Peering through the fog.

The opinion is my own, and in no way do I pretend to speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Church, to avoid lengthy repetition)

Yesterday, November 5, the Salt Lake Tribune (a newspaper not know for sympathy to the church) reported on a change to Handbook 1, which access is limited to Stake Presidencies, and Bishoprics. Never mind that the change was reported through an excommunicated member that some how got access to the book, the PR spokesman for the church confirmed the change.  

To sum it up, the church has defined same sex, or gay marriage, as apostasy, and as such, certain conditions are placed on the families, in particular the children.  Children of same sex marriages are not allowed to be named, blessed, or baptized as children.  And when they turn 18, to be baptized, they must not be living in the household, and must disavow the lifestyle.  They must also get permission from the First Presidency of the church.  The last would probably be the easiest of the requirements.  This does sound harsh.  I don't deny it, and I know that many people are questioning the policy, questioning the leadership, and wondering if this is God's policy, and if so, how can God do this.  Any explanation, no matter how logical, or how loving, will not satisfy those who are expecting the worst from the church.

The church has the same policy towards children of polygamous families.  To remember the mission of the church, it is to support families in  becoming eternal.  If the family is living a life contrary to the teachings of the church, then it stands to reason that the church cannot provide that teaching.  It would potentially cause rifts in families, between children and their parents.  Can you imagine how hard it would be for a child, even if supported by the parents, to live the gospel?  I struggle to see how a gay couple would bring a child forward to be baptized, or receive the Priesthood.  These ordinances, including the blessing of a child, are serious ordinances, with eternal consequences, and are not to be performed lightly.

Which brings me to the loving part.  Children of parents who are not members of the church and desire to be baptized, must have the permission of the parents, with the understanding that the parents will  be supportive of their child's decision.  By denying ordinances to children in gay marriage households, it prevents the church from getting between the children and parents.  It allows those that choose to join the church as adults to make a fully informed decision.  It prevents children from making covenants that have lifestyle obligations.  This is the love that a Heavenly Father provides.  

When Christ taught in parables, he did so with the intent of teaching those that were prepared to hear, while those who were not prepared heard a nice story.  This is the same love demonstrated in this policy.  It prevents children from making covenants that would be contrary to the lifestyle their parents are living.  At the proper age, if the young adult desires baptism,  once the conditions are met, it likely will be easily accomplished.

We need to remember that we are eternal beings.  Our mortal experience on earth is but a time for trial and learning.  After death, with God knowing our hearts, we will receive according to how we lived the law we had.  Christ knows us, each of us, and will be waiting.  

I don't know how this will be received, but it is what it is. Again, my opinion, and I represent none but myself.