Was told my skin was turning whiter because I was being righteous #mormon #lds #newzealand

Whiteness and Righteousness: A Complex Narrative in LDS Theology

For many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, questions of skin color and righteousness can evoke deeply personal and oftentimes painful memories. One story in particular highlights this tension vividly: a young member from New Zealand was told by a seminary teacher's husband that his skin was "turning whiter" as a sign of righteousness. Statements like these, particularly in contexts with historically colonial or racial undertones, warrant a closer examination of LDS teachings and their real-world implications.

Historical Context within LDS Teachings

In early Mormon theology, narratives surrounding skin color and righteousness can be traced back to the foundational text of the Book of Mormon. The text describes the Lamanites as having a "dark skin," attributed as a curse, while the Nephites were "white and delightsome." Although official positions have evolved, historical doctrines introduced racial distinctions related to righteousness in ways that still reverberate today.

Doctrinal changes in the LDS Church, particularly regarding race, have often been slow and reactive. Notably, the 1978 revelation extended the priesthood to all worthy male members, regardless of race, yet the lingering effects of previous teachings have not been fully eradicated. These foundational beliefs underscore why certain individuals, like the seminary teacher's husband in New Zealand, might continue to harbor and express outdated notions equating whiteness to righteousness.

Claims of Righteousness Through Whiteness