Writers explore nuances of LDS teachings on marriage, homosexuality

@ skeptic: I have wanted to address this issue for some time, and your post asks the question that forces me to consider addressing it.

You suggest we should ask "why there are gays in the first place if god and religion are contrary to their being."

That question could be asked of a vast number of things, all of which might be summarized as: "Why is there suffering in the world if God loves us?" Suffering exists for a number of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with God (they involve, for example, mere biological chance or human decision).

For Latter-day Saints, there is a question of what a person can be held accountable for in the eternities, and God's mercy in saving us from what we can't be held accountable for is a major part of our doctrinal foundation.

This does not excuse sinful actions, of course, nor willful rebellion, but it opens a door wide for love and acceptance of those who struggle with--shall we say "unorthodoxies"?

@Bill,

You can't keep telling us (the audience on a public internet board) these things are wrong, right, etc b/c the book of Mormon. Not everyone's a Mormon. It's a free country with multiple religions as I stated. Not everyone's a Christian, Muslim, etc etc either.

So when you argue b/c God said you're literally preaching to the choir. That's like me saying "my dad said" and that's the way it flies b/c "my dad says" and "most of my uncle say", etc etc.

As stated above, the bottom line is you can't have ANY religion/god/etc run the country. It's in our constitution.

To skeptic and LVarfe: First off God has spoken to the gays and has given them the necessary tools. It is all in the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Proclamation to the World, the Family.

Prophets of old condemned the acts of homosexuality. Modern Prophets today condemn the acts of homosexuality. The Lord defined marriage in the beginning as between Adam and Eve as he married them in the Garden of Eden and gave them the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. This definition has never changed and has now been reiniterated by modern prophets. There is a gay religion whether you want to admit it or not and it stands in the way of the Laws of God and of the Laws of Nature.

As the Book of Mormon states emphatically, God gives man weaknesses so that they may humbloe themselves before him. He further states in the Book of Mormon that the day will come when good is called evil and evil good. That is happening today.

Whether you believe or not there are 15 men on this earth today that are Prophets, Seers and Revelators.

@Bill in Nebraska

"To Dennis: The fact is that God has defined marriage as between man and woman. This is paramount from the A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD, THE FAMILY. Anything else is against God's law."

Whether you agree or disagree with this statement, the bottom line is that this is a free country and a home to many different religions, philosophies, and lack thereof. There is a distinct separation of church and state built into our constitution. What if there was a homosexual religion (for sake of argument)? You can't deny their right to practice their faith, nor can you enforce it on others.

To Bill in Nebraska: While one's wishful thinking my agree with yours; it seems the question is much more complicated than what you present. Since you seem to have a direct line to the heavens and Adam and Eve, perhaps you can find out why there are gays in the first place if god and religion are contrary to their being. Who is at fault: gays, god or people like you who dicdate god's laws as you wish it to be. Since gays are the central issue why doesn't god speak to them and not you. If you live your life in a good way why is it a problem to you.

To Dennis: The fact is that God has defined marriage as between man and woman. This is paramount from the A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD, THE FAMILY. Anything else is against God's law. This definition has been handed down since Adam and Eve, thus it will continue to do so. Same-Sex marriage will never be accepted as part of the Lord's church. One can be so called gay and still hold a temple recommend as long as they are celebite. If they are endowed and enter into a same-sex relationship, they will more than likely be excommunicated the same as an endowed member who has been married in the temple would be if none repentant. If you truely are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints you would know this and recognize this for what it states. This is not about equality. It is entirely about morality. One may have same gender attraction but as long as they don't act upon it they will be treated the same as any other single individual in the Church. To say differently is changing the LAW OF GOD.

@Dennis

Seeing you are LDS or were LDS you know that would be doctrinally impossible. Study D&C 132. You taught the basics to investigators so I am sure you could understand that a same sex temple marriage would create a paradox to all that.

This is a strange and complicated situation that defies most peoples understanding: what if the tables were turned and straight heterosexual people were put in a situation where they had to conform with living a gay marriage. Who could endure it. How does the man in this article cope with the conflict. The writer of this story should expand on that issue to help give more understanding to the story. What is one to make of it all.

@zoar63...I hope one day a gay couple CAN get a recommend and marry in the temple.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were treated equally?

@Dennis

"I had three companions in the mission field that were gay. All three of them are still gay, not married, and still active. Fabulous men all three of them. In spite of the Church they're true to themselves and live the life that God laid out for them. At some time the Church needs to recognize this and accept them for who they are"

Can a faithful member who is gay get a temple recommend? If you answer yes to that question the next question would be can a gay couple that are LDS get a temple marriage in a scenario in which the country legalizes gay marriage because that is what the majority of people want.

Dennis, What do you mean accept them for who they are? If They are happy living the standards taught by the church, and still active, then I believe they are probably accepted for who they are.

I had three companions in the mission field that were gay. All three of them are still gay, not married, and still active. Fabulous men all three of them. In spite of the Church they're true to themselves and live the life that God laid out for them. At some time the Church needs to recognize this and accept them for who they are.