No, academia cannot read a prophet's mind. However, they can research his writings. Some of the prophets, including David O. McKay actually had the records researched to determine when the priesthood ban occurred, and if it was by revelation. No where could they find a revelation from God initiating the ban because of any curse or any other reason. In fact, Pres McKay used this fact to lift the ban from all dark-skinned groups outside of Africa. I recommend the bio on Pres McKay that was written a couple years ago by the grandson of Pres McKay's personal secretary (using her notes).
Also, I recommend Elder McConkie's statement on the ban. Forget everything stated prior to June 1978 on the subject, for it is wrong. Regardless of any reasons God had for the ban, it is now past. And we must move past it, which requires we must be willing to let lie any supposed reasons that Brigham Young and others gave for it. If we keep insisting that there was a curse on the blacks, we will only hurt future missionary efforts among peoples that are worthy to receive all the blessings of God.
Finally, I think we should focus on the blessings of current revelations, and not on beliefs of the past that do not agree with current revelations. The priesthood ban, for whatever reason is now 30 years past. Let us move on to discuss the blessings.
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