Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech -- The Blind Leading the Blind Discussion Board

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Date Posted: 16:16:18 03/24/01 Sat
Author: cezoram
Subject: Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech
In reply to: cezoram 's message, ""Call to the Nations" Speech" on 15:36:26 03/24/01 Sat

As I read Grant's speech to the people gathered at the "Call to the Nations" conference in February, I found it quite troubling.

I plan to discuss all the parts of his speech that bothered me. But, I will begin with his comments on the Book of Mormon.

One thing that he said was, "While good people made substantial effort to move beyond the folklore and language of the book, it was very difficult to form an outreach program of ministry around such an understanding in a time of increased sensitivity to culture and language."

Can you imagine calling the Book of Mormon, folklore? Examples of folklore is Davy Crockett, John Henry, Daniel Boone. I am surprised that he did not call the Book of Mormon, a tall-tale. It would seem that Grant might put the Book of Mormon on the same level as Pecos Bill.

What about his criticism of the language found in the Book of Mormon? It would seem that the Book of Mormon is not "politically correct" enough to be used in modern times. How dare the Book of Mormon tell us that the Lamanites were disobedient and therefore had their skin darkened! How dare it say that darkened skin is a curse from God! How dare it say that the righteous are a "white and delightsome people"! In the Bible, Cain received a mark because of his wickedness, so that no one would mistake him. What was that mark? Was it the mark of Zorro? Was it a red letter on his forehead, such as 'M' for murderer? What better way to set apart wickedness among a fair-skinned people, but to darken the skin of that person? Therefore, I believe what the Book of Mormon says. The Lamanites' skin was darkened. But that is not all. If you read further in the Book of Mormon, you will find that the Lamanites, after their skin was darkened, shaved their head, and started running around half-naked. The Lamanites further set themselves apart, so that there would be little confusion between who was a Nephite and who was a Lamanite.

I find Grant's downplaying of the Book of Mormon language and accounts, just to find favor among the Native Americans, was in very poor taste, and showed what Grant really thinks of the Book of Mormon. If it is true, which I believe it is, that the Native Americans told Grant that apologies were not necessary, it was obvious that they saw right through what Grant was doing. I have heard nothing of the Native Americans downplaying and watering down their oral traditions and beliefs, just so that they would be acceptable to Grant and the Community of Christ.

Where is the boldness in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus the Christ? Where is the call for repentance? I did not see it in Grant's speech.

Cezoram

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Replies:

Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech -- Kathy, 18:28:55 03/25/01 Sun
- Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech -- Mamusz, 18:39:39 03/25/01 Sun
- Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech -- cezoram, 23:08:19 03/25/01 Sun
  - Re: "Call to the Nations" Speech -- Mamusz, 19:49:12 03/28/01 Wed