Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Prop 8

Ok, so I have a bit of a sticky situation with one of my good friends from BYU-Idaho named Nathan (he graduated the same time I did and then moved to NYC to work for a PR firm). Well, Nathan has SSA (same-sex attraction) and he has fought it his whole life. He told me about it while we were at school and I didn't really care as long as he didn't act on it, and he knew that's how I felt. Well, since he has moved to NYC, there aren't many people there to help him stay strong and fight his urges. (Now, I don't know what he's been doing and if he is still trying to fight it or not.) But he is from California so the Prop 8 stuff has been pretty huge and he has been an ACTIVE part of publicizing it; however, he is trying to persuade people to vote NO (FYI- if Prop 8 fails(more people vote no than yes) then gay marriage will be legal.) He has also come out saying that anyone who is FOR Prop 8 is a bigot. I already discussed my issue with that with him; however, my question is this: in the temple recommend interview, it asks if you associate with anyone or any party who is against the church's teachings....so, how does all of this work together? I mean, Nathan and I have VERY different views on gay marriage (obviously), but I still believe that it is important to love and be kind to everyone. Can I be friends with him and still maintain my temple recommend? He knows my stance on the issue and he knows it is not the same as his. In addition, on this issue, the Church has come out with an official statement, so if he says everyone who is for Prop 8 is a bigot, then is he not saying he thinks all of the Big "B" Brethren and the Prophet are all bigots? Sorry to ramble on about this, but I am just having some serious issues here and any commentary would help.

1 comment:

Michelle said...

Here is the actual wording of that question (it is question #7):
Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

I think one of the issue's with members of the Church is that they read too much into things. This question isn't asking if you are friends with, just do you agree, support, or affiliate. I remember in this past Conference (not talking specifically about gays but anyone with issues) they stated to treat with love non member and member alike, by doing so that is how you bring them closer to Christ.

btw - this is the same answer I gave on the family website.