"New booklet seeks to reconcile Mormon faith with gay youth"

[Traveler]

It is quite interesting what many think is a sin and what many think is a condition that need no repentance. Below are some thoughts from LDS theology and from scripture that I believe should be considered.

1. Repentance means among other things as having a “change” of heart. It does not mean to just stop “doing” something. A person that labels themselves or calls themselves using terms that indicate or relate to certain behaviors is not likely to understand this very important principle. For example a person that calls themselves a “child abuser” but claims to have never actually preformed the act of abuse – is not likely to understand what it means to have a change of heart.

2. Jesus said, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Obviously no one knows what others are thinking in their heart. This statement was not made so that there is a means to condemn others but rather so we can understand both the danger of entertaining certain “thoughts” and the importance of understanding one’s self and using the power (freedom) to master or discipline ourselves. For example there is a very big difference between an alcoholic and a recovering alcoholic. It is not just about drinking alcohol but also who you chose to associate with and the circumstances you choose to put yourself in and the things you fanaticize yourself doing.

3. Jesus also said that “to look upon another and to lust after them – one has already committed adultery in their heart.” Again like #2 this is not a means by which we can make a determination about someone else. This is a guide or warning sign by which we can see ourselves as G-d sees us. And even from such a perspective it is not so we can learn to hate ourselves but that we may be warned that to continue as we are – allowing certain attractions will only take us places that will bring ourselves and others to that which will cause harm, pain and suffering.

President McKay said something like, “We cannot determine if a bird flies over us but we can prevent that bird from nesting on our head.” Each of us will contribute to our destiny – that is our choice. None of us are slaves, by birth, to anything – the greatest doctrine, in my mind, concerning LDS theology is that we have the power given us by G-d, to determine what we will be. I believe that anyone or anything that intends to diminish or limit that power within us is our enemy and anyone or anything that support and encourages us to that end is our friend.

The Traveler