A RESPONSE FROM THE “CLOSED MINDED”

The following two essays are not my own. The original works have been deleted, but I found them so enlightening of my own feelings regarding the church and LGBT 'doctrine' that I felt I needed to repost them here. 

I would like to warn anyone that reads it that it could become their own 'stumbling block' regarding their belief of the teachings of the church. I don't want anyone reading this unprepared.

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A Response from the “Closed Minded”

Note: This post contains two parts. The first is an essay written by Jenny Maruri defending the LDS Church’s stance on same sex marriage. The second essay is a response to Jenny Maruri’s post written by her brother-in-law, Michael Barker.

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by Jenny Maruri

I see a growing grass roots movement among LDS members to support gay marriage within the church despite the current leadership affirmation that only marriage between a man and a woman is sanctioned by God. I am only going to discuss the doctrine (yes I said doctrine, not policy) within the church, and not the broader political argument for gay marriage.

The church has stated that all are welcome to worship and participate in the church, including temple ordinances, if they are worthy, regardless of sexual orientation, and that all must be loved and accepted. For our gay members, this means that they are not to act on their desires. The Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and behavior. “While maintaining that feelings and inclinations toward the same sex are not inherently sinful, engaging in homosexual behavior is in conflict with the “doctrinal principle, based on sacred scripture … that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”” http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/same-sex-attraction

After speaking with family members and reading a number of posts, I understand that this is very hard to accept for our LGBT brothers and sisters, in that they have the same desires for closeness, intimacy, and a loving relationship just as our heterosexual brothers and sisters, however for them, there is no hope for “someday”. No hope that if they just stay strong, someday they will meet the right person, be married, and experience fulfillment. I get it. This is very disheartening, and certainly not an easy life assignment. Many argue, since the feelings of same sex intimacy are “good”, they must be sanctioned by God. The church “policy” on gay marriage must be wrong, and that someday the church will change position and allow gay marriage including same sex sealings. Obviously as a heterosexual woman, I cannot completely understand the challenges and heartache of our LGBT brothers and sisters, all I can do is love them. But does loving them mean I am to deny the modern prophets’ message and advocate for same sex marriage?

Let’s do a mental exercise for a moment and try to see this from the eyes of the prophet and apostles whom lead the church. What if heterosexual marriage really is unchanging doctrine from God? That it’s not just a misinterpretation of the Bible, but really supernal doctrine that has lasted the eternities. What if gay marriage is not, and has never been sanctioned by God? If they are truly prophets, they would not and could not change the doctrine, no matter how many people clamor for the change. I am sure they see the bigotry among some members, and the heartache among the LBGT members, and their hearts are broken. But to go against doctrine and lead the church astray, even if it’s out of love for our brothers and sisters, would be akin to blasphemy, and for some, condemnation for denying the Holy Ghost.

As believing members of the church, we are to follow the prophet. We are not to be robots, blindly following, as that would discount our purpose here on earth. Rather, we take the teachings, and each gain a personal revelation of their truthfulness. While doing so, we usually don’t receive ALL the answers, and must rely on faith to fill in the gaps. I don’t see gospel doctrine as “Al a cart”, where a believer can take and live the doctrine they like, and discard what they don’t. Let’s remember, there is gospel doctrine, after which policies are created, and practices are maintained. Practices and policies can be changed and interpreted, but doctrine remains unchanged. There are many who may believe that the church not supporting same sex marriage is merely a policy set forth by a backward generation of bretheren. If this is what you believe, then I can understand your conclusion that the “policy” must be changed for the good and love of our LGBT brothers and sisters.

Please remember, though, that there are many of us, and I believe including the modern prophets, who believe this issue is in the realm of doctrine, and not policy. “From a public relations perspective it would be easier for the Church to simply accept homosexual behavior. That we cannot do, for God’s law is not ours to change. There is no change in the Church’s position of what is morally right. But what is changing — and what needs to change — is to help Church members respond sensitively and thoughtfully when they encounter same-sex attraction in their own families, among other Church members, or elsewhere.”http://www.mormonsandgays.org/

We want to love and support all of our brothers and sisters, but will not go against what we understand to be eternal gospel doctrine. Please do not assume this choice is based on hate, ignorance, bigotry, or close mindedness. For many, the choice is based on love of Jesus Christ, love of His teachings, love of our brothers and sisters, our testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel, and desire to someday return to His presence along with all of our family and friends.

Thank you.