I want to start out this post saying that this is the type of thing I never wanted to put up on the internet, but I feel morally obligated to say my piece. I seriously hope that friends, and colleagues, and classmates with opposing views can accept my traditional standpoint, and we can continue as we are.
Today, I saw this post being passed around. Those passing it around are people I respect, admire, and enjoy being around. I'm still going to appreciate them--passing that article around won't change that. In fact, other things I don't necessarily agree with have been discussed by various groups on Facebook, too, and my opinion of them is still high. (The point is, even with this response, I don't dislike those with opposing views) However, because this, as well as many other concerning things have been posted the last year, I felt I could no longer remain a quiet entity. I feel it is wrong to say nothing.
If this woman is excommunicated, I will not be upset. I would never, ever, ever wish for someone's forever family to be taken from them--family is the most important thing, and I wish everyone all the same joys in that regard that I wish for myself. However, if this woman intends to continue seeking to distract from the Truths the we, as Latter-Day Saints, believe, then that's her choice.
Here's the thing, if she believes this is God's true church on the earth today, then she surely sustains our Prophet, First Presidency, and the 12--as mouthpieces for the Lord. Yes? Okay, so since when has protesting gotten the Lord to say, "You know what, okay, I was wrong, we'll do things your way."? This isn't a matter of religious politics where the First Presidency is simply denying something that is 'right' just because they are uncomfortable with it. Goodness! We obey GOD'S word. God has spoken through his prophet on the earth today, and he has said that this is not right.
Men and women were created with equally important roles. Distinct, but equal. I'm assuming that she had been to the temple. There, if it wasn't clear from the scriptures and Sunday School lessons, it is obviously layed out that men and women have different Divine callings--and then they work together to help each other reach their potential in those areas. That is how God's plan works.
Aside from that post, I have been a bit surprised at the number of BYU students who post things in favour of gay marriage, sometimes frowning upon the Church for not 'accepting'. As a theatre kid in high school, I met and associated with, and was friends with many gay people. All of those whom I met were wonderful, talented, nice people. I still think they are great! I agree, that we ought to be more kind towards those different from us. There is no needs for malicious or condescending behavior. That's ridiculous and un-Christlike. Other than that, I don't want to get too deep into this subject.
However, the posts I've seen in support are generally pretty hateful. This is supremely irritating to me. Supremely. Those posting such things: You are at a Church school, based on the fact that you say that you believe in the Doctrine, and have a testimony. Your education is extremely cheap because Church members pay tithing that covers your bills; for a fantastic education. If you are posting things about how bad you think the Church is, or about how we need to support things we have been told are not in line with the Gospel, you need to stop and pick a side. Do you believe in our religion--trusting God and His prophet, or do you think somehow this is all political and that the Church is somehow just being stingy? If it's the latter, then leave so someone else who desperately wants to can attend BYU. Lying so you can keep the good life, and turn around and put all your support behind things the Church doesn't condone is wrong.
I think the problem here is people looking at popular social issues, and then seeing how the Church lines up with them, when they need to do the opposite--use the Gospel as your guide, then look and see how social issues feel.
Okay. There it is. As I stated earlier, I felt I needed to do this, and not sit by passively. However, this is not meant to be a declaration against those with opposing views (despite some strong wording), but instead, it is meant to suggest people evaluate their stances, and how that fits into what they proclaim to believe. After all, wouldn't we all be better off evaluating ourselves, and seeing how well we are doing at being representatives of Jesus Christ?
