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.

We can be happy to live with a partner (or get married with that person) but it won’t be that same happiness as it woul be as we choosed not to. Beacuse when we choose to get involved into those relationsships will it be harder to stay in the Lords way for us to come back to him. Even if we might not would come as far in His plan as we would if we chosed differant paths, will it mostly drag us down.

All of this is what the man say. Listen what the Lord wants through his prophet. And if you want to know something that you are confused about. Write to him or one of the apostels to get the answear to your question.

The LDS church has always played games around sociopolitical issues. The did it with ERA in the 70s in which a letter was read in Sacrament meetings admonishing the members to vote against it. They did it with the Briggs initiative in 1978. Again with gay marriage in Hawaii in the 1990s.

The LDS church worries that legalizing gay marriage will jeopardize their tax exempt status if they refuse to solemnize same-sex unions. The truth is, they should have lost their tax-exempt status decades ago for influencing the political process in violation of IRS code.

I left the Church decades ago and don’t miss it at all. But it’s interesting to note that an increasing number of the Saints are starting to openly question the exclusion of their gay family members from church life. We can only hope that movement intensifies for the people out there who feel a hole in their religious lives

Anyway, keep up the good work.

@Abelard – I was “Dr. Horrible” for the ward’s Halloween party. I thought the maniacal laughter appropriate.

@Kengo B. – Hmm, great minds and all that, I suppose…

@MHH – The “Hear Hear” reminds me of a movie reference…dangit…tip of the tongue… (sigh) lost it.

@TFD – I think that is a question beyond me…

@Alan – If all gay men were like me, we’d probably lose our reputation for having good taste in outerwear.

@Louise – Don’t worry, I always enjoy a good lurk (I have no idea what that was supposed to mean).

@Dan Weston – Your words came at a very opportune time. I thank you.

@Carolyn – Walking fine lines worry me; I’m not known for my physical grace.

@Paula – I really hope this blog aids in understanding. That is the goal.

And I think your secret mission is a admirable one, although you walk a fine line. It would be marvelous if there wasn’t a stigma surrounding gays and lesbians, if strangers could come to know and love them without awkwardness and prejudice. They’re not inherently more sinful than we straights are. We’re all sinners. And I think we would live in a better world if everyone concentrated on their own faults, rather than constantly picked at the motes in our neighbors’ eyes.