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HOMOSEXUALITY IN MORMONISM
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Mormonism does not tolerate gays and lesbians. Any Mormon member that confesses homosexuality is automatically forced to appear in front of Church Courts. These Courts then decide whether the homosexual transgressions merit either excommunication or dis-fellowshipping. Mormons who have practiced homosexual intercourse with the same sex are automatically excommunicated. Mormonism may claim they love homosexuals and their "problems", but the truth is that there are no homosexual Mormons, only homosexuals pretending to be Mormons.
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Mormonism does not tolerate gays and lesbians. Any Mormon member that confesses homosexuality is automatically forced to appear in front of Church Courts. These Courts then decide whether the homosexual transgressions merit either excommunication or dis-fellowshipping. Mormons who have practiced homosexual intercourse with the same sex are automatically excommunicated.
The leaders of the Mormon Church teach that a man is a God-Embryo and therefore cannot be born gay. Mormon leaders teach that homosexuals choose their lifestyles. They teach that this choice came about from sinful parents, masturbation, or willful disobedience of the commandments of God. All blame for the sin of homosexuality is placed on the person causing depression, hopelessness and often - suicide.
Mormon Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley stated on Larry King Live (December 2004), "We know they have a problem [homosexuals]. We want to help them solve that problem. ...[sic]... The fact is, they have a problem."
During the 1970's the practice of electro-shock therapy was used at the LDS Church owned Brigham Young University. There, homosexuals were electrocuted in an attempt to stop homosexual tendencies.
There are no homosexual Mormons who are in "good standing" with the LDS Church. Homosexuals that are excommunicated are no longer able to participate in any Mormon Church function, including praying, teaching or holding any office. The Mormon priesthood is taken away and all "blessings", rights and Temple privileges are taken away. Excommunicated members are further ostracized in Mormon Sacrament Meetings where they are forbidden to take the Sacramental offerings - or even speak vocally.
| They all laugh at even the possibility that there's more to it than simply choosing one's sexual orientation. They often explain that "the media" or some sort of influential group convinced them they are gay.
I must say that this idea seems so stupid and ignorant to me - that for thousands of years, perfectly heterosexual people on every inch of the populated earth have suddenly decided they are gay... that they're suddenly and sexually attracted to members of the same sex. It's totally nonsense!
I usually like to respond to these types with something like this:
If you're position is that everyone simply "chooses" to be gay or straight, you are saying that **you** yourself are a potential homosexual. Somewhere out there, another homosexual is charming and good looking enough that they could REVERSE your sexual attraction?? All it would take is some erotic homosexual stimulation, and you would suddenly find yourself becoming homosexually aroused????
That's very interesting. I myself know for a fact that there is NO guy out there who could "flip my switch" - no matter how handsome he was. LOL! Uhhh, nope... It just doesn't work that way, because I just wasn't "made" that way. You, on the other hand, you had better watch yourself and pay close attention to where your eyes are wandering. LOL! Somewhere out there, a REALLY handsome and charming guy is just waiting to take your heterosexual identity and convince you to throw it in the trash! You'd better be careful! Stay strong, or you might just make the "wrong" choice and "become" gay.
I do not claim to know where homosexuality originates or even exactly what it is or how it works. I don't think many other people do either. However, I do know with much certainty that I could not simply "choose" to become gay. I assume that most other humans are also fitted with a non-reversible sexual orientation. Of course there could be exceptions, but I don't imagine they are the majority.
| From The Journal News:
WHITE PLAINS The president of the American Medical Association this week defended a decision by New York Medical College to ban
a gay students group from campus, calling it a decision by a private institution to uphold its standards and likening it to
Brigham Young University's decisions to ban Coca-Cola from campus and to suspend four athletes accused of raping a 17-year-old
girl.
AMA President John Nelson's comments, which he made in an interview before addressing the Westchester County Medical Society on
Thursday night, follows more than a month of harsh criticism of the college's action from political, educational and medical
leaders in Westchester.
Nelson said doctors should treat gays "with dignity, with respect and with absolute confidentiality" and said the AMA would be
concerned if New York Medical College were graduating students "with clinical biases that might affect the way they practice
medicine." But he added he has no reason "to believe that that's the case" and said the right of gay students to organize at the
college should be balanced against the right of a private institution to set and enforce its own policies.
The Valhalla college is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and has said it banned the group because it
conflicted with the college's "Catholic traditions." Brigham Young University is a Mormon institution. The Mormon Church, like
the Catholic Church, believes homosexuality is a sin.
Nelson said he was speaking for the AMA, not as a Mormon.
It is well known that Mormons are homophobic. It could easily be proven that John Nelson's decision to defend the ban is completely centered in his religious views. His prophet on a live TV show stated that gays have problems. His doctrine clearly illustrates that gays cannot hold the priesthood, cannot enter the temple and will not enter the "Celestial Kingdom" unless they stop being gay. Click Here For Original Thread...
| This will make the Mormons sigh a breath of relief. From Mormon Owned Deseret News:
SAN FRANCISCO A judge ruled Monday that California's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional - a legal milestone that, if
upheld on appeal, would open the way for the nation's most populous state to follow Massachusetts in allowing same-sex couples to
wed.
The ruling has no effect on Utah, with the recent passage of Amendment 3. It is, however, a moral victory for gay-rights
advocates across the country, said Michael Mitchell, executive director for Equality Utah.
Judge Richard Kramer of San Francisco County's trial-level Superior Court likened the ban to laws requiring racial segregation in
schools and said there appears to be "no rational purpose" for denying marriage to gay couples.
The ruling came in response to lawsuits filed by the city of San Francisco and a dozen gay couples a year ago after the
California Supreme Court halted four weeks of same-sex marriage started by Mayor Gavin Newsom.
Click Here For Original Link Or Thread.
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most powerful forces working to defeat gay equality. And openly gay and lesbian Mormons are the most powerful force working to change their church.
Excerpted from The Advocate, April 12, 2005
Struggling with his gay sexual orientation several years ago, Aaron Cloward sought help from the leaders of his local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He didn't get any. "The last [Mormon] bishop I talked to said, `You are rejecting Christ. You are on the pathway to hell,'" says Cloward. "The way that makes you feel-"
He considered suicide.
"I walked home and got my boxes of Benadryl," remembers Cloward, now a 28-year-old surgical technician who lives in Salt Lake City. "Fortunately I had the presence of mind to call my mom. She came over and held me as I cried myself to sleep. It made me take a step back and look at the church with a critical eye."
Cloward, who served on a church mission to Southern California, quickly left behind the church and its antigay doctrine, which says that its followers can go forward in the religion only if they do not act on their same-sex attraction. He started a support group in Salt Lake City called Gay LDS Young Adults in the hope of helping other gay and lesbian Mormons find comfort and acceptance as they struggle with the church's teachings and long-held traditions.
Click Here For Original Link Or Thread.
| In the early 1970s at BYU that they used shock aversion therapy to try and shock homosexuals out of their orientation. I understand that they used naked pictures of women and men. They'd shock the guys when the sensors on them indicated a positive sexual response to men. They eventually abandoned the program, of course.
Let's face it, those "inspired" leaders are at a complete loss as to how to deal with homosexuality. They have organizations such as Evergreen which claim to cure homosexuality, but through the years the self denial crashes and many, if not most men return to their natural homosexual orientation. The Church considers homosexuality a choice inspired of evil.
| Jere Keys grew up in the archetypical Mormon family: Sundays at church, family time together on Monday evenings, baptism and the priesthood progression, Boy Scouts, youth groups, daily prayer.
Along the way, he says, he was taught in church that gays were "promiscuous, godless and evil." He remembers a seminary teacher telling the class, "Homosexual people don't love each other. They're only interested in selfish pleasure."
Keys was a senior in high school when he came to accept that he was gay. His belief in God dissolved, and he believed he would never be accepted as a good Mormon because he didn't want to marry a woman - he longed for a man.
"Gay was wrong," says Keys, now 28. "I wasn't angry at God, but at the church, for making me feel ashamed of myself."
Now, after years of hating the LDS Church and denying religion, Keys says he has found "spiritual peace" and hopes folks - gay and straight - realize that faith is important to all people.
Click Here For Original Link Or Thread.
| Mormons have taught that any sex outside of marriage is a sin against the doctrines of God. In addition, however, homosexuality has also been called a 'sin against nature' or just 'unnatural.' In other words it is a 'double sin' - against God and against nature. I searched through some of LDS.org looking for a quote to reference and didn't find one. I know Mormon authorities have referred to homosexuality as unnatural but no link for this post. The unmarried heterosexual couple who slips and 'goes all the way' one night have sinned against God according to Mormonism. That is pretty clear. But they can repent, have a ceremony performed, and resume the same activity that got them into trouble with no on-going sin declared on them. Not so for the homosexual couple. There is no way these two can be together within the boundaries of Mormonism without continuing to sin. Repentance will probably require that they completely stop associating with one another not just stopping any sexual activity. Their is no hope fora future within the LDS structure for the gay couple.
Another quote from Paul Monette and 'Becoming A Man': "It wasn't sex I couldn't keep up with, being gay and invisible - it was self." It is true that Mormonism requires a "Stepford Wife" sort of behavior from all it's members. Straight members, however, are allowed a very central quality of who they are - their sexuality. Yes, they might find they need to curb some or perhaps even a good deal of their natural proclivities, but they are still allowed the core of who they are and what they want. For gay Mormons, however, this simply is not the case. They are required to completely subvert, alter, and change or hide what is at their core to conform to the Mormon ideal. Mormonism condemns gay members to a completely superficial life - there is no relief, no escape from a vigil of self suppression.
| Mormonism claims that it loves homosexuals and treats them with respect. However, this is not the case and no member of
the church who is a practicing homosexual can hold any office, any title, speak in church, hold meetings, teach classes,
partake of the Sacrament nor hold any callings.
Recently, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints spoke on December 26, 2004
with Larry King Live and stated the following:
HINCKLEY: Well, we're not anti-gay. We are pro-family. Let me put it that way.
And we love these people and try to work with them and help them. We know they have a problem. We want to help them solve that problem.
KING: A problem they caused, or they were born with?
HINCKLEY: I don't know. I'm not an expert on these things. I don't pretend to be an expert on these things. The fact is, they have a problem.
Here are references to Mormon Church teachings against homosexuals. Reasons the church gives its members to fear and hate homosexuals:
Homosexuals "seldom are happy people"
"Homosexuals and lesbians seldom are happy people. Theirs is a relationship that is unnatural, one not bound by fidelity, trust, or loyalty, and one totally lacking in the meaningful family relationships that marriage offers. Homosexuality often espouses emotional problems because of the constant insecurity inherent in a relationship neither sanctioned by nor protected by the law."
"Because there is no legal bond, homosexuality too often encourages, or at least permits, promiscuity."
"To say that "no one gets hurt" is presumptive. Homosexuals are hurt by the unacceptability of the relationship, not only by society, but also by themselves. This is evidenced by their almost universal desire that their children (if they have any) not follow the same pattern."
"Someone does get hurt. There is harm in homosexuality. Many homosexuals seek to introduce others into their practice, often those in their tender, impressionable years. Many studies have indicated that such early homosexual experience may interfere with normal sexual adjustment in subsequent marriage."
"Nor is homosexuality compatible with peace of mind, tranquility of soul, or with the Spirit of our Father in heaven that all of us want, need, and enjoy when we live in accordance with his laws."
"Just as the Word of Wisdom is the Lord's way with or without medical proof of its value to our health, so likewise the moral law taught by the Church does not require any medical proof of its value to our spiritual and physical health. It is sufficient that the Lord has told us to marry, to have children, and to do this according to the righteous ways of the law of God. In this lies physical health, emotional stability, and true happiness."
- LDS Church Ensign, July 1974, Page 14
Homosexuality is Pleasing to the Devil
Apostle James E. Faust, "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil," Spring Conference 1995
"The Church's stand on homosexual relations provides another arena where we offend the devil. I expect that the statement of the First Presidency and the Twelve against homosexual marriages will continue to be assaulted. Satan is only interested in our misery, which he promotes by trying to persuade men and women to act contrary to God's plan. One way he does this is by encouraging the inappropriate use of sacred creative powers. A bona fide marriage is one between a man and a woman solemnized by the proper legal or ecclesiastical authority. Only sexual relations between husband and wife within the bonds of marriage are acceptable before the Lord."
"There is some widely accepted theory extant that homosexuality is inherited. How can this be? No scientific evidence demonstrates absolutely that this is so. Besides, if it were so, it would frustrate the whole plan of mortal happiness. Our designation as men or women began before this world was. In contrast to the socially accepted doctrine that homosexuality is inborn, a number of respectable authorities contend that homosexuality is not acquired by birth. The false belief of inborn homosexual orientation denies to repentant souls the opportunity to change and will ultimately lead to discouragement, disappointment, and despair."
"Alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative life-styles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate God's commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these life-styles would mean the end of the human family."
Homosexuality Makes Men "servants of Satan forever"
"Sometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality. We would avoid mentioning these unholy terms and these reprehensible practices were it not for the fact that we have a responsibility to the youth of Zion that they be not deceived by those who would call bad good, and black white."
"The unholy transgression of homosexuality is either rapidly growing or tolerance is giving it wider publicity. If one has such desires and tendencies, he overcomes them the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery. The Lord condemns and forbids this practice with a vigor equal to his condemnation of adultery and other such sex acts. And the Church will excommunicate as readily any unrepentant addict."
"Good men, wise men, God-fearing men everywhere still denounce the practice as being unworthy of sons of God; and Christ's church denounces it and condemns it so long as men have bodies which can be defiled."
"This heinous homosexual sin is of the ages. Many cities and civilizations have gone out of existence because of it. It was present in Israel's wandering days, tolerated by the Greeks, and found in the baths of corrupt Rome."
"This is a most unpleasant subject to dwell upon, but I am pressed to speak of it boldly so that no youth in the Church will ever have any question in his mind as to the illicit and diabolical nature of this perverse program. Again, Lucifer deceives and prompts logic and rationalization which will destroy men and make them servants of Satan forever."
"The difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted. It is true that one's background may make the decision and accomplishment easier or more difficult, but if one is mentally alert, he can still control his future. That is the gospel message--personal responsibility."
"And now, my dear young people, I have spoken frankly and boldly against the sins of the day. Even though I dislike such a subject, I believe it necessary to warn the youth against the onslaught of the arch tempter who, with his army of emissaries and all the tools at his command, would destroy all the youth of Zion, largely through deception, misrepresentation, and lies."
- The Prophet Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality," LDS New Era, Nov. 1980, Page 39
Death penalty for Homosexuals?
"I do not find in the Bible the modern terms "petting" nor "homosexuality," yet I found numerous scriptures which forbade such acts under by whatever names they might be called. I could not find the term "homosexuality," but I did find numerous places where the Lord condemned such a practice with such vigor that even the death penalty was assessed."
- Apostle (later the prophet) Spencer W. Kimball, "Love Versus Lust", BYU Speech January 5, 1965.
Violence Against Homosexuals is Okay, the Idea that People are Born Gay is of the Devil
"There are some circumstances in which young men may be tempted to handle one another, to have contact with one another physically in unusual ways. Latter-day Saint young men are not to do this. It is remarkably dangerous. Such practices, however tempting, are perversion."
"While I was in a mission on one occasion, a missionary said he had something to confess. I was very worried because he just could not get himself to tell me what he had done."
"After patient encouragement he finally blurted out, "I hit my companion.""
""Oh, is that all," I said in great relief."
""But I floored him," he said."
"After learning a little more, my response was "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way""
"I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it."
"There is a falsehood that some are born with an attraction to their own kind, with nothing they can do about it. They are just "that way" and can only yield to those desires. That is a malicious and destructive lie. While it is a convincing idea to some, it is of the devil. No one is locked into that kind of life. From our premortal life we were directed into a physical body. There is no mismatching of bodies and spirits. Boys are to become men --masculine, manly men --ultimately to become husbands and fathers. No one is predestined to a perverted use of these powers."
- Apostle Boyd K. Packer, church-wide pamphlett "For Young Men Only" also General Conference Priesthood Session, October 2, 1976,
| Homosexuality is Pleasing to the Devil
Apostle James E. Faust, "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil," Spring Conference 1995
"The Churchs stand on homosexual relations provides another arena where we offend the devil. I expect that the statement of the First Presidency and the Twelve against homosexual marriages will continue to be assaulted. Satan is only interested in our misery, which he promotes by trying to persuade men and women to act contrary to Gods plan. One way he does this is by encouraging the inappropriate use of sacred creative powers. A bona fide marriage is one between a man and a woman solemnized by the proper legal or ecclesiastical authority. Only sexual relations between husband and wife within the bonds of marriage are acceptable before the Lord."
"There is some widely accepted theory extant that homosexuality is inherited. How can this be? No scientific evidence demonstrates absolutely that this is so. Besides, if it were so, it would frustrate the whole plan of mortal happiness. Our designation as men or women began before this world was. In contrast to the socially accepted doctrine that homosexuality is inborn, a number of respectable authorities contend that homosexuality is not acquired by birth. The false belief of inborn homosexual orientation denies to repentant souls the opportunity to change and will ultimately lead to discouragement, disappointment, and despair."
"Alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative life-styles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate Gods commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these life-styles would mean the end of the human family."
Homosexuality Makes Men "servants of Satan forever"
"Sometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality. We would avoid mentioning these unholy terms and these reprehensible practices were it not for the fact that we have a responsibility to the youth of Zion that they be not deceived by those who would call bad good, and black white."
"The unholy transgression of homosexuality is either rapidly growing or tolerance is giving it wider publicity. If one has such desires and tendencies, he overcomes them the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery. The Lord condemns and forbids this practice with a vigor equal to his condemnation of adultery and other such sex acts. And the Church will excommunicate as readily any unrepentant addict."
"Good men, wise men, God-fearing men everywhere still denounce the practice as being unworthy of sons of God; and Christs church denounces it and condemns it so long as men have bodies which can be defiled."
"This heinous homosexual sin is of the ages. Many cities and civilizations have gone out of existence because of it. It was present in Israels wandering days, tolerated by the Greeks, and found in the baths of corrupt Rome."
"This is a most unpleasant subject to dwell upon, but I am pressed to speak of it boldly so that no youth in the Church will ever have any question in his mind as to the illicit and diabolical nature of this perverse program. Again, Lucifer deceives and prompts logic and rationalization which will destroy men and make them servants of Satan forever."
"The difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted. It is true that ones background may make the decision and accomplishment easier or more difficult, but if one is mentally alert, he can still control his future. That is the gospel message--personal responsibility."
"And now, my dear young people, I have spoken frankly and boldly against the sins of the day. Even though I dislike such a subject, I believe it necessary to warn the youth against the onslaught of the arch tempter who, with his army of emissaries and all the tools at his command, would destroy all the youth of Zion, largely through deception, misrepresentation, and lies."
- The Prophet Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality," LDS New Era, Nov. 1980, Page 39
Death penalty for Homosexuals?
"I do not find in the Bible the modern terms "petting" nor "homosexuality," yet I found numerous scriptures which forbade such acts under by whatever names they might be called. I could not find the term "homosexuality," but I did find numerous places where the Lord condemned such a practice with such vigor that even the death penalty was assessed."
- Apostle (later the prophet) Spencer W. Kimball, "Love Versus Lust", BYU Speech January 5, 1965.
Violence Against Homosexuals is Okay, the Idea that People are Born Gay is of the Devil
"There are some circumstances in which young men may be tempted to handle one another, to have contact with one another physically in unusual ways. Latter-day Saint young men are not to do this. It is remarkably dangerous. Such practices, however tempting, are perversion."
"While I was in a mission on one occasion, a missionary said he had something to confess. I was very worried because he just could not get himself to tell me what he had done."
"After patient encouragement he finally blurted out, "I hit my companion.""
""Oh, is that all," I said in great relief."
""But I floored him," he said."
"After learning a little more, my response was "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way""
"I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it."
"There is a falsehood that some are born with an attraction to their own kind, with nothing they can do about it. They are just "that way" and can only yield to those desires. That is a malicious and destructive lie. While it is a convincing idea to some, it is of the devil. No one is locked into that kind of life. From our premortal life we were directed into a physical body. There is no mismatching of bodies and spirits. Boys are to become men --masculine, manly men --ultimately to become husbands and fathers. No one is predestined to a perverted use of these powers."
- Apostle Boyd K. Packer, church-wide pamphlett "For Young Men Only" also General Conference Priesthood Session, October 2, 1976, http://www.lds-mormon.com/only.shtml
| Why the LDS Church thinks Homosexuals "seldom are happy people"
"Homosexuals and lesbians seldom are happy people. Theirs is a relationship that is unnatural, one not bound by fidelity, trust, or loyalty, and one totally lacking in the meaningful family relationships that marriage offers. Homosexuality often espouses emotional problems because of the constant insecurity inherent in a relationship neither sanctioned by nor protected by the law."
"Because there is no legal bond, homosexuality too often encourages, or at least permits, promiscuity."
"To say that "no one gets hurt" is presumptive. Homosexuals are hurt by the unacceptability of the relationship, not only by society, but also by themselves. This is evidenced by their almost universal desire that their children (if they have any) not follow the same pattern."
"Someone does get hurt. There is harm in homosexuality. Many homosexuals seek to introduce others into their practice, often those in their tender, impressionable years. Many studies have indicated that such early homosexual experience may interfere with normal sexual adjustment in subsequent marriage."
"Nor is homosexuality compatible with peace of mind, tranquility of soul, or with the Spirit of our Father in heaven that all of us want, need, and enjoy when we live in accordance with his laws."
"Just as the Word of Wisdom is the Lords way with or without medical proof of its value to our health, so likewise the moral law taught by the Church does not require any medical proof of its value to our spiritual and physical health. It is sufficient that the Lord has told us to marry, to have children, and to do this according to the righteous ways of the law of God. In this lies physical health, emotional stability, and true happiness."
- LDS Church Ensign, July 1974, Page 14
| We've all heard current and recent Mormon leaders blaming the decline of civilization on Homosexuality. Here's just a sampling of Mormon leaders making this claim:
"This heinous homosexual sin is of the ages. Many cities and civilizations have gone out of existence because of it. It was present in Israels wandering days, tolerated by the Greeks, and found in the baths of corrupt Rome."
- Prophet Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality," LDS New Era, Nov. 1980, Page 39
"Alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative life-styles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate Gods commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these life-styles would mean the end of the human family."
- Apostle James E. Faust, "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil," Liahona, Nov. 1995, Page 3.
But this is the very SAME argument that Mormon Prophets have used against good-old heterosexual monogamy!
See here other inspired teachings from the Mormon Church:
"It is a fact worthy of note that the shortest lived nations of which we have record have been monogamic. Rome...was a monogamic nation and the numerous evils attending that system early laid the foundation for that ruin which eventually overtook her."
- Apostle George Q. Cannon, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, p. 202
"Since the founding of the Roman empire monogamy has prevailed more extensively than in times previous to that. The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout Christendom, and which had been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious."
- Prophet Brigham Young Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, p. 128
"... the one-wife system not only degenerates the human family, both physically and intellectually, but it is entirely incompatible with philosophical notions of immortality; it is a lure to temptation, and has always proved a curse to a people."
- Prophet John Taylor, Millennial Star, Vol. 15, p. 227
"Monogamy, or restrictions by law to one wife, is no part of the economy of heaven among men. Such a system was commenced by the founders of the Roman empire....Rome became the mistress of the world, and introduced this order of monogamy wherever her sway was acknowledged. Thus this monogamic order of marriage, so esteemed by modern Christians as a holy sacrament and divine institution, is nothing but a system established by a set of robbers.... Why do we believe in and practice polygamy? Because the Lord introduced it to his servants in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, and the Lord's servants have always practised it. 'And is that religion popular in heaven?' it is the only popular religion there,..."
- Prophet Brigham Young, The Deseret News, August 6, 1862
"This law of monogamy, or the monogamic system, laid the foundation for prostitution and the evils and diseases of the most revolting nature and character under which modern Christendom groans,..."
- Apostle Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, page 195
"We breathe the free air, we have the best looking men and handsomest women, and if they (Non-Mormons) envy us our position, well they may, for they are a poor, narrow-minded, pinch-backed race of men, who chain themselves down to the law of monogamy, and live all their days under the dominion of one wife. They ought to be ashamed of such conduct, and the still fouler channel which flows from their practices; and it is not to be wondered at that they should envy those who so much better understand the social relations."
- Apostle George A Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, page 291
"Some quietly listen to those who speak against the plurality of wives, and against almost every principle that God has revealed. Such persons have half-a-dozen devils with them all the time. You might as well deny 'Mormonism,' and turn away from it, as to oppose the plurality of wives. Let the Presidency of this Church, and the Twelve Apostles, and all the authorities unite and say with one voice that they will oppose the doctrine, and the whole of them will be damned."
- Apostle Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 203
"Just ask yourselves, historians, when was monogamy introduced on to the face of the earth? When those buccaneers, who settled on the peninsula where Rome now stands, could not steal women enough to have two or three apiece, they passed a law that a man should have but one woman. And this started monogamy and the downfall of the plurality system. In the days of Jesus, Rome, having dominion over Jerusalem, they carried out the doctrine more or less. This was the rise, start and foundation of the doctrine of monogamy; and never till then was there a law passed, that we have any knowledge of, that a man should have but one wife."
- Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses Vol. 12, page 262
"I have noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality [of wives] looks fresh, young, and sprightly."
- Apostle Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses Vol 5, page 22
"I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow."
- Apostle Heber C. Kimball, The Twenty Seventh Wife, Irving Wallace, p. 101.
As you can see, the LDS Church has a terrible track record on knowing what is right for marriage.
Does the LDS Church have any moral authority to speak on the virtues of marriage?
| A True Believing Mormon wrote in the Deseret News, Friday, July 4, 2003:
"Sodomy is still disgusting. The Supreme Court's decision regarding homosexuals is another "Day of Infamy." All Christians who accept the Bible as God's word should consider: How far back did it start? Genesis 13:13: "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly."
What was the sin? Two angels visited Lot, and the men of Sodom called, "Where are the men which came into thee this night? Bring them out unto us that we might know them." The term "know" was used to refer to sexual relations per Genesis 19:5.
Later Paul wrote, condemning, "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly." Roman 1:27.
Man may make decisions to allow sodomy, but God has spoken against this disgusting and evil act.
Keith Olson
Taylorsville
Funny how the Bible was used in the very same way to justify slavery.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "the first mention we have of slavery is found in the Holy Bible,... And so far from that prediction being averse to the mind of God, it remains as a lasting monument of the decree of Jehovah, to the shame and confusion of all who have cried out against the South, in consequence of their holding the sons of Ham in servitude."
- Joseph Smith, History of the Church, by Joseph Smith, Vol. 2, pages 436-438
The Prophet Brigham Young said: "Ham will continue to be servant of servants, as the Lord decreed, until the curse is removed. Will the present [Civil War] struggle free the slave? NO; but they are now wasting away the black race by thousands.... Treat the slaves kindly and let them live, for ham must be the servant of servants until the curse is removed. Can you destroy the decrees of the Almighty? You Cannot."
- Brigham Young, Millennial Star, Vol. 25, page 787; also published in Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, page 250
See: http://www.realmormonhistory.com/god&skin.htm
All of those Mormons out there using Bible passages to justify hate for homosexuality should be in favor of slavery too.
Bible God Establishes Slavery and Slave Branding
LEVITICUS 25:44-46
Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids. Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.
EXODUS 21: 2-6
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her masters, and he shall go out by himself. And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
Exodus 21:20-21 "And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money."
God Commands Slaves to Completely Obey and Fear their Masters, Even if their Master is Cruel and Unjust
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" (1 Peter 2:18). "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ" (Ephesians 6:5) Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things (Titus 2:9-10).
Now if we were people stuck in the ancient superstitions and traditions of our forefathers, we'd be thumping the Bible and defending slavery. We'd be quoting the Bible and saying that slavery is a divine institution. After all, God commanded slavery in the Bible. And to be sure, Jesus and the New Testament commanded slaves to be totally obedient to their masters.
Fortunately, we as a society have wised up enough to reject this Bible instruction and have progressed beyond slavery.
Using the Bible to justify hate against homosexuals is just as much a mistake as using the Bible to justify slavery.
| Today, I had a very heated (though surprisingly, unangry) discussion over homosexuality. It was apt. The recent failure of the gay marriage ban signaled something rather cheerful for me (as a heterosexual who found it rather silly). I was quite pleased that the honouralbe Sen. Reid from Nevada opposed it. I watched his speech. He opposed the bill in direct contrast to what was read in Sacrament. Although he disapproved of homosexual marriage, he stood up to the ban and to the church in some respect.
I voiced approval of the outcome and that homosexuality marriage should be legal. Im living in Provo mind you.
The single unified criticism I heard from my two friends was that homosexuality would lead to an inevitable decline in the family and threatened my roommates family because it affect the moral climate theyd live in. Some of the complaints I addressed as mere slippery slope argumentations (x leads to y without any correlation).
I was transported back three years.
My freshman year at BYU, we had the debate over homosexuality in American Heritage. The TA made his opinion know and how! He went on and on about issues like monogamy, homosexual adoptions, and other popular critiques of homosexual marriage. I hated that class for such a spiteful, one-sided tirade.
Now, transport back three years later.
These roommates would not ban Jehovahs Witness from knocking on their door, or prohibit Jews from attending temple, or prohibit Atheists from testifying in court trials.
All these people might say something to damage the faith of my roommates children. They have conflicting values that are not compatible with his.
In fact, a conflicting religion could damage the faith of his future brood far worse than homosexuals tying the knot. Their eternal soul is at stake every time they greet that JW at the door or listen to their atheist friends at school.
Yet, he does not protest.
This puzzles me: if homosexual marriage really threatens his children, why not go after the religions that are incompatible and therefore- teach that Mormonism is incorrect. After all, Joseph cannot be and be not a prophet. It is logically impossible!
So, why not address this threat?
Is it merely a hole in the logic of an individual whose opinions are formulated by geriatric, middle-class conservatives (well, Bednar is hardly geriatric)?
How can one form of personal liberty be so destructive while he is willing to be friends with the very people who could rob his yet-to-be-born children of their testimonies?
It just worsens when I think of the debates I had with my mother. She is more open to the matter but only defends the same cause as my roommate through pragmatic means. She says that homosexuality will drive up the cost of health care as benefits extend to homosexual partners (who I assume must have many STDs in her mind).
I, of course, found it inadequate. How many minority groups in the U.S. have higher rates of drug use or STDs, etc.? Do we punish the whole group for the actions of the few? Who do we treat or not treat in a doctors office (my mom is a nurse and I reminded her of the Hippocratic Oath)?
Anyways, I wanted to just lay those ideas out there in the midst of gay marriage ban failing and the LDS churchs political meanderings.
| | | A Classic LDS.org Response To "Errors In The News" Re: "Those Who Refer To Themselves As" Homosexuals
Article Archived: Friday, Jun 16, 2006, at 09:48 AM
Stored Under Topic: HOMOSEXUALITY IN MORMONISM
Outside Link To Article: RIGHT CLICK - COPY LINK LOCATION
Original Author Of Article: Koriwhore |  | |
http://www.lds.org/newsroom/mistakes/...
Notice how these weasel PR guys very carefully choose their words to avoid actually refering to homosexuals as homosexuals, they always have to preface it with, "those who refer to themselves as" or "Those who struggle with same-gender attraction" or "those who profess homosexual tendencies", which are all subtle ways of saying, "We don't believe that God makes mistakes, and therefor there's no such thing as a homosexual."
Categorizing homosexuality as a sin that needs to be overcome instead of a biological, natural tendency, is an insult to homosexuals.
The last sentence is ironic.
"Marriage is also defined by God as the union of a man and woman, and we are not at liberty to change that definition."
Notice how they carefully word that to say "a man and woman" instead of "one man and one woman"?
They might as well say "a man and women."
Just where does God define marriage as "a union between a man and woman"?
D&C 132? Which says it's perfectly fine for a man to marry more than one woman?
The BOM, which says that polygamy is an abomination before God?
Familysearch.org, Where even the LDS church can't deny that JS "married" other men's wives and orphaned teenage daughters, but in reality just exploited them for sexual favors and tossed them aside?
OD1, where God apparently redefined the definition of marriage and his requirement for Mormons to practice polygamy so that Utah could join the union and the Mormon church could cover its assets?
| My mom recently wrote to tell us all of the wonderful news that my grandfather, a person excommunicated twice for homosexuality, has been rebaptised and the Powers That Be in SLC have seen fit to posthumously restore his temple blessings.
My grandfather suffered his whole life on account of his homosexuality. It was only his later years that came to terms with it and accepted it fully.
After my grandfather's second excommunication, he was told that he could never again regain membership in the Lord's True Cult.
Unfortunately, I did not know my grandfather well. He died when I was 14 years old from AIDS, sadly. Knowing my grandfather from his writings (he was a voluminous journal keeper, but I have every reason to believe that following my grandmother's death, his non-faith promoting journals were destroyed), he would not be pleased by this development. He had moved on from Mormonism, finding a church home at the Metropolitan Community Church in Salt Lake City.
I have the fondest memories of my grandfather. Needless to say, it was hugely embarassing for my ultra-TBM mother and ultra-TBM father when he came out publicly. He loved his children and his grandchildren. I could always count on birthday and other letters from my grandfather. I am still amazed that my mom let my sister and I stay overnight at his apartment following my grandparents' legal separation. His letters to us were always censored first by my mother to make sure that he was not trying to get us to agree to his lifestyle.
His was one miserable life in many ways. However, this recent news from home has been jarring to me. I had my name removed from the Lord's One True Cult, but this news means that should I predecease my parents, there is nothing that I could do to prevent their doing temple on my behalf.
Very, very annoying.
| How long will it take before future Mormon Church leaders deny the church ever taught this BS?
How much more hate will the "only true church" continue to preach against homosexuals?
Homosexuality is Pleasing to the Devil
Apostle James E. Faust, "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil," Spring Conference 1995
"The Churchs stand on homosexual relations provides another arena where we offend the devil. I expect that the statement of the First Presidency and the Twelve against homosexual marriages will continue to be assaulted. Satan is only interested in our misery, which he promotes by trying to persuade men and women to act contrary to Gods plan. One way he does this is by encouraging the inappropriate use of sacred creative powers. A bona fide marriage is one between a man and a woman solemnized by the proper legal or ecclesiastical authority. Only sexual relations between husband and wife within the bonds of marriage are acceptable before the Lord."
"There is some widely accepted theory extant that homosexuality is inherited. How can this be? No scientific evidence demonstrates absolutely that this is so. Besides, if it were so, it would frustrate the whole plan of mortal happiness. Our designation as men or women began before this world was. In contrast to the socially accepted doctrine that homosexuality is inborn, a number of respectable authorities contend that homosexuality is not acquired by birth. The false belief of inborn homosexual orientation denies to repentant souls the opportunity to change and will ultimately lead to discouragement, disappointment, and despair."
"Alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative life-styles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate Gods commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these life-styles would mean the end of the human family."
Homosexuality Makes Men "servants of Satan forever"
"Sometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality. We would avoid mentioning these unholy terms and these reprehensible practices were it not for the fact that we have a responsibility to the youth of Zion that they be not deceived by those who would call bad good, and black white."
"The unholy transgression of homosexuality is either rapidly growing or tolerance is giving it wider publicity. If one has such desires and tendencies, he overcomes them the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery. The Lord condemns and forbids this practice with a vigor equal to his condemnation of adultery and other such sex acts. And the Church will excommunicate as readily any unrepentant addict."
"Good men, wise men, God-fearing men everywhere still denounce the practice as being unworthy of sons of God; and Christs church denounces it and condemns it so long as men have bodies which can be defiled."
"This heinous homosexual sin is of the ages. Many cities and civilizations have gone out of existence because of it. It was present in Israels wandering days, tolerated by the Greeks, and found in the baths of corrupt Rome."
"This is a most unpleasant subject to dwell upon, but I am pressed to speak of it boldly so that no youth in the Church will ever have any question in his mind as to the illicit and diabolical nature of this perverse program. Again, Lucifer deceives and prompts logic and rationalization which will destroy men and make them servants of Satan forever."
"The difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted. It is true that ones background may make the decision and accomplishment easier or more difficult, but if one is mentally alert, he can still control his future. That is the gospel message--personal responsibility."
"And now, my dear young people, I have spoken frankly and boldly against the sins of the day. Even though I dislike such a subject, I believe it necessary to warn the youth against the onslaught of the arch tempter who, with his army of emissaries and all the tools at his command, would destroy all the youth of Zion, largely through deception, misrepresentation, and lies."
- The Prophet Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality," LDS New Era, Nov. 1980, Page 39
Death penalty for Homosexuals?
"I do not find in the Bible the modern terms "petting" nor "homosexuality," yet I found numerous scriptures which forbade such acts under by whatever names they might be called. I could not find the term "homosexuality," but I did find numerous places where the Lord condemned such a practice with such vigor that even the death penalty was assessed."
- Apostle (later the prophet) Spencer W. Kimball, "Love Versus Lust", BYU Devotional January 5, 1965.
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