In the second book of Nephi, 26:29, it states "He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." For me, this is the litmus test of whether I think that advocacy has gone too far.
There have been a couple of prominent members in disciplinary councils, lately, and everyone keeps focusing on their personal convictions. But I think they miss the main point. Each of these people has very distinctly tried to set themselves up as the light to which we should be looking. And while earlier on, these people attempted to seek the welfare of Zion, over time that position changed.
As an outside observer, I am sure I don't know all of the details in the disciplinary councils, but if this is a case of people setting themselves up for a light to get gain and praise of the world, I fear that more severe judgments might not be surprising. I feel sorry for those that have been put in the difficult position to have to render judgement.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
The Press Conference
When I blog, I often blog several weeks ahead and then wait a while to blog. So this will be old news by the time my blog post gets read. Still, I thought to comment. It seems to me that the purpose of the news conference was mainly to clarify the position of the church, not to announce anything new. The church has publicly supported housing and employment rights regardless of orientation. So this is not new, just trying to clear up what the stance was.
I suspect that most of the members don't even know the stance of the church. Most people don't know of the church's stance in the past. So the press conference will be very helpful for the membership of the church, and that was likely one of the primary purposes. Another purpose was, of course, to reiterate the desire to strengthen the free exercise of religion. This is, again nothing new, just clarifying the position of the church for those who were not aware. Evidently not many people were aware, as evidenced by the reaction of the press who thought the position was new. So the press conference was, indeed, needed.
I suspect that most of the members don't even know the stance of the church. Most people don't know of the church's stance in the past. So the press conference will be very helpful for the membership of the church, and that was likely one of the primary purposes. Another purpose was, of course, to reiterate the desire to strengthen the free exercise of religion. This is, again nothing new, just clarifying the position of the church for those who were not aware. Evidently not many people were aware, as evidenced by the reaction of the press who thought the position was new. So the press conference was, indeed, needed.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Family
Growing up, I would sometimes fight and argue with my siblings. I disagreed with my parents, and showed an unfortunate amount of disrespect. But I never had any reason to doubt my parents' love for me. While they do not know my orientation, their love for me would not diminish if they did know. I can't imagine how it would feel to be disowned by family, since I can't imagine my parents doing that. It breaks my heart when I hear about others in such a situation. As a parent, myself, I can't imagine anything that would cause me to reject one of my own children.
One of the things that always interested me was how many sources claimed that homosexuality was caused by some kind of family dysfunction, yet I knew that wasn't true for me. My very stable family probably helped me cope with the conflicted feelings experienced by a young Mormon with a gay orientation. I feel very grateful for such a great family, and hope my children feel my love for them.
One of the things that always interested me was how many sources claimed that homosexuality was caused by some kind of family dysfunction, yet I knew that wasn't true for me. My very stable family probably helped me cope with the conflicted feelings experienced by a young Mormon with a gay orientation. I feel very grateful for such a great family, and hope my children feel my love for them.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
True Love
Children usually don't recognize the sacrifices people make on their behalf. I don't think it's their fault. They aren't really in a position to see the larger picture. But parents and guardians often make very significant, sometimes lifelong sacrifices for them. That's true love.
I have a friend who has given up a majority of life goals because their spouse has special needs and requires huge sacrifices. That's true love.
I have often heard that "you love those you serve," and it certainly has been so in my life. Love follows service and sacrifice. The more opportunities I have to serve and sacrifice for someone, the more love I have for them.
I think that's true of marriage, too. A marriage based on sacrificing for each other, serving each other, listening to and learning from each other -- that's a marriage that is likely to bring happiness and endure. That's a marriage that shows true love.
I have a friend who has given up a majority of life goals because their spouse has special needs and requires huge sacrifices. That's true love.
I have often heard that "you love those you serve," and it certainly has been so in my life. Love follows service and sacrifice. The more opportunities I have to serve and sacrifice for someone, the more love I have for them.
I think that's true of marriage, too. A marriage based on sacrificing for each other, serving each other, listening to and learning from each other -- that's a marriage that is likely to bring happiness and endure. That's a marriage that shows true love.
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