Adversity: poem recited by President Thomas S. Monson during LDS Conference today

by Douglas Malloch

The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease:
The stronger wind, the stronger trees;
The further sky, the greater length;
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.

What do Latter-Day Saints believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Our Savior Jesus Christ Worketh Salvation on behalf of all of God's Children, his arm is continually stretched out, he calls to us continually, "he doeth [nothing] save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him...he inviteth all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female...and all are alike unto God." (2 Nephi 27) This scripture describes grace as a gift that is given free to all who repent and come unto Him. 

The Book of Mormon expounds in detail how we are saved through grace after "all we can do", and that it is through the Atonement of Christ that we are changed. The power of repentance made possible through Christ liberates us from sin and draws us nearer to God. 

 So when I am asked by friends, "Have you been saved by grace?", I answer "YES! Most certainly...but more importantly, I have been changed by grace!" I believe it is this change of heart, a submitting ones will to God and following in his footsteps that glorifies Him, that activates the atonement through grace in our lives and saves us in the Kingdom of Heaven in the end.

Why I Am A Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Hi I'm Stephanie. I'm a political activist, a natural birth advocate, a writer, thinker, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am passionate about improving preserving and protecting parental authority and the integrity of the family in our society by monitoring state and local legislation for its impact on the family. I have organized a state grass roots organization to promote policies that will preserve our children's innocence and dignity and protect parental authority and influence in their children's life and education. I am passionate about natural childbirth and I am a trained Doula (Professional Birth Assistant).Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength. On a lighter note...I have many hobbies. I love to quilt, scrapbook, cook, write, talk, teach, and read my scriptures and other classic

Why I Believe!

I was born to faithful Latter-day Saint parents who taught me faith in Christ through their actions, service through their good works, obedience through their diligence, and love through their Christ-like character. My father was a man of honor and my mother was a woman of stalwart faith, my parents held tight to the teachings of the scriptures and modern prophets. They were obedient to the commandments of God and believed in the promises of God, that if they would follow Christ their family would be protected in this world and that we would be together as a family forever in the next. I trusted my parents completely; I felt the truth of their words as they bore testimony to me of the Church and the prophet Joseph Smith. I have often tried to pinpoint the moment that I received my own testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ and his gospel. I was a child blessed with a continual witness of the truth and I have come to realize that my testimony came every time I read the scriptures with my family, every time we prayed as a family, it came with every testimony born with the power of the Holy Spirit, it came through observation of the many healthy happy families surrounding me, including my own. It seems to me as if I have always known. Although I have always known, I have not always followed, that I had to choose to do on my own, my parents could teach me but I had to choose for myself if I would believe, if I would follow. When I was young I thought it was hard to be a Mormon, living the standards of the church made me different then all the other kids, it was hard to fit in. At one point in my youth I turned away from what I knew because I was tired of the sacrifice it required of me. What I learned was that the burden of sin is much heavier than the cross. I decided then that I would not turn my back again, but that I would follow Him.

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

One reason I share the gospel with my friends is because I want them to know me better, being Mormon is a big part of who I am...there is just no way that you can build meaningful friendships with people who don't know anything about what makes you tick. Gospel discussions with my friends most often begin because my faith in the restoration of the gospel is such a big part of who I am and if they want to know me they are just going to have to get a little more familiar with that part of me. When I have shared the gospel in more depth with a friend it has been out of love and concern for them and their struggles and obstacles in life. I remember the first time I felt this out pouring of love and desire to share the message of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a friend...it was in high school. One night as I was talking with this close friend, she began to cry, "why are you so happy?" she cried, "I want to be happy? I feel so alone, so unhappy, so scared." This friend of mine had been suffering with some very difficult challenges and I desired with all my heart to wipe her tears aways and make things better for her. In that moment I could think of nothing else I could possibly do for her that would have the power to wipe away her tears than to share the source of my happiness and peace, and so I did. To me sharing the gospel with my friends is the only way to be a true friend. How could a true friend withhold something that would wipe away tears, loneliness, and pain, and replace it with the sweetest peace and joy I have ever known. I could not be a true friend and withhold this from a friend.

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

I love the Book of Mormon it has filled my life with peace, comfort, and strength. It is the key to my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days. The Book of Mormon contains some of the most powerful passages of scripture that testify of Christ of any volume of holy writ. The ancient prophets of the Book of Mormon were the contemporaries of the prophet Jeremiah; they both lived the Law of Moses and prophesied of the coming of Christ. The prophet Lehi, living 600 years before the birth of Christ, left his testimony with his children before his death, "And Notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the Law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given...and we talk of Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ...that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:25-26" The Book of Mormon strengthens my faith in my Savior and expands my understanding of His mission. The Book of Mormon is plain, it's translation uncorrupted, and the precious truths of the Gospel are made clear in its pages. The purpose of the book is to testify that we "must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men...feasting on the word of Christ, and endure to the end...There is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby men can be saved in the Kingdom of God." This is the power of the book that has touched the hearts of millions throughout the world and has been the rock upon which my testimony of Jesus Christ is built. If you will read this book with an open mind and real intent to know if it is true, your heart will be filled with the witness of the spirit, as mine has. I know this is true, because the book is a companion to the other testaments of Christ we have received through ancient prophets and the apostles of the New Testament.
How I live my faith

Our family motto is: "We Serve God by Serving Others" In the church I have had many opportunities to serve over the years, mostly with the youth. My favorite church service has been the times when I have been called to teach. I love teaching the Gospel of Christ, I love the study and the wonderful class discussions. I have learned as much as I have taught. The most important way I live my faith is by being tuned into the needs of those around me. It is such a tragedy when someone suffers in loneliness and feels that there is no one who cares, no one to lean on. I have received such love and care from members of my church in my times of need, and I do my best to do the same when I see someone who is struggling. This is probably the thing I love most about being a Mormon, the fellowship with those in the church and the support and encouragement that I have received throughout my life by so many selfless people who have been sensitive to my needs and struggles. There is a wonderful feeling of family and love within the church that from what I can tell is unique in the world.

What do Latter-day Saints believe about the divinity of Jesus Christ

Five Marks of the Divinity of Jesus Christ

The Savior’s birth, ministry, atoning sacrifice, Resurrection, and promised coming all bear witness to His divinity.

 

BY PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON (1899–1994)

President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Words of a prophet from a fireside address given at the University of Utah Special Events Center on 9 December 1979.

 

There are fundamental truths about our Lord which we must believe if we are to consider ourselves truly His disciples. I also warn you about some of the heresies that are sponsored by those who would undermine His holy mission. If I have one desire for you, … it would be that you will be valiant in your testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

The First Mark of His Divinity Is His Divine Birth

 

The most fundamental doctrine of true Christianity is the divine birth of the child Jesus. It is a doctrine not comprehended by the world, misinterpreted by [many] Christian churches, and even misunderstood by some members of the true Church.

 

The paternity of Jesus Christ is one of the mysteries of godliness. It may only be comprehended by the spiritually minded. The Apostle Matthew recorded, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:18). Luke renders a more plain meaning to the divine conception. He quotes the angel Gabriel saying to Mary: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing [being] which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35; emphasis added). Alma’s testimony, given fourscore years before the Savior’s birth, beautifully reconciles the testimonies of Matthew and Luke: “He shall be born of Mary, … she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God” (Alma 7:10; emphasis added).

 

Some 600 years before Jesus was born, Nephi had a vision. He saw Mary and described her as “a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.” He then saw her “carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time.” When she returned, she was “bearing a child in her arms, … even the Son of the Eternal Father” (1 Ne. 11:15, 19–21).

 

Thus the testimonies of appointed witnesses leave no question as to the paternity of Jesus Christ. God was the Father of His fleshly tabernacle, and Mary, a mortal woman, was His mother. He is therefore the only person born who rightfully deserves the title “the Only Begotten Son of God.”

 

We must keep in mind who Jesus was before He was born. He was the Creator of all things, the great Jehovah, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was and is the Holy One of Israel.

An angel of the Lord who appeared to Nephi used a word to describe the willingness of the Holy One of Israel to step down from His throne divine and make flesh His tabernacle. That word is condescension. It means to descend or come down from an exalted position to a place of inferior station. This our Savior did. In fact, He Himself has testified, “The Son of Man hathdescended below [all things]” (D&C 122:8; see also D&C 88:6; emphasis added). [Here is] the testimony of King Benjamin concerning our Lord’s condescension: “The Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay” (Mosiah 3:5; emphasis added).

 

When the Great God of the Universe condescended to be born of mortal woman, He submitted Himself to the infirmities of mortality, to “suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death” (Mosiah 3:7). These infirmities He inherited from His mortal mother. But because His father was God, Jesus Christ had powers which no human had before or since. He was God in the flesh—even the Son of God. These powers enabled Him to accomplish miracles, signs, wonders, the great Atonement, and the Resurrection—all of which are additional marks of His divinity.

 

From the time of His heaven-heralded birth there have crept into the Church heresies which are intended to dilute or undermine the pure doctrines of the gospel. These heresies are, by and large, sponsored by the philosophies of man and in many instances are advocated by so-called Christian scholars. The attempt is to make Christianity more palatable, more reasonable, and so they attempt to humanize Jesus and give natural explanations to those things which are divine. An example is Jesus’ birth. There are those who would seek to convince us that the divine birth of Christ as proclaimed in the New Testament was not a divine birth at all—nor was Mary, the virgin girl, a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception. They would have you believe that Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, was His physical father, and that Jesus was therefore human in all His attributes and characteristics. They appear generous in their praise of Him when they say that He was a great moral philosopher, perhaps even the greatest. But the intent of their effort is to repudiate the divine sonship of Jesus, for on that doctrine rest all other claims of Christianity.

 

I am bold to say to you, … Jesus Christ is the Son of God in the most literal sense. The body in which He performed His mission in the flesh was sired by that same Holy Being we worship as God, our Eternal Father. He was not the son of Joseph, nor was He begotten by the Holy Ghost. He is the Son of the Eternal Father!

 

The Second Mark of the Divinity of Christ Is His Ministry

 

The entire ministry of the Master was characterized by His voluntary subordination to His Heavenly Father’s will. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). As the Messiah, He fully understood His atoning mission and the will of His Father. He testified:

 

“My Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross … , that I might draw all men unto me. …

“… Therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.

 

“And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world” (3 Ne. 27:14–16).

He came to restore the fulness of a gospel which had been lost by apostasy. He came not to repeal Moses but to subordinate Mosaic law to the higher law of Christ. In order that His own people would know that He had authority to do so, He proclaimed His messiahship with words and metaphors which they could not mistake: “I am that bread of life” (John 6:48). “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:14). “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

 

The hallmark of His ministry, as prophets before Him testified that it would be, was many mighty miracles—“healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases” (Mosiah 3:5). One of the greatest of these miracles was the raising of His friend Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick, He deliberately delayed coming to Bethany to minister to His friend. It was a custom among the Jews to bury their deceased on the same day they died. It was also a superstition among them that the spirit lingered around the body for three days, but on the fourth day it departed. Jesus was very familiar with their beliefs. He therefore delayed His arrival in Bethany until Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. In that way there would be no question about the miracle He was to perform.

 

On arrival outside of Bethany He was met by Martha, sister to Lazarus. She said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother Lazarus had not died.” Jesus said, “Thy brother shall rise again.” Not understanding, Martha replied, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Then Jesus proclaimed, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (see John 11:21–26). Jesus was then taken to the place of burial, a cave with a stone in front of it. He commanded them to remove the stone, after which He offered up a prayer to His Father. He then cried in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43). Here is the Apostle John’s record of what took place: “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin” (John 11:44).

 

That miracle was such irrefutable proof of the messiahship of Jesus that the Sanhedrin determined Jesus must die because, they said, He “doeth many miracles” which will cause the people to believe (see John 11:47). Sadly, however, John also recorded, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet [the people] believed not on him” (John 12:37).

 

Today there are unbelievers among us who would spread seeds of heresy that Jesus could not cast out evil spirits, did not walk on the water or heal the sick or miraculously feed 5,000 or calm storms or raise the dead. They would have you believe that such claims are fantastic or that there is a natural explanation for each alleged miracle. Some have gone so far as to publish psychological explanations for His reported miracles. … But I say, Jesus’ entire ministry was a mark of His divinity. He spoke as God, He acted as God, and performed works which only God Himself can do. His works bear testimony of His divinity.

 

A Third Mark of His Divinity Is His Great Atoning Sacrifice

 

Were it not for the power that Jesus inherited from His Father, His great Atonement would not have been possible. You are all familiar with the facts. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He took three of the Twelve and went into the place called Gethsemane. It was there He suffered the pains of all men, which suffering, He said, “caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:18).

 

In spite of that excruciating ordeal, He took the cup and drank! He suffered as only God could suffer, bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, being wounded for our transgressions, voluntarily submitting Himself to the iniquity of us all, just as Isaiah prophesied (see Isa. 53:4–6). It was in Gethsemane where Jesus took on Himself the sins of the world, in Gethsemane where His pain was equivalent to the cumulative burden of all men, in Gethsemane where He descended below all things so that all could repent and come to Him. The mortal mind fails to fathom, the tongue cannot express, the pen of man cannot describe the breadth, the depth, or height of the suffering of our Lord—nor His infinite love for us.

Yet there are those who arrogantly declare the most pernicious heresy, that the blood which extruded from the physical body of our Lord on that night had no efficacy for the redemption of man. They would have you believe the only significance to Gethsemane was that Jesus made His decision there to go to the cross. They say that any suffering Jesus endured was only personal, not redemptive for the whole human race. I know of no heresy more destructive to faith than this, for the individual who so accepts this delusion is beguiled to believe that he can achieve exaltation on the basis of his own merit, intelligence, and personal effort. Never forget … that “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23).

 

As I contemplate the glorious Atonement of our Lord which extended from Gethsemane to Golgotha, I am led to exclaim with reverence and gratitude:

 

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. …

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

(“I Stand All Amazed,” LDS Hymn Book, no. 193)

 

A Fourth Mark of His Divinity Is His Literal Resurrection

 

I have stood in reverent awe at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. It is history’s most significant tomb—because it is empty! In the third day following His burial, Jesus came forth. The empty tomb was a cause of consternation to His disciples and others in Jerusalem. He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. He approached her as she was weeping in the garden. “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” Mary, who supposed it was the gardener speaking, said, “Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus then said, “Mary.” She now recognized His voice and exclaimed, “Rabboni,” or in other words, “Master” (John 20:15–17).

 

Of all the marks of Jesus’ divinity, none has greater support by the testimony of eyewitnesses than His literal, bodily Resurrection. Several women testified that they saw Him alive. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus dined with Him. Peter proclaimed himself an eyewitness to the Resurrection. There were many special appearances to the Twelve. In addition to these testimonies, over 500 saw Him at one time. And Paul certified that he saw the resurrected Lord. Since the day of Resurrection when Jesus became “the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20), there have been those who disbelieve and scoff. They maintain there is no life beyond mortal existence. Some have even written books which contain their fanciful heresies to suggest how Jesus’ disciples perpetrated the hoax of His Resurrection. But I say, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest historical event in the world to date. In this dispensation, commencing with the Prophet Joseph Smith, the witnesses are legion. As one of those called as a special witness, I add my testimony to those of my fellow Apostles: He lives! He lives with a resurrected body. There is no truth or fact of which I am more assured, or know better by personal experience, than the truth of the literal Resurrection of our Lord.

 

The Fifth Mark of His Divinity Is His Promised Coming

 

He told the Twelve, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again” (John 14:2–3; emphasis added). As the time of His departure drew nigh, He took them to a place outside of Bethany. There He imparted His last instructions and blessing to the Twelve. He then arose “while they beheld” and ascended to heaven, “and a cloud received him out of their sight.” As the Apostles stood looking up, two heavenly messengers appeared and spoke: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9–11; emphasis added).

 

Since that day,19 centuries have come and gone. Because He has not yet come, some scoffingly say, as Peter prophesied, “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Pet. 3:4).

 

Before He comes, the testimony of the servants of God will be rejected, by and large. Because of this rejection great calamities will befall the nations of the world, for the Lord Himself has declared:

 

“For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.

“And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.

“And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people” (D&C 88:89–91).

“And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.

“But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.

“And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another” (D&C 45:31–33).

 

The world will present a scene of conflict such as has never been experienced before. Still, men’s hearts will be hardened to the revelations from heaven. Even greater signs shall then be given to manifest the approaching great day of the Lord.

 

“And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

“And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

“And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven” (D&C 45:40–42).

 

I realize this is not a pleasant picture. I take no delight in its portrayal, nor do I look forward to the day when calamities shall come upon mankind. But these words are not my own; the Lord has spoken them. Knowing what we know as His servants, can we hesitate to raise a warning voice to all who will listen that they may be prepared for the days ahead? Silence in the face of such calamity is sin! But there is a bright side to an otherwise gloomy picture—the coming of our Lord in all His glory. His coming will be both glorious and terrible, depending on the spiritual condition of those who remain.

 

His first appearance will be to the righteous Saints who have gathered to the New Jerusalem. In this place of refuge they will be safe from the wrath of the Lord, which will be poured out without measure on all nations. Modern revelation provides this description:

 

“And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

“And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

“And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another” (D&C 45:67–69).

 

The second appearance of the Lord will be to the Jews. To these beleaguered sons of Judah, surrounded by hostile Gentile armies, who again threaten to overrun Jerusalem, the Savior—their Messiah—will appear and set His feet on the Mount of Olives, “and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake” (D&C 45:48). The Lord Himself will then rout the Gentile armies, decimating their forces (see Ezek. 38–39). Judah will be spared, no longer to be the persecuted and scattered. The Jews will then approach their Deliverer and ask:

 

“What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? …

“… I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God.

“And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king” (D&C 45:51–53).

 

What a touching drama this will be! Jesus—Prophet, Messiah, King—will be welcomed in His own country! Jerusalem will become an eternal city of peace! The sons of Judah will then realize this promise: “The tribe of Judah, after their pain, shall be sanctified in holiness before the Lord, to dwell in his presence day and night, forever and ever” (D&C 133:35).

The third appearance of Christ will be to the rest of the world. Here is His description of His coming:

 

“And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine-vat.

“And so great shall be the glory of his presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places” (D&C 133:48–49).

 

All nations will see Him “in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels. …

“And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it; and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly.

“And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner shall be consumed; and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire” (D&C 45:44, 49–50).

 

Yes, come He will! He will come in a day of wickedness, a time when men and women will be “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matt. 24:38). He will come at a time of great upheaval and tribulation when “the whole earth shall be in commotion” (D&C 45:26). He will come at a time when the Jewish nation is faced with extermination. He will come as a thief in the night—when the world least expects Him to come. “But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only” (JS—M 1:40).

 

I gratefully bear testimony of the marks which bear witness to His divinity: His divine birth, His ministry, His atoning sacrifice, His Resurrection, His promised coming. I testify of His great love and condescension for all our Father’s children and His willingness to receive all who will come to partake of this goodness and mercy. Yes, as the Book of Mormon testifies, “He denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto [Him]” (2 Ne. 26:33). God bless you … to believe and to be valiant in your testimony of Him whom we declare to the world to be our Lord, our Master, our Savior, our Redeemer, our God.

Are Mormons Christians?

The Question that Divides Us

 

I believe deeply in Jesus Christ as my personal savior and Lord, and worship God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as one God in power, purpose, and mind. Yet many of my Christian neighbors don’t consider me a Christian because my interpretation of how the three members of the Godhead relate to one another is different than theirs.

 

One of the first times I was confronted with the clear difference between how I viewed God and how other Christians saw Him, was as a young seminary student. Our class met in the basement of the post chapel at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where my father was stationed, and the chapel was used by many different denominations on the base. Near the door was a pamphlet stand that contained pamphlets distributed by the different Christian sects who met there. Countless times I passed the stand and paid no attention to the pamphlets, but one morning as I passed the words “Who is God?” caught my eye.

 

I picked up the black pamphlet with the bright bold words, and below the words there was a picture of a swirling mist of light, which reminded me of pictures of galaxies I had seen in astronomy books. I stared at it for awhile thinking “this can’t possibly be what they think God is,” surely my Christian friends did not picture this in their minds as they poured their hearts out to God in prayer. The God I had known and loved all my life was much more personal to me than this, I viewed him as my Father in Heaven and addressed him as such, I could never attach such an ambiguous picture of God to the Father whose spirit I had felt wrapped around me in love in my moments of need.

 

Experiences that followed proved to be more instructive in pointing out the fundamental differences between myself and other Christians. As a young mother I was blessed to know and love a dear friend who was of the Baptist faith. Our friendship was a great support to me at a time in my life when I was far from my mother and sisters and felt very alone. Our friendship saw us both through difficult times in our lives in which we shared a common heart ache, she loved me and served me as I did her, our friendship was almost perfect but one thing stood between us, religion.

 

Being a Baptist my dearest friend had been taught by her church to be weary of Mormons, and had been taught by her teachers that we are not Christians, that we worship a false Christ and false prophets. To each of us our religious beliefs were a very important part of our self-identity and purpose in life, and being heartfelt friends it was not possible for either of us to avoid subjects of faith.

 

There was a barrier between us that my love for her was never able to completely break down; she was always on her guard. I believe it was because she was protecting herself as Christ admonished, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matt 7:15) To her I was the ravenous wolf, or at least my church was. Still, how could she see all that I was, and know my heart and still believe that the Christ I worshiped was a false Christ, and the prophet Joseph, a false prophet? Our Lord has given us the way to judge which the wolf is and which is the false prophet when he said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits…Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit…Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt 7:16-20)

 

One cool summer evening early in our friendship we spent several hours talking meaningfully about how our beliefs differed and she opened up enough to ask me some clarifying questions about my religious beliefs. This was important to me, not necessarily because I wanted to convince her of my beliefs, but I thought if she could just understand me better perhaps she would judge me differently, perhaps we would be closer.

 

Our conversation focused mainly on my understanding of who God is and who we are in relationship to him. I told her that I believed that we are literally the children of God, that we were created in spirit by our Father in Heaven and dwelt in his presence until we came into the world to receive bodies and progress toward eternal life with Him. I explained our belief that our loving Father in Heaven provided a plan for his children that they would be able to return to him through the atoning power of his Son Jesus Christ who he would send to the world that all who would believe on him might have eternal life; and that by coming to know Christ we would come to know and understand our Father.

 

I explained to her that we believe God has a body of flesh and bones and that we are “created in his image” (Genesis 1:26), but that unlike our corruptible bodies, his is incorruptible, glorious, and perfect. I told her that we understand the resurrection to mean the reuniting of the spirit and body eternally, as it was with Christ who was resurrected into a physical form, for he said “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” (Luke 24:39) I told her that I believed us to be the “offspring of God” (Acts 17:29) the Father, and that as such our Father desires us to return home and to be like He is; that if we are faithful when we are resurrected we will be like our Father and His Son Jesus Christ as it says in the Bible, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)

 

She was confused by my profession of the nature of God, but what confused me the most was her reaction to my characterization of man’s relationship with God, as having the potential to be as our Father is. She was truly offended by this thought and pronounced it the worst type of blasphemy. To her it was an evil thing to believe man divine. To me, what is eternal life, unless it is life itself? Christ himself was resurrected and he said that would be resurrected and be joint-heirs with Him. My friend believed that our doctrine was a doctrine to exalt man’s status to that of a God, and by so doing to debase God to that of a man. She made it clear that she did not believe in the resurrection as I did, that she did not believe Christ was resurrected to a physical form, but that he is a spirit.

 

Instead, my friend described her belief in God as the “only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible. . . .” A God who is both living, but without body, parts or passions, a spirit being who is invisible but is not contained in space? She tried to explain that in the “Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost." One person, and yet without personage, without form? Is this the Christ who was resurrected in body and ascended to his Father in Heaven? Did he ascend in the flesh to re-morph into the conglomerate spirit of the “body” of the Father?

 

She told me then and there that I did not believe in Christ, because I did not believe in the true Christ, I was not Christian. That moment it seemed the world stood still. For the first time in my life I had a caught a glimpse of why people in the Christian community at large are at best skeptical of the doctrinal declarations of Mormonism. She was right, I did not believe in the Christ she described as a God with no form, nor did I believe that the scriptures teach of that being, a being of no form, this was not the God I knew and loved. This could not be the Father that had loved me in my youth and sent his spirit to witness the truth to my heart; the Savior who had died to make me whole, was he not also whole? The faith I had in the glorified personage that God is, framed all that I knew and all that I felt about myself, where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. Without these things I could not see the purpose of life.

 

Did she expect me to believe that we would be “resurrected” into nothingness to become like God this God with no form? Did she expect me to believe that we would retain no self-identity or personality; in essence that we would cease to exist? No, this I could not believe any more than she could except the idea of herself as a literal spirit daughter of her Father in Heaven, who lived with him before she was born, was created in his likeness, and born to live an eternal life as an heir to all her Father hath.

 

I quietly replied in a steady voice to my friends challenge, “You are right, I do not believe in the Christ you described, it is incomprehensible to me and every feeling in my heart protests against this vision of our Savior and our benevolent Father in Heaven. If believing in this spirit with no form is the only way to be considered a Christian, then I suppose I would have to say I am not a Christian, nor by this definition can I ever be.”

 

Until that day I had not fully realized how deeply my personal concept of God affects all that I understand and believe about the doctrines of salvation. This is the thing that continued to divide us, that conversation was the last of its kind between the two of us. We met for bible studies and often talked of God’s infinite love and Christ’s infinite atonement, but never again did her heart open to me, and never again could I share the fullness of my thoughts to her. “Who is God?” became the question that divided me from the friend I cherished and loved. This encounter has lead me to face the perplexity that is the creeds of Christendom, creeds that unequivocally declare that God is incomprehensible, a God of mystery, without body, parts, or passions; and that faith in God is not possible unless knowledge of him is shrouded in mystery.

The World may Redefine Marriage: As For Me and My House...

As an important preface to this paper I quote the definition of marriage as it has stood for thousands of years across diverse religious and ethnic societies both ancient and modern. My source, the 1828 Noah Webster English Dictionary which defined marriage this way:

MAR'RIAGE, n. [L.mas, maris.] The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity,and for securing the maintenance and education of children.

 • — — — — — • 

I have been seriously disturbed by an increase in news accounts of Christians being labeled bigots and discriminated against for their sincerely held Christian beliefs about marriage. Main stream media has completely ignored reports however conservative news (Fox, Townhall, Daily Caller, and Breitbart) continues to expose a disturbing trend. Of particular concern, peaceful religions (Catholics, Evangelicals, Mormons And Jews) compared to hate groups and labeled "Religious Extremists" because of their beliefs in traditional marriage. 

Reports of Christian Conservative leaders being dis-invited from commencement ceremonies because of their support for traditional marriage. Reports of private business who are persecuted because of the owners religious beliefs that uphold the traditional definition of marriage. Alone these reports may seem isolated but Christians who opposes the redefinition of marriage find their beliefs in an increasing minority and are deluged with such attitudes throughout social media and the culture. 

I believe that many who seek gender neutral "marriage equality" would not only like to redefine marriage in our society but would have religious objections to their goal labeled as bigoted -- labeling peaceful Christians as a dangerous counter culture of hate. Such advocates are quick to demand freedom of speech and thought for themselves but just as quick to silence those with a different view by applying labels like "homophobic" and "bigoted". At the moment the issue of "same-sex marriage" seems a settled question with the majority of Americans seeing no harm in redefining marriage. The gay lobby has been effective portraying gay parenthood as equivalent to being raised by a mom and dad and most Americans are convinced that gay marriage will have no negative affect on the cohesion of traditional marriage. 

Even if all of these conclusions are true very few Americans are asking whether "civil rights" for gays will limit religious freedom for Christians, Jews, and Muslims whose doctrines teach that gay lifestyles are not in keeping with the bounds God has set for healthy family life. The goal of the gay lobby is not simply to achieve legal equality in marriage but rather to stamp out any institutional thought that rejects their lifestyle. If you need proof of this all you need do is look at decades of political action against the private faith based organization the Boy Scouts of America. What gay activist seek is total acceptance that can only be achieved by stamping out what they see as anti-gay bigotry in any institution public or private. This not a hidden agenda the gay lobby asserts that same-sex attraction is as natural as skin color or gender and that it thus deserves to be protected as a civil right under the 1964 civil rights act. Therefore anyone who believes that their sexual lifestyle is not natural or normal is a bigot, those that teach that is is not natural or normal are haters, and any institutions that withholds membership or participation to gays are guilty of discrimination against their civil rights. 

For this reason the gay lobby is not satisfied with the public opinion trajectory that now seems inevitable to extending marriage equality by democratic means within a generation. They are not satisfied with religions who have welcomed gay marriage and gay clergy. They are not satisfied with the open teaching of homosexuality as natural and normal by public schools and institutions. They are not satisfied with the constant positive portrayal of gay couples in movies and media. They are not satisfied with hundreds of new laws and resolutions that require equality in the workforce. They are not satisfied with the foregone conclusion of the moment that public opinion in America will forever shift to favor gay marriage. Instead gay activist have taken their battle for equality to the Supreme Court seeking a verdict that will forever enshrine their lifestyle as a protected class in constitutional law so that they can bring their view of sexuality to bear on every institution. 

For this reason Christians who hold sincere religious beliefs on this subject are not only concerned about the social consequences of redefining marriage and traditional family life but are becoming increasingly concerned about a serious threat to our first liberty — religious freedom. If the Supreme Court rules as gay activists hope, the flood gates will open and test our most basic religious freedoms to teach what we believe. Devout religious organizations will face a wave of legal action on grounds that they are bigots who discriminate against the civil rights of same-sex couples. I hope the Supreme Court considers this consequence when it deliberates this spring. 

My opposition to gay marriage as a public matter is founded in the simple belief that marriage between a man and a women has been the bedrock of society for thousands of years because children are nurtured best by both father and mother in an intact nuclear family. My support for traditional marriage is informed by my religious beliefs but is also informed by years of decades of research and statistics that show that children raised in intact nuclear families with a father and mother fair better in every measurable way. However, research that supports the idea that children raised by gay couples also fair well is not rigorous, is very new, and still concludes that children with a father and mother who love each other and honor marital vows is preferable. 

Even without these modern studies and statistics there is overwhelming evidence throughout history and our modern society that the disintegration of the family is the leading factor in every major social problem that threatens our peace and prosperity. With marriage being the foundation of family life it is the disintegration of marital norms that is most to blame for the breakdown of the family. Therefore public policy that encourages men and women to form strong lasting family relationships for the nurture of children benefits society as a whole and the stability of generations strengthens our public institutions and is paramount to the health and stability of our society. 

As compelling as I believe these arguments are in defense of traditional marriage, it is the threat to religious freedom that the establishment of a protected class for gays under constitutional law would pose that I wish to focus on. A question I often hear from supporters of gay marriage is, "why should any religion be opposed to someone else's marriage?" The question itself reflects the reality that supporters of gay marriage see religious doctrine that opposes gay lifestyles and gay marriage as bigoted. I wonder would they support legal action to ban churches from teaching doctrine that opposes gay marriage? These supporters of gay marriage need to hold back a moment and ask themselves if they support the full agenda of the gay lobby, which is to extend the protection of constitutional civil rights to gays? If they do they probably have not considered how this will affect religious freedom -- the freedom to worship God after the dictates of our own conscience. 

• — — — — — • 

Gay activist have been very successful in demonizing any religious belief that is counter to their narrative about the homosexual lifestyle. This successful campaign may be why Americans are comfortable speaking about gay marriage in terms of defending "civil rights". I think that many have been convinced that opposition to gay marriage on religious grounds is hateful and bigoted and deserves no consideration or protection. I hope this is not the case but the momentum seems to be leading in that direction. Perhaps if more Americans better understood the sincerely held religious beliefs of Christians for instance, they would be more tolerant of Christians like myself who cannot simply set aside their beliefs in matters both private and public. So for those who in the spirit of sincere inquiry desire to better understand the underlying beliefs that inform my political position on marriage please continue reading. 

First I should note, as most are aware, Christians differ on doctrine and I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) so the below doctrines reflect our beliefs and differ in some ways from the beliefs of other sects. We recently met as a world wide church for our broadcasted 183 semi-annual world General Conference. Many of our church leaders took this opportunity to speak directly about the doctrine of the family to members of the church in 162 countries. I've chosen just teaching from this most recent conference to explain the foundations of our faith on this subject. Leaders of the church spoke in unison of God's definition of marriage and family life and warned of the consequences of turning away from marriage as God defines it, here are the excerpts: (These statements of doctrine fully reflect my beliefs and convictions on this topic and represent the closely held religious views that an ever increasing majority of my country believe to be bigoted. None the less "me and my house, we will serve the Lord.")

 • — — — — — • 

David A. Bednar (We Believe in Being Chaste) gave the most thorough and foundational explanation of our beliefs and doctrines on marriage and family life during the conference so I start with his words. "After the earth was created, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden... God said “it was not good that the man should be alone” and Eve became Adam’s wife. The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females was needed to enact the plan of happiness. “Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:11). The man and the woman are intended to learn from, strengthen, bless, and complete each other." "The eternal importance of chastity can only be understood within the overarching context of our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for His children. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in the marriage relationship prescribed in God’s plan." "The means by which mortal life is created is divinely appointed. “The first commandment … God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. Thus, marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel." "The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given his children. Its use was mandated in the first commandment, but another important commandment was given to forbid its misuse... Outside the bonds of marriage, all uses of the procreative power are to one degree or another a sinful degrading and perversion of the most divine attribute of men and women”

 • — — — — — • 

Boyd K. Packer (These Things I Know), President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned against the changing laws that weaken the moral fabric of society. "We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual. The family, the fundamental organization in time and eternity, is under attack from forces seen and unseen... Latter-day Saints recognize the transcendent importance of the family... The permissiveness afforded by the weakening of the laws of the land to tolerate legalized acts of immorality does not reduce the serious spiritual consequence that is the result of the violation of God’s law of chastity." L. Tom Perry (Obedience to Law is Liberty) greatly expanded on this subject, when he taught: "Today we find ourselves in another war. This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. Secularism is becoming the norm, and many of its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with those that were instituted by the Lord Himself for the benefit of His children."

"Prophets have consistently warned against violations of two of the more serious commandments—the ones relating to murder and adultery [Sexual sin outside the bonds of marriage as defined by God]. I see a common basis for these two critical commandments—the belief that life itself is the prerogative of God and that our physical bodies, the temples of mortal life, should be created within the bounds God has set. For man to substitute his own rules for the laws of God on either end of life is the height of presumption and the depth of sin."

Included in the arguments in support of the redefinition of marriage is are regular discussions of the deteriorating state of marriage as if to say that we should not oppose the redefinition of marriage because after all heterosexual couples abuse their marriages regularly and children are more often raised today in broken homes then in intact homes. I find this an extraordinary argument that in essence is saying that we should support the further breakdown of marital norms and the intact family in our society, denying even more children the stable nurture of both mother and father, because we are already failing our children anyway. Many want to remove children as a central point in the debate and assert that marriage has as its primary purpose the love and pleasure of adult rather than the welfare of children, of course the end result is the same. L. Tom Perry warned that "The main effects of these depreciating attitudes about the sanctity of marriage are the consequences to families—the strength of families is deteriorating at an alarming rate. This deterioration is causing widespread damage to society." 

• — — — — — • 

As Mormons we have the unique belief that families are not merely created for earth life but that families are eternal and thus gender is an essential characteristic of eternal life. M. Russell Ballard (This Is My Work and My Glory) spoke to this unique Mormon doctrine that endows marriage with an even deeper significance in God's plan for his children. "Men and women have different but equally valued roles. Just as a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, so a man cannot fully exercise [his] power... to establish an eternal family without a woman." This biological fact is also a spiritual absolute in God's plan for his children and while 'the world changes constantly and dramatically... God, His commandments, and promised blessings do not change. They are immutable and unchanging. Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.“Wickedness never was happiness” Surely there could not be any doctrine more strongly expressed in the scriptures than the Lord’s unchanging commandments and their connection to our happiness and well-being as individuals, as families, and as a society. There are moral absolutes. Disobedience to the Lord’s commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. These things do not change. In a world where the moral compass of society is faltering, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ never wavers." (L. Tom Perry, Obedience to Law Is Liberty)

 • — — — — — • 

Mormons do not discriminate against same-sex attraction as far as sexual sin is concerned. The church teaches that any violation of the laws of chastity has the potential to destroy eternal progression as well as bring about the calamities foretold by ancient prophets. Richard G. Scott (For Peace at Home) warned young people of the dangers in the world that can prevent them from establishing Christ centered homes, these dangers have been often discussed by church leaders and paramount among them are the dangers of pornography and sexual promiscuity and perversion. "There is real danger in the environment surrounding you. Your great potential and ability could be limited or destroyed if you yield to the contamination around you. Stay on the Lord’s side, and you will win every time. One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds."

 • — — — — — • 

Speaking to the men of the church (but just as relevant to all) Robert D. Hales (Stand Strong in Holy Places) said, "We have the responsibility to stand strong... We are role models to the world, protecting God-given, inalienable rights and freedoms. We stand in defense of our homes and our families." To the young men he added this sober council, "Young men, your fathers and grandfathers never faced the temptations that you face on a regular basis. If your father wanted to get in trouble, he had to go searching for it. Not anymore! Today temptation finds you! Please remember that!" Years ago Elder Hales said these words to the youth, "The world has gone far afield... it has proceeded way, way out... What we and our children and our grandchildren have to remember is that the Church will remain constant, the world will keep moving—that gap is [becoming] wider and wider. … Therefore, be very careful. If you judge your actions and the standards of the Church on the basis of where the world is and where it’s going, you will find that you are not where you should be.” But these many years later he noted, "Back then I could not have imagined how far and how fast the world would move away from God; it was impossible to understand that... And yet the standards of Christ and His Church have not moved. As He said, “The truth abideth forever and ever.” 

"When we understand and accept this, we are prepared to face the social pressure, ridicule, and even discrimination that will come from the world and some who call themselves friends. Most of us know someone who would say, “If you want to be my friend, you’ll have to accept my values.” A true friend doesn’t ask us to choose between the gospel and his or her friendship. To borrow the words of Paul, “From such turn away.” "We are not authorized to negotiate the conditions of [God's] eternal plan. Sometimes we become the lightning rod, and we must “take the heat” for holding fast to God’s standards and doing His work. I testify that we need not be afraid if we are grounded in His doctrine. We may experience misunderstanding, criticism, and even false accusation, but we are never alone. Our Savior was “despised and rejected of men.” It is our sacred privilege to stand with Him!"

 • — — — — — • 

However the political and social climate change, however the laws follow, this will not and cannot change my religious beliefs. I cannot reject or deny my beliefs and would dare not choose to succumb to the pressures of society or even the persecution of laws and surrender my faithful obedience to the dictates of my own conscience. I hope the Supreme Court will not push our nation to that place, that they will not open the way for the gay lobby to begin a campaign of stamping out religious freedom. Christians like myself will not give way to the unrelenting pressure from advocates of that lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, to accept as natural that which violates the laws of nature. I will not be intimidated by their characterizing me as narrow-minded, bigoted and unreasonable. 

In conclusion it is essential that all who have read these declarations of my beliefs understand that central to the Gospel of Christ is the commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" and the council of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in which he lovingly guides, "as I have loved you, love one another". There are many inside and outside of the Christian faith who see religious opposition to "same-sex marriage" as a repudiation of these teachings of the Master. 

As I stated before many see the fact that devout Christians will not set aside there beliefs on this subject as evidence of bigotry, but a bigot is one who "regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance". So if you consider a "sexual orientation" as a racial or ethnic group you would still have to examine whether the vast majority of peaceful followers of Christ are treating homosexuals with hatred before you could classify Christians as bigots for their religious beliefs. 

Christ himself taught by example how to treat all people with love, respect, and tolerance without condoning or accepting what he taught was sin. While Christ loved the sinner, he never loved the sin. He showed love and respect for all of God's children (whatever their sin) but he did not excuse sin, rather he forgave repentant sinners. Our doctrine teaches that God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance and to enter His Kingdom we must be made perfect "even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This is the central purpose of the atoning sacrifice of the Savior of the world, that through Christ all men might be sanctified and washed clean and made perfect in Christ. Therefore, while Jesus taught us to love one another he first taught us to "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart... soul... mind, and... strength" with "an eye single to the glory of God" and then instructed, "if ye love me, keep my commandments." 

I will forever oppose the mistreatment of any human being whatever their gender, race, age, nationality, religion, political persuasion, or sexual orientation — the bulling, harassment, or violence against any person is a sin and an abomination in the sight of God — this is an unequivocal principle of my Christian faith as immutable as are the laws of Chastity which are foundational to my support for traditional marriage and my opposition to homosexual lifestyles. While there will always be those who cannot reconcile these two beliefs as compatible I look only to the example of Jesus Christ to know that they are completely in harmony and that as a Christian I can be true to the laws of God in both defending traditional marriage and loving my neighbor. Direct clarity on the doctrine of the Family as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be read in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

It's No Mystery What's Killing Our Culture

Not to long ago I posted an article on my FreedomEd blog titled:

10 Reasons America is In REAL TROUBLE

The first two and the most important were:

1) Moral Decay: Christianity in this country is slowly retreating from Biblical principles, the Public Square, and American life in general. Our movies, music, and TV shows are provided by people who are almost universally hostile to Christianity and traditional American values.

2) Disintegration of the family: Starting in the sixties there was an explosion of children born out-of-wedlock and kids who don't grow up in two parent families fare more poorly on just about every scale imaginable. Thus we see the disintegration of the American family with undeniable evidence of soaring divorce rates, more out-of-wedlock birth, and all the social decay this causes.

(Read full article here: http://freedomeducator.blogspot.com/2013/02/10-reasons-america-is-in-real-trouble.html?m=1)

My husband and I had a late night discussion about how far our culture has fallen into the gutter of filth and perversion and I expressed a deep sadness and regret for the central part women have played in this fall from grace.

As a women I am grateful for the advances in freedom and status women have gained through social reform, but the honorable political movement to secure a woman's standing in the eye of the law was at some point high jacked by a degraded agenda.

Perhaps well meaning, a great many so called feminist have degraded the exalted virtues of womanhood and motherhood and torn apart the very fabric of our society. For this I am truly sorry. I would have preferred virtue preserved over feminist progress gained, if I were made to choose one or the other. The despicable disintegration of virtue in our society is the worst kind of bondage for women and men alike!

Family Home Evening: Absolute Truth vs. Moral Relativism

Truth and Tolerance

---------------

Absolute Truth vs. Moral Relativism
Absolute Truth:

We know that the existence of God and the existence of absolute truth are fundamental to life on this earth, whether they are believed in or not. We also know that evil exists and that some things are simply, seriously, and everlastingly wrong.

“Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24).

Moral Relativism:

We live in a world where more and more persons of influence are teaching and acting out a belief that there is no absolute right and wrong.

The philosophy of moral relativism, which holds that each person is free to choose for him or herself what is right and wrong, is becoming the unofficial creed for many in the United States and other Western nations. At the extreme level, evil acts that used to be localized and covered up like a boil are now legalized and paraded like a banner. Persuaded by this philosophy, many of the rising generation are caught up in self-serving pleasures, pornography, dishonesty, foul language, revealing attire, pagan painting and piercing of body parts, and degrading sexual indulgence.

Many teachers in schools, colleges, and universities are teaching and practicing relative morality. This is shaping the attitudes of many young people who are taking their places as the teachers of our children and the shapers of public attitudes through the media and popular entertainment. This philosophy of moral relativism denies what millions of believing Christians, Jews, and Muslims consider fundamental, and this denial creates serious problems for all of us.

We who believe in God and the corollary truth of absolute right and wrong have the challenge of living in a godless and increasingly amoral world. What believers should do about this introduces the second of my twin subjects, tolerance.

Tolerance is defined as a friendly and fair attitude toward unfamiliar or different opinions and practices or toward the persons who hold or practice them.

What is tolerance, when does it apply, and when does it not apply?

These are harder questions for those who affirm the existence of God and absolute truth than for those who believe in moral relativism. The weaker one’s belief in God and the fewer one’s moral absolutes, the fewer the occasions when the ideas or practices of others will confront one with the challenge to be tolerant. For example, an atheist has no need to decide what kinds and occasions of profanity or blasphemy can be tolerated and what kinds should be confronted. Persons who don’t believe in God or in absolute truth in moral matters can see themselves as the most tolerant of persons. For them, almost anything goes. This belief system can tolerate almost any behavior and almost any person. Unfortunately, some who believe in moral relativism seem to have difficulty tolerating those who insist that there is a God who should be respected and that there are certain moral absolutes that should be observed.

Truth and Tolerance

---------------

Obligation to Truth
The principle:

Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. We are not required to respect and tolerate wrong behavior. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from behavior that is wrong.

We must stand up for truth, even while we practice tolerance and respect for beliefs and ideas different from our own and for the people who hold them. Similarly, with our children and others whom we have a duty to teach, our duty to truth is paramount.

Practical Application:

(1) The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived; behind that facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain.

(2) Out obligation to truth has its own set of requirements and its own set of blessings. When we “speak every man truth with his neighbour” and when we “[speak] the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15, 25), we are acting as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, doing His work. Angels will stand with us, and He will send His Holy Spirit to guide us.

(3) In this sensitive matter we should first consider whether—or the extent to which—we should communicate to our associates what we know to be true about their behavior. In most cases this decision can depend on how directly we are personally affected by it. For example, it is one thing to ignore serious sins when they are private; it is quite another thing to be asked to sponsor or implicitly endorse them

Truth and Tolerance

---------------

Obligation to Tolerance
The principle:

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has said: “The word tolerance does not stand alone. It requires an object and a response to qualify it as a virtue. … Tolerance is often demanded but seldom returned. Beware of the word tolerance. It is a very unstable virtue.”

This inspired caution reminds us that for persons who believe in absolute truth, tolerance for behavior is like a two-sided coin. Tolerance or respect is on one side of the coin, but truth is always on the other. You cannot possess or use the coin of tolerance without being conscious of both sides.

The kingdom of God is like leaven, Jesus taught (see Matthew 13:33). Leaven—yeast—is hidden away in the larger mass until the whole is leavened, which means raised by its influence.

Because followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to be leaven, we must seek tolerance from those who hate us for not being of the world.

As the Apostle Paul taught, Christians should “follow after the things which make for peace” (Romans 14:19) and, as much as possible, “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

Practical Applications:

(1) We should be alert to honor the good we should see in all people and in many opinions and practices that differ from our own.

(2) Our obligation to tolerance means that behaviors—we consider deviations from the truth—should never cause us to react with hateful communications or unkind actions.

(3) To other believers, we might express appreciation for the fact that we share common ground, even though we differ in our definitions of those fundamentals. Beyond that, we should remember the Savior’s teaching that we should avoid contention.

Truth and Tolerance

---------------

Applying Tolerance
So what does tolerance mean to us and other believers, and what are our special challenges in applying it?

3 Guiding Principles:

(1) First, all persons are brothers and sisters under God, taught within their various religions to love and do good to one another.

(2) Living together with mutual respect for one another’s differences is a challenge in today’s world. However—and here I express a second absolute truth—this living with differences is what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us we must do.

(3) Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. That is a third absolute truth. We are cast as combatants in the war between truth and error. There is no middle ground. We must stand up for truth, even while we practice tolerance and respect for beliefs and ideas different from our own and for the people who hold them.

Tolerance is applied differently depending on the situation; whether that tolerance relates privately or publicly or is applied to beliefs and ideas or behavior.

While we must practice tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs, including their right to explain and advocate their positions, we are not required to respect and tolerate wrong behavior. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from behavior that is wrong.

In applying the sometime competing demands of truth and tolerance we should not be tolerant with ourselves. We should be ruled by the demands of truth.


Truth and Tolerance

---------------

Principles in the Public Square
When believers enter the public square to try to influence the making or the administration of laws motivated by their beliefs, they should apply some different principles.

First, they must seek the inspiration of the Lord to be selective and wise in choosing which true principles they seek to promote by law or executive action.

Believers can and must seek laws that will preserve religious freedom. Along with the ascendancy of moral relativism, the United States and other nations are experiencing a disturbing reduction in overall public esteem for religion. Once an accepted part of American life, religion is now suspect in the minds of many. Some influential voices even question the extent to which our constitutions should protect the free exercise of religion, including the right to practice and preach religious principles.

This is a vital matter on which we who believe in a Supreme Being who has established absolute right and wrong in human behavior must unite to insist on our time-honored rights to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public issues, and to participate in elections and debates in the public square and the halls of justice. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers to preserve and strengthen the freedom to advocate and practice our religious beliefs, whatever they are.

Second, when believers promote their positions in the public square, they should always be tolerant of the opinions and positions of those who do not share their beliefs. Believers must always speak with love and show patience, understanding, and compassion toward their adversaries.

Third, believers should not be deterred by the familiar charge that they are trying to legislate morality. Many areas of the law are based on Judeo-Christian morality and have been for centuries. Western civilization is based on morality and cannot exist without it. As the second U.S. president, John Adams, declared: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Fourth, believers should not shrink from seeking laws to maintain public conditions or policies that assist them in practicing the requirements of their faith where those conditions or policies are also favorable to the public health, safety, or morals. But where believers are in the majority, they should always be sensitive to the views of the minority.

Finally, the spirit of our balance of truth and tolerance is applied in these words of President Hinckley: “Let us reach out to those in our community who are not of our faith. Let us be good neighbors, kind and generous and gracious. Let us be involved in good community causes. There may be situations where, with serious moral issues involved, we cannot bend on matters of principle. But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. We can acknowledge the sincerity of those whose positions we cannot accept. We can speak of principles rather than personalities.”