Thank you so much for the excellent information. You are spot on. My question is how do we oppose this? I have written many many letters to my congressmen, on the national and state levels. This does not seem to do any good. Is there some other avenue to make our voices heard? Also I was told that the apathy among the college age youth of the church is deafening. What can they do? Are there groups, organizations? We have a Government system of checks and balances. Why is the Congress not checking the Supreme Court? The Supreme Court makes laws from the bench? That is not their job. I am all ears, tell me what else we can do, and to get the youth involved and informed.
Raleigh JohnsonJuly 7, 2015
Great even brilliant article! I ditto all the favorable comments. There is no question in my mind that this SOTUS decision will lead to disastrous consequences for our families and religious freedom.
Tom JohnsonJuly 7, 2015
I want to be among those who commend you for the faithful and articulate way in which you have spoken about these issues.
JohnJuly 6, 2015
The Bill of Rights calls for a separation of church and state. If we separate church we are required to remove any passages from the Bible or the BOM. Religion is meant to be kept separate from the government for a reason. If it werent the evangelical's would be telling you what you could and couldn't do with your lives.
I am not for or against gay marriage I guess you could say I dont care about it since it does not affect my life in any way. I guess I will never understand thinking that my way is the only acceptable way for you to live your life. Maybe thats why I dont go to church very often.
David MillsJuly 6, 2015
Bravo! This is as clear (and chilling) a commentary as I have yet read. Elder Maxwell's comments are prophetic. Boy! It sure is easy to love and follow the First Presidency when they are popular, but that isn't much of a test, is it? We are at war just as surely as we were in the pre-mortal realm. We're fighting for the lives and souls of our children and grandchildren.
dianepetersonJuly 5, 2015
Brilliant article, with well-articulated reasoning. Thank you for your courage and clarity on this issue.
Mike CarverJuly 4, 2015
A very good article sister Proctor. I might add, Canada has been a good example of what happens with this same sex marriage "experiment". According to an article: "Canada’s bureaucracy is now set up to meddle freely in children’s relationships with their parents and to silence teachers in their private lives, all in the name of anti-discrimination. In fact, the pall is cast even in church in Canada, since informants are free to report anything they deem “hate speech” that comes from the pulpit or even congregants. So, according to Dawn Stefanowicz, “Most faith communities have become ‘politically correct’ to avoid fines and loss of charitable status.”
In the end, per Stefanowicz (a daughter of a gay father who died if AIDS):
"Americans need to prepare for the same sort of surveillance-society in America if the Supreme Court rules to ban marriage as a male-female institution. It means that no matter what you believe, the government will be free to regulate your speech, your writing, your associations, and whether or not you may express your conscience. Americans also need to understand that the endgame for some in the LGBT rights movement involves centralized state power—and the end of First Amendment freedoms". https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/04/14899/
Stefanowics grew up around a lot of gay people as did Heather Barwick, who grew up with a lesbian mother and her mother's many partners. She wrote in a very eye opening article; "Same-sex marriage and parenting withholds either a mother or father from a child while telling him or her that it doesn’t matter. That it’s all the same. But it’s not. A lot of us, a lot of your kids, are hurting. My father’s absence created a huge hole in me, and I ached every day for a dad. I loved my mom’s partner, but another mom could never have replaced the father I lost". (https://thefederalist.com/2015/03/17/dear-gay-community-your-kids-are-hurting/).
Knowing and respecting our God given free agency, I nonetheless have been troubled by the many members of the church who give their approval to the courts decision and have openly embraced same sex marriage, despite the church's efforts to fight it. I'm not sure they realize the bigger objectives of fascists in the LGBT community. Many have been open about their dislike for Christianity and their desire to limit free (religious) speech. Again, from the article stated above; "Americans also need to understand that the endgame for some in the LGBT rights movement involves centralized state power—and the end of First Amendment freedoms".
Antonin Scalia in his dissenting remarks on the supreme court ruling said “I write separately to call attention to this Court’s threat to American democracy.”
We, as members of the church must stand for what's right. We cannot be bullied into submission. It's imperative, while doing so lovingly, to not be afraid to make our voices heard. I've taken a lot of verbal abuse and have been called names. But I refuse to be steamrolled and forced into the world's shackles, just because I want to be liked or not offend and because they'll point the finger of scorn at me from the "tall and spacious building". I also testify the Book of Mormon if read, studied and applied in our daily lives will keep us balanced and free from the influences of the world and contamination as salt that keeps it savor.
Worry WartJuly 3, 2015
I foresee a situation where the Church is forced to accept a same-sex marriage in connection with employment. Here is my big fear, and I hope someone can tell me why I am wrong:
1. An endowed member of the Church, who is an employee of the Church, say an Institute Director, and who must maintain a temple recommend as a condition of continued employment with the Church, “comes out” and marries a same-sex spouse. This is publically known.
2. When this Church employee goes in for his next temple recommend, he is asked, “Do you live the Law of Chastity?” And he replies, “Certainly. I promise that I have not had sexual relations with anyone other than my husband or wife to whom I am legally and lawfully wed.” The bishop (and/or stake president) counters, “No, a same-sex marriage doesn’t count.” The temple recommend is refused.
3. As a result of this refusal, the employee is terminated from his Church job.
4. The former employee sues the Church for wrongful termination.
5. In court, the judge reviews the case and holds forth the following judgment: This employee was wrongfully terminated, because according to the Church’s own definition of the Law of Chastity, he did not violate it, because he did not have sexual relations with anyone other than his husband or wife to whom he was legally and lawfully wed.
6. The Church is ordered to reinstate the employee, pay back wages and a whopping big fine, and allow the employee to continue to teach the youth.
Can anyone explain to me why this will not happen? I hope you can, because I don’t want to see this.
MarkJuly 3, 2015
The concern that allowing gay marriage will erode religious freedom has not yet played out worldwide (although I'm sure the author might say "just you wait and see"). Here are two PewResearchCenter studies. The first shows countries were gay marriage is allowed. https://www.pewforum.org/2015/06/26/gay-marriage-around-the-world-2013/ The second shows countries with restrictions on religion. https://www.pewforum.org/2009/12/17/global-restrictions-on-religion/ I don't see a correlation.
RickJuly 2, 2015
Profound, articulate and true. Thank you for this article. I will be printing and keeping it for reference.
KateJuly 2, 2015
According to ACLU millions of children already live with gay parents so again the focus on this ruling in particular as undermining religious beliefs regarding the family seems strange to me. https://www.aclu.org/overview-lesbian-and-gay-parenting-adoption-and-foster-care
However this raises an interesting related point which is what is in the best interests of children lacking both birth parents or heterosexual couples able to adopt them?
No AuthorJuly 2, 2015
I have tried to explain in this article why it is undermining. Christians are being targeted and their free exercise of religion will be severely contracted. The reason that this is a gateway to other unions is because we have lost the rationale for what marriage is. The justices explain this well and so do many other legal minds. Is marriage just any two people who love each other? Why not three? Why not more? Do they have to have a sexual relationship? Why not any group of people who would like certain rights? Why give rights at all to the married state? We have given rights to marriage because it is the way children come into the world and have the support of a family as they are raised.
M.D GregoryJuly 2, 2015
Concerning our children who may believe this ruling does not matter. The enlightened who may believe they are more tolerant than we. Our children or our friends who may think it is hateful to oppose gay marriage and families headed by gay couples. Please ask yourself this question. Which of your own children would you be willing to loan to this grand experiment? If not your children then from whom will they spring? Nature requires there will be a father and a mother, there is no other way. Even children who are deprived of one or the other of their parents generally understand from whence they came into the world. So, would we personally be willing to forfeit our father or our mother and walk headlong into this grand experiment? To personally give up the blessings we were afforded, the blessing of a father or mother? Unfortunately, in the world we live in, this is the way it is for far too many children, children who live without the benefit of a loving father or mother. But who willingly chooses this? Yet we think we are enlightened enough to hoist this lifestyle on future generations in order to be tolerant and accepting of all. How ignorant and intolerant are those who would choose it for "someone else," but not for themselves.
KateJuly 2, 2015
I understand it is hurtful for one's comments to be misunderstood or to be seen to be socially unacceptable but it is perhaps helpful to understand that this how many gay people have felt/continue to feel. If the author believes in religious freedom and not theocracy, I think it's important to understand that the court ruling does not stop anyone from believing only in heterosexual marriage or only practicing such marriage themselves. It is the difference between freedom from and freedom to. Many Americans are not Christian and many Christians are not LDS but their practice has not elicited the same reaction as the idea that gay people should have the same right to marriage. Why is this seen as more undermining? I am heterosexual but I find it upsetting when gay marriage is seen as a 'gateway' to all sorts of other unions, as this fails to distinguish between being gay as something that is not a choice and holding certain beliefs. It seems many christians are feeling that they also do not have a choice in what they believe but no-one has taken away the right to these beliefs. I hope for humility and compassion, rather than fear to guide the way ahead.
HollyJuly 2, 2015
Excellent article giving us much to ponder. The principle of "speaking out'" is a great idea but very difficult to go about. Over the past 5 years as all of this issue has boiled I've already experienced many nasty "unfriendings", tongue lashings and even victim of verbal workplace abuse and a threat to my life all because of simply believing in "traditional" marriage and belonging to a church that teaches it and promotes God's Laws. I am grappling with how to move forward now even more since one of my dearest family member (LDS) has revealed they are struggling with a LGBT / gender identity crises. Any expressions against same sex marriage is,interpreted as "hate" and "backwards." As others have expressed, this issue is tearing families apart and dividing up friendships & families. It's heart wrenching and it's only the tip of the iceberg. Things are going to get much worse. I feel sick to my stomach that we are bringing innocent little children into this mess our society has created. How,do we live "in it and not of it"?! Time will tell.
TomJuly 1, 2015
Maureen, so glad you are on the Lord's team. I am stronger because of your words!
MarkJuly 1, 2015
This is strictly my opinion. I feel as though those who live an unnatural lifestyle feel guilty about that lifestyle due to the Light of Christ. They hope that by legislation being passed that forces all people to view them as equal that somehow their guilt will be abated. However, no amount of legislation will take away those prompting of the Light of Christ and they will still live in unhappiness. So therefore they expect the Supreme Court to overrule God. Not gonna happen....
Kathleen HoopesJuly 1, 2015
All of this is true, except you missed one point, as far as un-friending goes. This decision's most disastrous result is that families themselves have imploded. To this phrase, "You may lose your job, your position of trust or your opportunity to be a judge in California if you belong to the Boy Scouts, your friends. You may have to change your company policy so that no one can have an opinion so you will be appropriately diverse", you should have added, "Your children, step-children, siblings may decry you as a bigot and hate-filled because you will still not change your stance about same-sex marriage. They may 'shout' incorrect rhetoric and doctrine at you as proof that you are hateful. And because THEY themselves are filled with such hate and anger, they can not feel your love and concern. This is the thing that will (should? has already) drive(n) us to our knees begging for the Second Coming, that our families may become united again, THIS alone is what breaks my heart. The other things are earthly things; Presidents, Justices, World Leaders...none of them matter more than my family.
Michele CrockerJuly 1, 2015
My thoughts exactly, concerning our Temples. I have not voiced them in public. But in that day, surely Christ Himself will be coming very shortly, as how much more could we stand than to not be able to attend and perform sacred covenants with the Lord in the place of peace?
Lorin SaundersJuly 1, 2015
I agree with you 100%. give then an inch and they will take a mile. The truth is evident everywhere..to multiply and replenish takes a male and female. This is evident in all nature. When the Lord populated this earth with HIS children He didn't start with a couple of His sons or two of His daughters. He did it with one of his handsome sons and one of his gorgeous daughters whom he personally married, then commanded them to Multiply and replenish the earth. Keep your good work.
Robert L. (Burger Bob) BradyJuly 1, 2015
Tom Thompson, there is a bit of naivety in your comments. Satan's hosts will not quit until they have won every battle, and the can win. All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. "Harder to discriminate in the public marketplace" is a misnomer as we all judge every day and, now, what is the definition of discriminate? It is what anyone wants it to be, especially if the y "choose" to be offended. Maureen left something out that will help to destroy as to who we really are: as children are born into these same sex marriages, someone has to be a donor. Now tell your children about their heritage and what their grandparents or grandparents accomplished in life. Who knows? The parents may not even know who the donor is. This destroys the very foundation of civilization, the family, in a way we may never have imagined. There are prophets on the earth. Years ago, we may have thought that they were full of hot air, but we see their prophetic warnings coming to pass right before our very eyes. We need to stick to what we know is true and not be swayed by "tolerance." In the long run, being on Lord's side is the only way to win the great war in heaven which is still raging here on earth, another battlefield. Thanks for the article and the courage to speak out. There are "more of us than there are of them," we just have to open our spiritual eyes.
Victoria FieldingJuly 1, 2015
Thank you, Maureen, for putting into words all of the confusing and muddled thoughts in my mind. I awake every day to a crazier world.
Joyce YoungJuly 1, 2015
I have already had nasty comments from my family members and even one stranger who say my stance on traditional marriage is hateful and cruel and what a nasty person I am and how I hurt peoples' feelings. So has my daughter. I merely state that I support traditional marriage and get all sorts of nasty replies. This has been going on for a few years even before the Supreme Court's unfortunate decision. I try and try to explain that I still don't hate gays (I have neighbors who are gay and a niece, all of whom are "married.") They still don't care. If I don't support gay marriage, they don't care what I say. I believe Satan is working overtime to destroy families and marriage. I just read an article by a guy who said he won't go to church in July because he believes the Church's letter that is forthcoming to be read in Wards is wrong and hurtful. Since this is the Lord's church, it's His word and his law and His prophets convey His word. And nobody should get the idea that religious freedoms won't be taken away. It's starting already and has done so. Thanks
RobertJuly 1, 2015
Excellent article. The events of today have long been prophesied in scripture and by modern day prophets. Those who make light of these events do not realize the danger they are putting themselves in. When government forces individuals to think certain ways (by force and coercion) there becomes no limit or end to what they will continue to do, until one has lost all freedom of agency. What is truly at issue here is not gay marriage, or homosexuality, but the principle of "agency", known also as FREEDOM! Each step the government takes in denying people their God given freedoms and will eventually lead to living under tyranny and dictatorship. With each so called "victory" government (Satan) wins it empowers them to demand more and more power, until the citizen is nothing more than an indentured servant.
Janet GronemanJuly 1, 2015
Tom Thompson, it seems you are being naive. Satan will not rest with things "working out just fine for everyone". His goal is the total destruction of anything that comes from Christ. I fear the time will come when we - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - will have to close our temples in order not to be forced to allow same sex marriages within those sacred walls. The time is also coming when we will face persecution for the belief in and upholding of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Remember, the world follows Satan - his teachings sound so reasonable and fair to the "unbiased" mind. Satan leads with silken threads. Beware of the future, be aware of what is going on beneath the surface of the world's opinions and acts, educate yourself, don't be naive, and stand for the right by standing for the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus holding fast to the iron rod.
Fay KlinglerJuly 1, 2015
Thank you, Maureen. I, too, have been concerned that so many have downplayed this Supreme Court decision. Thank you for your well-stated article.
Stuart ClementsJuly 1, 2015
Food for thought: If any polyamorous relationship becomes the standard for marriage, is it possible that the government will become removed in its involvement regarding the institution of marriage? On the other hand, it seems clear that the government intends to enforce wickedness "by the sword," as it were. It is no longer (and perhaps never was) possible to support the voice of the people in this generation and be upright before God.
Tom ThompsonJuly 1, 2015
That's a fine article and I enjoyed it's exploration of the issues. In the end, the result in the SSM case will cause us to re-examine what we mean by religious freedom. Justice Roberts' dissent makes that clear, and his concerns should be our concerns. But religious freedom has always -- since the beginning of our country -- been required to express itself within the bounds of the law, and I imagine that's going to be the result once the dust settles on this case. That is, churches will still be able to marry or not marry whom they will -- individuals, however, may have a harder time discriminating in the public marketplace. Just as, typically, a business cannot refuse to serve black people because they are black, it may come to pass they may not refuse to serve gay people because they are gay. In the end, things will probably work out fine for everyone.
Roslyn Huege de ServilleJuly 1, 2015
I am so grateful that the Lord has given us His definition of marriage...there really can be no argument because of this.
Kim BurnsJune 30, 2015
Brilliantly Put!! Thank you Maureen for articulating the voice of reason and warning.
Comments | Return to Story
Sonya WashburnJuly 7, 2015
Thank you so much for the excellent information. You are spot on. My question is how do we oppose this? I have written many many letters to my congressmen, on the national and state levels. This does not seem to do any good. Is there some other avenue to make our voices heard? Also I was told that the apathy among the college age youth of the church is deafening. What can they do? Are there groups, organizations? We have a Government system of checks and balances. Why is the Congress not checking the Supreme Court? The Supreme Court makes laws from the bench? That is not their job. I am all ears, tell me what else we can do, and to get the youth involved and informed.
Raleigh JohnsonJuly 7, 2015
Great even brilliant article! I ditto all the favorable comments. There is no question in my mind that this SOTUS decision will lead to disastrous consequences for our families and religious freedom.
Tom JohnsonJuly 7, 2015
I want to be among those who commend you for the faithful and articulate way in which you have spoken about these issues.
JohnJuly 6, 2015
The Bill of Rights calls for a separation of church and state. If we separate church we are required to remove any passages from the Bible or the BOM. Religion is meant to be kept separate from the government for a reason. If it werent the evangelical's would be telling you what you could and couldn't do with your lives. I am not for or against gay marriage I guess you could say I dont care about it since it does not affect my life in any way. I guess I will never understand thinking that my way is the only acceptable way for you to live your life. Maybe thats why I dont go to church very often.
David MillsJuly 6, 2015
Bravo! This is as clear (and chilling) a commentary as I have yet read. Elder Maxwell's comments are prophetic. Boy! It sure is easy to love and follow the First Presidency when they are popular, but that isn't much of a test, is it? We are at war just as surely as we were in the pre-mortal realm. We're fighting for the lives and souls of our children and grandchildren.
dianepetersonJuly 5, 2015
Brilliant article, with well-articulated reasoning. Thank you for your courage and clarity on this issue.
Mike CarverJuly 4, 2015
A very good article sister Proctor. I might add, Canada has been a good example of what happens with this same sex marriage "experiment". According to an article: "Canada’s bureaucracy is now set up to meddle freely in children’s relationships with their parents and to silence teachers in their private lives, all in the name of anti-discrimination. In fact, the pall is cast even in church in Canada, since informants are free to report anything they deem “hate speech” that comes from the pulpit or even congregants. So, according to Dawn Stefanowicz, “Most faith communities have become ‘politically correct’ to avoid fines and loss of charitable status.” In the end, per Stefanowicz (a daughter of a gay father who died if AIDS): "Americans need to prepare for the same sort of surveillance-society in America if the Supreme Court rules to ban marriage as a male-female institution. It means that no matter what you believe, the government will be free to regulate your speech, your writing, your associations, and whether or not you may express your conscience. Americans also need to understand that the endgame for some in the LGBT rights movement involves centralized state power—and the end of First Amendment freedoms". https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/04/14899/ Stefanowics grew up around a lot of gay people as did Heather Barwick, who grew up with a lesbian mother and her mother's many partners. She wrote in a very eye opening article; "Same-sex marriage and parenting withholds either a mother or father from a child while telling him or her that it doesn’t matter. That it’s all the same. But it’s not. A lot of us, a lot of your kids, are hurting. My father’s absence created a huge hole in me, and I ached every day for a dad. I loved my mom’s partner, but another mom could never have replaced the father I lost". (https://thefederalist.com/2015/03/17/dear-gay-community-your-kids-are-hurting/). Knowing and respecting our God given free agency, I nonetheless have been troubled by the many members of the church who give their approval to the courts decision and have openly embraced same sex marriage, despite the church's efforts to fight it. I'm not sure they realize the bigger objectives of fascists in the LGBT community. Many have been open about their dislike for Christianity and their desire to limit free (religious) speech. Again, from the article stated above; "Americans also need to understand that the endgame for some in the LGBT rights movement involves centralized state power—and the end of First Amendment freedoms". Antonin Scalia in his dissenting remarks on the supreme court ruling said “I write separately to call attention to this Court’s threat to American democracy.” We, as members of the church must stand for what's right. We cannot be bullied into submission. It's imperative, while doing so lovingly, to not be afraid to make our voices heard. I've taken a lot of verbal abuse and have been called names. But I refuse to be steamrolled and forced into the world's shackles, just because I want to be liked or not offend and because they'll point the finger of scorn at me from the "tall and spacious building". I also testify the Book of Mormon if read, studied and applied in our daily lives will keep us balanced and free from the influences of the world and contamination as salt that keeps it savor.
Worry WartJuly 3, 2015
I foresee a situation where the Church is forced to accept a same-sex marriage in connection with employment. Here is my big fear, and I hope someone can tell me why I am wrong: 1. An endowed member of the Church, who is an employee of the Church, say an Institute Director, and who must maintain a temple recommend as a condition of continued employment with the Church, “comes out” and marries a same-sex spouse. This is publically known. 2. When this Church employee goes in for his next temple recommend, he is asked, “Do you live the Law of Chastity?” And he replies, “Certainly. I promise that I have not had sexual relations with anyone other than my husband or wife to whom I am legally and lawfully wed.” The bishop (and/or stake president) counters, “No, a same-sex marriage doesn’t count.” The temple recommend is refused. 3. As a result of this refusal, the employee is terminated from his Church job. 4. The former employee sues the Church for wrongful termination. 5. In court, the judge reviews the case and holds forth the following judgment: This employee was wrongfully terminated, because according to the Church’s own definition of the Law of Chastity, he did not violate it, because he did not have sexual relations with anyone other than his husband or wife to whom he was legally and lawfully wed. 6. The Church is ordered to reinstate the employee, pay back wages and a whopping big fine, and allow the employee to continue to teach the youth. Can anyone explain to me why this will not happen? I hope you can, because I don’t want to see this.
MarkJuly 3, 2015
The concern that allowing gay marriage will erode religious freedom has not yet played out worldwide (although I'm sure the author might say "just you wait and see"). Here are two PewResearchCenter studies. The first shows countries were gay marriage is allowed. https://www.pewforum.org/2015/06/26/gay-marriage-around-the-world-2013/ The second shows countries with restrictions on religion. https://www.pewforum.org/2009/12/17/global-restrictions-on-religion/ I don't see a correlation.
RickJuly 2, 2015
Profound, articulate and true. Thank you for this article. I will be printing and keeping it for reference.
KateJuly 2, 2015
According to ACLU millions of children already live with gay parents so again the focus on this ruling in particular as undermining religious beliefs regarding the family seems strange to me. https://www.aclu.org/overview-lesbian-and-gay-parenting-adoption-and-foster-care However this raises an interesting related point which is what is in the best interests of children lacking both birth parents or heterosexual couples able to adopt them?
No AuthorJuly 2, 2015
I have tried to explain in this article why it is undermining. Christians are being targeted and their free exercise of religion will be severely contracted. The reason that this is a gateway to other unions is because we have lost the rationale for what marriage is. The justices explain this well and so do many other legal minds. Is marriage just any two people who love each other? Why not three? Why not more? Do they have to have a sexual relationship? Why not any group of people who would like certain rights? Why give rights at all to the married state? We have given rights to marriage because it is the way children come into the world and have the support of a family as they are raised.
M.D GregoryJuly 2, 2015
Concerning our children who may believe this ruling does not matter. The enlightened who may believe they are more tolerant than we. Our children or our friends who may think it is hateful to oppose gay marriage and families headed by gay couples. Please ask yourself this question. Which of your own children would you be willing to loan to this grand experiment? If not your children then from whom will they spring? Nature requires there will be a father and a mother, there is no other way. Even children who are deprived of one or the other of their parents generally understand from whence they came into the world. So, would we personally be willing to forfeit our father or our mother and walk headlong into this grand experiment? To personally give up the blessings we were afforded, the blessing of a father or mother? Unfortunately, in the world we live in, this is the way it is for far too many children, children who live without the benefit of a loving father or mother. But who willingly chooses this? Yet we think we are enlightened enough to hoist this lifestyle on future generations in order to be tolerant and accepting of all. How ignorant and intolerant are those who would choose it for "someone else," but not for themselves.
KateJuly 2, 2015
I understand it is hurtful for one's comments to be misunderstood or to be seen to be socially unacceptable but it is perhaps helpful to understand that this how many gay people have felt/continue to feel. If the author believes in religious freedom and not theocracy, I think it's important to understand that the court ruling does not stop anyone from believing only in heterosexual marriage or only practicing such marriage themselves. It is the difference between freedom from and freedom to. Many Americans are not Christian and many Christians are not LDS but their practice has not elicited the same reaction as the idea that gay people should have the same right to marriage. Why is this seen as more undermining? I am heterosexual but I find it upsetting when gay marriage is seen as a 'gateway' to all sorts of other unions, as this fails to distinguish between being gay as something that is not a choice and holding certain beliefs. It seems many christians are feeling that they also do not have a choice in what they believe but no-one has taken away the right to these beliefs. I hope for humility and compassion, rather than fear to guide the way ahead.
HollyJuly 2, 2015
Excellent article giving us much to ponder. The principle of "speaking out'" is a great idea but very difficult to go about. Over the past 5 years as all of this issue has boiled I've already experienced many nasty "unfriendings", tongue lashings and even victim of verbal workplace abuse and a threat to my life all because of simply believing in "traditional" marriage and belonging to a church that teaches it and promotes God's Laws. I am grappling with how to move forward now even more since one of my dearest family member (LDS) has revealed they are struggling with a LGBT / gender identity crises. Any expressions against same sex marriage is,interpreted as "hate" and "backwards." As others have expressed, this issue is tearing families apart and dividing up friendships & families. It's heart wrenching and it's only the tip of the iceberg. Things are going to get much worse. I feel sick to my stomach that we are bringing innocent little children into this mess our society has created. How,do we live "in it and not of it"?! Time will tell.
TomJuly 1, 2015
Maureen, so glad you are on the Lord's team. I am stronger because of your words!
MarkJuly 1, 2015
This is strictly my opinion. I feel as though those who live an unnatural lifestyle feel guilty about that lifestyle due to the Light of Christ. They hope that by legislation being passed that forces all people to view them as equal that somehow their guilt will be abated. However, no amount of legislation will take away those prompting of the Light of Christ and they will still live in unhappiness. So therefore they expect the Supreme Court to overrule God. Not gonna happen....
Kathleen HoopesJuly 1, 2015
All of this is true, except you missed one point, as far as un-friending goes. This decision's most disastrous result is that families themselves have imploded. To this phrase, "You may lose your job, your position of trust or your opportunity to be a judge in California if you belong to the Boy Scouts, your friends. You may have to change your company policy so that no one can have an opinion so you will be appropriately diverse", you should have added, "Your children, step-children, siblings may decry you as a bigot and hate-filled because you will still not change your stance about same-sex marriage. They may 'shout' incorrect rhetoric and doctrine at you as proof that you are hateful. And because THEY themselves are filled with such hate and anger, they can not feel your love and concern. This is the thing that will (should? has already) drive(n) us to our knees begging for the Second Coming, that our families may become united again, THIS alone is what breaks my heart. The other things are earthly things; Presidents, Justices, World Leaders...none of them matter more than my family.
Michele CrockerJuly 1, 2015
My thoughts exactly, concerning our Temples. I have not voiced them in public. But in that day, surely Christ Himself will be coming very shortly, as how much more could we stand than to not be able to attend and perform sacred covenants with the Lord in the place of peace?
Lorin SaundersJuly 1, 2015
I agree with you 100%. give then an inch and they will take a mile. The truth is evident everywhere..to multiply and replenish takes a male and female. This is evident in all nature. When the Lord populated this earth with HIS children He didn't start with a couple of His sons or two of His daughters. He did it with one of his handsome sons and one of his gorgeous daughters whom he personally married, then commanded them to Multiply and replenish the earth. Keep your good work.
Robert L. (Burger Bob) BradyJuly 1, 2015
Tom Thompson, there is a bit of naivety in your comments. Satan's hosts will not quit until they have won every battle, and the can win. All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. "Harder to discriminate in the public marketplace" is a misnomer as we all judge every day and, now, what is the definition of discriminate? It is what anyone wants it to be, especially if the y "choose" to be offended. Maureen left something out that will help to destroy as to who we really are: as children are born into these same sex marriages, someone has to be a donor. Now tell your children about their heritage and what their grandparents or grandparents accomplished in life. Who knows? The parents may not even know who the donor is. This destroys the very foundation of civilization, the family, in a way we may never have imagined. There are prophets on the earth. Years ago, we may have thought that they were full of hot air, but we see their prophetic warnings coming to pass right before our very eyes. We need to stick to what we know is true and not be swayed by "tolerance." In the long run, being on Lord's side is the only way to win the great war in heaven which is still raging here on earth, another battlefield. Thanks for the article and the courage to speak out. There are "more of us than there are of them," we just have to open our spiritual eyes.
Victoria FieldingJuly 1, 2015
Thank you, Maureen, for putting into words all of the confusing and muddled thoughts in my mind. I awake every day to a crazier world.
Joyce YoungJuly 1, 2015
I have already had nasty comments from my family members and even one stranger who say my stance on traditional marriage is hateful and cruel and what a nasty person I am and how I hurt peoples' feelings. So has my daughter. I merely state that I support traditional marriage and get all sorts of nasty replies. This has been going on for a few years even before the Supreme Court's unfortunate decision. I try and try to explain that I still don't hate gays (I have neighbors who are gay and a niece, all of whom are "married.") They still don't care. If I don't support gay marriage, they don't care what I say. I believe Satan is working overtime to destroy families and marriage. I just read an article by a guy who said he won't go to church in July because he believes the Church's letter that is forthcoming to be read in Wards is wrong and hurtful. Since this is the Lord's church, it's His word and his law and His prophets convey His word. And nobody should get the idea that religious freedoms won't be taken away. It's starting already and has done so. Thanks
RobertJuly 1, 2015
Excellent article. The events of today have long been prophesied in scripture and by modern day prophets. Those who make light of these events do not realize the danger they are putting themselves in. When government forces individuals to think certain ways (by force and coercion) there becomes no limit or end to what they will continue to do, until one has lost all freedom of agency. What is truly at issue here is not gay marriage, or homosexuality, but the principle of "agency", known also as FREEDOM! Each step the government takes in denying people their God given freedoms and will eventually lead to living under tyranny and dictatorship. With each so called "victory" government (Satan) wins it empowers them to demand more and more power, until the citizen is nothing more than an indentured servant.
Janet GronemanJuly 1, 2015
Tom Thompson, it seems you are being naive. Satan will not rest with things "working out just fine for everyone". His goal is the total destruction of anything that comes from Christ. I fear the time will come when we - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - will have to close our temples in order not to be forced to allow same sex marriages within those sacred walls. The time is also coming when we will face persecution for the belief in and upholding of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Remember, the world follows Satan - his teachings sound so reasonable and fair to the "unbiased" mind. Satan leads with silken threads. Beware of the future, be aware of what is going on beneath the surface of the world's opinions and acts, educate yourself, don't be naive, and stand for the right by standing for the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus holding fast to the iron rod.
Fay KlinglerJuly 1, 2015
Thank you, Maureen. I, too, have been concerned that so many have downplayed this Supreme Court decision. Thank you for your well-stated article.
Stuart ClementsJuly 1, 2015
Food for thought: If any polyamorous relationship becomes the standard for marriage, is it possible that the government will become removed in its involvement regarding the institution of marriage? On the other hand, it seems clear that the government intends to enforce wickedness "by the sword," as it were. It is no longer (and perhaps never was) possible to support the voice of the people in this generation and be upright before God.
Tom ThompsonJuly 1, 2015
That's a fine article and I enjoyed it's exploration of the issues. In the end, the result in the SSM case will cause us to re-examine what we mean by religious freedom. Justice Roberts' dissent makes that clear, and his concerns should be our concerns. But religious freedom has always -- since the beginning of our country -- been required to express itself within the bounds of the law, and I imagine that's going to be the result once the dust settles on this case. That is, churches will still be able to marry or not marry whom they will -- individuals, however, may have a harder time discriminating in the public marketplace. Just as, typically, a business cannot refuse to serve black people because they are black, it may come to pass they may not refuse to serve gay people because they are gay. In the end, things will probably work out fine for everyone.
Roslyn Huege de ServilleJuly 1, 2015
I am so grateful that the Lord has given us His definition of marriage...there really can be no argument because of this.
Kim BurnsJune 30, 2015
Brilliantly Put!! Thank you Maureen for articulating the voice of reason and warning.
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