While the modern LDS Church has tried to distance itself from its racially discriminatory past, troubling ideas about race remain embedded in the pages of the Book of Mormon. Despite being called “the most correct of any book on earth,” the Book of Mormon describes dark skin as a curse from God (2 Nephi 5:21; Alma 3:6)—a teaching that raises profound theological and moral questions. If this book truly came from God, why does it contain concepts that contradict His revealed character and Word?
The Bible teaches clearly that all people are made in the image of God:
- “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)
- “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” (Acts 17:26)
The New Testament further affirms that in Christ, racial and social distinctions no longer divide those who believe:
- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
- “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:9)
Jesus Himself reached across cultural and ethnic barriers, ministering to Samaritans (John 4:7–9), healing Gentiles (Matthew 8:5–13), and commanding His disciples to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The gospel message is for all people equally—without partiality or prejudice.
This video takes a closer look at what the Book of Mormon actually teaches about race, why these passages remain in current editions, and whether such teachings can truly be reconciled with God’s Word. If the Bible declares that salvation and God’s love are available to all, regardless of color or background, how can a book that labels dark skin as a divine curse be trusted as Scripture?
Join us as we explore whether the Book of Mormon needs to be corrected—or reconsidered entirely—in light of the truth of God’s Word.
