The doctrine of the First Estate is one that is unique to Mormons and tied intimately to the LDS identity and world outlook. I have previously written about how this doctrine is a two-edged sword with significant implications for how the members view the world around them. While the obvious negative aspect of this doctrine has been left behind, the doctrine itself lives on in the heart of mormonism.

A Singular LDS Hymn

When considering whether or not this latent seed of bigotry still lingers in the heart of mormonism one may gain insight by examining the hymns that are published in the LDS hymnal and sung in sacrament service. One of the uniquely Mormon and fascinating hymns is “If You Could Hie To Kolob.” This hymn ponders some of the more esoteric metaphysical aspects of LDS theology – specifically addressing the following unique points:

• Infinite regression of Gods
• Infinite worlds
• Infinite progression of Men to God
• Matter (physical and spiritual)  that is not created or destroyed

One of the verses interjects a concept that sticks out among the other topics:

“…The works of God continue, And worlds and lives abound;
Improvement and progression Have one eternal round.
There is no end to matter; There is no end to space;
There is no end to spirit; There is no end to race;
There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might;
There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light.
There is no end to union; There is no end to youth;
There is no end to priesthood; There is no end to truth.”
(“If you could hie to Kolob” LDS.org)

Stuck in among concepts of progression, matter, priesthood and truth is a little jab at race. Keep in mind that this hymn was first published in 1856 (see scanned original here) when the notions of racial inequality were accepted without question among much of society.

The lyrics here declare that your race is an eternal and unending part of your identity. Just as the rest of the hymn speaks of the eternal progression of Man through Godhood and eternity – so too will our racial makeup be eternal. A black man on earth will be black into the eternities. An asian or a white man or woman will also be so into the eternities.

As I have covered in prior articles,  race was considered the merited reward for pre-mortal actions. Considering race to be an eternal feature of our identity makes sense in LDS theology – just as our future reward for actions in this life is considered eternal.

If you are white, then this hymn teaches that your white and delightsome visage is a badge of honor that will forever be associated with you. Such a principle may inspire you to live up to that noble heritage.

If you were a black person singing this hymn in a Mormon congregation, seeing this line could have an altogether different meaning for you. You have already been taught that your race and skin are a sign that you were less valiant than the white people sitting with you in sacrament service. Now you are shown that your race will forever be a reminder of your past failures – even after a righteous life in this estate.

If Kolob is a symbol of the Mormon God’s creation and power – representing all that the saints aspire to and your eternal future among the saints will be marked with a black reminder of your past failure, then the question is not just “If you could hie to kolob” but rather “If you could hie to Kolob – would you want to?”

See Also

For some of the most inspiring, lovely and skillful renditions of this subtly racist hymn, see this Mormon Channel Podcast.