Many may consider that this approach is something new. It is wholly consistent with LDS Doctrine and the Articles of Faith that they embrace. The problem is that LDS detractors will never be content until the LDS deny their belief in the Bible and its doctrine that legal marriage between a man and woman is the only circumstance where sexual relations should occur. The premise of the LDS and the Bible is that the purpose of life is to subdue all inclinations to do otherwise, through the power of Christ.
One can extend to others the freedom to worship as they please and treat them with civility and avoid discriminatory practices. But liberals both within and outside of the Church of Jesus Christ feel it is bigotry to promote moral values. Just a few weeks ago I learned that judges in California, and in some other states, cannot belong to the Boy Scouts of America and continue to serve in their positions. To promote sexual purity is not bigotry, it is a right guaranteed by the framers of the Constitution. Neither is it bigotry to affiliate with others of like faith. Christians are commanded to promote Christian values or they are told they deny their faith. Those who promote that Christ was tolerant of or indifferent to moral sin haven’t really read the New Testament. However, he embraced all repentant sinners. I loved the story of the woman at the well as an example in John 4. Christ clearly demonstrates that this woman had a chance for exaltation if she would repent, though she had had five husbands and was currently living with a man without the benefit of marriage. She repented and was instrumental in converting almost an entire community. The question for all to address is whether or not one believes the Bible to be the word of God. A good place to begin to address that question is to read the scriptures that pertain to sexual purity in both the Old and New Testaments. Then prayerful ask God, what is true.
Marriage is ordained between a man and a woman.
Sexual relations are to take place between a man and woman who are married.
Daughter Shanelle, with husband Craig.
Children are to be born into families where there is a married man and woman.
Daughter Kristin with husband Joseph and son, Clark.
I would venture to guess that many who bash gays include several who engage in premarital sex, are unfaithful to their spouses, prematurely get divorced and engage in a multitude of things that are not holy within and without the walls of their own homes and enjoy a wide variety of addictive behaviors themselves, making Christ's teaching to "cast the first stone" appropriately and currently applicable. But, I am somewhat concerned by a question asked by Mormon parents of LGBT children, "Do you really want our LGBT children to live celibate lives?" Well, the answer I would give is, "Yes". The Bible reinforces that having strong sexual urges doesn’t make it right to engage in any immoral acts. Saying that Christ cannot heal us and change our natures is to deny the atonement. We expect widowed, single and divorced individuals to be celibate as well.
Personally, I am simply grateful for one more day to seek repentance and overcome my own natural and imperfect tendencies."
