I just posted this on my FaceBook page. The video at the bottom touched me in a manner which I haven't felt in a while, and which I have missed. I beleive it to be the Spirit of God manifesting truth to me, others may view it differently, but however you see it, the feelings it inspires, leave me in no doubt where I need to stand on the issue.
I have some pretty strong opinions on Politics, Freedom and Religion. Generally I don't like to impose these on others, although I do share them elsewhere online from time to time. Recently however I have felt impressed with the need to share a little of these opinions here, on my facebook page. Responses have been mixed, ranging from peaceful and enthusiastic agreement to peaceful and vigorous disagreement.
I don't share this opinion as an attack on anyone else's beliefs or rights, but simply because I feel that I need to make my voice heard, rather than sitting by in silence and in so doing giving the impression that I support those with whom I associate or have associated in the past.
This morning during religious services, I was told that my current opinion places me in direct opposition to the Church with which I attend. A Church which claims to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and yet fails to live it fully. I don't believe that Christ ever taught that we should accept and embrace sin, however that sin is defined. Rather as in the example given in the New Testament of the woman who had been caught in adultery and was about to be stoned, he set a great example. At no point did he claim to embrace her choices, nor inflict injury upon her because of them Rather he protected her right to live, and allowed her to continue on her way. While the scriptures aren't specific, I like to think that perhaps he offered a kind embrace, some gentle words of encouragement, that she could overcome challenges which she faced and then the freedom to continue on her way.
I don't begin to claim that I understand any of the reasons behind those that live a lifestyle different from my own. For many, I am positive that it is not a choice they have consciously made. Whatever the reason, these people are fellow children of God, fellow brothers and sisters, fellow humans who seek only the same rights as I do for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As I listened to the message of pride, hate and intolerance in Church this morning, I was filled with an uneasy feeling that what I was hearing was wrong. It was not the Spirit of the God whom I worship. I've been struggling a little since that time, however in watching a video this afternoon on the blog of a good friend of mine, I felt a spirit that contained love, peace, happiness, and has helped me to believe that there is still good in the world.
Like I said, I don't mean to offend any who may read this. I'm not attacking your beliefs or asking you to accept mine. As the heading on the blog I copied this from included - I believe from the video clip itself...
It's a question of love for one another and human beings and for people who want to solidify that love in permanence and commitment.
I can identify with your feelings, which really refer to 3 issues:(1) Gay marriage (2) The response and actions of individuals from the opposing parties in the issue, and (3) our personal response to the first two.
ReplyDeleteI am a lifetime involved member of the LDS Church, have served in numerous callings, including bishop, and have felt during this past season that the Church may have blundered into the wrong arena in which to declare and define their doctrine and position. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time that they make what I feel is a mistake. Leaders, such as your stake president, often fly off without having been divinely inspired to do so, often being very dogmatic about ridiculously trivial issues such as which hymns are to be sung. I feel that it is a manifestation of our human and imperfect condition.
I agree with Kirby that a call to office is not a cure for idiocy, but may actually exacerbate the condition. I personally believe that it is the Lord's authorized church, but that the Lord probably sighs in disappointment that tests His patience when he sees how we run it. However, I am willing to cut my stake president as much slack for his pompous arrogance and aspiration to higher office, as I am to the gay community for their actions.
I have many gay friends, and many of my friends have gay children. I have only 3 cousins and 2 of them are gay (and I wonder about the 3rd), but I avoid contemplating just what they do, inasmuch as it evokes a similar reaction to watching someone eat live leaches on "Fear Factor." Prior to retirement, I was known as a "safe" resource for care for the Lesbians (I was a gynecologist) being understanding to the extent that I could as well as always non-judgemental.
With respect to the 3 issues (as I see it), I think that the first should not be an issue. Marriage, as performed by the state, is a civil contract, and a sacred ordinance only when performed by the church. A one day marriage by Britney Spears shows much more disrespect for the institution than gay marriage. I really don't care what they call it. Perhaps ALL non-church marriages should be called "civil unions" since they are sanctioned by the state. It comes back down to semantics again.
On the second issue, neither side has covered themselves with glory. The hate that you saw this morning is not typical of what I have seen from President Monson, but I have my suspicions about Packer, at least in the contect of his actions of the last 30 years. However, on ther flip-side, I do see an irony when those who claim to be "only asking for respect of our rights" when they intimidate, terrorize, and shout hateful and out-of-control angry things at little old ladies who want nothing more than the right to peacefully approach the temple to worship. Some of the gay community seem to feel that our rights are limited only to agreeing with them. There is plenty of hate on both sides to go around.
That brings me to what I see as the third issue. I have always been outspoken in support of the civil rights of gays (and blacks, and Orientals, and Latinos, and. . ., and . . .), but feel that this issue has spiraled (unnecessarily so) out of control. Although I do not feel that the political arena is the right place for the Church to fight the battle, I feel that as long as they respectfully state their position, they have every right to do so. I do feel that they overreached. However, I also feel that the gay community has overreacted when they attempt to intimidate and terrorize people who wish to excercise (or did exercise) their constitutional right to vote their conscience, even if their conscience may have been misdirected. So my reponse personally at this time is to back off and let the dust settle before resuming any attempt to defend or promote either agenda. I just do not think that much can be accomplished in achieving a positive resolution until people calm down.
Thank you sincerely for those comments... It's always good to know that one is not alone in their feelings of doubt and concern.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your rational reponse to a topic which is somewhat sensitive right now. Perhaps I should adopt your approach of waiting till things calm down and being a catalyst for such calming.
Thank you again.
Very good thoughts Urban from both you and J.C. What it really comes down to, is do you treat people like people with equal treatment under the law.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this and thanks to J.C. for his usual wisdom. You guys keep giving me inspiration and hope. I truly appreciate it.