AUGUST 21, 2019 – Manifest Destiny Teachings at BYU Education Week.
I once wondered how such an old toxic belief could possibly still exist. Is it because it is still taught in 2019? Anyone ages 14 years of age and up are allowed to attend education week. Those attending, will they believe this narrative and spread this toxic belief? Who will they teach it to in 10 years, 20 years…
Clark Hinckley (son of Gordon B. Hinckley) made the following statements:
“The fact that the Gospel is being preached to all nations and that there are Latter-day Saint congregations on every continent is in part the legacy of Christopher Columbus.”
“Hinckley noted a Book of Mormon scripture in 1 Nephi 13:12 that he said speaks of Columbus. The verse reads, “And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.”
“Why did Nephi single out only Christopher Columbus in his abbreviated account of the Restoration?” Hinckley asked. “Perhaps it is because no other single individual did more to prepare the way for the last dispensation than did Christopher Columbus. I believe Columbus matters, because in a very real sense, as Nephi suggests, the Restoration begins with him.”
I have a response to this talk, it will be in an upcoming article. I have tried to maintain a certain level of acceptance and kindness towards members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If I respond right now it will be reactive instead of proactive. Basically I am livid. Hinckley claims that the Book of Mormon predicts Christopher Columbus. Making this a literal teachings ties the Book of Mormon to Indigenous genocide.
Source – https://universe.byu.edu/2019/08/22/education-week-why-columbus-matters/
Lamanite Truth 
Wowsers. This is very bad. Thanks for bringing attention to it.
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I have no words…….WTF?!/
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That was my initial reaction too.
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Unfortunately, much of the Book of Mormon is blatantly racist and during my formative years, Christopher Columbus was worshipped and idolized, and America was touted as “the promised land” to be given to us white people because we were righteous. Until the Book of Mormon is discarded from The Church of Jesus Christ, then the teachings in it will be . . . taught! It is sad, awful, and I feel deep empathy and shame for having been a part of teaching it to others, my own kids, and so many others. May God have mercy on my soul. May God help heal.
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I have someone getting me a BoM that was once handed out by missionaries. It has a section naming Christopher Columbus in it apparently. So yep, idolized is right. Total agreement about the BoM too. Though, for believing members, I would love to see a move away from it being a literal history – to being simply a spiritual book. No more literal Lamanites etc. I know it isn’t a complete change, but would be more respectful while still allowing religious freedom. Unlikely to ever happen though.
I was an active full believing Lamanite for 39 years. I taught what I had been taught my entire life. I didn’t know… But personally I am a fan of letting go of shame. Was a part of my life for too long. You are awesome Kevin. 💕 All we can do is be the best version of ourselves with the knowledge we have. Cheers! Because we both have more knowledge now.
I taught many people too.
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