I’m just saying. :)

I’m not threatened so much by the divergent points of view on the matter. I certainly am very much against institutionalizing genderless marriage by any form of law or governmental intervention. I view this ongoing debate as further confusion about the true value of marriage, with the initial heavy assault taking place during the 60s when “free love” undermined the value of marriage in society at large. I am a conservative in the truest sense of the word (you might call it post-modern), and a traditionalist of true principles, but…and this is where I have a more difficult time…

I’m also very liberal, in a sense that often evades modern self-defined liberals. My point being, I think one of the largest complaints I hear from gays in the Church is something to the tune of “you don’t understand us.” There’s probably some truth in the matter, and I’m not saying it ain’t true. I’m also not necessarily accusing you of saying this, per se, (I’m just saying :), but I’ve heard the saying enough times now to wonder on its preoccupation. Usually to the tune of ramming arguments at each other. I don’t feel like you are ramming at all.

I can’t speak for the majority of Mormons; I’ll speak for myself. I do understand most of the arguments in favor of genderless marriage, i.e., redefining a traditional institution for modern wayz (couldn’t help myself). I understand most of the asserted logic or emotionalism. The distinction between gay sex and homosexuality is clear to me; for that matter, the distinction between sex and heterosexuality is just as clear. Unfortunately, the language is a little muddled, and we don’t have clear enough terms for different manifestations. When we say “gay,” for example, it could mean sexually active lifestyle, or it could mean someone who feels a certain way but doesn’t want to be actively involved in promiscuous behavior—for most of society that distinction isn’t important.

I’m grateful for my gay friends, and—honestly—I don’t begrudge them any happiness. In all honesty, my take on what that entails is robust in a different measure than some of my gay friends—that’s to be expected. Hell (sorry for the swears), I have friends who are robustly different than me in many areas: politics, religion, culture. I suppose the thrust of what I’m saying here is that it can be a little tiring fighting over the differences, and even more tiring asserting “you don’t understand me,” or “you’re just wrong.” Granted this may all be true at different times and in different places. Certainly, Joseph Smith felt this way, Jesus felt this way, I imagine that you feel this way, I sometimes feel this way.

Not saying that I agree with you. But I’ve enjoyed this blog, if anything, for the tone. It’s a real achievement.

I’m just saying.

I’m from Brazil (Maybe you know where I am…) and I’m dueling with the same things. I like so much your blog and thanks to helpe me to see this trial in an another way (the happy…).

Thanks so much!

P.S: Sorry for my bad english :D

You are a brave and valued man. I have enjoyed reading your posts so much. If not through the blog, I hope you will still make your voice heard through other media. You will be missed brother!
Best,

Silver