Protests at LDS Temples

I guess I shouldn't see it as surprising, but I read today that opponents of Proposition 8 were gathered in protest in front of the Los Angeles Temple. To see what exactly the Church thought about what was going on, I visited the Newsroom on lds.org. There was an article posted there written by a Catholic Bishop in Sacramento. I think he put it best when he said:

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.”

Too true! It does seem as if there is a sense of hypocrisy in the way they're acting out about the passing of Prop 8. All too often I hear supporters of same-sex marriage declare that they are discriminated against and that all that see from a different point of view are bigots. They're pretty liberal in their usage of those words (bigot, intolerant, etc.). Those who once felt hated now become the haters. Interesting turn of events.

Further, in all my discussion with those who admit to same-sex attraction, they insist that there is no "gay agenda". But to see the way they immediately organize to remove tax-exempt status from the Church clearly shows that there is order and organization and motive to what seems as a very clear agenda (perhaps even a contingency plan should Prop 8 pass?).

A few words for election day . . .

Again, today I heard another unfortunate instance of someone expressing their distaste in the behavior of the Church in getting involved in political affairs. This person went on to say that because of the Church's activism in favor of Proposition 8, he felt that he had to disassociate himself from the Church.

If you'll follow me for a moment I'll return to the subject momentarily.

My job is extremely tedious. I needed some form of entertainment while I worked. I didn't want to have music blaring in my ears the whole time, so I took to putting general conference talks and BYU devotional speeches on my Palm and listened as I worked. Today's playlist was particularly enlightening. Neal A. Maxwell controlled most of the playtime. (Enter initial topic of discussion)

I was intrigued by some of his words in his talk, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", given 10 October 1978.



"Discipleship includes good citizenship; and in this connection, if you are careful students of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions--especially when the First Presidency has spoken out--the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people, and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired.

"But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters; in the months and years ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or not he or she will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kings 18:21).

"President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had "never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, or political life" (CR, April 1941, p. 123). This is a hard doctrine, but it is a particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. "