Gift of tongues. As a translator/interpreter, I can say that interpretation is a spiritual gift. When performed in accordance with the Holy Spirit, translation/interpretation can be truly beautiful and satisfying.
It’s important to remember Satan calls us by our sins or weaknesses. God calls us by our name. The adversary will want us to identify as any and everything besides a child of God.
I hate how you bigots try to use excuses like these, you are just a homophobe, just admit it, you are a coward by pretending like a god justifies your beliefs
I keep looking for a satisfying answer from the church and this one didn’t work for me. I’m an active member and it frustrates me because these answers don’t really address the real issue here. He obfuscates the real issue by reframing the question, and then skirts the issue and talks about love and what a sin is (Homosexuality etc). For example, he says that people aren’t defined by their sexuality, but then says that marriage between a man and woman are central to the plan of God. Ok so where does that leave someone who’s attracted to the same gender? The church also teaches that sexual union between partners is a purpose and to be experienced in and of itself, so how do we reconcile that with a gay person? They just drew a short lot and don’t get to have that? They can serve the church but not experience the living union of a spouse or partner? Why? Why would God do that? If God has a plan, where does a homosexual fall into that plan? People who simply get to serve the church and be celibate all their life? Does that ring true to you? He does such a great job of dancing around the issue. For once I’d like to hear a church leader deal with this head on. Maybe the answer is just “we’re not sure”. Maybe the answer is “we’ll know more in the future?” Something honest. But this issue is going to continue to fester in the church and it isn’t going to go away. In Utah Idaho AZ, they’re fine but that’s going to change too. In liberal areas young people are going to have real issues with the church’s discrimination.
@@tubytootoo When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
@@tubytootoo God said, "Homosexuals, Adulterers, Fornicators, Murderers, Thieves, Liars, Gossipers, Blasphemers, Revilers, nor Idol Worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". What kind of world would we live in if these sinners formed individual groups, designed flags, participated in parades advertising their crimes, organized groups in gov't. for the purpose of changing laws to make their crimes acceptable, adopted innocent children, taught them how to murder, steal, lie etc.? It would be a lawless world like Sodom. On different levels all this has already happened.
@@beantrader4723 tell me where this is written that God said that? I can’t find it, for one. For two, explain to me why God, who created man in his image, would create a man with homosexual desires, and then tell him that’s a sin but the other people he created with hetero desires, that’s not a sin (sorry for the double standard). So for this one select group to act on the desire to bond physically with a companion is actually a sin. Sorry I created you like that but, you know, deal with it I guess.
@@beantrader4723 also your comment is all over the place. Homosexuality isn’t a crime? Where’d you get that? Yes the church considers it a sin…but…why? Also, where are you getting that a gay couple teach their children crime? The church itself admits that homosexuality is something that you’re born with. Can you have a rational conversation about this, or only a conversation that repeats platitudes that are inherently double standard and problematic?
His comments are taken out of context. What he is saying is that there are no homosexual members, just like there are no heterosexual members, there are just members. The church does not distinguish people based on sexual orientation, race, or anything else. We are all children of God, and all members of the church are viewed in the same category, we are all just members
+Brian Anderson Then shouldn't ALL God's children be treated the same and be expected to abide by the same rules?? LGBT members are *NOT* treated the same in Mormonism. THEY must remain celibate FOR *LIFE*!!--even if they are legally married...AND they MUST renounce their homosexual parents!! Quite a "family oriented" church you've got going there!
I agree. We don't say I am a North American Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, etc. Every person on the Earth or who ever has or will be, is a son or daughter of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. If we become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then we are classified that way, but not any other. Jesus Christ invited everyone to come unto Him and be perfected.
@@daveyjones9930 Legal marriage isn't God's marriage is the difference you have skipped over that difference. I see where your point is made though... If a "God's marriage" of such legal marriages status's change's then you would be correct 💯. We had a Civil marriage, then a "God's marriage" in the Temple at the same time. Prayer's for all you love, in Heaven, answers will come for you all.
Moroni - "And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen."
I think it's a profound and beautiful response. Of course he doesn't believe people are born irreversibly homosexual. The LDS religion is fundamental Christian, and he answered accordingly. Those who dissagree should be as respectful as he was, instead of name calling.
+Diane Bash Yeah, let’s all respect a man who erases the identity of LGBT people so he doesn’t have to address the fact that his church’s anti-LGBT policies and stances push young Mormons into committing suicide. Totally a guy worthy of my respect.
+IloveChrist2 Actually the wording you put isn't quite right. It is posted that a child with gay parents can't receive the ordinances until they are 18 years of age and is moved out of their parents house. This is simply because most gay parents tend not to believe in religion. So it could potentially create contention and conflict between the child and the parents if the child wanted to join the church and receive those ordinances. Therefore it makes sense on why they are to wait til they are 18 years old. Because that is when they can legally make up their own decisions in life without the parents being able to say no and forbid them from joining the church.
@@StoneStephenTSorry this is so late lol. It’s been over 7 years and I still can’t find the part where he erased anyone’s history. It seems to me that instead of dividing people and creating conflict out of nothing which is what so many activists love to do, he United in word, all of God’s children regardless of sexual orientation. There is no division than what we create ourselves. And I think your real concern is the lack of acceptance that there is nothing wrong with acting on homosexual thoughts and feelings. The Lord can not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Hence the need for Christ’s atonement. If we allow sin through the fallacy of loving understanding to be ignored and brought in, why stop there? The next question could be, “how do minor attracted person’s serve in the church and prepare to receive the blessings of the temple?” It is absurdity but all it takes is tolerance and we’re lost.
even Peter eventually was crucified because he taught what people didn't want to hear. It's no different today. But it still needs to be taught, whether people like it or not.
the quick sound bite is much deeper and expansive than those 8 words. people rally to dispel labels and see past them, but then cling to them and fight over them. here is a man actually dismissing labels and people dismiss him as being a bigot. how ironic.
Surprise! it's 2020 and people get to choose how to define themselves! When you're white and male and have tons of money and power and STRAIGHT and you try to tell people how they're defined (instead of letting them choose, and the person chose when they submitted the question) that's called systematic oppression!! WAKE UP PEOPLE! Bednar can't croon about how we're agents and not objects while claiming that the Holy Ghost whispered in his ear that homosexuals don't exist, therefore every LGBTQ or sexual and gender minority person is wrong in saying who they are. The apostolic calling DOES NOT trump each human's spiritual connection. Apostles and prophets HAVE BEEN WRONG SO MANY TIMES!!!! The way the church treats LGBTQ ppl these days is the EXACT SAME way that they treated people of color prior to 1978!!!! Why can't people see that???????????
“If our goal is to be tolerant of people who are different than we are, Chase, then we really are aiming quite low. Traffic jams are to be tolerated. People are to be celebrated.” -Glennon Doyle
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. _Moroni 10 : 04_
He’s talking in terms of social tolerance. The “tolerance” people are supposed to have for each other. Not talking about people in the terms of that quote.
That's exactly right! Of course, you don't celebrate confusion or mental disease, but you do most certainly celebrate people in all their glory and potential, not in their sins or laziness.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
In the same conversation, Bednar explained that his statement meant that people should not be defined or labelled by the nature of their sexual attractions. "Simply being attracted to someone of the same gender is not a sin. There are many members of the Church who may have some manifestation of that attraction. They honor their covenants, they keep the commandments, they are worthy. They can receive the blessings of the temple and they can serve in the Church. It is when we act on the inclination or the attraction-that's when it becomes a sin. So, the reason I began my answer as I did, is that in this question, the word "homosexual" was used to describe or label a member of the Church. It's an inaccurate label. We are sons and daughter of God and we determine how to respond to the variety of challenges we experience in mortality through the proper exercise of our moral agency."
What a wonderful and straightforward answer to a question asked over and over in our day and age. Thank God for living Prophets and Apostles who can speak directly on important subjects and give clear direction to help us live the Gospel of Christ and learn to be more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father.
I know right?, what a shame he is a bigot. "There are some things we do not accept or Tolerate. We love all people with whatever challenge any person faces. So we do not discriminate, and we are not bigots." Definition of bigot: "a person who is obstinately or Intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance" Lmao!
Thank you for helping me understand the LDS Faith's stance on this. This statement is very reasonable and full of hope that we can all be the best people we can be as we try to overcome temptations--whether those temptations include same-sex marriage or not. Because God surely only wants the best for us!!
+Mackenzie Piper This is not the LDS stance, it is the stance of some, including this man. What he says here does against our doctrine. I'm sorry that you had to see the ugly face of human bigotry gised as religion. Mormonism's doctrines are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and (for the LDS Mormons) the Pearl of Great Price. There are other Mormon faiths with other holy books, but the Bible and the Book of Mormon are what all of these faiths have in common. In the Bible we are taught not to sell our bodies for sex (Old Testament) and for straight men not to have sex with other men, it says nothing about men naturally attracted to other men. So, Jesus didn't teach the bigotry that David Bednar is teaching here. To be fair though, there are other Christian churches teaching the same bigotry this man is spouting. They too have been deceived. So it's not just a "Mormon" problem. The devil is trying to get all mankind to hate, rather than have Christlike love of one another.
+Mackenzie Piper I am a Mormon, and I am gay. Today I was extremely depressed with the same question that Elder Bednar was asked. After this video, I am even more distraught. Why? Because nothing Elder Bednar said is any news to me. I know I am a child of God first, but to say that labeling me as gay is wrong just hurt me to my core. Today I saw a potential future with a couple of guys, as in there is a possibility I could date and maybe find a spouse. But instead of doing what most straight people do when they see a potential date, I crushed those thoughts into the ground, probably the 10th time I did that this week. Being a member of the church means that I fight all feelings of love and potential romantic feelings. And I get so exhausted. Most people can live their lives knowing that even if the gospel wasn't true at least they will have a happy life, I cannot say the same. I am depressed, have anxiety attacks, and have contemplated suicide, all because I feel I cannot stand to come home alone every night, to never have kids and to die alone in a nursing home, no matter what I do in this life. And Chruch rarely helps to strengthen me, especially the lessons on how I need to be dating and how great married life and having kids is. Instead of feeling invigorated I feel alone, and rightfully so, when Elder Bednar says there are no Gay Mormons he makes it seem like as soon as I realize that I am a child of God all of these feelings will magically vanish... A better question for Elder Bednar and even you, if you were called to a life of celibacy how would you strengthen your relationship with God?
+Mackenzie Piper Wow - I'd begun to lose my faith in humanity's ability to understand a thoughtful and attenuated position (whether you agree with it or not). You just restored some of my hope in 21st century humanity's ability to think!
+Aly Benson Not to mention Bill Schneobelen and how he claims that the church is a lot like what he experienced in satanism. Then there are the upside down stars all over the visitors center and the nauvoo temple, the all-seeing eye on the sl temple, the christus statue depicted in the visitors center as casting a shadow on earth, I could literally go on and on...
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
If you’re a homosexual, then repent. If you’re a heterosexual and an adulterer, then repent. If you’re a transgender, then repent. If you’re a pedophile, then repent. We all have weaknesses, rise above them and don’t wallow in them like a pig in its sty.
ShNae Hancock If you truly believe this....you won't go to heaven. GOD is against Homosexuality simple as that. Anyone who tries to "kind" and not condemn it is not preaching the word of God.
SirNate Jesus is kind on earth but if anyone die living a sinful lifestyle..he will send that person to hell for eternity. That's what the gospel is all about
I like that he brings up agency. Agency seems to be a forgotten principle in today's world. "Do whatever you feel like" is the mantra of the world. What kind of place would the world be if we all followed our base, carnal, animalistic desires? The beauty of being human is the ability to exercise self-discipline, to act upon PRINCIPLE rather than just on base desires and appetites. A certain behavior may feel natural to you, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Each person must decide for himself what principles he will live by in order to maximize his happiness and the happiness of those around him. Then he must commit to live them and honor his commitment.
Agreed. Agency goes out the window as soon as I start to blame others for my mistakes. Lack of personal responsibility may be the root of everything that is wrong with the world today... Well said!
Well, you choose to be Mormon, you certainly don't have to be; how is that any different? Hopefully in 6 years you've matured on these issues and are embarassed about thinking this way!
How many people watched the whole thing? The title they chose is (perhaps intentionally) misleading. He explains why he rephrased the question -- his whole basis is that we are defined first by our identity as children of God, and that the world carries homosexuality as a label, but the Church does not. He was NOT claiming that there are no "gay" members of the church. It's a church, and as a body or group of like-minded individuals, it's allowed to set parameters of what being a full and active member entails. Why does this give anyone the invitation to attack them for their belief? Nowhere in this video was it advocated that Mormons should insult or ignore people (fellow members or otherwise) who are or aren't "gay" or align with a homosexual orientation. NOWHERE. People may do that, and in such cases it is a poor but true example of human weakness to physically treat our fellow man poorly. But I have every right to disagree with you, or you, or you and so forth and to publicly say so without automatically being lumped in as a bigot. If I align with democratic views, and have registered to the Democratic Party, I am quite literally prohibited from voting Republican in key elections. I am a dentist. I am required to keep certain standards and perform certain requirements to keep a license in both local and federal agencies. I can disagree with those requirements and even ignore them if I choose, but the consequences mean I risk losing membership in those organizations and possibly my right to perform certain functions. It is what it is, but when it comes to religion, and the way people believe, we like to pretend it's a *completely* different scenario, when functionally, it is not. I also find it ironic that, regardless of whether you support or agree with religion A, B, or C, people can sit on a moral high horse while decrying another's views or words or even their actions with profanity and insults. As if they haven't just committed hypocrisy by defaming another for doing what they perceive to be the same thing. No wonder we don't evolve as a society too quickly -- it's not because of those groups, like in this situation, the Mormons who are "crazy" or "racist" or "bigoted"... It's because that for all our talk of true progression and acceptance, we can neither fully tolerate or accept those that we perceive to be behind the times. And that is why we are still where we are.
+Adam Borgia Actually by Bednar's logic there are no heterosexual members of the church either, them being not defined by their sexuality and all. That point aside, he does say that members of the church should be loving but in the same breath says there are somethings they can't tolerate or accept. Definition of bigot: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. So one out of two isn't bad, he says to love but not tolerate. How can you not be called a bigot if you can't tolerate someone else just because they're different, even if they did "choose" to act in a way the church or "God" doesn't like? And no the title isn't misleading because it's exactly what he said.
I would put forward that one can be loving without accepting or tolerating the actions of another that preclude them from participating in the same practices as you. By religious historical logic, Christ loved everyone -- I don't know of anyone who would really refute that -- but he certainly didn't condone everything that everyone did, and when he asked them to follow him and they declined, he allowed them to be the ones who left. God draws the line in the sand, and we are the ones who move closer to or farther from it. You must also remember that Elder Bednar reinforced what has always been Mormon doctrine, and that is that the belief of God ordaining marriage and relationships to be between a man and woman, and that union is integral to His plan laid out in scripture and church doctrine alike. So the argument of "if homosexual Mormons don't exist, then heterosexual Mormons don't either" doesn't hold up in the entire context of what Elder Bednar presented, nor with what my point was in the above commentary.
Also, a quote can be misleading when taken out of context. The demotion is completely accurate, but the connotation of the phrase IS misleading, and the proof of that is visible in the comments section of people's reaction to what that quote sounds like versus what was truly said comprehensively that one would know by watching the video.
+Adam Borgia Yeah, I know full well of the doctrine and what Bednar said reinforcing it. That still doesn't take away the fact that he said members of the church shouldn't be defined by sexuality so we can conclude that they shouldn't be define themselves as heterosexual either. Or is just a man and a woman having sex that actually exists and only they can define themselves by that? Oh yeah, because that's the only "legitimate" sexuality *Heavy sarcasm* As for Christ being loving but also intolerant of certain things, I can agree. By the definition I provided in my previous comment it seems like Bednar, Christ, and all of the mormon religion are one half bigot (although some skip the loving part making them a full bigot). I can also agree with the title being taken out of context and people not watching it. However if you did watch it you know enough that the title does summarize the video pretty well.
Wuau this is the best answer we can get about homosexuality whether you disagree with it or not. It is simple and straightforward and the sincere person can say nothing but it came from God.
Mark Milligan Only indoctrinated people or people that don't know the full history of the church are the ones who had believe in such nonsense. There are hundreds if not thousands of things a person could point to that shows just how fake this religion is.
He explains it very well and that is exactly what the Spirit of God taught me years ago, so in the mouth of 2 or more witnesses God's word is established. I have weaknesses that I cannot act upon or I am sinning in the eyes of God. He helps me overcome my weaknesses as I come unto him. He heals me or makes me whole as I do this.
+Glen Ames It is nice to have men the hold the keys, but ask them some time if they've seen Jesus. They will tell you they can't say. Yet their calling as apostles it to testify that they have seen the risen Christ. There is no doctrine in Bednar's word, and Jesus would not agree with him. If he did, we'd have new revelation on the matter, as there is nothing in our doctrine to make homosexualty as sin, even if they practice. Does this man hold the keys of apostleship? Yes. Does that make what he is saying her correct? No.
+Dave Ferriman I guess you missed the point of what he was saying. He clearly stated that people don't define themselves by their homosexuality. We are all members of the Church and all have our own challenges and struggles. Watch it again.
+Glen Ames No, I missed the new scripture making homosexuality a sin. Mormonism's doctrines are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and (for the LDS Mormons) the Pearl of Great Price. There are other Mormon faiths with other holy books, but the Bible and the Book of Mormon are what all of these faiths have in common. In the Bible we are taught not to sell our bodies for sex (Old Testament) and for straight men not to have sex with other men, it says nothing about men naturally attracted to other men. So, Jesus didn't teach the bigotry that David Bednar is teaching here. To be fair though, there are other Christian churches teaching the same bigotry this man is spouting. They too have been deceived. So it's not just a "Mormon" problem. The devil is trying to get all mankind to hate, rather than have Christlike love of one another.
@@whitehanzocould the statement “I’m not Mormon but..” also speak for something? Like maybe not quite understanding what your taking for granted it seems? I could be wrong.
Thank you Elder Bednar for your willingness to address this heated and challenging topic. Whether you agree or disagree with these comments, there needs to be fertile ground for discussion. People who disagree with homosexual practices are no more bigots than those who disagree with religious practices. Either opinion, however, when driven to the extreme can appropriately be define as "bigotry." Neither Obama nor Bush were Hitler but the constant push by supporters of both sides to associate one or the other with Nazism shows a profound level or irrational thought and argument. I see this same trend from both sides on this topic. I've wrestled with this topic a lot and unfortunately many sources from both sides are extreme. I appreciate a calculated response even if I disagree.
Weird, because Mormons call people who dislike their religion "bigots" _all the time._ Maybe wanting people to suffer because of their sexual orientation _is_ bigoted.
@@swagner7767 It has nothing to do with what we want- it’s what the Lord wants and has commanded. Members of the church respect personal agency and will never cram down their will on someone else. God doesn’t do that either. He invites, teaches, and commands us to obey but he will never force us. His arms are extended and we must choose to come to Him.
@@brandongage709 "Members of the church respect personal agency and will never cram down their will on someone else." That's the biggest load of horseshit I've ever heard. Have you not heard of proposition 8? You know, the church-funded effort to legally prohibit gay marriage? Or maybe Utah's liquor laws? Mormons _love_ forcing everyone else to follow their rules, especially if it means hurting LGBTQ people. Either your leaders are bigots, or your _god_ is a bigot.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
His argument is actually kind of interesting, if you'd listen to it. It's more along the lines of "we aren't defined by sexuality, we are more than physical attraction." At least, that's my interpretation. Maybe I'm wrong.
That’s what he says, but that goes against doctrine taught in the temple and the proclamation to the family. If you’re homosexual your not defined by gender, but if you’re a man you’re defined by your gender as a priesthood holder... It doesn’t. This logic makes no sense to me.
Brilliant explanation!! Thanks Elder Bednar! Just Brilliant and very clear. Impossible to miss the point. Thanks so very much for this piece of information so much needed in a world of confusion.
This response is exactly right, and totally true... my sexual preference is nobodys business, and neither is yours mine... it is a personal, private, issue. I do not understand why this deeply personal aspect of a persons identity has become the forefront of what someone declares his or herself to be... there is so much more to a person, and to life! I appreciate Bednars position, I support him totally.
Los apóstoles siguen hablando de inclinación al sexo opuesto, evitando la palabra homoxesual, les falta.mucho y loas importante reconocer a la membresia sid gay dentro de la iglesia.
Religious organizations that use brainwashing techniques want people to think "children of god" with association to the cult they are part of, is the only label available to a human, when a human can be many things and open to having many labels.
"Simply being attracted to someone of the opposite gender is not a sin." People are not defined nor condemned by their natural attractions. So there are members of the church who are sexually attracted to the same sex, but make the challenging choice to resist those temptations. You have hear the whole explanation before jumping to conclusions.
+Brandon Garner How would you make the decision to never date, love, or even flirt with people you care deeply and emotionally for? This answer really provides no guidance on how to live a life of celibacy and isolation...
+Tyler G time to find a new church that brings you happiness, acceptance and non-judgmental love. You can be happy and keep your religion too. Don't let the dinosaurs wearing blinders with closed hearts rob you of the life and happiness you deserve - openandaffirming.org
+Tyler G I am a gay mormon and I have chosen to live a life where I don't date. love or flirt. Yes I get lonely sometimes but I'm never alone and I'm certainly not isolated in any way.The gospel and the church gives plenty of guidance on how to live a life of chastity. If Joseph of Egypt could shun potiphar's wife then I too can shun immorality. There are many examples in the scriptures of good righteous men and women choosing morality over sin regardless of their sexual preference.
+Vaughan Hamilton To be honest you are the first Mormon I have known to be alright with their sexuality. Most I know are quite depressed (3), of those that are not depressed they are in homosexual relationships (9), of those that are neither depressed or entertaining homosexual relationships they have committed suicide (4). I also have a hard time thinking that Joseph was in the same situation as I am in. He ran from potiphar's wife, but only because adultery is a sin. He eventually married and had kids. Unlike Joseph, if someone I like comes up to me and asks to go on a date I must refuse and run like Joseph did, every single time, every single day, every single guy, with no hopes to stop running and it is exhausting. How do you do it?
I love this man. How beautiful. How thankful I am for the SPirit that guides and modern day prophets, and yes, eternal laws and commandments that are our trials to overcome and fight until the day we are redeemed, and throughout the days we are continually redeemed. No importa which cross it is to bear, be it homosexual attractions or others. We can keep His commandments, and He will help.
I'm sure most of the people swearing and calling people names in the comments didn't make it more than 3 minutes into this video or are commenting based on the title. If you listen to the whole thing, he explains why he said what he said and why God does not approve of homosexual behavior in the most eloquent and detailed way possible. Don't plug your ears and scream like kids. Take the time to understand our perspective and respect it as we respect you.
+James Stringam I reserve my respect for the people involved, but not this particular perspective. It's an appeal to a desire to live in a world where all men are one way, all women are another way and only through complementarity can a certain Godly design be achieved. In the actual world there is nothing characterologically (or even physically) inherent to *all* men or *all* women, nor is there any one-size-fits-all approach to every family.
God created LGBT people. They are also a part of his great plan. Just because we do not see a reason for their existence, does not mean that god disapproves of their sexual orientation or their relationships.
+Ed Snow. God does not create LGBT people. Assuming that people are created one way and cannot change is contradictory the atonement. If a change can never occur in someone's life, then there is no use for the atonement of Jesus Christ. For a long time, I had an addiction in which I began to justify, "As long as I go to church and keep the rest of the commandments, God will understand." It soon hit me however that I was denying this right to change. I was assuming that it was impossible for me to change, which is complete opposite of what Moroni states at the end of the Book of Mormon "And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth....Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you..."-Moroni 10:24,32 As stated in the video, we believe he creates people that struggle with this problem, just as he creates people that may have depression, that have addictions to alcohol and drugs, or any other problem in life. It is our choice to act on the commandments he has clearly defined in the scriptures.
+Aaron Chamberlain No amount of prayer turns a gay person straight, the same way no amount of prayer regrows an amputated limb. At most it may help one remain abstinent and find peace in that, but it doesn't make someone who isn't attracted to the opposite gender become so.
Lee Duon Good. We both agree on that. What he is suggesting is not that they magically become attracted to the opposite gender. Rather all he is suggesting is that you don't act on these impulses and in this way you can be worthy to enter the temple and God will work out the rest in the eternities.
All this hate reminds me of how much hate the original 12 apostles received for preaching the gospel and explaining the doctrine of Christ. That doesn't mean that they were wrong. Jesus was crucified, being the only truly good and perfect man ever to exist. He told his apostles that" And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.." Matt 10:22. So all the negative comments really don't damage my beliefs at all. The lds church has never been the "popular" church. A lot of people hate it actually because it "goes against" what most of the world's beliefs. But God said "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." Isaiah 55:8
+Storm Williams The answer was so isolating... I know that I am a child of God, but I don't know how to fight the pain and sadness that comes with never being able to even hold hands with someone I find attractive... To know that the reality is I will come home alone most of the days, that I will probably never have kids, and that I will die alone in a nursing home... If you were asked to be celibate how would you live the gospel to fill that void?
+Tyler G I don't think I will ever understand your struggle, Tyler, and maybe you've heard this all before but maybe just try praying and going to the temple or talk to your bishop or your parents. Maybe they'll have some words that can be of comfort to you. I wish I could help you or provide you with some answers but I can't. But I want you to know that I'll pray for you and for people like you who struggle with the same thing. I know God cares and loves you just as much as the rest of us. I hope you can overcome this and figure out how to manage this challenge in your life.
I understand Elder Bednar's comment, but it just seems so terrible. By his logic, I can say, "There are no depressed people in the church" "There are no people with cancer in the church" "There are no struggling members of the church" "There are no people who want to smoke or drink alcohol in the church" Saying that we are all children of God is correct, but is just mean when you don't acknowledge anyway for someone in that situation to come closer to God, or even acknowledge why it is so difficult to deny all emotional and romantic feelings for people I care about. And the part at the end where he talks about how different women are don't help me one bit. I am not attracted to people of the same sex because I think it would be easier to marry a dude... I just have no feelings for women and have no emotional or romantic attraction to them when I date them (and I have tried many times) So saying that not only do I need to figure out a way to help my potential wife understand I feel no attraction to her (Hugs, kisses, and simply holding hands are more of chores to me than a bonding moment, no matter how hard I try to not make that so) Now I have to figure out how to live with someone that is fundamentally different from me... so much that it will be more difficult. This entire answer did nothing to help me on my path to staying in the church with these homosexual feelings... and it saddens me deeply...
Tyler G your a human being I read every word you said Do you have a good group of friends and family that value your well being and emotional balance ? I have always been the black sheep of church and family and even in school
Tyler G. I am confused by your response. He is counting you as fully in the church. I would think that is comforting. He is acknowledging the existence of attractions. I hope you will endure to the end. Our Savior wants you here in His church.
@@Hamann9631 luckily I left the Mormon church. It is absolutely unforgivable that they tried to rob me of a life of love and fulfillment with my husband. Especially considering how racist the church was in the past.
Not labeling can be a good thing and a bad thing. 1. Good part is to see everyone as equal. 2. Bad part, is that it makes people ignore that they exist. Like a type of internal prejudice of ourselves. Its okay to label people. Its not okay to ONLY see the label and let it hinder you treating them like everyone else. Label can bring light to a subject. Ignoring a label can be the same as ignoring an issue or concerns. We label objects, ourselves (names), countries etc. Labeling is not a bad thing. Ignoring a label by hiding behind not wanting to label is another thing. He didn't answer the question. He answered a completely different question. God can only reveal to him that which he is able to receive. I don't think He was ready to fully understand the question. God put opposition in ALL things. That way we can understand each other and rise to a higher vibration and righteousness.
I think labeling or defining ourselves by what we struggle with is much more of a hindrance than defining ourselves by what we truly are, sons and daughters of God. Bednar answered this question perfectly. He redefined the question so that it made sense. It's like me asking, "how can a thief retain his freedoms and be productive in society?" A thief by definition is committing a crime and will lose his freedoms and ability to be productive in society so that question doesn't make sense. Changing the question to "how can a person retain all his freedoms and be productive in a society?" Actually makes sense. He redefined the question to give a reasonable answer.
This perfectly encapsulates everything that's wrong with the Church's stance on this issue. Deny the issue exists, minimize it by saying everyone has struggles, dodge it by talking about those other issues, but never address the issue head on. It's a response that can only satisfy people who can walk away from this issue, but not anyone who has to deal with it themselves.
Hey Bryan. I can see you want the church to acknowledge that people are gay and that's just who they are, but what you're not understanding is Satan whispers "this is who you are" and Jesus whispers "this is what you have." The former implies you are defined by who you are attracted to and the latter implies, you are not defined by who you are attracted to, and you can decide for yourself how to use your agency.
Thank you Elder Bednar for linking the challenges of life to our eternal perspective. It makes me sad to read the aggressive responses. It is okay to disagree but it is lame to throw with dirt.
+Michael Lehmann You mean "throw dirt" like Joseph Smith did to Christians...calling them "the WHORE OF THE EARTH", the "Church of Satan" and "Babylon the Great"?? *THAT* kind of dirt? Was it wrong for Jesus to "throw dirt" at the Pharisees (Matt 23)? Bedfart was doing EXACTLY what you're accusing US of doing---throwing dirt on homosexuals. Uncalled for...especially from one claiming to follow Christ!!
+Michael Lehmann Hmmm, so by comparing people attracted to the same sex to shallow people and people with disabilities he's linked the challenges of life to our eternal perspective? Yeah, not so much.
+Nichols Mayol I listened to the whole thing. Twice. Which was almost cruel and unusual torture. This man has no love in him. Even his wife looked pained at the ridiculous tripe he is spouting. He is not of God.
Elder Bednar is a prophet of God and I stand by his words. He loves all of God's children including those that identify as LGBT. We may not have a choice in our sexual attraction but we have a choice in our sexual actions. Those that are attracted to people of the same sex but choose to follow the Lord's plan for marriage because they love God and have a firm witness through the Holy Ghost that he lives, will find happiness and a happy family.
+Justin Bosley I was born a gay person and was Mormon until i was 23 so he is wrong. A bigot by definition is a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions. If the shoe fits….
+Justin Bosley i am not intolerant at all. I accept everyone's beliefs and the people that live them. I live in Salt Lake City- I tolerate a lot. "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our [own]1 conscience, and allow all men the same privilege[,] let them worship how, where, or what they may." Keep in mind that I am not the one trying to change people's religion.
+Justin Bosley Sexual actions huh? This whole idea that LGBT shouldn't have sex because it isn't a part of god's plan is baloney. Something like 99% of all heterosexual sex does not even lead to procreation so essentially, straight people are having "gay" sex as much as gay people are. Get it? Also, gay people *do* have children, so If you lined up a mom and a dad, 2 moms, 2 dads, and they all were raising children, say 2 each - well they all have the same lifestyle!!!! Even "sexual action" lifestyle. Do straight people conceive *every single time* they have sex? The whole denunciation of gay people, their relationships and their sex lives is just plain old bullying.
+Martin Mcgill There is no commandment against homosexuals having sex. Folks with same sex attraction are bound by the same chastity laws that everyone else is: That is that sex is only to be had between a man and a woman within the bonds of matrimony. People with same sex attraction may have sex, but only within the bonds of matrimony between a person of the opposite sex.
I love this explanation. Can you imagine if we labeled people by their favorite color or their height & everything revolved around that? Defining people by their sexuality is just focusing on one of many things about a person & saying that's what they are. Period. But they're an eternal, multidimensional, talented being with limitless individual value & capacity--God's child. Every person deserves respect, we don't need group labels to give some people more or less rights than others. Haven't we learned the scary consequences from history?
I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, thrown on the ground and stomped on by Mr. Bednar. He is saying that someone who is attracted to the same sex must remain without close physical love for the rest of their lives.
With other homosexuals that unfortunately is the truth.... We are not allowed to have any close physical love contact with others who are homosexual that we are physically or sexually attracted to.... We cannot express those feelings and yes we have to hold off on all those feelings for the rest of our lives if we unable to marry the opposite sex. if the ban only prohibits just only sexual behaviors between those who are homosexual in their feelings, then why did my own local leader tell me that I can never see or associate with any homosexuals in my life ever again?
I understood the church from the words of my local leader that the Church standards forbids all Expression of Any Same Gender Attraction. I wish it wasn't so, but it is so unfortunately for those of us who have those feelings...
germanslice Can't you get out of there. This is your life. Your God-given life! These men say they speak for god but I've never heard god say that. We each have our own idea of who God is. Be true to the God that really cares about you. I know that what you are experiencing must be unbearable.
If it's possible, please speak with a non-mormon counselor or therapist. Sometimes churches go overboard with what they expect the members to do. I would even go so far as to say this could be seen as mental and emotional child abuse if you are under 18.
+Eric Lopez Like Bednar's comments?---especially the "prejudice" parts?I also like your word "dispassionate". A good synonym would be "compassionLESS"...ie. without empathy, kindness and love unfeigned.
Davey Jones, actually, the definition of dispassionate is as follows: " devoid of personal bias; impartial; calm:" Also, I looked up the word on Thesuras.com and the synonyms matched what I said it was perfectly. . . . www.thesaurus.com/browse/dispassionate?s=t Hope this helps.
+Eric Lopez I will give a calm response, I am a Mormon, and I am gay. Today I was extremely depressed with the same question that Elder Bednar was asked. After this video I am even more distraught. Why? Because nothing Elder Bednar said is any news to me. I know I am a child of God first, but to say that labeling me as gay is wrong just hurt me to my core. Today I saw a potential future with a couple of guys, as in there is a possibility I could date and maybe find a spouse. But instead of doing what most straight people do when they see a potential date, I crushed those thoughts into the ground, probably the 10th time I did that this week. Being a member of the church means that I fight all feelings of love and potential romantic feelings. And I get so exhausted. Most people can live their lives knowing that even if the gospel wasn't true at least they will have a happy life, I cannot say the same. I am depressed, have anxiety attacks, and have contemplated suicide, all because I feel I cannot stand to come home alone every night, to never have kids and to die alone in a nursing home, no matter what I do in this life. And Chruch rarely helps to strengthen me, especially the lessons on how I need to be dating and how great married life and having kids is. Instead of feeling invigorated I feel alone, and rightfully so, when Elder Bednar says there are no Gay mormons he makes it seem like as soon as I realize that I am a child of God all of these feelings will magically vanish... A better question for Elder Bednar and even you, if you were called to a life of celibacy how would you strengthen your relationship with God?
+Tyler G Yes you right, i think i regret to be a mormon, from 1 year only! I want to give up soon, and live my life, and still beleive in God, but not in this Church!
Elder Bednar is a prophet and seer. He is a special witness of Christ like Paul, Peter and the apostles of the New Testament. I hear Elder Bednar and I hear clarity. I hear truth. I feel inspired to cling to my Savior
I find it interesting that so many people are quick to judge this man and say how bad of a person he is and how bad this religion is, while in the process they themselves are not being Christ-like. Christ did not condone everyone in their actions, but He loved them all and invited them to come unto Him and partake of His gospel. I don't know everything, but after much prayer and study I have received a personal spiritual witness from God that the Lord has called living prophets and apostles in our day who guide us to Him. I have many friends who have these homosexual tendencies, and they are some of the nicest and most caring people I know. It breaks my heart when they are discriminated against, bullied, or are the brunt of jokes. While all that is true I know that God has declared that marriage is established to be between a man and a woman-it's so much more than a document or a tax benefit, but an integral part of His divine plan, which is what Elder Bednar here is explaining. It's obvious that we won't all agree on this subject, but I hope we can be understanding of each other's opinions and thoughts. We cannot thrash out and insult each other based on things we do not know or have not yet taken the time to understand.
+Tyler Critchfield That's because we don't believe in Christ. Doesn't mean we can't point out the hypocrisy of people who claim they are following the teachings of Jesus Christ yet do every damn thing he tells people not to do.
God created man, man created religion! Jesus wants us to follow Him, not religion. Jesus said I Am the way, not religion is the way. Jesus said Follow Me, not follow me then pick some brand of worldly religion to follow also. Jesus never followed a religion. In fact Jesus was against the religious people of His day and He even went as far as to call them the children of the devil. The 12 disciples never followed religion, they only followed Jesus. So why is it that Mormons and other religious people believe they need to create or join a religion???? People seek after religion because Jesus and the Gospel are no longer enough for them. As Jesus is no longer enough for them they create a religion to follow. It is like the people of Moses' day, where the people created a golden calf and worshiped it. Mormons have set their religion before them like an idol. They worship it and they defend it. Mormons need their book of Mormon because they believe that the Bible which contains all that Jesus did and taught is not enough for them. Mormons believe "church" = a religious institution Christians know "church" = people, followers of Jesus, His sheep. Mormons are not Christians. They put their religion first and Jesus last. Mormons are Mormon first and Christians second. Mormons will always defend their religion because they hold it closer to their heart than they do Jesus and His Gospel. Mormons are the most deceived church upon the earth. Mormons belong to: The Church Of Joseph Smith of Latter Day Deceived The Book Of Mormon is The Most Corrected Book Upon The Earth The Book Of Mormon is Another Deception Of The Anti Christ The Book Of Mormon is Joseph's Myth Christians will always attack religion because it is not of God. Mormons will always defend their religion because they are not of God. Religious people always need a religion to go through to get to God. Christians only need Jesus to get to Him and the Father. Any time that a church tells you that you have to go through them to get to God it is usually a cult. When Mormons bear testimonies it is more so to convince EACH OTHER that their religion is true than to bear witness or convince non believers. Mormons spend so much of their time bearing testimonies on the book of mormon being true and their church being true. Christians already know that the bible is true and we know that anyone who follows Jesus are His true church. Christians just get on with teaching the gospels and all that is contained within the bible. Mormons just continue trying to convince everyone that their book of Mormon is true rather than devoting all their time to teaching anything out of it. Jesus leads to salvation. Joseph leads to damnation. So Mormons, who will you choose? Jesus or Joseph?
*FALSE PROPHETS AND MORMONISM* Refer to this resource on the false Mormon prophet: www.blueletterbible.org/study/cults/exposem/xm06.cfm *SCRIPTURES IN THE BIBLE REGARDING FALSE PROPHETS* *Deuteronomy 18* _20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die._ _21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?_ _22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him._ *Ezekiel 13* _2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord;_ _3 Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!_ _9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God._ *Jeremiah 23* _16 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord._ *Luke 6* _26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets._ *Acts 20* _29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock._ _30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them._ *1 John 4* _1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world._ _2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:_ _3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world._ _4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world._ _5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them._ _6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error._ *Matthew 7* _15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves._ _16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?_ _17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit._ *2 Peter 1* _20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation._ _21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost._ *2 Peter 1* _1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction._ _2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of._
There are many things we see differently from David Bednar, but we truly admire the way he approached this question in the beginning. We AREN'T defined by our sexuality, sexual behavior, or anything else that can be seen or measured. One of the few truths of humankind is that we are ineffable. It almost doesn't even make sense to try to use words to describe the value of a soul. So thanks, Mr. Bednar for clarifying that.
Reading some of the comments on this video remind me about some of the things told to Christ while he was on the earth. Ever notice how people told Christ He was "crazy", "insensitive", "blasphemous", "false", etc.? It's interesting to see how strongly some people fight against truth just because they don't see things the same way. As Elder Bednar said.... we do not always see things the same way as God. However, it's our responsibility to try to change our thinking to God's thinking. Not to tell God what should and shouldn't be done and change his thinking to ours.
+Reach Out Multimedia Marketing Appropriate humility requires all of us to admit that we simply can't know for certain what the truth of God is, that we are all fellow seekers on the path and that no matter how deep our convictions, we may be wrong. If you approach people from that position, your message tends to come across much better than one in which you absolutely assume that you know and are simply waiting for them to catch up to your wisdom.
Yes. They had a strong “us vs them” mentality. And they were too highly wrapped up in the letter of the law. Also they thought it wise to force their own beliefs into everyone else, believing that their way was the only and best way to be.
Correct! And we DO know God’s way, for it is written in the scriptures for all to see. Sins of which we are to repent of (change OUR ways to GOD’S way and never return to) are clearly defined for all to see. It is also written that we are to love one another. People who don’t love one another, and people who use that commandment to ignore other commandments and justify sins of the nature that Apostle David A. Bednar speaks of, all need to repent.
Thank you Mr. Bednar for speaking the truth in love with understanding. There is a great deception currently being perpetrated, and which is blinding many, that says that to love and accept a person, we must also accept their chosen conduct. In truth, it is God's love for us that warns us against conduct that is outside of His design for us (lying, stealing, adultery, etc). Thankfully, God offers us forgiveness of sin and even invites us to be made a "new creation" in Christ so that we can be set free from sin, but not so that we can continue living in sin and attempt to justify it. By the way, I am not LDS and so we could probably find doctrinal points to disagree on, but I'm not willing to let that get in the way of acknowledging and affirming one another in the things that we do know to be right.
+Bob Peck Thank your for this insightful comment, people are not born with bigotry or hate and their behavior is something they learn and choose to act on. I wish more folks would take your words to heart. So many claim their hate is not a choice, that they are born with horrific SINS of homophobia, sexual prejudice and heterosexism. "It’s more than tragic-in fact it’s shameful-that faith communities, especially Christian ones, continue to be complicit in putting our children at risk and abetting the attitudes that oppress them, thereby encouraging the aggressors who would subject our children to pain, humiliation, and violence. LGBT men and women will continue to be vulnerable to the sins of homophobia and heterosexism, to the violence of hate and fear until we in the church can say to homosexuals now what it has said to heterosexuals for 2,000 years. Your sexuality is good. The church not only accepts it. The church celebrates it and rejoices in it. God loves you as you are, and the church can do no less." 2014 Episcopal Message - National Cathedral
My daughter is gay. She is Mormon. She exists. We should celebrate diversity, regardless of color, sex, sexuality, ethnicity, health, intelligence, handicap, wealth, etc. That is what has the potential to make the church good. #QueerMormonsExist #iexist
+Mary Jane Smith I just don't know what to do... as a gay Mormon (who is determined to remain celibate) I have always known I am a child of God... But I don't know how to deal with the pain of loneliness, in a church that emphasizes how amazing being married and having children is. The reality of my life is I will never find someone that I love, I will come home to an empty house most days, and will probably never adopt because I don't think that I could provide the amount of time that every child deserves as a single parent. This reality makes me terribly depressed and at one point suicidal... Honest question, if you were called to a life of celibacy, and were ordered not to marry knowing you probably would not have kids... how would you strengthen your relationship with the lord to fill that massive void?
+Tyler G There is some recent peer reviewed science based empirical data that is beginning to show show religious views are considered a voluntary choice and have even been known to change. For example, Episcopal, Unitarian, Quaker, Reformed Judaism and their views on same gender marriage, or the Popes view on NOT turning innocent little children away from blessings and baptisms. That being said, here is what we actually do know for certain: Living an honest, open and authentic life congruent with ones own sexual orientation is empirically shown to be a key factor for enabling best mental health outcomes. LDS LGBT/SSA individuals who enter into legal, committed, same-sex relationships report the highest levels of quality of life and self-esteem, and the lowest levels of depression, sexual identity distress, and internalized homophobia. Approximately 70% of LDS LGBT/SSA individuals end up leaving the LDS church at some point in their lives.Therefore, should a rational and reasonable person reasonably make ones religious view congruent with ones sexual orientation in order to produce the best mental health outcomes?
+Tyler G I don't know if this is of any comfort, but I knew at least 2 good LDS women who are fast approaching the age where they likely will never marry as well. They are not gay, seem to have no problems that would prevent a marriage proposal, are wonderful women and deserve the best, but have never been asked to marry. Anyone who remains faithful and moral are promised to have what they could have had on earth (but did not have) and more in the next life. We all have trials. Some worse than others. Yet often those who have the worse trials become the strongest when they rely on the Lord to help strengthen them. I have compassion for those of you who have this or any other trials that prevent you from experiencing love and a family. But I KNOW you will have all the Lord has promised his children if you remain moral and faithful to God.
“We do not discriminate and we are not bigots” and then gives an entire talk that discriminates against homosexuals. His wife looks like she can’t believe what he’s saying.
What I got out of the talk (as weird it was) was Bednar was trying to get away from worldly labels of those with same sex attraction. As for his wife, she is quiet much of the time. He sometimes defers to her for input. At a missionary conference, a sister asked about times when members face anxiety like missionaries. She simply asked how as an apostle of the church he and we should respond to adversity and anxiety. Elder Bednar had his wife answer the question instead.
I think he is very bright person, I can see that all those who do not support what he said are not being nice, in the same time want others to be nice to them.
+Margarit Ayvazyan I was born a gay person and was Mormon until i was 23 so he is wrong. A bigot by definition is a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions. If the shoe fits….
+Margarit Ayvazyan Did you watch a different video?? Look at his wife. She looks like she wanted to smash his face! Being "nice" in most cases, is not being honest. Salesmen are "nice"...because they want to SELL you something you wouldn't normally buy!
"Homosexual" is a label invented by the world to legitimize behavior that is unacceptable to God. Its definition implies that there is no freedom to choose one's behavior.
It seems to me that instead of dividing people and creating conflict out of nothing which is what so many activists love to do, he United in word, all of God’s children regardless of sexual orientation. There is no division than what we create ourselves. And I think your real concern is the lack of acceptance that there is nothing wrong with acting on homosexual thoughts and feelings. The Lord can not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Hence the need for Christ’s atonement. If we allow sin through the fallacy of loving understanding to be ignored and brought in, why stop there? The next question could be, “how do minor attracted person’s serve in the church and prepare to receive the blessings of the temple?” It is absurdity but all it takes is tolerance and we’re lost.
She's a known pill-popper like 90+% of all Mormon women, her mind's not all there! You'd have to be on something to get through being married to an assh)le like him!
Isaiah 56:3-7 "...Neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
È lo Spirito del Signore che conferma queste parole di Isaia ❤️ anche rapportate nel Libro di Mormon 💞 le Scritture rispondono sempre ad ogni nostra domanda 📖 grazie 💝 e sì, condivido anch'io...è la più bella delle risposte 💖
sherry loosli it has all the markings of a cult. Read about cults. Open your eyes, and your mind. It is hard if you are in the cult, but you can do it! I got out after 59 years as totally active. Once I really read and studied the Bible for myself, I could see through the deceit. Read the church essays on LDS.org. They are hidden, but you can find them!! Open your eyes!
sherry loosli You will not read for yourself, or think with your own brain. Think! Who is Satan working on? You have your free agency to think and read and learn the real truth. I pray for you, Sherry!
sherry loosli Oh thank you for prayers. Remember, there is only one GOD. Read Isaiah 43:10. No God beside Him, no not one! He is not the God that Joseph Smith says appeared to Him. No, indeed. God is bigger, grander, the only God.. EVER. Please pray to that God. He is ever reaching out to you to open your eyes. He will give you a new heart, and He wants a personal relationship with you outside of that cultish religion that is being led by false prophets, and false books. The bible is all you need for scripture. Read it, and go by facts. Pray to God to have your eyes opened, and He will do it. I do continue to pray for you. .. If I can see and be saved, so can you. I pray. God bless you.
sherry loosli I know what you believe, I was a mormon for 59 years. Yes there is only one God, that is the point,. I am not going to argue about what you choose to believe.. God bless you..
When the savior taught the Jewish nation that the laws were not done away ,but expanded in him, he was literally changing there scriptures. To them he was a false prophet. It's easy for us to read that and understand it. When modern revelations are given in our day, it can be difficult to believe. This man is a prophet of god and he speaks for our day.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
@@beantrader4723 where does the atonement and repentance fall into your life? Everyone is capable of repentance. Only the sons of perdition cannot repent. So where does that put sinners in Christ s eyes?
No homosexual Mormons? Homosexuality is "an inaccurate label"? By that logic we also have no blonde members, black members, or liberal members. Of course no one label can describe the whole of a person. All labels are inaccurate and incomplete, but that fact alone by no means invalidates it.
Brother Bednar explained this truth in brilliance, excellence and absolute compliance to the Laws of God. I support and follow the inspired guidance of Brother Bednar, The Prophet with all 12 Apostles.
Hey why the anger? Have open mind and listen to the whole talk. We are not defined by colour, sexual orientation or something that differs us from God. You have a right to disagree but not to bully other people when their opinions differ..We are all human beings...show some kindness to all....
“The education that comes between a man and a women, in a marriage ordained of God, is one of the richest blessings of this life.” He also says “we are not bigots”. Bigotry is defined “ a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic toward a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group.” Bednar did not make a conscious choice to be attracted to women. He was born that way. The science behind homosexuality very clearly demonstrates the same principle. Agency is not exercised. They are born with that attraction. They are genetically hardwired to be attracted to members of the same sex. In the same lecture Bednar claims to be unprejudiced towards homosexuals and yet knowingly denies them “the richest blessing of this life” AND THE NEXT. Major glitch in the matrix brothers and sisters. Major glitch.
Same sex attraction is a real struggle for some people, just like adultery or monogamy can be a temptation. The key is to not fall for the temptation. There are thousands of people that have same sex attraction but choose to keep God's commandments and enter a heterosexual union of normal marriage.
+Glen Ames Science has not fully determined the genetic or biological causes for origination of opposite-sex attraction. Many opposite-sex attracted individuals report that they have no choice in their sexual orientation. Some opposite-sex attracted individuals can even remain celibate according to the religious dictates of their conscience and not enter into a martial union. In fact, secular Supreme Court law (Griswold v. Conn.) established a fundamental constitutional right for opposite-sex couples not to procreate if they so desire. Sexual attraction for the sole purpose of pleasure is a struggle for many of these individuals, but some have found a way to have happy and healthy intimate relationships (otherwise known as hedonistic carnal pleasure). Approximately 70% of LDS LGBT/SSA individuals end up leaving the LDS church at some point in their lives.While the U.S. divorce rate for first marriages is around 25%, mixed-orientation marriages appear to have somewhere between a 50% and an 80% divorce rate. LDS mixed-orientation marriages appear to follow a similar trend, and have an estimated 70% divorce rate. This means that mixed-orientation marriages are somewhere between 200% and 300% more likely to end in divorce than are heterosexual marriages. Self-reported quality of life scores for LDS LGBT/SSA individuals who enter into mixed-orientation marriages are lower than for those who have lupus (a debilitating disease). Rates of depression, sexual identity distress, and internalized homophobia are also significantly higher, and rates of self-esteem are significantly lower. Outcomes for celibacy are even worse.- Journal of Counseling Psychology 2015 What is abundantly clear however, is that Satan's hate has created many problems during our mortal existence, and not solved anyone of them.
+Glen Ames A USU study concluded that for homosexual people that enter "normal marriages" 85% of those marriages ended in divorce. That is hardly a solution for most same sex attracted individuals.
+Tyler G there are no homosexuals, just people that struggle with adultery, pornography, same sex attraction, etc. The rest of us don't get a pass on sin so why should you?
+Glen Ames "If" there are no homosexuals, does that mean there are no heterosexuals? And the 1 in 1500 folks born inter-sex, where XX and XY are not determinant, what attractions are they permitted to have in order to be right with God?
Many people who saw Christ didn’t believe. Seeing is not believing at all in my mind. Having faith in something you haven’t seen takes a lot more. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of them have seen Christ but wouldn’t be surprised if most haven’t. (LDS Apostles).
A religious belief, "said the Master," is not a statement of reality, but a sign, a hint of something that is a mystery that is beyond the scope of human thought. In short, a religious belief is nothing more than a finger pointing at the moon. Some religious people never go beyond the study of the finger. Others are dedicated to sucking it. And others use their fingers to gouge the eyes. These are the fanatics to whom religion has left them blind. In fact, they are very few who are objective enough to see what the finger is pointing. And these people, who have overcome the belief, are considered blasphemous. "
The doctrine of revelation is a core belief of the LDS Church. This doctrine states that when you ask God “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” about a certain thing, then God “will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” This belief is true. I know that if you ask God to help you understand what Elder Bednar is saying, and if you ask Him whether it is true, that our Heavenly Father will help you understand what it all means, and will show you that it is the truth. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
+Dave Ferriman Everything Elder Bednar says in this video is taught frequently and openly by the presiding leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The First Presidency of the LDS Church, in a statement regarding same gender attraction, wrote that “as a doctrinal principle, based on sacred scripture, we affirm that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The powers of procreation are to be exercised only between a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, undermine the divinely created institution of the family.” (October, 2004).
+Paul Hulbert teaching false doctrine doesn't make it doctrine. The only people I know that agree with these teachings are open bigots, not general lay members. Most members I know are embarrassed by these statements and understand that the church will repent of these policies in the future.
+dferriman Why are you trying to misrepresent the faith? Why are you trying to make it seem like anyone who believes in chastity is an “open bigot”? I am not embarrassed, and I have never met an active latter-day saint who is. The law of chastity--”that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife”--is true, and has been taught since the days of Adam and Eve. I respect other’s right to believe differently, but I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Well answered Elder Bednar. There are no homosexuals or lesbians in the church because those people are sons and daughters of God. Other people are labeling them and that is not right. God does not see his children that way so why does the World insist on labeling them that way. Unless they want that label. people just don't walk up to someone and say" hey homosexual Jim how are you"? or hey lesbian Tina what up?" Listen to the whole explanation. Some peole just do not even listen but comment based on a headline. Really!!! geeze
In response to that I'd argue that the word "homosexual" is much more politically charged than "depressed." He's not saying these struggles aren't real, and that we should simply ignore them and/or not label them. What he's saying is someone's struggle doesn't define who they are as a person. That was the point he was driving home. If you take the time to actually think about it, you realize that Elder Bednar recognizes that same-sex attraction (homosexuality? don't get lost in semantics) exists in the Church. His point is grander and more sublime than that: defining someone by their source of sexual attraction is a limiting and incomplete definition of a human being. Think about it: we make much out of the "homosexual-heterosexual" division. But why not "redhead vs.blonde?" How ridiculous is that? Since when does sexual attraction define the entirety of one's existence?
Again, the intent isn't to pretend that it's not real by not saying it. His statement was directed at those who belligerently label them as such (i.e. categorize them). The "advice" after which this video has been so erroneously entitled was not a tactic to combat a very real issue. It was a clarification for those who don't understand the struggle. For those being hastily labeled as "homosexual." The trial isn't what defines you. This isn't an attempt to pretend it's not real, this is an attempt reach out IN UNDERSTANDING. If someone was addicted to weed or heroin or some other drug, and someone asked: "How do we deal with drug addicts in the Church?" The same response wouldn't cause as much controversy (because it's not a loaded and hot political topic). If we look at it in that sense, "there are no drug addicts in the church," we suddenly see the point Elder Bednar is trying to make. He's not trying to ignore the fact that there ARE. He's not trying to tell those who struggle to simply "not call themselves drug addicts." He is however, trying to move past the label. His point is that we don't define people by their labels. They are still children of God. Labeling hurts. The rest of his response is actually really adequate.
No no no, my point is that statement was directed at those labeling them, it's not a coping tactic. Again, the idea isn't that we ignore the issue. His statement wasn't "just pretend like they don't exist." Quite the contrary. He wants others, who might pass judgment, to see them just as equally, since the word carries so much weight.
Tyler G Actually he does mention how to make a marriage work whether there is attraction or not. Love has nothing to do with physical attraction. You can always share love with your spouse and it will be better than just being together sexually because of hormones or whatever.
I'm willing to bet that most of the angry, negative commenters on here are simply responding to the (somewhat misleading) title and didn't actually watch the video. The vulgar language also suggests that these people aren't thinking on much higher a level than predecided emotion. In other words, very few people actually listened to what he said.
What Bednar means is that temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus was tempted. We must resist temptations to avoid sin. Remember your thoughts can also be a sin; do not dwell on those attractions. Dismiss them and then you will have more power over this weakness of the flesh or the natural man. You should not self-identify based on your sins. I am theft or murderer. It is the Atonement that cleanses this way, you should not inhibit this blessing for yourself, of the sacrifice of God's only Begotten Son by not disavowing your connection with this sin, whatever it may be.The only labels you should accept is that of Christ, for he has bought you with his blood.
Caesar Augustus If we repent and apply the Atonement, Christ is supposed to plead in our behalf and stands as our representative we are known by our deeds whether they are of Christ or not. Baptism is the act of taking His name upon us and afterward we must be Christ-like and try to be like Him. It is symbolic.
+Tia Moore That's all very nice on paper but the reality is the church is a fraud. Have you ever looked into freemasonry (if you've been to the temple)? Joseph's polyandrous wives (meaning he married other men's wives in secret while they were still married to them and (apparently) having children with them? Have you looked into his peepstones, the book of abraham, solomon spalding. Just trying to save you some time. I was a member for 25 years only to find this stuff out which the church hid from me and lied to me about.
Aly Benson I'm sorry that you chose to read a distorted version of the church's history instead of what the church has published on these topics. They are not hidden and have been explained.
This is the church history straight from their history records! What is distorted is what they teach you in their white-washed and scrubbed handbooks that leave out many things and distort others...
I felt sick to my stomach from his words! He basically says being homosexual is not a sin but it’s comparable to a handicap, a challenge. You can not act upon it. Which might mean you won’t have a full-filled romantic and sexual life.
I speak Spanish as a second language. The translator is incredibly skilled. His translation was superb. I wish I could do that.
I agree. It was a little condescending of him to say, “I need this translation to be perfecto.” Like, I think the translator has got it.
NaDopros Do you know the translator personally?
That's what I was thinking. Fabuloso
Gift of tongues.
As a translator/interpreter, I can say that interpretation is a spiritual gift. When performed in accordance with the Holy Spirit, translation/interpretation can be truly beautiful and satisfying.
Excellent video. Elder Bednar nails it as always.
It’s important to remember Satan calls us by our sins or weaknesses. God calls us by our name. The adversary will want us to identify as any and everything besides a child of God.
I hate how you bigots try to use excuses like these, you are just a homophobe, just admit it, you are a coward by pretending like a god justifies your beliefs
"We are not defined by sexual attraction." "We are sons and daughters of God with different challenges in the flesh."
Brilliant
I keep looking for a satisfying answer from the church and this one didn’t work for me. I’m an active member and it frustrates me because these answers don’t really address the real issue here. He obfuscates the real issue by reframing the question, and then skirts the issue and talks about love and what a sin is (Homosexuality etc).
For example, he says that people aren’t defined by their sexuality, but then says that marriage between a man and woman are central to the plan of God. Ok so where does that leave someone who’s attracted to the same gender? The church also teaches that sexual union between partners is a purpose and to be experienced in and of itself, so how do we reconcile that with a gay person? They just drew a short lot and don’t get to have that? They can serve the church but not experience the living union of a spouse or partner? Why? Why would God do that? If God has a plan, where does a homosexual fall into that plan? People who simply get to serve the church and be celibate all their life? Does that ring true to you? He does such a great job of dancing around the issue. For once I’d like to hear a church leader deal with this head on. Maybe the answer is just “we’re not sure”. Maybe the answer is “we’ll know more in the future?” Something honest. But this issue is going to continue to fester in the church and it isn’t going to go away. In Utah Idaho AZ, they’re fine but that’s going to change too. In liberal areas young people are going to have real issues with the church’s discrimination.
@@tubytootoo When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
@@tubytootoo God said, "Homosexuals, Adulterers, Fornicators, Murderers, Thieves, Liars, Gossipers, Blasphemers, Revilers, nor Idol Worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". What kind of world would we live in if these sinners formed individual groups, designed flags, participated in parades advertising their crimes, organized groups in gov't. for the purpose of changing laws to make their crimes acceptable, adopted innocent children, taught them how to murder, steal, lie etc.? It would be a lawless world like Sodom. On different levels all this has already happened.
@@beantrader4723 tell me where this is written that God said that? I can’t find it, for one.
For two, explain to me why God, who created man in his image, would create a man with homosexual desires, and then tell him that’s a sin but the other people he created with hetero desires, that’s not a sin (sorry for the double standard). So for this one select group to act on the desire to bond physically with a companion is actually a sin. Sorry I created you like that but, you know, deal with it I guess.
@@beantrader4723 also your comment is all over the place. Homosexuality isn’t a crime? Where’d you get that? Yes the church considers it a sin…but…why? Also, where are you getting that a gay couple teach their children crime? The church itself admits that homosexuality is something that you’re born with.
Can you have a rational conversation about this, or only a conversation that repeats platitudes that are inherently double standard and problematic?
And this is what apostles are here for. Thank you Lord.
His comments are taken out of context. What he is saying is that there are no homosexual members, just like there are no heterosexual members, there are just members. The church does not distinguish people based on sexual orientation, race, or anything else. We are all children of God, and all members of the church are viewed in the same category, we are all just members
Umm. No? There's nothing out of context here.
The gist of this was: 'Homosexuals are wrong, we still "love" you, but you're wrong'
+Brian Anderson Then shouldn't ALL God's children be treated the same and be expected to abide by the same rules?? LGBT members are *NOT* treated the same in Mormonism. THEY must remain celibate FOR *LIFE*!!--even if they are legally married...AND they MUST renounce their homosexual parents!! Quite a "family oriented" church you've got going there!
No we are all sons and daughters of heavenly father.. That (homo and hetro) whichever way you wanna look at it.
I agree. We don't say I am a North American Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, etc. Every person on the Earth or who ever has or will be, is a son or daughter of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. If we become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then we are classified that way, but not any other. Jesus Christ invited everyone to come unto Him and be perfected.
@@daveyjones9930
Legal marriage isn't God's marriage is the difference you have skipped over that difference.
I see where your point is made though...
If a "God's marriage" of such legal marriages status's change's then you would be correct 💯.
We had a Civil marriage, then a "God's marriage" in the Temple at the same time.
Prayer's for all you love, in Heaven, answers will come for you all.
Moroni - "And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen."
Learned Spanish on my mission. This translator is miraculously skilled-absolutely remarkable.
Estoy de acuerdo. Servi en Mexico hace 40 anos. Entendi casi todas las palabras en Espanol. Yo soy un Gringo viejo con poco pelo.
I think it's a profound and beautiful response. Of course he doesn't believe people are born irreversibly homosexual. The LDS religion is fundamental Christian, and he answered accordingly. Those who dissagree should be as respectful as he was, instead of name calling.
You are so confused about what others believe. This was a video that testified that we are children of a God who loves us.
+Diane Bash Yeah, let’s all respect a man who erases the identity of LGBT people so he doesn’t have to address the fact that his church’s anti-LGBT policies and stances push young Mormons into committing suicide.
Totally a guy worthy of my respect.
+IloveChrist2 Actually the wording you put isn't quite right. It is posted that a child with gay parents can't receive the ordinances until they are 18 years of age and is moved out of their parents house. This is simply because most gay parents tend not to believe in religion. So it could potentially create contention and conflict between the child and the parents if the child wanted to join the church and receive those ordinances. Therefore it makes sense on why they are to wait til they are 18 years old. Because that is when they can legally make up their own decisions in life without the parents being able to say no and forbid them from joining the church.
@IloveChrist2 do have any proof ? For that.
@@StoneStephenTSorry this is so late lol. It’s been over 7 years and I still can’t find the part where he erased anyone’s history. It seems to me that instead of dividing people and creating conflict out of nothing which is what so many activists love to do, he United in word, all of God’s children regardless of sexual orientation. There is no division than what we create ourselves. And I think your real concern is the lack of acceptance that there is nothing wrong with acting on homosexual thoughts and feelings. The Lord can not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Hence the need for Christ’s atonement. If we allow sin through the fallacy of loving understanding to be ignored and brought in, why stop there? The next question could be, “how do minor attracted person’s serve in the church and prepare to receive the blessings of the temple?” It is absurdity but all it takes is tolerance and we’re lost.
What a clear, loving answer to a difficult question…thank you Elder Bednar!
even Peter eventually was crucified because he taught what people didn't want to hear. It's no different today. But it still needs to be taught, whether people like it or not.
the quick sound bite is much deeper and expansive than those 8 words. people rally to dispel labels and see past them, but then cling to them and fight over them. here is a man actually dismissing labels and people dismiss him as being a bigot. how ironic.
Agreed. His bigotry is much deeper and expansive than those 8 words.
Surprise! it's 2020 and people get to choose how to define themselves! When you're white and male and have tons of money and power and STRAIGHT and you try to tell people how they're defined (instead of letting them choose, and the person chose when they submitted the question) that's called systematic oppression!! WAKE UP PEOPLE! Bednar can't croon about how we're agents and not objects while claiming that the Holy Ghost whispered in his ear that homosexuals don't exist, therefore every LGBTQ or sexual and gender minority person is wrong in saying who they are. The apostolic calling DOES NOT trump each human's spiritual connection. Apostles and prophets HAVE BEEN WRONG SO MANY TIMES!!!! The way the church treats LGBTQ ppl these days is the EXACT SAME way that they treated people of color prior to 1978!!!! Why can't people see that???????????
“If our goal is to be tolerant of people who are different than we are, Chase, then we really are aiming quite low. Traffic jams are to be tolerated. People are to be celebrated.” -Glennon Doyle
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
_Moroni 10 : 04_
He’s talking in terms of social tolerance. The “tolerance” people are supposed to have for each other. Not talking about people in the terms of that quote.
That's exactly right!
Of course, you don't celebrate confusion or mental disease, but you do most certainly celebrate people in all their glory and potential, not in their sins or laziness.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
In the same conversation, Bednar explained that his statement meant that people should not be defined or labelled by the nature of their sexual attractions. "Simply being attracted to someone of the same gender is not a sin. There are many members of the Church who may have some manifestation of that attraction. They honor their covenants, they keep the commandments, they are worthy. They can receive the blessings of the temple and they can serve in the Church. It is when we act on the inclination or the attraction-that's when it becomes a sin. So, the reason I began my answer as I did, is that in this question, the word "homosexual" was used to describe or label a member of the Church. It's an inaccurate label. We are sons and daughter of God and we determine how to respond to the variety of challenges we experience in mortality through the proper exercise of our moral agency."
@Tyler G I whole heartedly agree.
What a wonderful and straightforward answer to a question asked over and over in our day and age. Thank God for living Prophets and Apostles who can speak directly on important subjects and give clear direction to help us live the Gospel of Christ and learn to be more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father.
I know right?, what a shame he is a bigot. "There are some things we do not accept or Tolerate. We love all people with whatever challenge any person faces. So we do not discriminate, and we are not bigots."
Definition of bigot: "a person who is obstinately or Intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance" Lmao!
Thank you for helping me understand the LDS Faith's stance on this. This statement is very reasonable and full of hope that we can all be the best people we can be as we try to overcome temptations--whether those temptations include same-sex marriage or not. Because God surely only wants the best for us!!
+Mackenzie Piper This is not the LDS stance, it is the stance of some, including this man. What he says here does against our doctrine. I'm sorry that you had to see the ugly face of human bigotry gised as religion. Mormonism's doctrines are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and (for the LDS Mormons) the Pearl of Great Price. There are other Mormon faiths with other holy books, but the Bible and the Book of Mormon are what all of these faiths have in common. In the Bible we are taught not to sell our bodies for sex (Old Testament) and for straight men not to have sex with other men, it says nothing about men naturally attracted to other men. So, Jesus didn't teach the bigotry that David Bednar is teaching here. To be fair though, there are other Christian churches teaching the same bigotry this man is spouting. They too have been deceived. So it's not just a "Mormon" problem. The devil is trying to get all mankind to hate, rather than have Christlike love of one another.
+Dave Ferriman this is most definitely the LDS stance...
+Mackenzie Piper
I am a Mormon, and I am gay. Today I was extremely depressed with the same question that Elder Bednar was asked. After this video, I am even more distraught. Why? Because nothing Elder Bednar said is any news to me. I know I am a child of God first, but to say that labeling me as gay is wrong just hurt me to my core. Today I saw a potential future with a couple of guys, as in there is a possibility I could date and maybe find a spouse. But instead of doing what most straight people do when they see a potential date, I crushed those thoughts into the ground, probably the 10th time I did that this week. Being a member of the church means that I fight all feelings of love and potential romantic feelings. And I get so exhausted.
Most people can live their lives knowing that even if the gospel wasn't true at least they will have a happy life, I cannot say the same. I am depressed, have anxiety attacks, and have contemplated suicide, all because I feel I cannot stand to come home alone every night, to never have kids and to die alone in a nursing home, no matter what I do in this life.
And Chruch rarely helps to strengthen me, especially the lessons on how I need to be dating and how great married life and having kids is. Instead of feeling invigorated I feel alone, and rightfully so, when Elder Bednar says there are no Gay Mormons he makes it seem like as soon as I realize that I am a child of God all of these feelings will magically vanish...
A better question for Elder Bednar and even you, if you were called to a life of celibacy how would you strengthen your relationship with God?
+Mackenzie Piper Wow - I'd begun to lose my faith in humanity's ability to understand a thoughtful and attenuated position (whether you agree with it or not). You just restored some of my hope in 21st century humanity's ability to think!
+Aly Benson Not to mention Bill Schneobelen and how he claims that the church is a lot like what he experienced in satanism. Then there are the upside down stars all over the visitors center and the nauvoo temple, the all-seeing eye on the sl temple, the christus statue depicted in the visitors center as casting a shadow on earth, I could literally go on and on...
Beautiful response! Make sure to listen to the whole response.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
If you’re a homosexual, then repent.
If you’re a heterosexual and an adulterer, then repent.
If you’re a transgender, then repent.
If you’re a pedophile, then repent.
We all have weaknesses, rise above them and don’t wallow in them like a pig in its sty.
Elder Bednar is kind. He didn't condemn. "We are sons and daughters of God." I am grateful he referred to the Family Proclamation to the World.
ShNae Hancock If you truly believe this....you won't go to heaven. GOD is against Homosexuality simple as that. Anyone who tries to "kind" and not condemn it is not preaching the word of God.
Good Man- Tell that to Jesus, you know, the compassionate guy who forgives prostitutes and is kind to everyone, regardless of who they love.
SirNate And told her...GO AND SIN NO MORE. Everytime he forgave someone or healed someone
Good Man Yeah but he would be kind to everyone anyway. His love is/was unconditional.
SirNate Jesus is kind on earth but if anyone die living a sinful lifestyle..he will send that person to hell for eternity. That's what the gospel is all about
I like that he brings up agency. Agency seems to be a forgotten principle in today's world. "Do whatever you feel like" is the mantra of the world. What kind of place would the world be if we all followed our base, carnal, animalistic desires? The beauty of being human is the ability to exercise self-discipline, to act upon PRINCIPLE rather than just on base desires and appetites. A certain behavior may feel natural to you, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Each person must decide for himself what principles he will live by in order to maximize his happiness and the happiness of those around him. Then he must commit to live them and honor his commitment.
Agreed. Agency goes out the window as soon as I start to blame others for my mistakes. Lack of personal responsibility may be the root of everything that is wrong with the world today... Well said!
Well, you choose to be Mormon, you certainly don't have to be; how is that any different? Hopefully in 6 years you've matured on these issues and are embarassed about thinking this way!
How many people watched the whole thing? The title they chose is (perhaps intentionally) misleading. He explains why he rephrased the question -- his whole basis is that we are defined first by our identity as children of God, and that the world carries homosexuality as a label, but the Church does not.
He was NOT claiming that there are no "gay" members of the church. It's a church, and as a body or group of like-minded individuals, it's allowed to set parameters of what being a full and active member entails. Why does this give anyone the invitation to attack them for their belief? Nowhere in this video was it advocated that Mormons should insult or ignore people (fellow members or otherwise) who are or aren't "gay" or align with a homosexual orientation. NOWHERE. People may do that, and in such cases it is a poor but true example of human weakness to physically treat our fellow man poorly. But I have every right to disagree with you, or you, or you and so forth and to publicly say so without automatically being lumped in as a bigot.
If I align with democratic views, and have registered to the Democratic Party, I am quite literally prohibited from voting Republican in key elections. I am a dentist. I am required to keep certain standards and perform certain requirements to keep a license in both local and federal agencies. I can disagree with those requirements and even ignore them if I choose, but the consequences mean I risk losing membership in those organizations and possibly my right to perform certain functions. It is what it is, but when it comes to religion, and the way people believe, we like to pretend it's a *completely* different scenario, when functionally, it is not.
I also find it ironic that, regardless of whether you support or agree with religion A, B, or C, people can sit on a moral high horse while decrying another's views or words or even their actions with profanity and insults. As if they haven't just committed hypocrisy by defaming another for doing what they perceive to be the same thing. No wonder we don't evolve as a society too quickly -- it's not because of those groups, like in this situation, the Mormons who are "crazy" or "racist" or "bigoted"... It's because that for all our talk of true progression and acceptance, we can neither fully tolerate or accept those that we perceive to be behind the times. And that is why we are still where we are.
+Adam Borgia Actually by Bednar's logic there are no heterosexual members of the church either, them being not defined by their sexuality and all. That point aside, he does say that members of the church should be loving but in the same breath says there are somethings they can't tolerate or accept. Definition of bigot: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. So one out of two isn't bad, he says to love but not tolerate. How can you not be called a bigot if you can't tolerate someone else just because they're different, even if they did "choose" to act in a way the church or "God" doesn't like? And no the title isn't misleading because it's exactly what he said.
I would put forward that one can be loving without accepting or tolerating the actions of another that preclude them from participating in the same practices as you. By religious historical logic, Christ loved everyone -- I don't know of anyone who would really refute that -- but he certainly didn't condone everything that everyone did, and when he asked them to follow him and they declined, he allowed them to be the ones who left. God draws the line in the sand, and we are the ones who move closer to or farther from it.
You must also remember that Elder Bednar reinforced what has always been Mormon doctrine, and that is that the belief of God ordaining marriage and relationships to be between a man and woman, and that union is integral to His plan laid out in scripture and church doctrine alike. So the argument of "if homosexual Mormons don't exist, then heterosexual Mormons don't either" doesn't hold up in the entire context of what Elder Bednar presented, nor with what my point was in the above commentary.
Also, a quote can be misleading when taken out of context. The demotion is completely accurate, but the connotation of the phrase IS misleading, and the proof of that is visible in the comments section of people's reaction to what that quote sounds like versus what was truly said comprehensively that one would know by watching the video.
Sorry I meant denotation, not demotion as was erroneously autocorrected.
+Adam Borgia Yeah, I know full well of the doctrine and what Bednar said reinforcing it. That still doesn't take away the fact that he said members of the church shouldn't be defined by sexuality so we can conclude that they shouldn't be define themselves as heterosexual either. Or is just a man and a woman having sex that actually exists and only they can define themselves by that? Oh yeah, because that's the only "legitimate" sexuality *Heavy sarcasm*
As for Christ being loving but also intolerant of certain things, I can agree. By the definition I provided in my previous comment it seems like Bednar, Christ, and all of the mormon religion are one half bigot (although some skip the loving part making them a full bigot).
I can also agree with the title being taken out of context and people not watching it. However if you did watch it you know enough that the title does summarize the video pretty well.
Wuau this is the best answer we can get about homosexuality whether you disagree with it or not. It is simple and straightforward and the sincere person can say nothing but it came from God.
Its not an answer at all.
Most commenters clearly didn't listen to what he said and are simply responding to the title. Lazy haters.
Mark Milligan Only indoctrinated people or people that don't know the full history of the church are the ones who had believe in such nonsense. There are hundreds if not thousands of things a person could point to that shows just how fake this religion is.
Very true that we're to act and not to be acted upon. We have the power within us to act and do what is right.
He explains it very well and that is exactly what the Spirit of God taught me years ago, so in the mouth of 2 or more witnesses God's word is established. I have weaknesses that I cannot act upon or I am sinning in the eyes of God. He helps me overcome my weaknesses as I come unto him. He heals me or makes me whole as I do this.
It's so wonderful to have a real Apostle of Jesus Christ to help us understand these complex issues! Thanks for the upload!
+Glen Ames It is nice to have men the hold the keys, but ask them some time if they've seen Jesus. They will tell you they can't say. Yet their calling as apostles it to testify that they have seen the risen Christ. There is no doctrine in Bednar's word, and Jesus would not agree with him. If he did, we'd have new revelation on the matter, as there is nothing in our doctrine to make homosexualty as sin, even if they practice. Does this man hold the keys of apostleship? Yes. Does that make what he is saying her correct? No.
+Dave Ferriman I guess you missed the point of what he was saying. He clearly stated that people don't define themselves by their homosexuality. We are all members of the Church and all have our own challenges and struggles. Watch it again.
+Glen Ames No, I missed the new scripture making homosexuality a sin. Mormonism's doctrines are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and (for the LDS Mormons) the Pearl of Great Price. There are other Mormon faiths with other holy books, but the Bible and the Book of Mormon are what all of these faiths have in common. In the Bible we are taught not to sell our bodies for sex (Old Testament) and for straight men not to have sex with other men, it says nothing about men naturally attracted to other men. So, Jesus didn't teach the bigotry that David Bednar is teaching here. To be fair though, there are other Christian churches teaching the same bigotry this man is spouting. They too have been deceived. So it's not just a "Mormon" problem. The devil is trying to get all mankind to hate, rather than have Christlike love of one another.
+Dave Ferriman you didn't read all of the Bible scriptures against homosexually?
Leviticus 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."
i'm not mormon but this guy well responded
well, he is an apostle..that itself speaks something, right?
@Mike Its called Lying for the lord. Its ok if you are being deceptive if you are doing it for god.
@@whitehanzocould the statement “I’m not Mormon but..” also speak for something? Like maybe not quite understanding what your taking for granted it seems? I could be wrong.
Outstanding definition and delivery!
Compliments to the translator; he's good.
I can’t imagine telling someone to be a lone
Thank you Elder Bednar for your willingness to address this heated and challenging topic. Whether you agree or disagree with these comments, there needs to be fertile ground for discussion. People who disagree with homosexual practices are no more bigots than those who disagree with religious practices. Either opinion, however, when driven to the extreme can appropriately be define as "bigotry." Neither Obama nor Bush were Hitler but the constant push by supporters of both sides to associate one or the other with Nazism shows a profound level or irrational thought and argument. I see this same trend from both sides on this topic. I've wrestled with this topic a lot and unfortunately many sources from both sides are extreme. I appreciate a calculated response even if I disagree.
Weird, because Mormons call people who dislike their religion "bigots" _all the time._ Maybe wanting people to suffer because of their sexual orientation _is_ bigoted.
@@swagner7767 It has nothing to do with what we want- it’s what the Lord wants and has commanded. Members of the church respect personal agency and will never cram down their will on someone else. God doesn’t do that either. He invites, teaches, and commands us to obey but he will never force us. His arms are extended and we must choose to come to Him.
@@brandongage709 "Members of the church respect personal agency and will never cram down their will on someone else." That's the biggest load of horseshit I've ever heard. Have you not heard of proposition 8? You know, the church-funded effort to legally prohibit gay marriage? Or maybe Utah's liquor laws? Mormons _love_ forcing everyone else to follow their rules, especially if it means hurting LGBTQ people. Either your leaders are bigots, or your _god_ is a bigot.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
His argument is actually kind of interesting, if you'd listen to it. It's more along the lines of "we aren't defined by sexuality, we are more than physical attraction." At least, that's my interpretation. Maybe I'm wrong.
+incrediblejonas It's true, like I've commented several times on here, by his logic there aren't any heterosexual people in the church either.
His well crafted words boil down to :Gay people shouldn't date like us normies. Asshole!
James The reenlightened not sure how you came away with that...
I really like the point that we are not defined by sexuality.
That’s what he says, but that goes against doctrine taught in the temple and the proclamation to the family. If you’re homosexual your not defined by gender, but if you’re a man you’re defined by your gender as a priesthood holder... It doesn’t. This logic makes no sense to me.
Grateful for Prophets that are on the Earth!
Brilliant explanation!! Thanks Elder Bednar! Just Brilliant and very clear. Impossible to miss the point. Thanks so very much for this piece of information so much needed in a world of confusion.
This response is exactly right, and totally true... my sexual preference is nobodys business, and neither is yours mine... it is a personal, private, issue. I do not understand why this deeply personal aspect of a persons identity has become the forefront of what someone declares his or herself to be... there is so much more to a person, and to life! I appreciate Bednars position, I support him totally.
Los apóstoles siguen hablando de inclinación al sexo opuesto, evitando la palabra homoxesual, les falta.mucho y loas importante reconocer a la membresia sid gay dentro de la iglesia.
This is the most thoroughly explained and thoughtful answer by any Church leader. Thank you Elder Bednar!! 👏
The most thoroughly twisted, manipulative answer you mean
@@annamara3982 no, I don’t think that’s what Tracie meant.
Satan wants God’s children to label themselves as anything OTHER than children of God.
Religious organizations that use brainwashing techniques want people to think "children of god" with association to the cult they are part of, is the only label available to a human, when a human can be many things and open to having many labels.
"Simply being attracted to someone of the opposite gender is not a sin." People are not defined nor condemned by their natural attractions. So there are members of the church who are sexually attracted to the same sex, but make the challenging choice to resist those temptations. You have hear the whole explanation before jumping to conclusions.
+Brandon Garner
How would you make the decision to never date, love, or even flirt with people you care deeply and emotionally for? This answer really provides no guidance on how to live a life of celibacy and isolation...
+Tyler G time to find a new church that brings you happiness, acceptance and non-judgmental love. You can be happy and keep your religion too. Don't let the dinosaurs wearing blinders with closed hearts rob you of the life and happiness you deserve - openandaffirming.org
+Tyler G I am a gay mormon and I have chosen to live a life where I don't date. love or flirt. Yes I get lonely sometimes but I'm never alone and I'm certainly not isolated in any way.The gospel and the church gives plenty of guidance on how to live a life of chastity. If Joseph of Egypt could shun potiphar's wife then I too can shun immorality. There are many examples in the scriptures of good righteous men and women choosing morality over sin regardless of their sexual preference.
+Vaughan Hamilton To be honest you are the first Mormon I have known to be alright with their sexuality. Most I know are quite depressed (3), of those that are not depressed they are in homosexual relationships (9), of those that are neither depressed or entertaining homosexual relationships they have committed suicide (4).
I also have a hard time thinking that Joseph was in the same situation as I am in. He ran from potiphar's wife, but only because adultery is a sin. He eventually married and had kids.
Unlike Joseph, if someone I like comes up to me and asks to go on a date I must refuse and run like Joseph did, every single time, every single day, every single guy, with no hopes to stop running and it is exhausting.
How do you do it?
+Tyler G How many mormons do you know?
I love this man. How beautiful. How thankful I am for the SPirit that guides and modern day prophets, and yes, eternal laws and commandments that are our trials to overcome and fight until the day we are redeemed, and throughout the days we are continually redeemed. No importa which cross it is to bear, be it homosexual attractions or others. We can keep His commandments, and He will help.
The interpreter was very impressive!
The message is even more impressive
I'm sure most of the people swearing and calling people names in the comments didn't make it more than 3 minutes into this video or are commenting based on the title. If you listen to the whole thing, he explains why he said what he said and why God does not approve of homosexual behavior in the most eloquent and detailed way possible. Don't plug your ears and scream like kids. Take the time to understand our perspective and respect it as we respect you.
+James Stringam
I reserve my respect for the people involved, but not this particular perspective. It's an appeal to a desire to live in a world where all men are one way, all women are another way and only through complementarity can a certain Godly design be achieved. In the actual world there is nothing characterologically (or even physically) inherent to *all* men or *all* women, nor is there any one-size-fits-all approach to every family.
God created LGBT people. They are also a part of his great plan. Just because we do not see a reason for their existence, does not mean that god disapproves of their sexual orientation or their relationships.
+Ed Snow. God does not create LGBT people. Assuming that people are created one way and cannot change is contradictory the atonement. If a change can never occur in someone's life, then there is no use for the atonement of Jesus Christ. For a long time, I had an addiction in which I began to justify, "As long as I go to church and keep the rest of the commandments, God will understand." It soon hit me however that I was denying this right to change. I was assuming that it was impossible for me to change, which is complete opposite of what Moroni states at the end of the Book of Mormon "And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth....Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you..."-Moroni 10:24,32
As stated in the video, we believe he creates people that struggle with this problem, just as he creates people that may have depression, that have addictions to alcohol and drugs, or any other problem in life. It is our choice to act on the commandments he has clearly defined in the scriptures.
+Aaron Chamberlain
No amount of prayer turns a gay person straight, the same way no amount of prayer regrows an amputated limb. At most it may help one remain abstinent and find peace in that, but it doesn't make someone who isn't attracted to the opposite gender become so.
Lee Duon Good. We both agree on that. What he is suggesting is not that they magically become attracted to the opposite gender. Rather all he is suggesting is that you don't act on these impulses and in this way you can be worthy to enter the temple and God will work out the rest in the eternities.
I love the way sister Bednar looks at her husband with so much love in her eyes
the translation is almost perfect, who is the interpreter?
All this hate reminds me of how much hate the original 12 apostles received for preaching the gospel and explaining the doctrine of Christ. That doesn't mean that they were wrong. Jesus was crucified, being the only truly good and perfect man ever to exist. He told his apostles that" And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.." Matt 10:22. So all the negative comments really don't damage my beliefs at all. The lds church has never been the "popular" church. A lot of people hate it actually because it "goes against" what most of the world's beliefs. But God said "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." Isaiah 55:8
I agree 100% with you
I would agree with you, but the mormon church has changed along with the world as well. Blacks in the priesthood?
The original 12 apostles were Christians. They followed Jesus, not the Mormon religion.
Critique is not the same as hate. What does it say about you if you perceive any critique as hate?
being gay isn't a "challenge" dealing with homophobes is the challenge
exactlyyyyyyy ahahhaha
Excellent response Elder Bednar and not once did you use a script or stutter during your explanation. Admirable ❤
who is this man? I could listen to him talk all day. .he makes a lot of sense. .great answer
+Storm Williams you can listen to him again, and many others like him, on April 2nd and 3rd on channel 5 KSL news Utah...or stream online from LDS.org
+Storm Williams The answer was so isolating... I know that I am a child of God, but I don't know how to fight the pain and sadness that comes with never being able to even hold hands with someone I find attractive... To know that the reality is I will come home alone most of the days, that I will probably never have kids, and that I will die alone in a nursing home...
If you were asked to be celibate how would you live the gospel to fill that void?
OK thank you denise I'm not Mormon but I love how he talks. .I will check that out
hackamull. .thanks for that I just watched it. .he's amazing ..and what a way to explain light. .learn something new everyday
+Tyler G I don't think I will ever understand your struggle, Tyler, and maybe you've heard this all before but maybe just try praying and going to the temple or talk to your bishop or your parents. Maybe they'll have some words that can be of comfort to you. I wish I could help you or provide you with some answers but I can't. But I want you to know that I'll pray for you and for people like you who struggle with the same thing. I know God cares and loves you just as much as the rest of us. I hope you can overcome this and figure out how to manage this challenge in your life.
I understand Elder Bednar's comment, but it just seems so terrible.
By his logic, I can say, "There are no depressed people in the church"
"There are no people with cancer in the church"
"There are no struggling members of the church"
"There are no people who want to smoke or drink alcohol in the church"
Saying that we are all children of God is correct, but is just mean when you don't acknowledge anyway for someone in that situation to come closer to God, or even acknowledge why it is so difficult to deny all emotional and romantic feelings for people I care about.
And the part at the end where he talks about how different women are don't help me one bit. I am not attracted to people of the same sex because I think it would be easier to marry a dude... I just have no feelings for women and have no emotional or romantic attraction to them when I date them (and I have tried many times)
So saying that not only do I need to figure out a way to help my potential wife understand I feel no attraction to her (Hugs, kisses, and simply holding hands are more of chores to me than a bonding moment, no matter how hard I try to not make that so) Now I have to figure out how to live with someone that is fundamentally different from me... so much that it will be more difficult.
This entire answer did nothing to help me on my path to staying in the church with these homosexual feelings... and it saddens me deeply...
Tyler G your a human being
I read every word you said
Do you have a good group of friends and family that value your well being and emotional balance ?
I have always been the black sheep of church and family and even in school
Tyler G. I am confused by your response. He is counting you as fully in the church. I would think that is comforting. He is acknowledging the existence of attractions. I hope you will endure to the end. Our Savior wants you here in His church.
@@Hamann9631 luckily I left the Mormon church. It is absolutely unforgivable that they tried to rob me of a life of love and fulfillment with my husband. Especially considering how racist the church was in the past.
Not labeling can be a good thing and a bad thing. 1. Good part is to see everyone as equal. 2. Bad part, is that it makes people ignore that they exist. Like a type of internal prejudice of ourselves.
Its okay to label people. Its not okay to ONLY see the label and let it hinder you treating them like everyone else. Label can bring light to a subject. Ignoring a label can be the same as ignoring an issue or concerns. We label objects, ourselves (names), countries etc. Labeling is not a bad thing. Ignoring a label by hiding behind not wanting to label is another thing.
He didn't answer the question. He answered a completely different question. God can only reveal to him that which he is able to receive. I don't think He was ready to fully understand the question. God put opposition in ALL things. That way we can understand each other and rise to a higher vibration and righteousness.
Tyler G man behind the curtain... good analogy.
I think labeling or defining ourselves by what we struggle with is much more of a hindrance than defining ourselves by what we truly are, sons and daughters of God. Bednar answered this question perfectly. He redefined the question so that it made sense. It's like me asking, "how can a thief retain his freedoms and be productive in society?" A thief by definition is committing a crime and will lose his freedoms and ability to be productive in society so that question doesn't make sense. Changing the question to "how can a person retain all his freedoms and be productive in a society?" Actually makes sense. He redefined the question to give a reasonable answer.
@@ryantobler7607❤❤❤ exactly
This perfectly encapsulates everything that's wrong with the Church's stance on this issue. Deny the issue exists, minimize it by saying everyone has struggles, dodge it by talking about those other issues, but never address the issue head on.
It's a response that can only satisfy people who can walk away from this issue, but not anyone who has to deal with it themselves.
Hey Bryan. I can see you want the church to acknowledge that people are gay and that's just who they are, but what you're not understanding is Satan whispers "this is who you are" and Jesus whispers "this is what you have." The former implies you are defined by who you are attracted to and the latter implies, you are not defined by who you are attracted to, and you can decide for yourself how to use your agency.
Agreed; they are the people in the parable of the good Samaritan who cross the street. In other words "I'm all right Jack".
Thank you Elder Bednar for linking the challenges of life to our eternal perspective.
It makes me sad to read the aggressive responses. It is okay to disagree but it is lame to throw with dirt.
+Michael Lehmann If he didn’t want dirt thrown at him, he shouldn’t act as if gay people don’t exist.
+Michael Lehmann You mean "throw dirt" like Joseph Smith did to Christians...calling them "the WHORE OF THE EARTH", the "Church of Satan" and "Babylon the Great"?? *THAT* kind of dirt? Was it wrong for Jesus to "throw dirt" at the Pharisees (Matt 23)? Bedfart was doing EXACTLY what you're accusing US of doing---throwing dirt on homosexuals. Uncalled for...especially from one claiming to follow Christ!!
+Michael Lehmann Hmmm, so by comparing people attracted to the same sex to shallow people and people with disabilities he's linked the challenges of life to our eternal perspective? Yeah, not so much.
@@StoneStephenT That's not what Elder Bednar said. He said to not define yourself by your sexuality.
@@StoneStephenT that’s not what he said. You know it, I know it, anyone who listened to this knows it. My goodness!
Never heard it put this way. Makes sense.
Really, it makes no sense like the rest of the religion.
People should calm. Before you react on the title of this video, better hear what he said first before you show your attitude. Peace.
+Nichols Mayol If you know Mormons and MormonISM, as I do, you already *KNOW* what's coming out Bednar's pie hole. It's regurgitated BS!
+Nichols Mayol I listened to the whole thing. Twice. Which was almost cruel and unusual torture. This man has no love in him. Even his wife looked pained at the ridiculous tripe he is spouting. He is not of God.
Elder Bednar is a prophet of God and I stand by his words. He loves all of God's children including those that identify as LGBT. We may not have a choice in our sexual attraction but we have a choice in our sexual actions. Those that are attracted to people of the same sex but choose to follow the Lord's plan for marriage because they love God and have a firm witness through the Holy Ghost that he lives, will find happiness and a happy family.
+Justin Bosley I was born a gay person and was Mormon until i was 23 so he is wrong. A bigot by definition is a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions. If the shoe fits….
Sounds to me like you are pretty intolerant of what Elder Bednar said. So if the boot fits...
+Justin Bosley i am not intolerant at all. I accept everyone's beliefs and the people that live them. I live in Salt Lake City- I tolerate a lot. "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our [own]1 conscience, and allow all men the same privilege[,] let them worship how, where, or what they may." Keep in mind that I am not the one trying to change people's religion.
+Justin Bosley
Sexual actions huh? This whole idea that LGBT shouldn't have sex because it isn't a part of god's plan is baloney. Something like 99% of all heterosexual sex does not even lead to procreation so essentially, straight people are having "gay" sex as much as gay people are. Get it? Also, gay people *do* have children, so If you lined up a mom and a dad, 2 moms, 2 dads, and they all were raising children, say 2 each - well they all have the same lifestyle!!!! Even "sexual action" lifestyle.
Do straight people conceive *every single time* they have sex?
The whole denunciation of gay people, their relationships and their sex lives is just plain old bullying.
+Martin Mcgill There is no commandment against homosexuals having sex. Folks with same sex attraction are bound by the same chastity laws that everyone else is: That is that sex is only to be had between a man and a woman within the bonds of matrimony. People with same sex attraction may have sex, but only within the bonds of matrimony between a person of the opposite sex.
I love this explanation. Can you imagine if we labeled people by their favorite color or their height & everything revolved around that? Defining people by their sexuality is just focusing on one of many things about a person & saying that's what they are. Period. But they're an eternal, multidimensional, talented being with limitless individual value & capacity--God's child.
Every person deserves respect, we don't need group labels to give some people more or less rights than others. Haven't we learned the scary consequences from history?
"The Lord's plan is halted if anything but a marriage between a man and a woman is practices".
Love this. This is not elder bednars channel but he is totally accurate.
I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, thrown on the ground and stomped on by Mr. Bednar. He is saying that someone who is attracted to the same sex must remain without close physical love for the rest of their lives.
With other homosexuals that unfortunately is the truth.... We are not allowed to have any close physical love contact with others who are homosexual that we are physically or sexually attracted to.... We cannot express those feelings and yes we have to hold off on all those feelings for the rest of our lives if we unable to marry the opposite sex.
if the ban only prohibits just only sexual behaviors between those who are homosexual in their feelings, then why did my own local leader tell me that I can never see or associate with any homosexuals in my life ever again?
germanslice You know this is not right. Heavenly Father would never say something so uncaring.
I understood the church from the words of my local leader that the Church standards forbids all Expression of Any Same Gender Attraction. I wish it wasn't so, but it is so unfortunately for those of us who have those feelings...
germanslice Can't you get out of there. This is your life. Your God-given life! These men say they speak for god but I've never heard god say that. We each have our own idea of who God is. Be true to the God that really cares about you. I know that what you are experiencing must be unbearable.
If it's possible, please speak with a non-mormon counselor or therapist. Sometimes churches go overboard with what they expect the members to do. I would even go so far as to say this could be seen as mental and emotional child abuse if you are under 18.
Glad the comments reflect calm, reflective, dispassionate judgment entirely untainted by prejudice.
+Eric Lopez Like Bednar's comments?---especially the "prejudice" parts?I also like your word "dispassionate". A good synonym would be "compassionLESS"...ie. without empathy, kindness and love unfeigned.
Davey Jones, actually, the definition of dispassionate is as follows:
" devoid of personal bias; impartial; calm:"
Also, I looked up the word on Thesuras.com and the synonyms matched what I said it was perfectly. . . .
www.thesaurus.com/browse/dispassionate?s=t
Hope this helps.
+Eric Lopez I will give a calm response,
I am a Mormon, and I am gay. Today I was extremely depressed with the same question that Elder Bednar was asked. After this video I am even more distraught. Why? Because nothing Elder Bednar said is any news to me. I know I am a child of God first, but to say that labeling me as gay is wrong just hurt me to my core. Today I saw a potential future with a couple of guys, as in there is a possibility I could date and maybe find a spouse. But instead of doing what most straight people do when they see a potential date, I crushed those thoughts into the ground, probably the 10th time I did that this week. Being a member of the church means that I fight all feelings of love and potential romantic feelings. And I get so exhausted.
Most people can live their lives knowing that even if the gospel wasn't true at least they will have a happy life, I cannot say the same. I am depressed, have anxiety attacks, and have contemplated suicide, all because I feel I cannot stand to come home alone every night, to never have kids and to die alone in a nursing home, no matter what I do in this life.
And Chruch rarely helps to strengthen me, especially the lessons on how I need to be dating and how great married life and having kids is. Instead of feeling invigorated I feel alone, and rightfully so, when Elder Bednar says there are no Gay mormons he makes it seem like as soon as I realize that I am a child of God all of these feelings will magically vanish...
A better question for Elder Bednar and even you, if you were called to a life of celibacy how would you strengthen your relationship with God?
+Tyler G Yes you right, i think i regret to be a mormon, from 1 year only!
I want to give up soon, and live my life, and still beleive in God, but not in this Church!
+Justin Canter openandaffirming.org
Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!
Elder Bednar is a prophet and seer. He is a special witness of Christ like Paul, Peter and the apostles of the New Testament. I hear Elder Bednar and I hear clarity. I hear truth. I feel inspired to cling to my Savior
I find it interesting that so many people are quick to judge this man and say how bad of a person he is and how bad this religion is, while in the process they themselves are not being Christ-like. Christ did not condone everyone in their actions, but He loved them all and invited them to come unto Him and partake of His gospel. I don't know everything, but after much prayer and study I have received a personal spiritual witness from God that the Lord has called living prophets and apostles in our day who guide us to Him. I have many friends who have these homosexual tendencies, and they are some of the nicest and most caring people I know. It breaks my heart when they are discriminated against, bullied, or are the brunt of jokes. While all that is true I know that God has declared that marriage is established to be between a man and a woman-it's so much more than a document or a tax benefit, but an integral part of His divine plan, which is what Elder Bednar here is explaining. It's obvious that we won't all agree on this subject, but I hope we can be understanding of each other's opinions and thoughts. We cannot thrash out and insult each other based on things we do not know or have not yet taken the time to understand.
+Tyler Critchfield That's because we don't believe in Christ. Doesn't mean we can't point out the hypocrisy of people who claim they are following the teachings of Jesus Christ yet do every damn thing he tells people not to do.
God created man, man created religion!
Jesus wants us to follow Him, not religion.
Jesus said I Am the way, not religion is the way.
Jesus said Follow Me, not follow me then pick some brand of worldly religion to follow also.
Jesus never followed a religion. In fact Jesus was against the religious people of His day and He even went as far as to call them the children of the devil.
The 12 disciples never followed religion, they only followed Jesus.
So why is it that Mormons and other religious people believe they need to create or join a religion????
People seek after religion because Jesus and the Gospel are no longer enough for them.
As Jesus is no longer enough for them they create a religion to follow.
It is like the people of Moses' day, where the people created a golden calf and worshiped it.
Mormons have set their religion before them like an idol. They worship it and they defend it.
Mormons need their book of Mormon because they believe that the Bible which contains all that Jesus did and taught is not enough for them.
Mormons believe "church" = a religious institution
Christians know "church" = people, followers of Jesus, His sheep.
Mormons are not Christians. They put their religion first and Jesus last.
Mormons are Mormon first and Christians second.
Mormons will always defend their religion because they hold it closer to their heart than they do Jesus and His Gospel.
Mormons are the most deceived church upon the earth.
Mormons belong to: The Church Of Joseph Smith of Latter Day Deceived
The Book Of Mormon is The Most Corrected Book Upon The Earth
The Book Of Mormon is Another Deception Of The Anti Christ
The Book Of Mormon is Joseph's Myth
Christians will always attack religion because it is not of God.
Mormons will always defend their religion because they are not of God.
Religious people always need a religion to go through to get to God.
Christians only need Jesus to get to Him and the Father.
Any time that a church tells you that you have to go through them to get to God it is usually a cult.
When Mormons bear testimonies it is more so to convince EACH OTHER that their religion is true than to bear witness or convince non believers.
Mormons spend so much of their time bearing testimonies on the book of mormon being true and their church being true.
Christians already know that the bible is true and we know that anyone who follows Jesus are His true church.
Christians just get on with teaching the gospels and all that is contained within the bible.
Mormons just continue trying to convince everyone that their book of Mormon is true rather than devoting all their time to teaching anything out of it.
Jesus leads to salvation.
Joseph leads to damnation.
So Mormons, who will you choose? Jesus or Joseph?
*FALSE PROPHETS AND MORMONISM*
Refer to this resource on the false Mormon prophet: www.blueletterbible.org/study/cults/exposem/xm06.cfm
*SCRIPTURES IN THE BIBLE REGARDING FALSE PROPHETS*
*Deuteronomy 18*
_20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die._
_21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?_
_22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him._
*Ezekiel 13*
_2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord;_
_3 Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!_
_9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God._
*Jeremiah 23*
_16 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord._
*Luke 6*
_26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets._
*Acts 20*
_29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock._
_30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them._
*1 John 4*
_1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world._
_2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:_
_3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world._
_4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world._
_5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them._
_6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error._
*Matthew 7*
_15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves._
_16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?_
_17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit._
*2 Peter 1*
_20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation._
_21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost._
*2 Peter 1*
_1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction._
_2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of._
The headline on Facebook is somewhat deceiving. I hope everyone will watch the full video to get the full message and meaning.
Which is?
Stay Strong America Homosexuals don’t exists according to the church Lamo.
Su respuesta esta a la altura de lo que Pedro o Pablo hubiera respondido al respecto.......
There are many things we see differently from David Bednar, but we truly admire the way he approached this question in the beginning. We AREN'T defined by our sexuality, sexual behavior, or anything else that can be seen or measured. One of the few truths of humankind is that we are ineffable. It almost doesn't even make sense to try to use words to describe the value of a soul. So thanks, Mr. Bednar for clarifying that.
Reading some of the comments on this video remind me about some of the things told to Christ while he was on the earth. Ever notice how people told Christ He was "crazy", "insensitive", "blasphemous", "false", etc.? It's interesting to see how strongly some people fight against truth just because they don't see things the same way.
As Elder Bednar said.... we do not always see things the same way as God. However, it's our responsibility to try to change our thinking to God's thinking. Not to tell God what should and shouldn't be done and change his thinking to ours.
+Reach Out Multimedia Marketing
Appropriate humility requires all of us to admit that we simply can't know for certain what the truth of God is, that we are all fellow seekers on the path and that no matter how deep our convictions, we may be wrong. If you approach people from that position, your message tends to come across much better than one in which you absolutely assume that you know and are simply waiting for them to catch up to your wisdom.
Yes. They had a strong “us vs them” mentality. And they were too highly wrapped up in the letter of the law. Also they thought it wise to force their own beliefs into everyone else, believing that their way was the only and best way to be.
Correct! And we DO know God’s way, for it is written in the scriptures for all to see. Sins of which we are to repent of (change OUR ways to GOD’S way and never return to) are clearly defined for all to see. It is also written that we are to love one another. People who don’t love one another, and people who use that commandment to ignore other commandments and justify sins of the nature that Apostle David A. Bednar speaks of, all need to repent.
Thank you Mr. Bednar for speaking the truth in love with understanding. There is a great deception currently being perpetrated, and which is blinding many, that says that to love and accept a person, we must also accept their chosen conduct. In truth, it is God's love for us that warns us against conduct that is outside of His design for us (lying, stealing, adultery, etc). Thankfully, God offers us forgiveness of sin and even invites us to be made a "new creation" in Christ so that we can be set free from sin, but not so that we can continue living in sin and attempt to justify it.
By the way, I am not LDS and so we could probably find doctrinal points to disagree on, but I'm not willing to let that get in the way of acknowledging and affirming one another in the things that we do know to be right.
+Bob Peck Thank your for this insightful comment, people are not born with bigotry or hate and their behavior is something they learn and choose to act on. I wish more folks would take your words to heart. So many claim their hate is not a choice, that they are born with horrific SINS of homophobia, sexual prejudice and heterosexism.
"It’s more than tragic-in fact it’s shameful-that faith communities, especially Christian ones, continue to be complicit in putting our children at risk and abetting the attitudes that oppress them, thereby encouraging the aggressors who would subject our children to pain, humiliation, and violence.
LGBT men and women will continue to be vulnerable to the sins of homophobia and heterosexism, to the violence of hate and fear until we in the church can say to homosexuals now what it has said to heterosexuals for 2,000 years. Your sexuality is good. The church not only accepts it. The church celebrates it and rejoices in it. God loves you as you are, and the church can do no less." 2014 Episcopal Message - National Cathedral
@@TheKnottiBuoy is your profile name a play on “The Naughty Boy”?
@@dcarts5616 nautical as in boating. 😉
@@TheKnottiBuoy haha that’s clever! Buoy! Got it.
But your hatred for gays unites you, how beautiful!
My daughter is gay. She is Mormon. She exists. We should celebrate diversity, regardless of color, sex, sexuality, ethnicity, health, intelligence, handicap, wealth, etc. That is what has the potential to make the church good. #QueerMormonsExist #iexist
He is a prophet of God. God will not be mocked.
+Mary Jane Smith Thank you! There's been a lot of hate at this video. Elder Bednar is an apostle of God and a prophet, seer, and revelator.
+Mary Jane Smith I just don't know what to do... as a gay Mormon (who is determined to remain celibate) I have always known I am a child of God... But I don't know how to deal with the pain of loneliness, in a church that emphasizes how amazing being married and having children is. The reality of my life is I will never find someone that I love, I will come home to an empty house most days, and will probably never adopt because I don't think that I could provide the amount of time that every child deserves as a single parent. This reality makes me terribly depressed and at one point suicidal...
Honest question, if you were called to a life of celibacy, and were ordered not to marry knowing you probably would not have kids... how would you strengthen your relationship with the lord to fill that massive void?
+Tyler G There is some recent peer reviewed science based empirical data that is beginning to show show religious views are considered a voluntary choice and have even been known to change. For example, Episcopal, Unitarian, Quaker, Reformed Judaism and their views on same gender marriage, or the Popes view on NOT turning innocent little children away from blessings and baptisms.
That being said, here is what we actually do know for certain: Living an honest, open and authentic life congruent with ones own sexual orientation is empirically shown to be a key factor for enabling best mental health outcomes. LDS LGBT/SSA individuals who enter into legal, committed, same-sex relationships report the highest levels of quality of life and self-esteem, and the lowest levels of depression, sexual identity distress, and internalized homophobia. Approximately 70% of LDS LGBT/SSA individuals end up leaving the LDS church at some point in their lives.Therefore, should a rational and reasonable person reasonably make ones religious view congruent with ones sexual orientation in order to produce the best mental health outcomes?
+Theresa Valdivia There are no apostles, only apostolic cosplay enthusiasts.
but don't worry, this apostolic cosplay attraction shouldn't define them.
+Tyler G I don't know if this is of any comfort, but I knew at least 2 good LDS women who are fast approaching the age where they likely will never marry as well. They are not gay, seem to have no problems that would prevent a marriage proposal, are wonderful women and deserve the best, but have never been asked to marry.
Anyone who remains faithful and moral are promised to have what they could have had on earth (but did not have) and more in the next life.
We all have trials. Some worse than others. Yet often those who have the worse trials become the strongest when they rely on the Lord to help strengthen them. I have compassion for those of you who have this or any other trials that prevent you from experiencing love and a family. But I KNOW you will have all the Lord has promised his children if you remain moral and faithful to God.
“We do not discriminate and we are not bigots” and then gives an entire talk that discriminates against homosexuals.
His wife looks like she can’t believe what he’s saying.
What I got out of the talk (as weird it was) was Bednar was trying to get away from worldly labels of those with same sex attraction. As for his wife, she is quiet much of the time. He sometimes defers to her for input. At a missionary conference, a sister asked about times when members face anxiety like missionaries. She simply asked how as an apostle of the church he and we should respond to adversity and anxiety. Elder Bednar had his wife answer the question instead.
I think he is very bright person, I can see that all those who do not support what he said are not being nice, in the same time want others to be nice to them.
+Margarit Ayvazyan I was born a gay person and was Mormon until i was 23 so he is wrong. A bigot by definition is a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions. If the shoe fits….
+Margarit Ayvazyan Did you watch a different video?? Look at his wife. She looks like she wanted to smash his face! Being "nice" in most cases, is not being honest. Salesmen are "nice"...because they want to SELL you something you wouldn't normally buy!
@@dennisjlee you knew when you were a baby that you were gay?? Interesting 😂😂 or did you decide to be gay?
He wins the short hair contest today. He seems FUN
He changed the question to fit what he wanted to say, while “othering” those members who define themselves differently than he does.
Sometimes we asked wrong questions
"Homosexual" is a label invented by the world to legitimize behavior that is unacceptable to God. Its definition implies that there is no freedom to choose one's behavior.
It seems to me that instead of dividing people and creating conflict out of nothing which is what so many activists love to do, he United in word, all of God’s children regardless of sexual orientation. There is no division than what we create ourselves. And I think your real concern is the lack of acceptance that there is nothing wrong with acting on homosexual thoughts and feelings. The Lord can not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Hence the need for Christ’s atonement. If we allow sin through the fallacy of loving understanding to be ignored and brought in, why stop there? The next question could be, “how do minor attracted person’s serve in the church and prepare to receive the blessings of the temple?” It is absurdity but all it takes is tolerance and we’re lost.
it's incredible the way his wife looks at him while he talks, looks like it is the first time she sees him speaking!
Incredibly pathetic, you mean.
She's a known pill-popper like 90+% of all Mormon women, her mind's not all there! You'd have to be on something to get through being married to an assh)le like him!
Isaiah 56:3-7 "...Neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
This may be the best response I've ever read on UA-cam. Thank you Isaiah. and thank you Nephi for empasizing the words of Isaiah for our day.
È lo Spirito del Signore che conferma queste parole di Isaia ❤️ anche rapportate nel Libro di Mormon 💞 le Scritture rispondono sempre ad ogni nostra domanda 📖 grazie 💝 e sì, condivido anch'io...è la più bella delle risposte 💖
Excellent, excellent counsel from a man called of God.
I love the LDS Church with truth!
There's no truth in the LDS cult.
sherry loosli it has all the markings of a cult. Read about cults. Open your eyes, and your mind. It is hard if you are in the cult, but you can do it! I got out after 59 years as totally active. Once I really read and studied the Bible for myself, I could see through the deceit. Read the church essays on LDS.org. They are hidden, but you can find them!! Open your eyes!
sherry loosli You will not read for yourself, or think with your own brain. Think! Who is Satan working on? You have your free agency to think and read and learn the real truth. I pray for you, Sherry!
sherry loosli Oh thank you for prayers. Remember, there is only one GOD. Read Isaiah 43:10. No God beside Him, no not one! He is not the God that Joseph Smith says appeared to Him. No, indeed. God is bigger, grander, the only God.. EVER. Please pray to that God. He is ever reaching out to you to open your eyes. He will give you a new heart, and He wants a personal relationship with you outside of that cultish religion that is being led by false prophets, and false books. The bible is all you need for scripture. Read it, and go by facts. Pray to God to have your eyes opened, and He will do it. I do continue to pray for you. .. If I can see and be saved, so can you. I pray. God bless you.
sherry loosli I know what you believe, I was a mormon for 59 years. Yes there is only one God, that is the point,. I am not going to argue about what you choose to believe.. God bless you..
When the savior taught the Jewish nation that the laws were not done away ,but expanded in him, he was literally changing there scriptures. To them he was a false prophet. It's easy for us to read that and understand it. When modern revelations are given in our day, it can be difficult to believe. This man is a prophet of god and he speaks for our day.
When we start accepting lies, we stop recognizing the truth. God said, "Neither Adulterers, Fornicators, Homosexuals, liars, thieves, gossipers, murderers, blasphemers, revilers, or idol worshipers will enter the Kingdom of Heaven". God set down laws, teachings & judgments depicting what was allowed & forbidden. Man was told to 'choose' whom he would serve between good or evil. Sin is not OF God, but sin is OF evil; evil will not be allowed in Heaven. God put his laws into every man's heart, therefore, everyone born 'knows' good from evil. Christ's entire purpose was to remove man's sin nature by teaching him how to stop thinking, speaking & acting AS it is in Hell, & start living AS it is in Heaven by changing his thoughts, words & actions according to the laws of Heaven. When man rejects God & his teachings, he's 'choosing' to embrace the forbidden evils of the world. It's impossible for God to create a man AS an abomination, attach an unforgiveable sin, then not allow him into Heaven. "Impossible"! Man is not "born hated by God". Man "chooses" to think, speak, & act as sins that are hated & forbidden by God. This is God's world with God's rules. The laws of Heaven will never accept sin, nor give "equality" to sinners that has been ordained only for the righteous. The purpose of a life is to know, love & serve God, not Satan.
@@beantrader4723 where does the atonement and repentance fall into your life? Everyone is capable of repentance. Only the sons of perdition cannot repent. So where does that put sinners in Christ s eyes?
No homosexual Mormons? Homosexuality is "an inaccurate label"? By that logic we also have no blonde members, black members, or liberal members. Of course no one label can describe the whole of a person. All labels are inaccurate and incomplete, but that fact alone by no means invalidates it.
Brother Bednar explained this truth in brilliance, excellence and absolute compliance to the Laws of God. I support and follow the inspired guidance of Brother Bednar, The Prophet with all 12 Apostles.
I feel heart broken for the individuals providing comments full of hatred on this comment section.
I love this - he is so right on and exact
I wonder if the translation was Perfecto enough for Bednar?
"First I want to change the question..." - Gaslighting and Psychological Abuse 101
You sound like a classic abuser
Hey why the anger? Have open mind and listen to the whole talk. We are not defined by colour, sexual orientation or something that differs us from God. You have a right to disagree but not to bully other people when their opinions differ..We are all human beings...show some kindness to all....
“The education that comes between a man and a women, in a marriage ordained of God, is one of the richest blessings of this life.”
He also says “we are not bigots”. Bigotry is defined “ a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic toward a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group.”
Bednar did not make a conscious choice to be attracted to women. He was born that way. The science behind homosexuality very clearly demonstrates the same principle. Agency is not exercised. They are born with that attraction. They are genetically hardwired to be attracted to members of the same sex.
In the same lecture Bednar claims to be unprejudiced towards homosexuals and yet knowingly denies them “the richest blessing of this life” AND THE NEXT. Major glitch in the matrix brothers and sisters. Major glitch.
"Creates a hole" and "Creates a whole" - they sound the same, but have entirely different meanings.
Same sex attraction is a real struggle for some people, just like adultery or monogamy can be a temptation. The key is to not fall for the temptation. There are thousands of people that have same sex attraction but choose to keep God's commandments and enter a heterosexual union of normal marriage.
+Glen Ames Science has not fully determined the genetic or biological causes for origination of opposite-sex attraction. Many opposite-sex attracted individuals report that they have no choice in their sexual orientation. Some opposite-sex attracted individuals can even remain celibate according to the religious dictates of their conscience and not enter into a martial union. In fact, secular Supreme Court law (Griswold v. Conn.) established a fundamental constitutional right for opposite-sex couples not to procreate if they so desire. Sexual attraction for the sole purpose of pleasure is a struggle for many of these individuals, but some have found a way to have happy and healthy intimate relationships (otherwise known as hedonistic carnal pleasure).
Approximately 70% of LDS LGBT/SSA individuals end up leaving the LDS church at some point in their lives.While the U.S. divorce rate for first marriages is around 25%, mixed-orientation marriages appear to have somewhere between a 50% and an 80% divorce rate. LDS mixed-orientation marriages appear to follow a similar trend, and have an estimated 70% divorce rate. This means that mixed-orientation marriages are somewhere between 200% and 300% more likely to end in divorce than are heterosexual marriages. Self-reported quality of life scores for LDS LGBT/SSA individuals who enter into mixed-orientation marriages are lower than for those who have lupus (a debilitating disease). Rates of depression, sexual identity distress, and internalized homophobia are also significantly higher, and rates of self-esteem are significantly lower. Outcomes for celibacy are even worse.- Journal of Counseling Psychology 2015
What is abundantly clear however, is that Satan's hate has created many problems during our mortal existence, and not solved anyone of them.
+Glen Ames
A USU study concluded that for homosexual people that enter "normal marriages" 85% of those marriages ended in divorce. That is hardly a solution for most same sex attracted individuals.
+Tyler G there are no homosexuals, just people that struggle with adultery, pornography, same sex attraction, etc. The rest of us don't get a pass on sin so why should you?
+Glen Ames "If" there are no homosexuals, does that mean there are no heterosexuals? And the 1 in 1500 folks born inter-sex, where XX and XY are not determinant, what attractions are they permitted to have in order to be right with God?
There are only heterosexuals that are tempted in different ways. None of us get to blame our sin on our chromosomes.
I support the apostles of Jesus Christ ...He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Listen to his whole speech and try to understand what he's saying.
+Kellie Ungricht Those apostles of Jesus Christ (the REAL ones) have been dead for 1900+ years.
Many people who saw Christ didn’t believe. Seeing is not believing at all in my mind. Having faith in something you haven’t seen takes a lot more. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of them have seen Christ but wouldn’t be surprised if most haven’t. (LDS Apostles).
A religious belief, "said the Master," is not a statement of reality, but a sign, a hint of something that is a mystery that is beyond the scope of human thought. In short, a religious belief is nothing more than a finger pointing at the moon. Some religious people never go beyond the study of the finger. Others are dedicated to sucking it. And others use their fingers to gouge the eyes. These are the fanatics to whom religion has left them blind. In fact, they are very few who are objective enough to see what the finger is pointing. And these people, who have overcome the belief, are considered blasphemous. "
I'm amazed, he's so wise!!!
Don't be amazed. He's actually stupid.
He’ll be our Prophet someday or one of those who dies in Jerusalem
not sure why there is so much hate in the comments. this was a master class concerning the principle of agency
The doctrine of revelation is a core belief of the LDS Church. This doctrine states that when you ask God “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” about a certain thing, then God “will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” This belief is true. I know that if you ask God to help you understand what Elder Bednar is saying, and if you ask Him whether it is true, that our Heavenly Father will help you understand what it all means, and will show you that it is the truth. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
+Paul Hulbert Yet we have no doctrine against homosexualty. Thus, what this apostle says here isn't true and isn't of the Lord.
+Dave Ferriman Everything Elder Bednar says in this video is taught frequently and openly by the presiding leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The First Presidency of the LDS Church, in a statement regarding same gender attraction, wrote that “as a doctrinal principle, based on sacred scripture, we affirm that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The powers of procreation are to be exercised only between a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, undermine the divinely created institution of the family.” (October, 2004).
+Paul Hulbert teaching false doctrine doesn't make it doctrine. The only people I know that agree with these teachings are open bigots, not general lay members. Most members I know are embarrassed by these statements and understand that the church will repent of these policies in the future.
+dferriman Why are you trying to misrepresent the faith? Why are you trying to make it seem like anyone who believes in chastity is an “open bigot”? I am not embarrassed, and I have never met an active latter-day saint who is. The law of chastity--”that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife”--is true, and has been taught since the days of Adam and Eve. I respect other’s right to believe differently, but I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
NOPE the church will not repent of these policies. Leaders have told us that it won't change the doctrine on marriage.
Well answered Elder Bednar. There are no homosexuals or lesbians in the church because those people are sons and daughters of God. Other people are labeling them and that is not right. God does not see his children that way so why does the World insist on labeling them that way. Unless they want that label. people just don't walk up to someone and say" hey homosexual Jim how are you"? or hey lesbian Tina what up?" Listen to the whole explanation. Some peole just do not even listen but comment based on a headline. Really!!! geeze
In response to that I'd argue that the word "homosexual" is much more politically charged than "depressed." He's not saying these struggles aren't real, and that we should simply ignore them and/or not label them. What he's saying is someone's struggle doesn't define who they are as a person. That was the point he was driving home.
If you take the time to actually think about it, you realize that Elder Bednar recognizes that same-sex attraction (homosexuality? don't get lost in semantics) exists in the Church. His point is grander and more sublime than that: defining someone by their source of sexual attraction is a limiting and incomplete definition of a human being. Think about it: we make much out of the "homosexual-heterosexual" division. But why not "redhead vs.blonde?" How ridiculous is that? Since when does sexual attraction define the entirety of one's existence?
Again, the intent isn't to pretend that it's not real by not saying it. His statement was directed at those who belligerently label them as such (i.e. categorize them). The "advice" after which this video has been so erroneously entitled was not a tactic to combat a very real issue. It was a clarification for those who don't understand the struggle. For those being hastily labeled as "homosexual."
The trial isn't what defines you. This isn't an attempt to pretend it's not real, this is an attempt reach out IN UNDERSTANDING.
If someone was addicted to weed or heroin or some other drug, and someone asked: "How do we deal with drug addicts in the Church?" The same response wouldn't cause as much controversy (because it's not a loaded and hot political topic). If we look at it in that sense, "there are no drug addicts in the church," we suddenly see the point Elder Bednar is trying to make. He's not trying to ignore the fact that there ARE. He's not trying to tell those who struggle to simply "not call themselves drug addicts." He is however, trying to move past the label. His point is that we don't define people by their labels. They are still children of God. Labeling hurts.
The rest of his response is actually really adequate.
No no no, my point is that statement was directed at those labeling them, it's not a coping tactic. Again, the idea isn't that we ignore the issue. His statement wasn't "just pretend like they don't exist." Quite the contrary. He wants others, who might pass judgment, to see them just as equally, since the word carries so much weight.
Those who practice homosexuality are not children of God, they are of their Father the Devil, and remain so until repent and are reborn in Christ.
Tyler G Actually he does mention how to make a marriage work whether there is attraction or not. Love has nothing to do with physical attraction. You can always share love with your spouse and it will be better than just being together sexually because of hormones or whatever.
Thanks David A Bednar for the excellent and inspired response!
This guy is a real piece of work! He possesses both high intellect capacity and credulity.
I love the Bednars.
Thank you! Bless you!
He is telling us the truth
Bednar is the best at answering questions he was never asked.
I'm willing to bet that most of the angry, negative commenters on here are simply responding to the (somewhat misleading) title and didn't actually watch the video. The vulgar language also suggests that these people aren't thinking on much higher a level than predecided emotion. In other words, very few people actually listened to what he said.
Isn't betting against your religion? Regardless, he's dismissing attraction to the same sex as a physical disability. Get over yourselves.
Typical mormon robot response.
I listened to it, in its entirety and feel the Church leaders are homophobic and confused.
What Bednar means is that temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus was tempted. We must resist temptations to avoid sin. Remember your thoughts can also be a sin; do not dwell on those attractions. Dismiss them and then you will have more power over this weakness of the flesh or the natural man. You should not self-identify based on your sins. I am theft or murderer. It is the Atonement that cleanses this way, you should not inhibit this blessing for yourself, of the sacrifice of God's only Begotten Son by not disavowing your connection with this sin, whatever it may be.The only labels you should accept is that of Christ, for he has bought you with his blood.
That's a great point. Really though, when we appear before the bar of God, which name are we going to be called by ? Christ ? Or some other name ?
Caesar Augustus If we repent and apply the Atonement, Christ is supposed to plead in our behalf and stands as our representative we are known by our deeds whether they are of Christ or not. Baptism is the act of taking His name upon us and afterward we must be Christ-like and try to be like Him. It is symbolic.
+Tia Moore That's all very nice on paper but the reality is the church is a fraud. Have you ever looked into freemasonry (if you've been to the temple)? Joseph's polyandrous wives (meaning he married other men's wives in secret while they were still married to them and (apparently) having children with them? Have you looked into his peepstones, the book of abraham, solomon spalding. Just trying to save you some time. I was a member for 25 years only to find this stuff out which the church hid from me and lied to me about.
Aly Benson I'm sorry that you chose to read a distorted version of the church's history instead of what the church has published on these topics. They are not hidden and have been explained.
This is the church history straight from their history records! What is distorted is what they teach you in their white-washed and scrubbed handbooks that leave out many things and distort others...
I felt so much peace from his words!
I felt sick to my stomach from his words! He basically says being homosexual is not a sin but it’s comparable to a handicap, a challenge. You can not act upon it. Which might mean you won’t have a full-filled romantic and sexual life.
Yikes