The Book of Mormon refers to black or dark skin mainly in the context of the Lamanites, who were described as having "a skin of blackness" that was set upon them as a curse from God due to their wickedness and rebellion (Alma 3:6-7). This mark or curse distinguished them from the Nephites, who were described as "white and exceedingly fair and delightsome." The dark skin was symbolic of disobedience or punishment rather than an inherent racial characteristic. Historically, some early LDS teachings and leaders extended this concept to justify racial discrimination, associating dark skin with curses such as those of Cain and Ham from the Bible. However, modern LDS Church statements disavow the idea that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse. The dark skin in the Book of Mormon is understood by contemporary scholars and church teachings more as a symbolic or spiritual marker rather than a literal racial judgment, with the church explicitly rejecting past interpretations that equated skin color with moral or spiritual worthiness.