A couple years ago, a member of the Bishopric in a previous ward shared how happy he is in the Church. He shared how happy the gospel makes him and his family. He finished it off with, “I don’t even…
Sadness
Tag: family acceptance
Seeing Through My Tears
I live about two hours from the Los Angeles Temple. Recently, I made my first trek there since my son came out gay about almost three years ago. I have always instinctively kept my temple recommend active and remained worthy…
The Doctrine of Celibacy
When Mormons speak of the Law of Chastity, they often define it as remaining celibate until marriage. In actuality, it would be more properly defined as remaining abstinent until marriage. Today, the words abstinent and celibate are frequently used interchangeably,…
What Words Can’t Define
Mormons, like most Christian’s, in pursuit of greater spiritual understanding, pursue Christ’s words in scripture. Who’s words, on any given subject, are more authoritative than those of the Savior himself? Even more notable are subjects on which Christ never spoke…
A Difference of Opinion
Over the past few years, I have had dozens of conversations with friends and family members who are active members of the LDS Church on the subject of homosexuality. Most active members feel misunderstood and maligned by the ‘world’ and…
Shame and Affirmation
I am the father of a teenage gay son and the sun never sets on the drama and trouble that that boy can get into. As such, there is a continuous need to touch base and talk about the things…
Is Increasing Acceptance of Same-Sex Marriage Really Linked to Moral Decline?
I remember quite a few years ago having a conversation with a gay man about marriage. I believe this must have been shortly after same-sex marriage became legal for the first time in Massachusetts. I spoke about Göran’s and my…
Christmas Cards
Christmas has come and gone. It is now that carefree time between Christmas and New Year’s. The Christmas tree is still up and Christmas lights still adorn the house. There is a bit of a food hangover from family parties,…
Of Pain and The Journey
(Also published at RationalFaiths.com) I am not an expert on pain. I am not even sure I have a very high tolerance for pain. My experience has largely been within the protective circle of a loving family and the doctrines…
It’s Complex
“On one occasion Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with His disciples. When the Savior inquired as to the cause of this contention, the father of an afflicted child stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s disciples for a…