What's all the fuss about?

Surprise! Gays do not like what our Church leaders said at General Conference. President Boyd K Packer of the Council of Twelve Apostles got the most negative attention with his talk, given on Sunday morning. The summation is this:

There are both moral and physical laws “irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world” that cannot be changed. History demonstrates over and over again that moral standards cannot be changed by battle and cannot be changed by ballot. To legalize that which is basically wrong or evil will not prevent the pain and penalties that will follow as surely as night follows day.

Regardless of the opposition, we are determined to stay on course. We will hold to the principles and laws and ordinances of the gospel. If they are misunderstood either innocently or willfully, so be it. We cannot change; we will not change. We quickly lose our way when we disobey the laws of God. If we do not protect and foster the family, civilization and our liberties must needs perish.

As in days of Christ, it is the job of the Apostles of Jesus Christ to proclaim His Gospel without faltering or apologizing. They will not cave to pressure or protests. Great Christians have been crucified and thrown to the lions for living and proclaiming the Gospel. This will not change. God's laws are not subject to public opinions, votes or court rulings by men of the world. We may lose a few members, we may not even convert as many if raising our membership by being popular were our goal. It is the job of the church to proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints and redeem the dead because Christ died for ALL. God made the laws; not man.

I stand with President Packer and proclaim that right and wrong do exist and we do not decide which is which when fundamental principles are concerned. What kind of church would this be if it were subject to public vote to decide the principles upon which it is founded? If it is the true, restored gospel of Jesus Christ, members will be guided by Him; not the other way around. Since we believe in continued revelation, the changes that come will be directed by God if and when they may be appropriate. God loves all his people, as we should, but He does expect obedience to His commandments. We do not deny anyone the right to choose but as President Packer said, we cannot decide the consequences of the choices they make. If they go against God's eternal laws, Jesus Christ died for us and we can be forgiven if we have a broken heart and contrite spirit. With faith in God, all things are possible and He gives no commandment to man but that He will provide a way for them to accomplish the thing that he commands. Repentance is the way; not acceptance of everything man should desire or profess. That is what religion is about - bringing souls to Christ. Often it means a change of ways along with ceasing worldly desires and riches. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28–30.)

You can read excerpts from conference at Meridian Magazine. The full text will be published in the November Ensign magazine and you can read more here.