Mormons and Gay Marriage

I have 2 members of my family that are in practicing homosexual relationships. These individuals know that I love and care for them and have often stood up and agreed with them on various subjects. 

Mormons and Same-sex relationships (Solely my opinion)

Full disclosure. I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for which I am in good standing. The comments I make are mine alone and do not necessarily represent the church or it's members. 

I do not wish to argue whether same-sex marriage is right or wrong or the separation of church and state, the definition of marriage, or to question the love shared between two people of the same gender. Rather, I would like to make a point that I believe has been left out of this discussion. Most people look at this argument as the simple change of a definition. When it is approached that way, the argument can easily be swayed either way, causing great conflict between supporters on both sides, but I wish to share how this is different for Mormons. 

Mormon theology teaches that all humans that have lived or will live on planet earth, lived with God as spirits before they were born. Mormons also believe that when this world was created, God sent his spirits to earth for one purpose, to become like him. Mormons believe that the purpose of this life is to learn and grow, and become like God in the after life, creating children and having posterity. 

Once we've understood what their belief is, we can understand a few of their political views as well. For instance, "cradle to grave" welfare for individuals capable of supporting themselves, causes a hindrance on an individual or a communities self reliance, which may be the most important attribute God has. We cannot fulfill our purpose, if we cannot support ourselves. When drugs, stimulants or addictions are available, legal or glorified, God's children find themselves relying on these substances to relieve anxiety, pain or discomfort. A member of God's family cannot lead or become great, when they cannot resolve the problems of the world without support of substances.

Now, I do not wish to get into a battle on whether or not the ideology is correct, because regardless this is what the Mormon faith teaches. 

If homosexuality was to become accepted and spread throughout the world, this could become an important issue for Mormons. The reason for this is that it can thwart their core beliefs in 2 ways. 

1- It can slow or halt the ability for spirit children to come to earth. 

2- It is against what they believe the purpose of life is, which is to prepare for a life as God, man and wife. 

These are very unique beliefs and I do not expect readers unfamiliar with Mormons to fully understand our reasoning or evidence for this belief, but I think it helps us see why Mormons take this issue so seriously. For a moment, I would like to discuss a point to my Christian friends that are not of the Mormon faith. When they argue against same-sex marriage, because they do no share the same views as mormons, their answers can quickly be seen as hate or discrimination. The reason for this is because the argument usually turns to whether it is right, wrong or sinful and for that I can see why the gay community feels the way that they do. I am not aware of any other faith that shares the Mormons view of life's purpose, nor do I believe that they have the ability to propose a legitimate argument in the same-sex dialogue. 

In conclusion, if theology taught in Mormonism is true, could it be one of the most important discussions had? It quickly becomes much more than a definition, it can be seen as a change to the purpose of life. It is my prayer and hope that the religions and non-believers of the world can hold hands and live peacefully. Holding hands requires two. It's a two way street and it is not appropriate to demand acceptance with your hand when trying to grab another. Neither party should be forced to hold hands, remember it takes two. It is my hope that someday a Mormon can hold hands with those of any faith, race, sexual orientation, or gender and both parties willingly stretch out their hands in love, without hate, an agenda or forcefulness