I do not support homosexuality in any way and of course think gay people are going to get what coming. It is an abomination before God. My question is this. Is it right to take away thier right to do what they want. Are we taking away thier agency when we say no gay marriage? Shouldnt they have the right to do what they want as long as it doesnt hurt someone else? Making you uncomfortable doesnt work as hurting you.
I do not understand the question based on LDS Doctrine. Possibly you are asking this from a political angle and if so there is a Thread that deals with it from that angle located here. If you are talking about their Membership, then for me the answer is simple as it is with everything else:
You are free to do what you want to do, but IF you wish Membership in the Church or certain blessings then you must abide by certain rules / policies.
INTERVIEW WITH CHURCH LEADERS ON SAME-GENDER ATTRACTION
See https://www.lds.org/news/0,5014,5014-,00.html
An interview with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman on the topic of same-gender attraction has been placed on the Church's newsroom site. The lengthy interview transcript, which explores many aspects of this complex issue, is a resource for both members of the Church and for nonmembers interested in the Church's position on the subject.
I didn't read every comment, but since you wanted other's opinions, I'll give you mine.
Yes they are breaking the law of chastity. As JB inserted in one of his replies.
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No homosexual relations or obscure relations (such as with animals) |
I'm just going to jump right in...
On the topic of homosexuality, let me begin by stating my opinion of homosexuals. I think anyone that engages in or has tendencies towards homosexual activity really isn't any different from anyone else. It is my understanding and belief that every single person on earth has temptations and weaknesses. We all struggle with one thing or another. For some, it's alcoholism, for others it's pornography, and still for others, it's living within our means. This includes homosexuality. In the book The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (highly recommended), he talks about every sin you can possibly think of. Homosexuality is one of them. He states (and I'm paraphrasing) that homosexuality is a serious sin. However it is a weaknesses and temptation that CAN be overcome. He also states that no matter how difficult the trial we're facing may be, overcoming it is not impossible as long as you have the Lord's help.
I use to believe that some people chose to be gay and other's were born that way. I now believe that some still chose to be gay; however, for others, having homosexual tendencies is something that is a huge temptation and weakness for them. Just like every other sin, the Lord expects us to master ourselves which means overcoming our weaknesses and trials. The church has great programs that focus around LDS teachings that actually tend to have pretty good results.
Basically the Lord will never put us through anything He knows we can't handle.
Keyannah
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I do not support homosexuality in any way and of course think gay people are going to get what coming. |
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Those who enter into a same sex civil marriage are also telling others it is not only exceptible but part of life. |
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The examples given by Elder Oaks does not help to understand the subject better in my opinion. |
QUOTE (Isiah53 @ 19-Dec 06, 10:17 AM) |
It has been my experience that the Church on Homosexuality has changed over the years. There use to be a no tolerance policy that led to a quick excommunication, but today there seems to be a more since of working with homosexuals through there problems, then to excommunicate them so fast. Do you feel that the church position on what homosexuality is slowly changing or is our perspective of punishment/ judgment changing? Any thoughts? |
I think we need to remember that life did not begin at birth, we existed for perhaps a very long time in the pre-mortal world. While little is known of this former estate, we do know that is was a period of learning and developing in to who we are today. We are born here on this Earth with personalities, strengths, weaknesses etc. largely as a result of our efforts in the pre-mortal world. Some of us are quick to anger, while others are kind and patient. Some are proud while others are humble. Some of us accept the Gospel easily while others are skeptical. Some of us are great in the Sciences, mathematics and languages, while others struggle with learning. The fact is, some of us excelled in certain areas while others fell behind. Some of the people that fell behind in certain areas may have excelled in others.
A person who struggles with same-sex attraction in this life probably did not progress very well in the pre-existence when it came to social relationships and certain truths with regards to the sexes. So, they may come to this Earth with a tendency for same sex attraction as a result of their actions, or lack of action from their former life. Just as someone who struggles with anger or humility was less than perfect in those respects.
To say they were born that way is true, but it was not God who did it, it was their own choices and actions. Just my 2 cents and my opinion....nothing doctrinal.