The battle is in Illinois now...

[Traveler]

This is a real question, and is an issue for my church and on an individual level as well. If you define ill will and persecution of your/and my denomination as the cost of doing the Lord's work, How does one ever hear legitimate and deserved criticism of your actions? What breaks through that defense when necessary?

Intelligence, logic, open discussion without anger and name calling, reason, reasonable rhetoric and enough respect to listen to the goals and aspirations of your opposition.

Before we force a change – we should have a good idea why it is necessary. How can society benefit from supporting Prop 8? What differences will such a change have on the basic structure of families? What incentives are there in Prop 8 for the better treatment of children and improvement of family relationships? Does it improve the economy of families? How has society survived without Prop 8? What is to be accomplished with Prop 8 and how will churches and families that believe in marriage as a foundation for families and raising children be treated? Why are proponents bent on destroying their opposition rather than converting them and why do they ignore concerns. Why to proponents of Prop 8 cry foul and heresy if it’s legitimacy is questioned? Why can’t this be discussed with open and free debate without threats, pickets and destruction of property?

The Traveler

[Justice]

I have learned that people who do not believe there is continuing revelation today have a hard time understanding why we believe the way we do.

Man usually achieves learning by observation, experiment, and experience. With this method you can never be certain if you have arrived at truth. You can only be an acceptable percentage certain.

To those who believe in revelation, when God speaks through one of His chosen servants it is absolute truth. No popularity poll, vote, or majority opinion will ever change absolute truth.

Absolute truth can only come from God.

Maybe by understanding this, others can better understand why members of the LDS church can do or vote for things that might seem to take away rights from others.