Taking a Stand

So, with all of the different social and political things going on right now the subject of gay marriage vs religion and how religious people feel about it has come up a ton in the media.  I was watching the view the other day and they were reading an offical statement put out by the pope of the catholic church.  I watched in shock as they basically called the catholics unchristian...the pope....  I mean...it was a very carefully worded statement-it's not like the pope condemned all gay people to hell-they just simply stated their beliefs and doctrinal facts. 

Whoopi Goldberg used the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery in the bible and how He had turned the stoners away and showed compassion for the woman etc., i.e. how "christians" shouldn't judge others etc.  This is true BUT those called of God have an obligation to proclaim His word- just as Christ did.... if you would continue on with the story, Whoopi, you would remember that Christ also acknowledged that she was a sinner and told her to stop.  While He always showed love and compassion, He also never condoned or tolerated sin, and would lovingly correct and teach the will of the Father...and let's face it we will be judged by them in the end so shouldn't it matter what their opinion is? It's the principle of hate the sin, but love the sinner.  True, some christians have hard time distinguishing this fine line but just cause some people are imperfect doesn't mean that they are wrong.  And just because I don't condone the actions of gays does not mean that I hate them.

I just am sick and tired of hearing about Christians being attacked for proclaiming their beliefs when gays are encouraged to follow theirs....a double standard going on that is hypocritical.  Now I understand that there are mean-spirited people out there who are extremely judgemental and negative in what they have to say about our gay brothers and sisters, and I don't condone that either, but I do know what I believe.  And if push comes to shove and I have to choose between believing what society is telling me "is right" or God-I'm going to choose God everytime.  Sorry, Whoopi but I'm going to support a prophet of God who was inspired to speak out on this issue long before it ever really was an issue. This is the official statement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Mormons everywhere on this issue:

                                                        THE FAMILY

                                             A Proclamation to the World

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

 

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

 

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

 

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

 

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

 

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

 

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

 

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

 

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

 

I'm not judging gay people or calling them out to repentance or condemning them.  I don't know how this is all going to work out in the end, but I believe that God has his commandments and that He also loves his children-all of His children.  I'm just glad I don't have to be the one to sort it all out in the end.  If I see a gay couple will I run up to them and tell them off for using their free agency in this way? No.  I'm sure they're nice people and I wish them well, but if asked I won't deny my stance on this issue, and not changing my standards to avoid standing out in today's society does not make me unchristian-in fact, it kind of makes me more of one.