Lifting The Veil

If you think Mormonism’s challenges were only in the 19th century, think again. The church has faced a number of historical and modern controversies that reveal ongoing concerns about doctrine, leadership, and social policies. From a Christian perspective, these controversies further underscore why critics label it a cult. One major issue was the race and priesthood ban. Until 1978, Black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood or participate fully in temple ordinances. Although the church officially lifted this ban, its legacy continues to raise questions about racial equality and divine revelation in Mormon theology. Another area of concern is the treatment of LGBTQ+ members. The church has historically opposed same-sex relationships and, in some cases, encouraged conversion therapy. These policies have caused emotional harm to many members and contradict biblical principles of love, justice, and compassion (Micah 6:8, NLT). Financial transparency has also been controversial. The...

You might hear Mormons point to some early church scriptures that say slavery is wrong—like Doctrine and Covenants 101:79, which says it’s “not right that any man should be in bondage,” or D&C 134:12, which calls slavery “dangerous to the peace of every government.” Those verses sound pretty good, especially for the 1800s when slavery was still common in the U.S. But the story doesn’t end there. Despite these statements, the LDS Church actually kept some pretty racist policies for a long time. For over 100 years, Black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood, and Black members couldn’t participate in important temple ceremonies until 1978. That’s a huge deal because it basically meant Black members were excluded from full participation in the faith (Bringhurst). Even worse, the Church taught that Black skin was a curse from God, linked to stories like the curse of Cain. This wasn’t just an old rumor—it was official teaching that justified racial discrimination. On the other han...