Saturday, November 08, 2008

I don’t hate anyone

There has been a lot of backlash to proposition 8. For some reason, much of it seems to be directed at the LDS Church. The LDS Church is accused of promoting feelings of hate toward homosexual individuals. This seems so ironic to me. There is nothing in the Church’s doctrine or action that suggests anything but love and tolerance. On the other hand, those that seem to be speaking out the loudest against the Church seem to be filled with feelings of animosity.
As a member of the LDS Church, here is what I believe and feel:
  • I believe every human being is literally a son or daughter of God. He is the Father of our spirits. We lived with Him before coming to this earth.
  • I believe God loves all of His children and there is nothing any of us can do that would cause him to stop loving us.
  • I feel a deep love for all of God’s children regardless of their actions or beliefs. This is not to say I’m perfect in this, just that it is a guiding principle and something I truly feel.
  • Because I love someone doesn’t mean I agree with them or condone their actions (just ask my kids).
  • Because I don’t agree with someone or condone their actions doesn’t mean I don’t love them (just ask my kids).
  • God is the source of truth.
  • God has revealed truth and continues to reveal truth to His children through prophets. This pattern is evident from the time of Adam to this day.

Some may wonder why, if the Church professes love and tolerance, it doesn’t change its doctrine. Doctrine is revealed to prophets from God (God’s revealed truth about marriage and family are best explained here). Doctrine from any other source than from God is a fabrication of men. Because the Church is unwilling to act against the will of God, doesn’t mean that the Church holds any animosity toward any person. It does not mean that God holds any animosity toward any person. God loves all of His children.

2 comments:

jeri said...

That was very nicely put. A lot of people have trouble understanding that you can (and should) love and treat a person with respect, without having to agree with the things they choose to do. It's sad to see so many members of the Church being drawn away by this issue.

Anonymous said...

Nice post Dan. I've noticed the animosity as well - it's a little concerning to me. I'm afraid for the members in CA - I hope they'll all be okay. I was surprised how quickly a group of 1000 (!) had formed here in UT and was marching around Temple Square. I wonder why the church was so public about their political view in this case, rather than keeping it to a "letter from the Presidency" type thing within church meetings. I think that may be what sparked some of the antagonism (whether it's correct or not). Either way, it's too bad this has cast such a negative light on our church when it isn't even true, and the harm that has come/may come to members because of it.