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Gay marriage criticized at Education Week address

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To JZ | 1:36 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Thanks for your post. I've been a tithe-paying member for 40 years and I am totally against the church's position. I understand where he is coming from but the heartless way in which he denounces the members who disagree with prop 8 is sad.

I feel I have no where to go for a spiritual lift on Sundays until Nov 4 because I live in CA and weekly I am subjected to these politics in all three meetings.
cougar | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
I am absolutely ashamed as a member of the church and a student at BYU of so called "Professor" Wardle's address at education week. My goodness!!!!...what a complete lack of scholarship he used in making such remarks! He reflects badly on our religion and our beloved school. I have never heard such utterly ridiculous and biased filth uttered from a church endorsed arena in my entire life. This seriously makes me sick.
To JZ | 2:30 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
WOW!!! Well put.
Comments continue below
Don't blame the judges... | 2:36 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Several people have said that four activist judges have denied Californians their rights. I don't see how this is true. All they have done is put the issue up for a re-vote. And hopefully this time it will be even more of an informed choice.
re: this is truly idiotic | 2:39 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Your post shows you know nothing about homosexuality. Would you describe your heterosexual feelings as "tendencies"? What a joke.

Wake Up, LDS Members!!! | 2:41 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
I can't believe what I'm hearing! The Church's position on this has been firm and unchanging. They will never support same-sex marriage, period. To those who differ from this have been wrapped with the "flaxen cord" of the adversary. The Lord looks on sin with zero tolerance. Condoning sin by supporting gay marriage is just as bad...

Why are we as members so deceived? Why have we become so spiritually blind as to listen to what the 'world' has to say on this matter? Why do you think that "free agency" is not about keeping the commandments? We have to be the standard bearers on this issue and stand up for what is right!

LDS Members have a far different view of marriage than any other church on earth. We know of it's divine importance in the Plan of Salvation. We need to defend it at all costs! It has nothing to do with civil rights, but everything to do with the sacred and divine character of marriage.

It greatly disturbs me to read about active members who have 'fallen away' from the council of our leaders. This is one of the first steps to apostasy.
To Wake up @ 2:41 | 3:21 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Perhaps some reasons we are hesitant to wholeheartedly support what the first Presidency has asked are:
***They've changed positions in the past
***This goes against our reason and logic
***We all have a right to our own opinions
***We all have a right to our own answers to prayer
***It just seems WRONG!!!
TO: cougar@2:08pm | 3:39 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
I'm calling your bluff. Or perhaps your simply "trolling"?

This reminds me of the Chinese women gymnastic team.

In your diatribe, you could have been a little more subtle and believable. Instead, it sounds like an anti-Mormon tirade.
to: wake up, lds members | 3:44 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Until you've walked in my shoes, I probably wouldn't judge so swiftly.........you might have a cookie-cutter Mormon existence, I do not....

follow your heart | 3:57 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008

"We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them [even] if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told do by their presidents they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves." (Joseph Smith - Millennial Star, Vol 14, Number 38, pages 593-595)
TO: follow your heat@3:57pm | 4:18 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
This statement by Joseph Smith is taken totally out of context when considering the same-sex marriage issue. This is issue has been and always will be unquestioned among the brethren, including Joseph Smith. Your justification for supporting this type of lifestyle using these types of statements is wrong and immoral.

I would most definitely agree that the leaders of our church are not perfect. They would be the first to admit that. I have sustained them as leaders and thus have accepted their official statements. Elder Boyd K. Packer, Elder Jefferey R. Holland, Elder Dallen H. Oaks and others have spoken very clearly on this matter. There should be NO questions on how the church feels about it.

Those of you who have chosen to disagree with the Prophet and the First Presidency in matters involving immorality and sin, even if it involves your own family members, should immediately kneel down on your knees and ask for forgiveness. The statements they've made on this matter are set in stone.

And to those members who think I am judging them, be it warned, my judging is far more lenient than what you will receive at the judgement bar.
It's all just a symbolic gesture | 4:43 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
This issue is sooo NOT set in stone. It is one of the most fluid issues of our time. Millions of people have still not made up their minds.

Also, do you have any idea how many gay celebrities there are in California? Do you have any idea how many multi-millionaire gays there are in California? Do you have any idea how many gay lawyers there are in California. I'm afraid the Church is once again "tilting at windmills". I think the leaders actually know that their efforts are merely a symbolic gesture. As the saying says: "As California goes, so goes the nation." Get used to it, Utah.
to..to follow your heart | 4:45 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
thank you for your judgements...I actually seriously doubt they are more lenient then what the Lord will give us on judgment day..the reason being? You do not posses perfect love.. I suggest that both you and I repent together
JZ | 5:29 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
The Joseph Smith quote was not taken out of context. His words stand as firm a testament today as in his era.He was speaking of unrighteous dominion. The author did not take it out of context because he(she) quoted Joseph directly and did not add any comment. Further more, I don't "think" you are judging me or "us," I know you are because I quoted you verbatim from a previous post you had written. I said nothing about the Church not having the right to its philosophy & standards, my whole point was to the politic-ing and policing that is going on if a member is in disagreement. Why don't you try "reading" Joseph's remarks again. The God I serve is one of love- and, if Christ were standing next to the two of us, I firmly believe he would counsel you to stop being so judgmental. It's not your job to chasten us for a difference of opinions.If you could look into the future, you would see the ripple affects of your animosity and critical negativity.The Church Leadership can teach its principles. But it should not be conducting politics over the pulpit or in church services of any kind.
re: to follow your heart | 5:50 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008

"And to those members who think I am judging them, be it warned"....

wow, I've been warned by a poster on an internet thread............
Lisa | 5:54 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Goodness gracious! You LDS people are so judgmental and harsh. It somehow reminds me of the dark ages.
Anonymous | 6:36 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
Wow look at the mormon church implode upon itself. You guys are such a spectacle. You mos provide me comic relief with your beliefs and view points. Keep it commong cause ya'll make my day with these rediculious mo times stories and the comments that follow. No wonder the world will never take you seriously.
KJB | 7:36 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
John Pack Lambert 2:46

Yes, we all know how many Muslims with multiple wives are on the East Coast. The term "grasping at straws" doesn't even begin to describe how desperate you sound.

I'm a tithe-paying, recommend-carrying, lifelong member, and I'm very comforted to see how many others are speaking up to say wrong Prop. 8 is. I have to respond to my conscience first and foremost and I just can't deny loving people the chance to commit to each other. Naturally, the only thing all the antis can do to just regurgitate the same old tired and paranoid arguments. I just love how the same people who want the government out of their private lives have no problem trying to write their religious beliefs into law. Should a state have the power to annul a marriage if the spouses don't procreate within a certain amount of time?

Come on, guys. If you don't like gays, that's your right, but try to come up with something original.
John Pack Lambert | 7:38 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
To Mariah,
How can you be a good member when you go directly against what the prophets of the Lord have asked us to do?
John Pack Lambert | 7:42 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
When the First Presidency has come out and specifically requested that we support a measure than to oppose it is to oppose them.
John Pack Lambert | 7:50 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
The church has always held that a marriage is between a man and a woman. That has not changed. Even in the days of polygamy a man was seperately married to each of his wives.
Some of you are either totally unaware of the centrality of marriage in the Plan of Salvation or choose to be blind to the truth.
"Gender is an important charecteristic of each individuals pre-mortal, mortal and eternal identity and purpose".
I think those of you who do not support Proposition 8 need to go back and really read The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Then maybe you will understand why this is such an important battle.
John Pack Lambert | 7:58 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
To JZ,
If you disagree with what President Monson and his counselors say, if you disagree with the stands and methods of the church, if you disagree with anything about it you are welcome to leave.
It is bad enough that we get attacked by people who openly reject the prophet. We do not need to be attacked by you as well, who just try to deny the prophet the right to speak the word of the Lord.
The family is the basic unit of society and must be preserved. If you do not want to stand with the church in defending marriage as between a man and a woman, they why do you stay in the church at all?
There are plenty of organizations out there that would welcome you with open arms.
I am tired of people like you spreading poison within the church, and hope that the church takes out another round of apostates soon like it did back in 1993 or so. The doctrine must be kept clean, and this requires pruning the vine.
TO: JZ | 9:24 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
What I mean by taking the words out of context does not mean that the words are necessarily changed. It means that what Joseph Smith spoke of here has nothing to do with the official policies of the church concerning same-sex marriage. Rather, he was speaking about those who had their own personal agenda in manipulating members to do something that was wrong. D&C 121:35-46 explains this better than I can.

The same-sex marriage issue is a MORAL, not political, issue and the church has a responsibility and obligation to get involved. In fact, by not getting involved would be a sin of omission. It is their duty to make sure that marriage remains sacred. We as members should stand hand in hand with the brethren and fight it as much and as hard as the church is. If we don't, we are also committing the same sin of omission.

Members of the LDS Church need to be standard bearers! As Christ has said, "If you love me, keep my commandments". One of those commandments is that "Thou shalt not commit adultery or do anything like unto it". Love the sinner, but not the sin by NOT supporting same-sex marriage.
Carol | 9:37 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
John,

Do you follow EVERY word that the Prophets have told you to do?

I guarantee you don't because I can show you at least 10 places where Prophets have said contradictory things that are impossible to follow!

So don't play your fanatic bullying games with others. You are the one who needs to leave the Church. You are overzealous and it is hurting the Church. You are the one who is failing to follow Church leaders by the way you are interacting on the internet! You are a shame to the Church and I wish you would go away and quit spewing your hate and arrogance. You make me ashamed of being LDS.
For LDS members, read this... | 9:58 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
1 Timothy 1:9-10:
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for the sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for THEM THAT DEFILE THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Romans 1:27;
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, BURNED IN THEIR LUST ONE TOWARDS ANOTHER; MEN WITH MEN WORKING THAT WHICH IS UNSEEMLY, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

I could go on, but the message is clear. Homosexuality is scripturally wrong. How can we condone same-sex marriage, especially with the erroneous view that we are showing "love" towards those who are granted such? In fact, you are condemning them by perpetuating this behavior in supporting gay marriage. This is not love in my view, but indifference towards their eternal salvation. If we love them, we will help them keep the commandments and, in turn, they will help us with our struggles.

TO: Carol | 10:16 p.m. Aug. 27, 2008
I don't like the thought of anyone leaving the church, but it also doesn't make sense what so many members are saying about this topic. It is so cut and dry according to the official doctrine of the church that there should be no question.

The mere fact that so many are questioning the leaders on this issue is truly disturbing. I would have to say that most have other issues with the church as well. It would behoove us all to take a moment and ponder what the leaders have said concerning same-sex unions and homosexuality.

However, this will probably not do any good. Most of the members who question the leaders have gotten there over the course of time. Slowly their testimonies erode away by a justification here and a little descent there (i.e. speaking against the Lord's anointed) until there is little that can be done in salvaging the person's testimony. This is known as the road to apostasy.

If you are truly ashamed of being a LDS member by the remarks of another, I'm not sure what to tell you. This seems to be a matter between you and the bishop...
re: to carol | 10:57 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
You are right. It would behoove us all to take a moment and ponder what the leaders have said concerning same sex unions and homosexuality.

Read things written in the 70s by general authorities. It should be enlightening to you to see.

If I posted what was said and by whom it was said, it wouldn't make it through the monitors of this site.



JZ | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Mr.Lambert, and I use that term as I cannot in my heart feel good about referring to you as my brother, even though you are: A copy of your remarks, along with my own, are being included in my letter to our 1st Presidency. How dare you invite me to leave the Church of Jesus Christ, when it is He who has searched me out and brought me into the loving stewardship and embrace of his gospel.Again, I challenge by what authority you openly acuse me of spreading poison, and use a reference to members who were previously excommunicated as a rebuttal to my differing of opinion with you on this subject. How dare you. You contradict yourself on Joseph's discourse. To quote you:"...had their own personal agenda to manipulate members to do something that was wrong..." Yes, it was exactly as I 1st rebutted, Joseph can be no clearer than in his statement regarding the unrighteous dominion of anyone, especially holding the Priesthood.My difference of opinion does not constitute apostacy.My stating that politics have no place in Sacrmnt Mtgs or in church svcs at all, does not make me an apostate. (continued) JZ
JZ | 2:37 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
We all know who the author of coercion is- Lucifer. While you may put yourself "above" me and my understanding of Christ's doctrines, it is for me to study, ponder and prayerfully arrive at my understanding through these exercises. As I also understand things, we are all held accountable for what we know and how we live it according to our Christ-given, Spirit-guided consciences. We are all at differing levels of knowledge & insights. That means, Christ will be that judge as He sees into my heart and knows my mind.It is a dangerous thing you do here, accusing me and then sending me out of His church.In fact,the Book of Mormon tells us not to deny any to come amoung His congregations, for expressly this purpose- we are as children, all at different levels of understanding. You may not agree with me nor how I interpret things, but the venom with which you retort is far more dangerous to missionary work & conversion than the fact that you and I do not see "eye-to-eye" & as I have previously stated, that we should at least be able to 'agree-to-disagree.' Christ is the garderner, would He throw me away?
JZ | 2:49 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
To this day, I will stand patriotically and express my opinion as my forbears who escaped murder and communism sacrificed everything so that I could experience this privilege.My parents the only members on either side of my family, received the gospel of Jesus Christ out in the mission field at a time & place where it was an unpopular thing to do. And you sir, would scorn my differing opinion, not knowing anything else about me, and discard me as though I am personally a threat to the Lord's gospel? I am far more disheartened by this portion of your rebuttal, than that you disagree with me politically. My big brother Jesus, is far more generous than you are being, and- fortunately, His shoulders are quite broad-enough to bear our quibbling and disputes. But I think, He would prefer to encourage & persuade, rather than demand or exact our loyalites with fear and threats. While we yet live, we can be taught and inspired to do good works.Totalitarism is what my family fled- those who survived the massacres, that is. Would you have Christ's church be a place of fear & reprisal, or a threshold beckoning students to explore?JZ
to JZ | 3:13 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Where have you been all these months that we have suffered JPL's pontifications? It's probably not worth your time, but please stick around.

JZ | 7:58 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Typo-correction from previous post: (should have been) "Totalitarianism." A scary reality- and I had to correct the spelling, to do justice to what my family suffered so their children could live in Amercia- and have religious & political freedoms without persecution and death.

Thank you for kind words uttered in the post above...I'd rather they came from "Bro." Lambert though. I already forgive him, because I'm required to. But- I still can't relate to the sickening resentment oozing from his accusations and rant towards me personally. If he continues to hold on to it, that level of spiritual toxicity will consume him physically.

I borrowed this scriptural reference in my reading from another source. It is from the Doctrine & Covenants. It speaks for what Joseph Smith was teaching during his time- and it is still universal in the dominion of "men." (Remember, Joseph was being urged to run for President of the USA, too, at one time.)

D&C 134:9:**We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied.** Thank you Brother Joseph. Amen.
Person | 10:06 p.m. Sept. 12, 2008
I have to ask why there are LDS members here who claim to know there is a prophet today and yet disregard all he says. It's like Catholics who completely disregard the Pope on the stance against abortion. How can you claim your leader is your leader yet ignore something this huge? The Church, being led by Christ and His Prophet Thomas S. Monson, have stated repeatedly we need to defend marriage between a man and a woman. Why on earth would anyone claim to be a member of the Church when they do just the opposite of what is being asked? I just don't get it. We are supposed to keep our eyes on the Prophet, because the Lord will not let him go astray. Look it up. I am grateful there is no wondering what is right or wrong here. I KNOW. And anyone here who is LDS should know better.
to person @10;06pm 9/12 | 12:04 p.m. Sept. 27, 2008
Get a book, read some history.
Please. | 5:22 a.m. Oct. 19, 2008
Wardle argues that, like smoking and divorce, gay marriage will have negative impact. (Nice analogy; what's the substance? I could as easily say that going to church, like shooting people and fighting bears, is dangerous. Just a wild assertion.) Is the professor arguing that divorce should be illegal? Really? I wonder how that would fly with anyone who has known a woman who has been cheated on or abused by her husband. The truth is, the government should leave decisions about who enters into marriage and when marriage ends to the people involved, gay, straight, or in-between. Put your energy in fighting real dangers to our children (a broken education system, child abuse, poverty) rather than imaginary threats (gays, witches and trolls).
Common Sense | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008
Honestly, there are only a couple of logical things that people need to understand.

#1. Gay men marry gay men + gay women marry gay women = end of society.
#2. If you believe in the best for this Country, which I would bleed on the flag to make sure the stripes stay red, then you would know that ours is a country founded on religious grounds, "UNDER GOD," ...therefore, if you believe in God, then you know that the Garden of Eden was for Adam and EVE, not Adam and STEVE.
#3. Sodom and Gomorrah ring any bells? We as a society are entrenched in the same disgusting habits and I fear for our country's future because of it.

I want to give my thanks for this article teaching people to stand up for what is right and for what is necessary. People can hate me for saying what I believe. I still believe it.

I will always believe what I say, but I will never say what I do not believe.

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