Sunday, September 30, 2012

Marriage equality and the Gospel



Since my earlier post, several people have asked about my position regarding "gay marriage." A few have expressed concern that I might be standing in opposition to the Brethren. Let me answer their questions directly.

Do I support marriage equality? Without question. Do I believe the Church will eventually accept marriage equality at some level? Without question. 

Candidly, the Church's position on marriage equality is evolving and will continue to evolve. (Note the posts from partnered or civilly married LGBT people who are active Church members, even holding callings in their wards.) 

Individuals who assume that the Gospel is a static doctrine and believe the current antipathy toward same sex unions is sealed in granite fail to understand the Gospel's core strength...continuing revelation. This allows belief and principle to evolve to meet the demands of an ever changing society. Just as Joseph Smith would find the modern church unrecognizable, our progeny will worship and believe in a manner that best conveys central truths of the Restoration within the context of their time and culture. 

The Brethren have been clear regarding the status of The Proclamation on the Family. It is not scripture. President Packer's assertion that it is was quickly repudiated publicly by President Uchdorf and President Packer's conference talk revised to reflect that fact. 

Moreover, the Restoration provides for an afterlife devoid of hell for all but those who commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and an assurance of joy for all of God's children. That assurance includes even his homosexual sons and daughters. 

When I was a missionary, President Hinckley, then a member of The Twelve, taught a small group of us that our ability to receive truth through revelation is filtered by our culture, our experience and our prejudice. When asked if that included all people even the Brethren, his response was, "Elder, you understand the principle."

Gay people have been feared and vilified in our culture for centuries. I find it hard to believe that this general lack of understanding has not impeded the Church's search for truth on this issue. As our lives and experience are better understood and accepted for what it is, truth regarding homosexuality will flow to the Brethren and to the Church, unrestrained, and we will see change.



This is my 100th post.  I can't believe it! I love and appreciate all of you, my readers. Thanks especially to those who are willing to take the time to provide encouragement and feedback. It's you that keep me writing.

5 comments:

  1. This is such a great post, I cannot tell you how much I love it. I wish I had written it- it best sums up how I, too, feel about gay marriage.

    I am so glad you blog. I have learned oodles from you! Thank you for your keen insights and your willingness to share with us.

    happy night! Duck

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  2. P.S. And, if OK, I linked this post to my blog.

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  3. It flattering to think you would even consider linking. Thanks!

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  4. Happy hundredth! And this is a great one for it, too!

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  5. Duck referred me to this post. I had written about my challenge in reconciling a testimony I received that Presiden Kimball was a Prophet when he spoke at the LTM with some of his writings about race, ethnicity, and homosexuality. I have thought that general authorities are influenced by their culture, experiences, and prejudices. It is reassuring to read your comment about President Hinkley. I thank you, too, for blogging.

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