Apparently, Chris believes that human sexuality is like a buffet from which one picks and chooses. In which case, he should remember the day he chose to be straight.
CharlieBrown2292July 19, 2015
When Christ was faced with the question about whether or not to stone the adulteress woman, he did not condemn the woman but only invited her to "sin no more". Shouldn't we adopt a similar attitude when dealing with other critical issues related to sexual morality? We should never compromise our standards, but at the same time seek to associate and befriend those whose lifestyles may be significantly different from ours whenever feasible. Along those lines, the right approach for 21st Century Latter-Day Saints may include remaining actively involved with the BSA organization, as long as the organization respects the Church's choices for Scout Leaders.
Dzahn PiccolocampoJuly 18, 2015
Blessed art the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Dean LewisJuly 16, 2015
I truly wish people would stop bringing up the Temple recommend comment. There are Gay members of the Church, Gay Christians. The meaning of that question has nothing to do with gay people generally. It has to do with any organization that is against the LDS Church. Many Gay people are not. Please do yourselves a favor and reference the site created BY THE CHURCH for same gender attraction. Perhaps reading this web site (https://mormonsandgays.org/) will enlighten you a little and put an end to the "us against them" syndrome.
Stephen ClaytonJuly 14, 2015
I am satisfied with the position that the leaders of the Church have taken regarding the selection of Boy Scout leaders. I have a hard time believing that pre-mortal spirits were gays or lesbians. I believe that it is a conditioned characteristic based upon many factors once a child in born. Ultimately, the only marriages that will be recognized in the life hereafter will be in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom. And these marriages will allow for spirit children to be born only by their Celestial mothers and fathers. Those who are not worthy of exaltation will populate the lesser kingdoms of glory. Homosexuality is one of the main reasons that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. It is my opinion that those who continue in homosexuality will be damned into one of the lesser degrees of glory if they do not repent.
DianaJuly 14, 2015
Shane, there's nothing in the Boy Scout handbook that teaches the gay lifestyle is acceptable. Therefore, the church is not supporting an organization that opposes it's own teachings. Though I don't agree with the BSA decision I am happy to see that they are allowing individual chapters to choose for themselves if they will allow openly gay leaders. The church has found itself in the position of needing to show compassion while at the same time standing firm on it's own beliefs. I think the compromise the BSA has made on this allows them to do that.
MarkJuly 14, 2015
And kef - God sent everybody into the world, including gays. By the same token he sends lots of people into the world with physical and mental problems they didn't ask for. As for homosexuality, Elder Oaks has said the phenomenon is real but we have no theology to explain it. If the apostles don't know why some people have sexual attraction to others of the same gender, we can't presume to know either (other than perhaps some personal revelation, which would be kept personal until the apostles teach it publicly).
MarkJuly 14, 2015
I wouldn't have a problem with a gay man leading the scouts as long as he was keeping the commandments like anyone else. Don't forget, the church's position is that gay people can be active, temple recommend holding Latter-day Saints if they have a testimony and keep the commandments. They can (and do) serve in Bishoprics. Why not in the scouts? The idea that their 'gayness' will influence boys to be homosexuals is a myth. It might actually influence them to be more inclusive toward others who are different.
FrankJuly 14, 2015
In Canada we went through the change from Boy Scouts to Scouts Canada to include girls. This was years ago. LDS scouting still doesn't charter or sponsor mixed scouting. It's never really been a concern. The only down side is we may find less non-LDS members from our community joining our scouting groups. When we do, we make it clear that the boys sisters will not be invited. By the way the question re guarding TR's has never come up and I have spent time on local Scouts Canada councils in our community.
kefJuly 14, 2015
Deg, I do not think that God sent Gays into the world. Go back and read the family proclamation.
ChrisJuly 14, 2015
Deg, I think you need to reread the proclamation on the family. God did not send gays into this world. You have bought into the lie that being gay is something we are born with. That is not the case, despite what society would have you believe. It is merely a choice to give in to the enticings of Satan and follow some perverted urgings placed in our hearts by Satan. Don't get me wrong, I agree whole heartedly that we need to be compassionate and inclusive. Just because some may choose to sin differently than I does not mean they are not deserving of my love and compassion, and if I were to deny them that compassion, then I am the one with the greater sin. However, we must not forget that God created man and woman in his own image, not some twisted sense of gender identity.
CubbyJuly 14, 2015
was a Scout leader for about 34 years. I often worked on the district and council level. I watch the Boy Scout organization grow and change over those 34 years.
The policy of the Boy Scouts for years has been to allow the individual organizations a lot of flexibility in the system. When women were allowed to be Scout Masters the church chose not to adopt that policy for we wanted out boys to have good male role models.
The BSA started the Tiger Cub program, which was modeled after the church Family Home Evening program. It is a great program, however our church leaders knew that we had the FHE program and did not need yet another program, we already had it, and chose not to adopt the Tiger Program.
This is not something new. Part of the beauty of the Scouting Program is the ability to adapt and change to meet the needs of a changing youth.
The church, too, has flexibility. Follow our leaders and know that they are aware of the changes and will make the best choices. As long as the church can be a part of this organization they will stay for it leads boys to become the men that they should be, it creates skills for missionaries, for fatherhood and for career.
If you are concerned come recommend time tell your Bishop of your concerns. Let him know how you are adapting to a rapid pace world and ask his advice. Then listen. He has a lot of wisdom based on experience. Be strong in the gospel and a light to the world, yes even to the Boy Scout world.
DegJuly 14, 2015
Don't worry Shane, we need to more inclusive and accepting of others. Your temple recommend is in no way in jeopardy by being a member of BSA. They don't oppose the church's mission, they may not be in line with it 100%, but nothing really is except the church itself.
The temple recommend question is rather focused to those who oppose the church's mission... not that it isn't in line with the church's mission.
I believe God is moving people to be more compassionate and loving towards others who are different than themselves... it helps us to believe that God sent gays in this world to help us accept that. They play a role in God's plan too... just like we all do.
droundyJuly 14, 2015
If we are very literal in our application of "Do you support or affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?"
we would not be in PA's, school boards, city councils, Rotary Club, Lion's Club etc. because we would be affiliating with individuals whose teaching are contrary to the church.
I think we should be flexible in our understanding. of this question. Are we supporting them at an embracing level or are we supporting them at the level of they are good people here on earth that we can unite with to do good, to understand them and to help them understand us by our good example.
Now more than ever before it is a time to embrace our teachings, do our SPAM (scriptures, prayer, attend meeting) and shine as a light to the world through our good examples.
vickieJuly 13, 2015
thank God I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. all my children are grown and older and I had 4 boys earn their eagle scouts. I have grandchildren who are in souting in the church and one earning his eagle. Im glad we have the agreement with the BSA that we can charter with them and pick our own leaders. Amen
ShaneJuly 13, 2015
The church has to adhere with the same question found in a temple recommend interview. "Do you support or affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?" If they stay with the scouts are they in violation of their own temple question? Just a thought. I will support the Prophet 100%, but it will be hard to be part of the BSA with this change in their policy.
Comments | Return to Story
Bill SherwoodJuly 19, 2015
Apparently, Chris believes that human sexuality is like a buffet from which one picks and chooses. In which case, he should remember the day he chose to be straight.
CharlieBrown2292July 19, 2015
When Christ was faced with the question about whether or not to stone the adulteress woman, he did not condemn the woman but only invited her to "sin no more". Shouldn't we adopt a similar attitude when dealing with other critical issues related to sexual morality? We should never compromise our standards, but at the same time seek to associate and befriend those whose lifestyles may be significantly different from ours whenever feasible. Along those lines, the right approach for 21st Century Latter-Day Saints may include remaining actively involved with the BSA organization, as long as the organization respects the Church's choices for Scout Leaders.
Dzahn PiccolocampoJuly 18, 2015
Blessed art the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Dean LewisJuly 16, 2015
I truly wish people would stop bringing up the Temple recommend comment. There are Gay members of the Church, Gay Christians. The meaning of that question has nothing to do with gay people generally. It has to do with any organization that is against the LDS Church. Many Gay people are not. Please do yourselves a favor and reference the site created BY THE CHURCH for same gender attraction. Perhaps reading this web site (https://mormonsandgays.org/) will enlighten you a little and put an end to the "us against them" syndrome.
Stephen ClaytonJuly 14, 2015
I am satisfied with the position that the leaders of the Church have taken regarding the selection of Boy Scout leaders. I have a hard time believing that pre-mortal spirits were gays or lesbians. I believe that it is a conditioned characteristic based upon many factors once a child in born. Ultimately, the only marriages that will be recognized in the life hereafter will be in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom. And these marriages will allow for spirit children to be born only by their Celestial mothers and fathers. Those who are not worthy of exaltation will populate the lesser kingdoms of glory. Homosexuality is one of the main reasons that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. It is my opinion that those who continue in homosexuality will be damned into one of the lesser degrees of glory if they do not repent.
DianaJuly 14, 2015
Shane, there's nothing in the Boy Scout handbook that teaches the gay lifestyle is acceptable. Therefore, the church is not supporting an organization that opposes it's own teachings. Though I don't agree with the BSA decision I am happy to see that they are allowing individual chapters to choose for themselves if they will allow openly gay leaders. The church has found itself in the position of needing to show compassion while at the same time standing firm on it's own beliefs. I think the compromise the BSA has made on this allows them to do that.
MarkJuly 14, 2015
And kef - God sent everybody into the world, including gays. By the same token he sends lots of people into the world with physical and mental problems they didn't ask for. As for homosexuality, Elder Oaks has said the phenomenon is real but we have no theology to explain it. If the apostles don't know why some people have sexual attraction to others of the same gender, we can't presume to know either (other than perhaps some personal revelation, which would be kept personal until the apostles teach it publicly).
MarkJuly 14, 2015
I wouldn't have a problem with a gay man leading the scouts as long as he was keeping the commandments like anyone else. Don't forget, the church's position is that gay people can be active, temple recommend holding Latter-day Saints if they have a testimony and keep the commandments. They can (and do) serve in Bishoprics. Why not in the scouts? The idea that their 'gayness' will influence boys to be homosexuals is a myth. It might actually influence them to be more inclusive toward others who are different.
FrankJuly 14, 2015
In Canada we went through the change from Boy Scouts to Scouts Canada to include girls. This was years ago. LDS scouting still doesn't charter or sponsor mixed scouting. It's never really been a concern. The only down side is we may find less non-LDS members from our community joining our scouting groups. When we do, we make it clear that the boys sisters will not be invited. By the way the question re guarding TR's has never come up and I have spent time on local Scouts Canada councils in our community.
kefJuly 14, 2015
Deg, I do not think that God sent Gays into the world. Go back and read the family proclamation.
ChrisJuly 14, 2015
Deg, I think you need to reread the proclamation on the family. God did not send gays into this world. You have bought into the lie that being gay is something we are born with. That is not the case, despite what society would have you believe. It is merely a choice to give in to the enticings of Satan and follow some perverted urgings placed in our hearts by Satan. Don't get me wrong, I agree whole heartedly that we need to be compassionate and inclusive. Just because some may choose to sin differently than I does not mean they are not deserving of my love and compassion, and if I were to deny them that compassion, then I am the one with the greater sin. However, we must not forget that God created man and woman in his own image, not some twisted sense of gender identity.
CubbyJuly 14, 2015
was a Scout leader for about 34 years. I often worked on the district and council level. I watch the Boy Scout organization grow and change over those 34 years. The policy of the Boy Scouts for years has been to allow the individual organizations a lot of flexibility in the system. When women were allowed to be Scout Masters the church chose not to adopt that policy for we wanted out boys to have good male role models. The BSA started the Tiger Cub program, which was modeled after the church Family Home Evening program. It is a great program, however our church leaders knew that we had the FHE program and did not need yet another program, we already had it, and chose not to adopt the Tiger Program. This is not something new. Part of the beauty of the Scouting Program is the ability to adapt and change to meet the needs of a changing youth. The church, too, has flexibility. Follow our leaders and know that they are aware of the changes and will make the best choices. As long as the church can be a part of this organization they will stay for it leads boys to become the men that they should be, it creates skills for missionaries, for fatherhood and for career. If you are concerned come recommend time tell your Bishop of your concerns. Let him know how you are adapting to a rapid pace world and ask his advice. Then listen. He has a lot of wisdom based on experience. Be strong in the gospel and a light to the world, yes even to the Boy Scout world.
DegJuly 14, 2015
Don't worry Shane, we need to more inclusive and accepting of others. Your temple recommend is in no way in jeopardy by being a member of BSA. They don't oppose the church's mission, they may not be in line with it 100%, but nothing really is except the church itself. The temple recommend question is rather focused to those who oppose the church's mission... not that it isn't in line with the church's mission. I believe God is moving people to be more compassionate and loving towards others who are different than themselves... it helps us to believe that God sent gays in this world to help us accept that. They play a role in God's plan too... just like we all do.
droundyJuly 14, 2015
If we are very literal in our application of "Do you support or affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?" we would not be in PA's, school boards, city councils, Rotary Club, Lion's Club etc. because we would be affiliating with individuals whose teaching are contrary to the church. I think we should be flexible in our understanding. of this question. Are we supporting them at an embracing level or are we supporting them at the level of they are good people here on earth that we can unite with to do good, to understand them and to help them understand us by our good example. Now more than ever before it is a time to embrace our teachings, do our SPAM (scriptures, prayer, attend meeting) and shine as a light to the world through our good examples.
vickieJuly 13, 2015
thank God I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. all my children are grown and older and I had 4 boys earn their eagle scouts. I have grandchildren who are in souting in the church and one earning his eagle. Im glad we have the agreement with the BSA that we can charter with them and pick our own leaders. Amen
ShaneJuly 13, 2015
The church has to adhere with the same question found in a temple recommend interview. "Do you support or affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?" If they stay with the scouts are they in violation of their own temple question? Just a thought. I will support the Prophet 100%, but it will be hard to be part of the BSA with this change in their policy.
ADD A COMMENT