Day 23 - The "Deep Thoughts" Post

In which we shall see: Lots and lots of words. Really. Read at your own risk.

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Over the last couple of months several major happenings and issues have come to the forefront of national and international awareness - financial crisis, elections, and Proposition 8. From various conversations (online and in RL) with intelligent, concerned individuals, and from my own reading of pertinent articles and commentary, I have come to a few conclusions. These conclusions are my own supposition and opinion, and I am no authority nor representative voice for any organization involved. These are my own thoughts and feelings.

A friend recently asked, “So, who are you going to vote for?” This question led to an hour-long discussion of some of those issues mentioned above. My answer is that I’m still working on it – this seems to be an election that REQUIRES more research and study than any I’ve seen before. It also leads to the idea of inevitability – living in a particular state, why should a person vote when the outcome for that state is essentially determined? I’ve decided that voting is not necessarily about contributing to the end result (any more than one grain of sand contributes to the character of an entire beach) but about knowing for oneself just what one is willing to support and stand up for. I think that before much longer it will become vital for individuals to decide for themselves who they are and what they believe and not succumb to any kind of “flow” or “wave”. I believe that voting today represents the opportunity for us to become deliberate, decisive, regardless of whether or not we “win”.

That conversation, like many others recently, turned to Proposition 8. I know that much has been criticized in the decision of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to actively (and very unusually) step forward and encourage its members in California to vote “yes” for this amendment that will “provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” I have carefully read The Divine Institution of Marriage, the article produced by the Church to state its position on this proposition, and discussed at length the ramifications of such a position.

Here’s what I think.

I do not believe that the Church is in any way biased against or “out to get” anyone who is same-sex oriented. It is also my belief that in the end the Church is also not opposing same-sex marriage in and of itself, as such a marriage has become essentially a civil ceremony. For thousands of years religion (God, the Bible, prophets) have taught that such a union is wrong. From there, the choice to participate in such behavior belongs to the individuals involved, not the Church or any other entity. Choice, of all things, is sacred. However, at times the consequences of choices can adversely affect the future lives and choices of others – and this is the point at which regulations are installed. For example, one friend argued that while the idea of abortion was repulsive to them, they were also very reluctant to restrict a person’s freedom regarding the use of their own body. My response is that while, yes, a person has the right to choose their own behaviors and activities, they do not have the right to cut off the potential choices another might make by prematurely ending a life. (Please do not draw any crazy conclusions that I am trying to say that all same-sex oriented individuals support abortion. The example here is “freedom of choice” vs. “accepting consequences and restricting some personal freedoms for the safety and benefit of others.” Also, this example refers to choices made, not to consequences imposed by the choices of others, or instances where no choice is involved.)

So, Proposition 8 – In my opinion the Church is not looking to restrict same-sex marriage because it is a “moral” or “religious” issue. It is both those things, but again, all are free to choose their own lifestyle. However – the CHILDREN that will be raised in those families will not be afforded the same opportunities, and this is the point from which I believe the Church’s concern commences. Current political policy dictates that if same-sex marriage becomes an accepted practice, schools will be OBLIGATED to teach that such behavior is a valid, accepted lifestyle (rather than an issue of moral choice), and parents will have no recourse to oppose such teaching. Additionally, children in such families, no matter how well loved and raised, will never be able to be sealed eternally to their parents. One debater argued that the children could always choose for themselves to marry a spouse in the temple – but if parents are not living in agreement with the teachings of the Church, what is the likelihood that the children will? These concerns have been in the national eye for a relatively short period of time; certainly not long enough for any incisive conclusions about the cause-and-effect of same-sex parenting on children to be reached. Consider this: when the Word of Wisdom was given in the early days of the Church it stood in opposition to several accepted practices of the day. Over a hundred years later it has been accepted by secular medical practitioners as an exemplary way to live, and scientifically demonstrated to uphold the principles of health it promised back in the 1800’s. It was given by a prophet, and those who followed it were upheld in their choice.

The bottom line is this: The Church has made a request of its members in the current election in California, and those who follow will be upheld in their choice. Honestly, this direction from the Church may not succeed in confirming Proposition 8. Those who vote “yes”, though, will have the satisfaction of defending their beliefs and the security of knowing they have listened to the prophet. These are decisions we all need to ponder and stand prepared to make – I also believe the time is coming that we will ALL be required to make them.

For additional (and beautifully written!) commentary on faith, individuality, and obedience, go here, here, then here.