I’m becoming increasingly aware that the LDS Church’s campaign for Proposition 8 is about much more than just trying to get the bill passed. The rift between members (see here)– the passion and commitment– tells me this is a complex exercise that also, in simplest terms, comes down to each individual’s relationship with God. It’s a test and opportunity for each of us to exert our faith and wrest with the issue through prayer and pondering.
That is not to say that everyone will or should come away with the same answer, and it isn’t whether the Church is right or wrong. It is, however, about whether each of us can individually attain a confirmation and sense of peace from the Lord that it’s all right to hold the sentiments we do.
That being said, we should recognize that whatever answer we each receive is valid to no one but ourselves– and we should afford the same courtesy to our brothers and sisters with different positions. Because when it all comes down to it, in the end it’s just us and the Lord– one on one. And the question won’t be how we voted, but how we strived to build a relationship with Him.
11 responses so far ↓
1 Valerie // Oct 28, 2008 at 10:15 pm
David,
I ran across your blog entry about the SP visiting your house. I don’t think I can still leave a comment on that post so I will post it here. I specifically think this would be helpful for Jared who posted on that entry. The SP’s were asked to decide if they believed anyone was able to give certain amounts in their own ward and invite them to do so. There was no tithing slip investigations, but yes, probably praying for different families they believe may be a possibility to perhaps be able to give more. In response to Jared, the church is politically neutral, but it is important to note that this issue is not POLITICAL, it is MORAL. As it happens, a MORAL issue is up for a vote. These directions were heeded by the prophet, so the church that exists in CA is in fact the church that exists on the East Coast and in Africa etc. I hope this helps. My family too was approached to give and we felt blessed to be asked to do so and even more blessed that we could. And again, this is not a position against people, it is a moral position against a practice. As some infer, the church in no way shuns people with homosexual feelings, they simply don’t approve of the actions that come with it.
2 bob W // Oct 29, 2008 at 12:26 am
I think the half of the church instructions to be respectful is also an evaluation of where we are as a people. Lot of members are passing easily while others are struggling.
3 cheryl // Oct 29, 2008 at 1:17 am
David-
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. As much as I cringe when I hear about Mormons for Marriage and other people speaking out (some harshly!) against the Church for supporting Prop 8, I have to constantly remind myself not to judge them.
Recently I heard a terrible rumor spreading across some private blogs about Temples having to close if Prop 8 doesn’t pass. I immediately set some of my friends straight (where I read the rumor) and warn them against spreading lies.
Thank you for this post. Between this, the Temple rumors, your comment over at Nine Moons, and something awful that happened to my friend over at FMH, I’ve decided I need to blog about the whole thing again –but in a different light.
4 Jared // Oct 29, 2008 at 2:41 am
In other words, the Lord leads church leaders to one course of action on this issue and some members to another. That is difficult to square up of with scripture and any rational thought I am aware of.
5 Karron // Oct 29, 2008 at 2:50 am
What the heck does supporting prop. 8 have to do with the Temples?
I still think people can be passionate about things without being angry and hurtful. It’s hard for me to bite my tongue at times when my liberal friends start ranting, but I try to stay calm and refute their bizarre rantings with logic and scripture. Still, they go off on tangents on both sides of the issue without prayer or intelligent thought. Sad that.
I read this today, and I am horrified.
http://newsmax.com/brennan/abortion_death/2008/10/28/144943.html
6 cheryl // Oct 29, 2008 at 5:01 am
David-
Fair warning; I’ve had an influx of blogging trolls at my site tonight. They came out of nowhere and I wasn’t expecting it. My warning is because I linked to this post (I wrote and published the post I referred to in my comment tonight) and so if you get some trolls, I apologize in advance.
That is all!
7 David // Oct 29, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Jared,
Your point is well taken and I will try to articulate my thoughts/feelings:
On a broad stroke level I believe– and have already said a number of times– that the Church’s admonition to the Saints (particularly California Saints) regarding Prop 8 is real Samuel the Lamanite-type stuff and should be responded to as such. I’m also disillusioned by the contrary sentiments that have prevailed among many of the members– I didn’t think the First Presidency left much room for interpretation.
That said, on a personal, individual level, we are all in the driver’s seat of our own salvation. We all have our own personal relationship with the Savior. Some very intelligent, sincere Saints have been struggling greatly with this issue. It weighs on their consciences. It reminds them (and not unreasonably) of the anti-ERA campaign the Church waged almost 30 years ago– something that, when looked upon today, can appear dated and silly. They believe in leaders teaching them correct principles and then letting them govern themselves– not being severely chastised & compelled by their brothers and sisters. They pray, they ponder and try to receive their own confirmations of whether their sentiments are all right with the Lord. Whatever answer they receive, that’s between them and God. They have to work out their own relationships and salvation on their own; that’s why they’re here.
Jared, personally I’m not plagued with conflict and I believe in following the prophet. I’ve picked up the banner, given my time and means, and will continue to do so until the elections are over. What this campaign has taught me, though, is that it’s not for me to determine who is right or wrong with the Lord, and that this is a wonderful opportunity for us– not only as a Church body, but as individuals– to exercise our faith and really step up our relationship with God.
8 April // Oct 29, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Well said, David.
I might add since I live in a very liberal town (many past gay Mayors and a gay tradition here) it could be easy to be a waffler on this one. It is a true testament to being a “covenant People” , the members are rock solid here. $60 million dollars have been raised on Prop 8, with just about a 50/50 split on both sides, second only to the Presidential race and a majority of the money for Yes on 8, was donated by the LDS members. Clearly we followed our prophet when we were asked by our local leaders to donate our money and time to the cause.
The LDS members are 2% of the CA population and the polls show a lot more than 2% of the CA population voting Yes. I am impressed with our faith.
I think the members of the church who feel we are wrong on 8 are just a miniscule amount of the total LDS members. I haven’t heard of one person who has a problem with it in my area, not one.
This does not mean it is not complicated for some of us. I have friends with gay children and have gay friends who are not happy with me, but will remain my friend, because they know I deeply care for them (this another blog entry). The LDS community is bonded over this.
However,the Presbyterian church in my town is ripping in half right now…their leaders would not take a stand on the issue and the congregation is split and anger on both sides is brewing.
I am so glad our directive was succinct.
When this is all over and whatever the outcome I will double my efforts to love my gay friends and neighbors and any disaffected LDS members. Time to heal, but remain faithful.
9 David // Oct 29, 2008 at 5:38 pm
April,
Thank you for your thoughts. I’ve no doubt you have the heart to touch and heal the pain between you and your friends.
Your town has made the news lately precisely because of its gay-friendly environment and ironic leaning towards being Yes on 8– at least in funds, raising over 3 times as much as the opposition. Hopefully this translates to votes.
My community is bonded, too– you should see the turnouts at the rallies. CNN came to cover it.
When this is all over, let’s plan a visit. We miss you guys!
10 Nick Literski // Oct 29, 2008 at 6:42 pm
On a broad stroke level I believe– and have already said a number of times– that the Church’s admonition to the Saints (particularly California Saints) regarding Prop 8 is real Samuel the Lamanite-type stuff and should be responded to as such.
So the rest of us should shoot arrows at you, throw stones at you, and hope you run away, never to be heard from again? (I joke! I joke!)
11 David // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Nick,
At the very least, get me a ladder.
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