User:Joshuajohanson/Homosexuality and the LDS Church

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Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Contents

[edit] History

The church teaches that gender and gender roles are an eternal and essential characteristic of a soul,[1] and that there is a "divine impulse within every true man and woman that impels companionship with the opposite sex," which may include, but is much more than "the superficiality of mere physical attractions."[2] According to the church, same-gender attraction is a problem that did not exist in the pre-mortal life[3] and "will not be a post-mortal condition. It will not be a post-mortal difficulty."[4] They report that some gay members of the church have "through individual effort, the exercise of faith, and reliance upon the enabling power of the Atonement, overcome same-gender attraction in mortality,"[5] but they teach other gays will never be free of same-gender attraction in this life, regardless of what they do.[5]

There is no official church doctrine as to the scientific causes behind same-gender attraction.[6] However, many prominent leaders have voiced their opinion on the causes, usually with a preface that "this isn't doctrine." [7] Dallin H. Oaks warns that although the church frequently references contemporary scientific research, it should not be taken as a position on "scientific questions", such as the cause of homosexuality.[8]

The Doctrine & Covenants teaches that in order to be saved, one must be heterosexually married in the temple.
The Doctrine & Covenants teaches that in order to be saved, one must be heterosexually married in the temple.

[edit] 19th Century

Homosexuality is not specifically mentioned in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, or the teachings of Joseph Smith. However, the Bible, as interpreted by most Christians of the day, forbade homosexuality stating “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”[9] The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible further clarifies the Bible's teachings on homosexuality. In the story of Lot, the translation makes clear the intent of the city of Sodom: “Wherefore they said unto the man, We will have the men, and thy daughters also; and we will do with them as seemeth us good. Now this was after the wickedness of Sodom.”[10] In regards to 1 Corinthians' condemnation of “abusers of themselves with mankind,” the Joseph Smith Translation reads “All these things are not lawful unto me, and all these things are not expedient. All things are not lawful for me, therefore I will not be brought under the power of any.”[11] Gordon B. Hinckley taught that prophets have always considered homosexual relations as a "grievous sin."[12] Furthermore, the church taught against sexual immorality, which included all extra-marital sexual activity. Sexual immorality was considered in the Book of Mormon as the “most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost.”[13]

The church also had strong teachings on heterosexuality. The Doctrine and Covenants reads that in order to reach the highest degree of the Celestial kingdom, “a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it.”(clarification in the original)[14] In other words, in order to get to the highest position according to Mormon cosmology, one must be heterosexually married to one or more spouses. Those who do not have an opportunity to get married in this life will get an opportunity to get married in the next.[15] D. Michael Quinn has suggested that early church leaders had a more tolerant view of homosexuality, but scholars have questioned his research.[16]

[edit] Early 20th Century

Spencer W. Kimball wrote many of the original talks and books that directly addressed homosexuality. He, along with Mark E. Peterson, was assigned by president David O. McKay to work with gays within the church after a rash of arrests of gay men in 1959 in Utah and Idaho(Kimball & Kimball 1977, p. 381). His first major talk to specifically address homosexuality was "Love vs Lust", given in 1964 to church educators and LDS psychiatrists. In 1969, he expanded this talk and included it his book Miracle of Forgiveness. Although he makes clear that the book is only his personal opinion and "absolves" the church from any errors in the book,[7] it still became a popular book among members of the church and formed the basis for understanding homosexuality in the church for many years. Many of the ideas introduced in Miracle of Forgiveness were later incorporated into the church pamphlets Hope for Transgressors written in 1970[17] and New Horizons for Homosexuals, written in 1971.[18]

continue talking about the history of publications.

When speaking of homosexuality, Kimball consistently refered to it as a "sex act", not an orientation.[7] He recognized that certain people had homosexual desires and tendencies, but taught that they could overcome any desire to participate in homosexual acts "the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery." Although he called homosexual behavior a "heinous sin", he viewed many homosexuals as "basically good people who have become trapped in sin" and that "some totally conquer homosexuality in a few months".[7] The pamphlets he helped write taught church leaders who were trying to help people give up homosexual behaviors to recite scripture, appeal to reason, encourage them to abandon gay lovers and associates, pray, and replace their life with positive action and straight dating.


[edit] Causes of homosexuality

  • good source [8]

Before the 1970s, medical experts classified homosexuality as a mental illness, and President Kimballwas adamant that it could be cured. Citing a Medical World News article, he said that "We know such a disease is curable," and that ex-gay Mormons had emerged from the church's counseling programs cured, although the cure was "like the cure for alcoholism subject to continued vigilance" (Kimball 1964, p. 13). In 1970, Kimball was involved in creating an LDS publication for church leaders to "assist them to effect a cure and...become normal again" (LDS Church 1970, p. 1). In Miracle of Forgiveness, he alludes that it may have been caused by masterbation.

In To the One, Elder Packer characterized homosexual interaction as a perversion and presented the possibility that it had its roots in selfishness and could be cured with "unselfish thoughts, with unselfish acts" (p. 16).[19] He taught that men are born to be men, manly men. In To Young Men Only, he alludes that men are recruited into homosexual acts by other homosexuals. In 1980s, Elder Faust taught that the idea that someone was born gay was of the devil. LDS social services began borrowing ideas from reparative therapy in teaching that it was the parent's fault. Books such as Erin Elridge's "Born Gay?" were published by Deseret Book arguing against the idea that people were born gay.

In 1992 when they removed, so did we. A couple years later, President Hinckley told Larry King that he did not know whether or not people were born gay. Elder Oaks printed an Ensign article explaining and argreeing with the modern medical view that homosexuality were influenced, but not determined by genes. After that time, the church no longer taught that it was a choice, and began to emphasize that we are not responsible for what temptations we have, but only what we do with them.

The church currently teaches that they do not know the cause of homosexuality. They have taught that it is not a choice, and it cannot be blamed on parents or early experimentation.

[edit] Mormon mixed orientation marriages

According to Mormon theology, Celestial marriage, a heterosexual marriage sealed in a Mormon temple, is an essential step to becoming a god in Mormon cosmology. The Doctrine and Covenants reads that in order to reach the highest degree of the Celestial kingdom, “a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it.”(clarification in the original)(D & C 131:1-4) However, one does not have to attain a celestial marriage in this lifetime. Married couples who died without a celestial marriage can attain one through temple work and those who were not married in this life will get an opportunity to get married in the next.[20] This is a major concern for many devout Mormons with same-sex attractions, and this teaching has been criticised as being discriminatory against gays.

In the 1970s, President Kimball included straight dating as a step in overcoming homosexuality, with an end goal of a heterosexual marriage.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no content must have a name This dominated Mormon thinking, until 1987 when Elder Hinckley discouraged the practice. He said ""Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no content must have a name In 1992, instructions went out to church leaders instructing them not to encourage heterosexual dating, as this would cause undue stress for the member.

Homosexuals are discouraged from marriage unless they have overcome homosexual inclinations.
Homosexuals are discouraged from marriage unless they have overcome homosexual inclinations.

President Hinckley declared “Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices, which first should clearly be overcome with a firm and fixed determination never to slip to such practices again.”[1] Unless this is done, they cannot enter marriage in good faith[2] and doing so can damage the lives of others.[3] Church leaders are warned that encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings generally leads to frustration and discouragement.[3] They speak against those who enter into marriage under false pretense.[2] Several marriages have ended because of a failure to end homosexual problems before marriage.[4]

The church maintains that it is possible to overcome these problems.[5] They note that some have reported that heterosexual feelings can emerge once freed from homosexual problems.[3] It would be appropriate for those with homosexual feelings to get married if they “have shown their ability to deal with these feelings or inclinations and put them in the background, and feel a great attraction for a daughter of God and therefore desire to enter marriage and have children and enjoy the blessings of eternity”.[2] Several members of the church have dealt with their attractions sufficiently to get married.[6]

Many individuals with same-gender attractions have thought that they should get married because of the church's doctrine of marriage. LDS doctrine holds that heterosexual marriage is one of many requirements for entry into the "highest degree of glory" of the Celestial Kingdom, the highest of the three heavens mentioned by Paul in the New Testament. Marriage between a man and a woman is considered an essential part in the LDS belief of attaining that heaven. Therefore, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe a family is the fundamental unit of society in this life and in heaven. However, this family must come about in the Lord's way, not through deceit or lies.[7] Those who do not have an opportunity to get married in this life will get an opportunity to get married in the next,[8] including those with same-gender attractions.[7] The attractions will not continue past death, and if they were faithful in this life, they will receive every blessing in the eternities, including eternal marriage.[2]

In general, the church teaches that a marriage should not be based on pure physical and sexual attractions, but on other factors as well. They have taught that a marriage could still work without it. Someone said "any two worthy Mormons can be happy in marriage." However, love should still be the basis for any marriage. President Monson has counseled members to "marry the one you love and love the one you marry."

There have been several Mormon mixed orientation marriages that have ended in divorce. Carol Lynn Peterson, a prominent LDS writer, was married to man who later left the marriage to pursue relationships with other men. She has become outpoken against heterosexual marriage for gays, and discusses her views in her book No more goodbyes. Her daughter also married and divorced a gay man by the name of Steve Fales. His story is told in Confessions of a Mormon Boy. Some guy, who was previously a leader in Evergreen, left his marriage after a long time. He shared his story somewhere. He now participates with Gamofites, an organization for Mormon fathers who decided to purse a gay relationship.

However, there have been other Mormon mixed orientation marriages that have been successful. Without giving examples, the pamphlet God Loveth His Children affirms that through effort many have gotten married. After sharing stories of some successful marriages of his friends, Ty Mansfield makes the following observation: "We do hear about the marriages that fail, but I believe that is at least partially because those who have successful marriages are quietly and faithfully serving each other and their God."[9]

Dave Matheson's marriage to Peggy was featured in some documentary. He did not say he was straight, but simply "straight enough". The Deseret Morning News covered the marriage Rich Wyler as well as other gay Mormons who say they are happily married. Jason Park discusses his marriage I am sure somewhere.

Jeff Robinson did in depth look at seven Mormon men in mixed orientation marriages. He made some conclusions.

An in depth look of one marriage was covered in Staying In, Getting Out, published in the Dialog of Mormon Thought. In it, Ben Christensen tells of something or rather. Afterwards, Ron Schrow and someone else, both Mormon counselors, discuss the dangers of mixed orientation marriages, followed by a rebutal by Christensen reaffirming his love for his wife.


In 1965, Spencer W. Kimball addressed homosexuality in his talk "Love vs Lust." He called it a "heinous" sin, but taught those with homosexual "desires and tendencies" could overcome it "the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery." He taught that although everyone is subject to temptations, "the difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted."[10] In 1969, he expanded this talk in the Miracle of Forgiveness, in which he teaches that masturbation can lead to homosexuality. However, he views many homosexuals as "basically good people who have become trapped in sin" and that "some totally conquer homosexuality in a few months". Kimball makes clear the book is only his personal opinion and "absolves" the church from any errors in the book.[11]

In 1970, the church produced Hope for Transgressors[12] and in 1971 New Horizons for Homosexuals,[13] both of which advocated a cure for those with homosexual tendencies. In 1976, the church officially opposed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). According to Church President Spencer W. Kimball, part of the reason for this opposition was to prevent any constitutional recognition for gay rights. Finally that year, the church issued a widely-circulated pamphlet for young men based on a speech by Boyd K. Packer which strongly condemned gay sex. He praised a missionary who was concerned when he had to flatten his companion in order to protect himself from the companion's sexual advances.[14] In 1978, Packer followed this up with another sermon, published as a pamphlet, characterizing homosexual interaction as a perversion and presented the possibility that it had its roots in selfishness and could be cured with "unselfish thoughts, with unselfish acts" (p. 16).[5] He states that the church had not previously talked more about homosexuality because "some matters are best handled very privately" (p. 3) and "we can very foolishly cause things we are trying to prevent by talking too much about them." (p.19)[5]

The church does not condemn what it calls "susceptibilities", "inclinations" or "temptations" of any type that are not acted upon, pointing to the example of Christ’s temptations.[2] Members with homosexual "inclinations" can participate as all other members of the church[15] and if they remain celibate or heterosexually married, they can participate in the religion to the same extent as straight members.[2] Those with same-gender attractions are encouraged to talk to their ecclesiastical leader.[16][17] They are encouraged not to let their orientation be the sole defining factor in their lives, but to see the whole person, extending their horizons beyond their orientation.[2] They should be careful not to blame their parents.

The church does not participate in debate on whether homosexual susceptibilities develop from nature or nurture, saying that such debate is better left to science.[2] They have admitted that “perhaps such susceptibilities are inborn or acquired without personal choice” and “may have some relationship to inheritance,” citing some scientific research.[7] However, they teach that these inclinations will not continue beyond death[2] and that gender and gender roles are an eternal and essential characteristic of a soul.[18].

Innocent mischief early in life does not predispose a youth toward same-gender attraction as an adult.[19]

[edit] Declassification

In 1992, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases as a mental illness,[20] the church produced Understanding and Helping Those With Homosexual Problems,[3] which removed all reference to homosexuality as a disease.

Faults and failings and the superficiality of mere physical attractions are as nothing compared with the genuineness of good character that endures and grows more beautiful with the years.[21]


[edit] Rich Wyler

Rich Wyler (Glenn Wyler) is the director of People Can Change, a nonprofit organization[22] for men who want to "reduce or eliminate their homosexual desire.[23]

  • Rich Wyler was excommunicated, but has since rejoined the LDS church.[24] He was married and then widowed. He is the founder and executive director of People Can Change and co-creator and leader of Journey into Manhood. He established Higher Path Life Coaching and began coaching professionally in 2005.[25] He leads telephone-based coaching group called "A Wife's Journey: Caring for Yourself and Your Family When Your Husband Struggles With Homosexuality or Addiction."[26]



  • not Wyler, but Jim (anti) [21]
  • rebuttal to above [22]


[edit] Michael Glatze

Michael Glatze

  • YGA response [23]
  • Throckmorton [24]
  • Northern Lights (with links) [25]
  • Christian Post - Yep, he's a Mormon. [26]
  • Gay City Story [27]
  • Edge Boston [28]

[edit] Marriage debate

[28] [29]

  • Scott Andersen Went to Evergreen, and talks about FHE in his book. [30]
  • Ben Christensen[31] eventually left the church and is considering gay relationship[32]
  • David Matheson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in the New York City area. He is co-founder of the Center for Gender-Affirming Processes (CGAP), co-creator of the Journey into Manhood weekend, and a director of People Can Change. He developed the influential Four Principles of Growth, wrote the Evergreen Workbook for Men, and co-authored Origins of Male Homosexuality.[33] Also ssa guy.[34] His organization.[35]
  • Alice Waters[36] wrote "Anyone can be recycled"[37]

Insignificant?

  • Brad Anderson [38]


Pseudonyms

  • Jason Park discovered Evergreen in 1990 and found it to be a God-send to help him overcome his unwanted same-sex attraction. He is a popular speaker and author of two books Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men and Helping LDS Men Resolve their Homosexual Problems: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Church Leaders. Jason also authored a summary of the two books in booklet form entitled Understanding Male Homosexual Problems: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints.[39]
  • Ben Newman [40]



Views: Heterosexuality is the goal

  • Dr. A. Dean Byrd is Director of Clinical Training for LDS Social Services, Clinical Professor at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He has held leadership positions with NARTH and is a former member of the Evergreen Board of Trustees. He has written extensively on the topic, including several books and articles for the Ensign.[41]
  • Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Orem, Utah. He specializes in the treatment of individuals struggling with homosexual problems or other compulsive sexual behaviors. His counseling often includes parents, spouses, and other family members of those struggling with sexual issues.

Dr. Robinson received his Ph.D. from Brigham Young University. His doctoral dissertation was an in-depth study of change in Latter-day Saint men who have successfully overcome homosexuality. He served for three years as the facilitator for the Provo affiliate of Evergreen International. In addition to being a frequent presenter at conferences he has presented numerous workshops, firesides, and therapist training sessions in a variety of settings.

Celibacy is the goal LDS Resources

Obedience is the Goal In quiet desperation NorthStar

[edit] Mohos in the Media

Filmmaker Spencer Windes explored the term and the definition of masculinity in his film Straight Acting. The film is a documentary about Windes' transformation from a closeted Mormon missionary into an openly gay man, through his involvement in the subculture of gays who play contact sports.[48]

Apostasy: Steven Fales Quinn bisexual dude some others TBD

Mormon homosexual frequency[49]

Free Agency: political

  1. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Reverance
  2. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named oaks97
  3. ^ a b c d 1992 LDS Church Article, Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
  4. ^ For example, see Debi's Story (from internet archive)
  5. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2the1
  6. ^ Moore, Carrie A. Gay LDS men detail challenges March 30, 2007. Deseret Morning News
  7. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named oaks95
  8. ^ Lorenzo Snow, Millennial Star, 31 August 1899, p. 547; discussed in Dallin H. Oaks Pure in Heart (Salt Lake City:Bookcraft, 1988), pp. 61-62
  9. ^ page 213
  10. ^ Kimball, Spencer W. Love vs. Lust January 5, 1965 BYU Speeches of the Year
  11. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Miracle
  12. ^ Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen Hope for Transgressors 1970
  13. ^ Spencer W. Kimball New Horizons for Homosexuals 1971
  14. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named tymo
  15. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hinckley98
  16. ^ Gospel topics, Chasity
  17. ^ Sexual Purity, For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 26
  18. ^ The Family: A Proclamation to the World The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  19. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GodLoveth
  20. ^ Homosexuality not a disease to be cured. Reproductive Health Matters, November 2004
  21. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hbl
  22. ^ NonProfit/Tax Exempt Organization
  23. ^ People Can Change
  24. ^ 17th Annual Evergreen Conference
  25. ^ New Page 1
  26. ^ NW World News Prayer Network: #4680
  27. ^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher. "LDS Church to publish new look at same-sex attraction", Salt Lake Tribune, 9/19/2007. 
  28. ^ Staying In
  29. ^ sad
  30. ^ http://www.peoplecanchange.com/About_Us_Andersen.htm
  31. ^ [1]
  32. ^ http://www.fobcave.com/2007/04/my-marriage-oversimplified-in-four.html
  33. ^ David Matheson
  34. ^ David Matheson
  35. ^ [2]
  36. ^ http://evergreeninternational.org/alice.htm
  37. ^ http://www.evergreeninternational.org/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=137
  38. ^ http://evergreeninternational.org/brad.htm
  39. ^ Jason Park
  40. ^ http://evergreeninternational.org/Ben_Newman.htm
  41. ^ When a Loved One Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction
  42. ^ Church Responds to Nightline Story on Mormons and Homosexuality
  43. ^ Michael Otterson Clarifications to Religion Writers and Editors Regarding Newsweek Report 7 September 2001
  44. ^ [3]
  45. ^ [4]
  46. ^ [5]
  47. ^ [6]
  48. ^ Straight Acting. A Story about Queers and Sports
  49. ^ [7]