants of the servants.” “The separation of right and wrong conduct can be rigidly and hierarchically imposed, and enforced by threat of supernatural punishment. It can also be freely chosen by individuals seeking the self exacting, introspective rigors of spiritual calling and paths to perfection” (Paden, 143). In the case of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the decision of Brigham Young, believed that blacks were not ready, or developed enough to fully grasp his religion, let alone become ordained. The Church then did some catch-up, and found religious text that could somehow justify the sentiment of the time. The need for religious perfection, and the racist perspective of Young, made excluding blacks a natural course of action. Now, for most whites, the ban controversy is over, but the issue continues to haunt many blacks, especially in the United States. The problem is that the change in doctrine, some would say, was more of a political decision rather than one of true enlightenment. Because of the changing times, the rising of America's civil rights movement, and the mortification of white parishioners, revision in doctrine seemed natural. The problem is that for over a century, the black members of the church were treated very differently. They were taught, and learned that they, before their existence in this world were cursed. “Religions create, maintain, and oppose worlds” (Paden, 53). White and black followers alike were taught that in the pre-existence, the “world” before this life, they were doomed, because they were the descendents of “Ham”. This doctrine is still in place - it has not been revoked. The black parishioners can become ordained and become active officials in the church, a church that has undermined their ability to be productive members of the religious community. Blacks are attracted to the LDS Church for the same reasons as converts of other ethnicities. They come for the teachings about Christ, visions, prophets and scriptures. Many find solace in the church's emphasis on healthy living and self-reliance, the notion of a lay clergy, and in the all-embracing community, even if it is mostly white. The LDS Church is also unique for its promise of eternal families, the belief that husbands, wives, sons and daughters are reunited in heaven. However, many black parishioners leave when they hear about the priesthood ban. Others simply never feel at home. There are several reasons for a large turnover rate among black Mormons in the United States. The perpetuation of racial myths is the most prevalent. Many have feelings of being treated categorically as blacks instead of as individuals; the exaggerated attention as "novelties" becomes difficult to work through. Although, in theory, the line dividing the white and black worshipers has been expunged, remnants of the racial aspect of the doctrine are still evident. Many black Mormons have a story to tell. Their children have been called "monkeys" or "n----rs." Strangers at church have stroked their hair as if they were pets. Black men were told they were not expected to obey the church's standards on chastity because “black men can't control themselves”. Black Mormons were told their skin would grow lighter as they become more righteous. Because many LDS leaders feel an apology to the ban would be seen as too political or only exacerbate differences, many oppose an apology. However, LDS is making strides to rectify the rift. Rather than regret the past, the LDS Church has worked to improve its relationship with blacks everywhere. “After the Los Angeles race riots of May 1992, some Mormon wards came to the aid of two black churches, using a truck caravan to deliver food and other supplies to their sm...