9 - Slavery Debates and the Emergence of a Priesthood Ban

Ben Finch

I found these readings to be very fascinating. I found it very interesting how even anti-slavery Orson Pratt had to work within the framework of the idea that Black people were descendants of the Cain, and therefore cursed, even though that idea wasn't introduced until Brigham (as discussed in Black, White, and Mormon). I thought Brigham's idea that white people should treat slaves like their children was a good sentiment, but it's a bit mind boggling to try and figure out how he reconciled that with his other racist ideas. Frankly, his speech was very hard to read for me, especially when he said "they may think I am foolish...but I know I know more than they do". But I suppose that was the kind of person the saints needed to get them west and organized.