My Thoughts on Proposition 8
First of all, let me say that I haven't been following the whole Proposition 8 thing very closely. This time, the issue affects those in California, so I haven't made it a priority to research and study up on the exact specifics of the issue. However, after reading a post about this subject on a friend's blog, and after a real search in my own heart about this issue, I feel compelled to write my feelings. Take from it what you will.
There are 2 very powerful things that strike me right away when I consider Gay Marriage and Proposition 8. First of all, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and have been all my life. I have a very strong testimony of living Prophets and Apostles, and I subscribe to their teachings in a legitimate way... that is, I've "experimented" with the promise of safety to all those who follow the Brethren. I've had those trying moments and those very trying issues in my own life where the words of prophets have absolutely confirmed a certain truth for me, and caused me to make a decision. I have absolute faith in President Monson, and the Quorum of the twelve apostles. This confidence comes from my knowledge that they will not say or do anything in the church without very sincere and thorough prayer and meditation, which in my opinion includes a very real consideration of all points of view, especially on something as big as proposition 8 and gay marriage.
The second issue for me is that I know what parenting, and having children in like. I know what it is to look into the eyes of my son, and know that I would love him no matter what he did or chose in his life. I've asked myself, If my son or daughter was gay, could I, would I love him or her the same. The answer is a definite yes. So, at least to some degree, I understand the intensity of confliction for many members of the church, not only homosexual members themselves (many of whom have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel), but very much also for their parents and family members.
So how do I reconcile my absolute trust in God's chosen servants, and my ever increasing sympathy for homosexual Latter Day saints?
I agree with proposition 8.
I do not see it possible to use the word marriage to define any kind of same sex union. Marriage has been strictly defined by God, and, as is true of all eternal principles, this definition is chiseled in stone. Because His integrity is what holds his creations together, His principles and doctrines cannot be changed. Truth is truth.
This does not, however, diminish my sympathy for homosexuals who feel the weight of being torn in 2 different directions at the same time.
I cannot imagine the anger I would feel if my children were ever in this situation. I would definitely be angry with God. My faith would be shaken more than ever.
In the end, the only requirement of God to his children is Obedience. For some of God's children, this is asking too much, and I don't know that I can blame them. Certain kinds of pain are just too acute, and certain issues are just too complex for some to remain in the Church, no matter how much they want to. For me, obedience means following and supporting my leaders. Biship, Stake President, Prophet. I am confident that this obedience is what will lead me to the understanding of these kinds of issues that I, and so many others, so desperately seek. Only through obedience do we qualify ourselves to think, feel, and eventually comprehend as God does. And I am confident that the human perspective is just not enough to satisfy anyone fully on this issue.
I am confident that God loves all his children equally. These too are pains that the Savior has taken on himself in behalf of his children.
