Nielsen said he always felt that people were gay because of biology, and not by choice, but kept his beliefs out of the BYU classrooms until the church's recent stance on the issue.

Among Nielsen's declarations in the editorial: "Legalizing gay marriage reinforces the importance of committed relationships and would strengthen the institution of marriage."

Nielsen wonders whether he would have been able to save his job had he not affiliated himself with BYU.

"Maybe I shouldn't have done that," he said. "Maybe I knew that identifying myself with that institution might start some dialogue."

Nielsen is a part-time business consultant and author of the book, "The Myth of Leadership: Creating Leaderless Organizations."

Nielsen's book was featured in BYU's newsletter, the Y News, and in Brigham Young Magazine.

Since he's been let go from BYU, Nielsen said he'll have to find more consulting work. He relied on his BYU teaching job for income.

Nielsen's wife disagrees with his position and actions, too, he said.

"Obviously, there is stress and nerves," he said. "But you know, it'll work out. I'm an optimist. And I have faith."

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com; lhancock@desnews.com