Proposition 8
Life is full of irony.
Following passage of Proposition 8 in California, homosexual activists protest at LDS temples screaming "bigots". White powder is mailed to two LDS temples. Several LDS chapels are vandalized.
Orson Scott Card opines. Read the whole thing.
My belief: homosexual conduct is physiologically and morally wrong. In the Bible is it called an "abomination" (Lev. 20:13). That language is saved for describing what desecrates what is most sacred, such as the temple. (See abomination of desolation). Heterosexual adultery and fornication are also serious sins. (D&C 59:6).
Homosexual marriage has never been permitted in recorded history. (The "cities of the plain" may have been an exception, but their records have not survived).
The moral standard is the same for heterosexuals and homosexuals: chastity before marriage, fidelity after.
Proponents of homosexual conduct espouse determinism. But I believe all men are free to exercise moral agency. (D&C 101:78). By the divine standard, men and women are not permitted to act on their urges without a marriage union. And the scriptures teach that no man is tempted above what he is able to resist. (1 Cor. 10:13).
There is no right to homosexual marriage in the United States Constitution, or any state constitution. In the three states where it has been "legalized" (California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts), it has been done not by legislation or a vote of the people, but by activist judges who have interpreted existing law in a novel way. Proposition 8 amended the California Constitution to expressly state what has been the law in all civilized societies since the beginning of time.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion. It is therefore ironic that homosexual activists calling for tolerance are intolerant of any who oppose them, particularly of Latter-day Saints who oppose them on religious and moral grounds.
Several years ago, we were visiting friends in Palo Alto. On Sunday afternoon, I took my family on a drive into San Francisco. We drove through various parts of the city. There was a row of motorcycles parked in front of a tavern. Several riders, in leather hats, vests, "jock straps" (no pants) and jackboots were milling around outside. In another part of the city, we saw a bearded man in a white wedding dress and veil with a single large protuberance coming out of his chest. It wasn't Halloween. As far as I know, it wasn't "Gay Pride" day. Even if it were, wearing such clothing in public is offensive and deviant.
As a bishop, I have counseled LDS Church members in connection with both heterosexual sin and with same sex attraction. And I have seen their lives transformed. Our God is a merciful God, and he is mighty to save.
I don't understand everything, but I know that our heavenly Father loves his children. (1 Ne. 17:17). He does not tolerate sin, but he loves and seeks to save the sinner. (D&C 1:32-33).
I also know that true prophets have never been popular. The reason is they upset the status quo: they preach repentance. (See Helaman 13:25-28).
Following passage of Proposition 8 in California, homosexual activists protest at LDS temples screaming "bigots". White powder is mailed to two LDS temples. Several LDS chapels are vandalized.
Orson Scott Card opines. Read the whole thing.
My belief: homosexual conduct is physiologically and morally wrong. In the Bible is it called an "abomination" (Lev. 20:13). That language is saved for describing what desecrates what is most sacred, such as the temple. (See abomination of desolation). Heterosexual adultery and fornication are also serious sins. (D&C 59:6).
Homosexual marriage has never been permitted in recorded history. (The "cities of the plain" may have been an exception, but their records have not survived).
The moral standard is the same for heterosexuals and homosexuals: chastity before marriage, fidelity after.
Proponents of homosexual conduct espouse determinism. But I believe all men are free to exercise moral agency. (D&C 101:78). By the divine standard, men and women are not permitted to act on their urges without a marriage union. And the scriptures teach that no man is tempted above what he is able to resist. (1 Cor. 10:13).
There is no right to homosexual marriage in the United States Constitution, or any state constitution. In the three states where it has been "legalized" (California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts), it has been done not by legislation or a vote of the people, but by activist judges who have interpreted existing law in a novel way. Proposition 8 amended the California Constitution to expressly state what has been the law in all civilized societies since the beginning of time.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion. It is therefore ironic that homosexual activists calling for tolerance are intolerant of any who oppose them, particularly of Latter-day Saints who oppose them on religious and moral grounds.
Several years ago, we were visiting friends in Palo Alto. On Sunday afternoon, I took my family on a drive into San Francisco. We drove through various parts of the city. There was a row of motorcycles parked in front of a tavern. Several riders, in leather hats, vests, "jock straps" (no pants) and jackboots were milling around outside. In another part of the city, we saw a bearded man in a white wedding dress and veil with a single large protuberance coming out of his chest. It wasn't Halloween. As far as I know, it wasn't "Gay Pride" day. Even if it were, wearing such clothing in public is offensive and deviant.
As a bishop, I have counseled LDS Church members in connection with both heterosexual sin and with same sex attraction. And I have seen their lives transformed. Our God is a merciful God, and he is mighty to save.
I don't understand everything, but I know that our heavenly Father loves his children. (1 Ne. 17:17). He does not tolerate sin, but he loves and seeks to save the sinner. (D&C 1:32-33).
I also know that true prophets have never been popular. The reason is they upset the status quo: they preach repentance. (See Helaman 13:25-28).
posted by Barney at 10:46 AM
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