This past week we have been discussing the differences between genders. The conclusion that I came to is that we have these differences (ex: aggression, compassion, different orientations) so that there may be a balance. At the end of the week we also discussed homosexuality. We know that it is not biological, but I was astonished to disocver that many people turn homosexual because of things that happened in their youth. Many of these people were molested or often told that they were different from others in their gender (and they were teased about it!). Later they might ponder on this and think "oh, because of this I must be...". This saddened me so much. I think a lot of this could be avoided. No one is born "gay". We need to do our part and not label others. In class we heard several stories about people who would turn homosexual just because people would label them as that, and then they couldn't be accepted as anything else. Things such as this did not happen to all of these people, but I believe that it affected many of them. My teacher also made a very interesting comment concernig this area. He said that "being informed and loving others is the most important thing we can do to help others." We need not accept their lifestyles, but we need to still love them and help them see that they are children of God. He loves them dearly and wants them to come back to Him.
However, I think that the world needs to be reminded that marriage is between a man and a woman. Our Heavenly Father designed it that way. Not only does this create a balance, but couples are also able to bring children into the world through this means. This cannot come to pass between homosexual couples. Children have a right to be brought up by a mother and a father! We need to support the family.
While children are certainly not born with a same-sex attraction, there are individuals who develop that burden out of no fault of their own. We are each given trials to overcome in order to enjoy all the blessings of heaven. Just as I might have to learn to be patient and control my temper in order to enjoy peace. Others might have to overcome a tendency to same-sex attraction. Heavenly Father has given us the commandments to safeguard us and to help us live a life of peace and joy. The commandment to be chaste offers peace to ALL who abide by this principle. Homosexuality may not be an issue of choice as much as it is a test and trial to be overcome.
ReplyDeleteMarriage began when the Lord sealed Adam to Eve. It is defined by God and not man. No matter what men call it or how we try to define it. Truth is truth and marriage is a holy bond between a woman and a man. I understand the desire for civil unions. Those without an understanding of the gospel may need to support each other legally and enjoy equal rights under the law. This does not redefine marriage.
A woman may adopt a baby and that certainly makes her a mother in every sense of the word. It does not by definition mean that she has experienced gestation and has now given birth.
To redefine marriage as something other than a bond between husband and wife would be just as ridiculous.