Do You Understand It? I Don't.
Let me be clear-- I am against all forms of discrimination.
Homosexuality is certainly a sensitive subject in the Mormon Church, but I would like to express here that I believe in the absolute separation of church and state as the Founding Fathers intended. For me it is possible to separate my church views from my social views. Different views may be applied in different contexts.
In a religious context, I understand the importance of having an eternal family sealed in the temple. I also understand the consequences of practicing homosexuality. Mormon leaders are counseled how to deal with members who experience same sex attraction. The approach in dealing with it makes sense within the existing belief system. Strong traditional families are a fundamental part of Mormon theology. Within the context of the Church this is what we strive for. The teachings and goals are clear.
On the other hand, I can see what is at stake within a larger societal context. Some of the most influential people in my life are gay. In addition to my many gay friends and coworkers, my former advisor at New York University and my current boss are gay. Both hold PhDs, both are brilliant, and both have helped help me grow more than any other mentor in my life, Mormon or otherwise. I am often disappointed with the homophobic tendencies of many Mormons. In fact, it's infuriating. I have friends in homosexual relationships who are raising more upstanding families than some Mormon families I have known. Who am I to judge? I personally believe it is more of a choice for me to remain a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints than it is for someone to 'chose' not to be gay.
Homosexuality is something I do not understand. It is something that has existed since the beginning of written human history. I do not know why it exists, but there are many aspects of Mormon history, such as polygamy and blacks and the priesthood, that I do not understand as well. If I can accept the opaque nature of these subjects, I can certainly accept the existence of homosexuality. One thing is very clear to me, I am expected to love everyone and not cast judgement. I am self-aware and authentic, and my life is more enriching when I allow others to be authentic as well.
From a religious perspective, this is how we allow others to be authentic:
"He denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." — 2 Nephi 26:33 (emphasis added)
Because of my religious convictions I have never consumed alcohol in my life. In my opinion, alcohol has caused more destruction to society than any other substance-- and it's completely legal. Mormons are not actively trying to make it illegal for everyone else. We are not protesting the consumption of alcohol or trying to initiate prohibition legislation. Why is equality for homosexuals any different? What's more, I live in state where gay marriage is legal. Has this law negatively affected any straight couples in Massachusetts? No. People can chose to live how they please. This is their God-given right. Gay rights is most certainly a human rights issue. The definition of marriage is debatable, but homosexual couples should have all the economic benefits that straight couples enjoy. I will not be on the wrong side of American history.
Homosexuality is certainly a sensitive subject in the Mormon Church, but I would like to express here that I believe in the absolute separation of church and state as the Founding Fathers intended. For me it is possible to separate my church views from my social views. Different views may be applied in different contexts.
In a religious context, I understand the importance of having an eternal family sealed in the temple. I also understand the consequences of practicing homosexuality. Mormon leaders are counseled how to deal with members who experience same sex attraction. The approach in dealing with it makes sense within the existing belief system. Strong traditional families are a fundamental part of Mormon theology. Within the context of the Church this is what we strive for. The teachings and goals are clear.
On the other hand, I can see what is at stake within a larger societal context. Some of the most influential people in my life are gay. In addition to my many gay friends and coworkers, my former advisor at New York University and my current boss are gay. Both hold PhDs, both are brilliant, and both have helped help me grow more than any other mentor in my life, Mormon or otherwise. I am often disappointed with the homophobic tendencies of many Mormons. In fact, it's infuriating. I have friends in homosexual relationships who are raising more upstanding families than some Mormon families I have known. Who am I to judge? I personally believe it is more of a choice for me to remain a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints than it is for someone to 'chose' not to be gay.
Homosexuality is something I do not understand. It is something that has existed since the beginning of written human history. I do not know why it exists, but there are many aspects of Mormon history, such as polygamy and blacks and the priesthood, that I do not understand as well. If I can accept the opaque nature of these subjects, I can certainly accept the existence of homosexuality. One thing is very clear to me, I am expected to love everyone and not cast judgement. I am self-aware and authentic, and my life is more enriching when I allow others to be authentic as well.
From a religious perspective, this is how we allow others to be authentic:
"He denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." — 2 Nephi 26:33 (emphasis added)
Because of my religious convictions I have never consumed alcohol in my life. In my opinion, alcohol has caused more destruction to society than any other substance-- and it's completely legal. Mormons are not actively trying to make it illegal for everyone else. We are not protesting the consumption of alcohol or trying to initiate prohibition legislation. Why is equality for homosexuals any different? What's more, I live in state where gay marriage is legal. Has this law negatively affected any straight couples in Massachusetts? No. People can chose to live how they please. This is their God-given right. Gay rights is most certainly a human rights issue. The definition of marriage is debatable, but homosexual couples should have all the economic benefits that straight couples enjoy. I will not be on the wrong side of American history.