Thursday, May 3, 2012

LDS stance on homosexuality: an obstacle to converting investigators

I'm so emotional right now! I just checked the email associated with my book (Homosexuality: A Straight BYU Student's Perspective) that I hardly ever check, and received the following email from an INVESTIGATOR. It made me tear up, and I'm not much of a weeper. "If only our LDS community and leadership would see these and change for the better" cries and pleads my soul!!

"Hello,

My name is ___ ____. I am 24 years old and currently pursuing a doctorate in _____ at _____. Recently, I had the pleasure of viewing some of the videos on your YouTube channel that discuss Mormon views on homosexuality and same sex marriage. Honestly I could not have come across them at a better time. For several weeks I have prayerfully and earnestly been considering joining the LDS church. I find the underlying theology (or what I can gather of it) very compelling, and most of the values upheld by the church mesh very well with my own. However, one area in which there is no overlap whatsoever is the issue of homosexuality and the legal rights of the LGBT community. I believe that sexual preference is genetically and biologically determined, therefore it must be part of God's plan. Furthermore, I think that gay men and women can live rich, fulfilling lives that are well within the ordinances set by God and can raise loving families.

I know that currently the church's stance on homosexuality and same sex marriage is that it violates God's laws and will not be tolerated, and I realize my own views are in stark contrast to that. However, one of the aspects of the LDS church that I absolutely love is the fact that it has evolved over the years. At one point polygamy and race discrimination were common practices by its members. My most sincere hope is that things will continue along the same path, and that someday anti-homosexuality sentiment and policy will be things of the past as well.

My question is this: how will I be received by the LDS community as a well meaning and sincere person who wants to join the church, but also supports gay marriage? Additionally, are there other Mormons who believe as I do and have they encountered problems in the church? Lastly, are you yourself hopeful (and reasonably confident?) that LDS views on homosexuality will change?

Thank you so much for your time and I hope to get a response from you soon! :) This issue has weighed really heavily on my mind. Next week I'm going to meet with some missionaries to discuss the church and I will be attending a class on the Book of Mormon as well. Any knowledge or perspectives you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

____ _____"

6 comments:

  1. So, now what? Please post your response to this sincere person, as I'm sure it will be amazing. You can do it Brad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neal, I wrote back asking her to call me so I could answer in greater depth, but she has not yet done so. I answered her briefly and optimistically.

      Delete
  2. There ARE others who believe as you do, friend. Take a look at my thoughts on a conference I went to 2 Saturdays ago...

    http://allaboutmylifeandmore.blogspot.com/2012/04/washington-dc-circling-wagons-mormon.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would you please invite me to your blog so I can read it? I got an error message.

      Delete
  3. As a member of the LDS church, I continue to have faith that things will change. There are many other members I know that are working towards this change. I considered leaving the church for some time because of their current views on homosexuality, but I do believe the church can progress and I stay because I think that we are more likely to enact change within the church than without. This is my goal. I love the church and I hope that someday we will be able to see eye to eye on this issue and welcome all of our homosexual friends with loving arms.

    ReplyDelete

Search This Blog