User:InProgress/Common Questions Drafts/Page 2

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QUESTION 3b: Polygamy: Do you still practice it?

Short answer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially ceased the practice of plural marriages in 1890. Since that time, plural marriage has not been approved by the Church and any present-day member adopting this practice is subject to losing his or her membership in the Church.

[Important note: Those answering this question should be aware that some plural marriages continued to be performed by Church leaders, often with the knowledge and approval of members of the First Presidency. Around 200 such marriages may have been performed inside and outside the United States. It is not accurate to portray plural marriage as ceasing definitively in 1890; President Joseph F. Smith finally ended all leader-sanctioned LDS plural marriages in 1904.]

Longer answer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially ceased the practice of plural marriages in 1890. Since that time, plural marriage has not been approved by the Church and any present-day member adopting this practice is subject to losing his or her membership in the Church.

“In 1890 in the face of increasing hardships and the threat of government confiscation of Church property, including temples, Wilford Woodruff, President of the Church at the time, prayed for guidance. He was inspired to issue a document that officially ended the sanction of plural marriage by the Church. In explaining the revelation ending polygamy, as recorded in “Official Declaration #l,” President Woodruff makes it clear that he would "have let all the temples go out of our hands... [have himself] gone to prison... and let every other man go there, had not the God of heaven commanded" him to stop the practice of polygamy. He further adds that he was shown "by vision and revelation exactly what would take place if we did not stop....” Regardless of any external pressure, President Woodruff would not have discontinued the practice had God not commanded it.
“Just as the practice of plural marriage among the Latter-day Saints began gradually, the ending of the practice after the Manifesto was also gradual. Some plural marriages were performed after the Manifesto, particularly in Mexico and Canada. In 1904, President Joseph F. Smith called for a vote from the Church membership that all post-Manifesto plural marriages be prohibited worldwide.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy – additional information)

In 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley reiterated that without a specific command to the prophet to practice it, plural marriage is “against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows [the practice of a man having more than one wife], the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage.” ("What Are People Asking about Us?," Ensign (Nov. 1998), 72.) off-site

Additional resources

QUESTION 4: Gender issues: a. Homosexuality (What is the Church’s stance on homosexuality?)

Short answer

God loves each of his children, yet he has standards regarding controlling sexual appetites that pertain to all regardless of personal inclinations, attractions, or temptations. Those standards include expressing sexuality only within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman.

Longer answer

God loves each of his children, yet he has standards regarding controlling sexual appetites that pertain to all regardless of personal inclinations, attractions, or temptations. Those standards include expressing sexuality only within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman.

God's ultimate design for his sons and daughters is for them to come and live with him as husband and wife, sealed together through a marriage covenant. Part of returning to God requires that we receive a physical body, and God designed sexual activity between a husband and wife to provide physical bodies for His spirit children. Also, God designed sexual activity between a husband and wife to strengthen the marital relationship. The ultimate happiness and joy in this marital relationship is achieved through Christ’s Atonement when a husband and wife return to God and are exalted together -- as a married couple. Individuals cannot be exalted alone. We need each other. To this end, God has commanded that we obey the law of chastity. This law dictates that sexual acts are reserved for use only between a husband and wife. This law also requires that we learn to control our sexual appetites and maintain chaste lives, regardless of our personal inclinations, attractions, or temptations. Sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman hinders God's ultimate design for mankind. Sexual attraction, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, can make it difficult to follow this law. These attractions alone do not violate the law of chastity, but acting on the attractions outside of marriage between a man and woman is a sin. Some of us may not have the opportunity to be married here on Earth. But in the end, all who have been faithful to God's commandments will have access to all of God’s blessings, regardless of their sexual orientation.

We must learn to control our sexual desires, which helps us learn self-mastery. This self-mastery is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and it is a purifying process necessary for us to return and live with God who is a perfect being. By putting our faith in Jesus Christ, we can learn to control our sexual desires, whether same-sex or opposite-sex desires, and can find peace and joy in this life.

Additional resources

QUESTION 4b. Gay Marriage (What is the church’s stance on gay marriage:?)

Short answer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes same-sex marriage, however it does not condone any kind of hostility toward those with same sex attractions. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches. However, the Church regards marriage as something sacred beyond human legal conventions. In LDS doctrine, a married couple is the most important organization on earth.

Longer answer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes same-sex marriage, however it does not condone any kind of hostility toward those with same sex attractions. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches. However, the Church regards marriage as something sacred beyond human legal conventions. In LDS doctrine, a married couple is the most important organization on earth.

Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. This is an important foundation for any society. We encourage governments to recognize the unique contribution marriage between a man and a woman has for society and for child-rearing. Of course, all individuals are entitled to tolerance and respect, and the Church has no objection to individuals or societies promoting and protecting certain basic rights. However, this does not require governments and other citizens to pretend that marriage between a man and a woman provides no unique benefit to society. Nor does it require that we pretend that mothers and fathers are interchangeable or expendable.

Additional resources

QUESTION 5a: Priesthood authority: Are women equal to men in the Church?

Short answer

LDS doctrine teaches that men and women are equals before the Lord and before each other. The Book of Mormon states: "[H]e denies none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; . . .all are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26꞉33).

Longer answer

LDS doctrine teaches that men and women are equals before the Lord and before each other. The Book of Mormon states: "[H]e denies none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; . . .all are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26꞉33).

The priesthood is the authority of God used to bless all of His children, male and female. All worthy male members of the Church twelve and older may be ordained to the priesthood. Priesthood holders administer the ordinances of salvation and govern the kingdom of God on the Earth. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what Christ would do if He were present in matters of Church governance or family partnerships.

All adult women are part of the women’s organization called the Relief Society, which has the purposes of bringing people to Christ, helping women increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthening families and homes, and seeking out and helping the poor and needy.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places tremendous importance on the family. We are the spirit children of heavenly parents. The gospel plan is implemented through earthly families.

Roles and assignments differ for men and women in the Church and in families but, although they may have different responsibilities, “in these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, emphasis added).

President Spencer W. Kimball said this: “When we speak of marriage as a partnership, let us speak of marriage as a full partnership. We do not want our LDS women to be silent partners or limited partners in that eternal assignment! Please be a contributing and full partner” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 315).

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed”
(The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

Additional resources

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