NOM

The presentation in this video follows the same format of the general LDS doctrine on "Same Sex Attraction". It's a lot of testimony bearing and feeling the spirit, but it is rather light on the uncomfortable and tricky questions that are more practical. Spoiler alert: these two Lesbians were legally married but got divorced so they can return to the LDS church.

I don't doubt the spiritual experience of these two women. Certainly I wish for them to live as happily as they can and I won't second guess their personal decision. But, from a practical standpoint, there are only three options for an LGBT person in the LDS church:

1. Marry someone with a gender you are not attracted to
2. Stay single and celibate
3. Leave the church

Seriously, let me know if there are any other real and practical options for an LGBT person in the LDS church. There is no option 4 where prayer, fasting, and priesthood blessings change the sexual orientation of a person. The few cases where this kind of occurred are not at all models for LGBT people in the church. These cases hold out the thinnest of possibilities that are fraught with tragedy and a hundred failed marriages all around them.

The LDS church cannot and will not give any support for the atonement of Jesus Christ correctly functioning outside of the walls of an LDS building and their exclusive access to the priesthood and ordinances of salvation. Courtney and Rachelle tried option 3 then decided that the spirit wanted them in option 2. Late in the video, Courtney states:

Courtney wrote:The truth is that the only thing that truly matters is your relationship with your Heavenly Father and truly taking advantage of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Nothing else matter

This is a generically true, Christian statement. But is the LDS version of the the atonement of Jesus Christ is worth more than holding hands with the person you love? Is LDS doctrine worth more than the children you would have raised together? Is LDS culture worth more than the life you might have had growing old together?

They admit that they don't know what their lives will look like in 20 years. Is it improper to ask what their lives will look like in about 20 minutes? Will they be driving back to their separate homes? Will they resist more than a suspiciously viewed hug between them as they say good bye? Will their wards look favorably on them holding hands at church? Would a bishop allow them to be "roommates" in separate bedrooms and still be allowed a temple recommend? (spoiler alert: No)

As always, I truly wish them well. But they have nothing more than Sunday School platitudes. These might have worked in their case, but platitudes failed in countless others.

Corsair wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2017 10:51 am They admit that they don't know what their lives will look like in 20 years.

Hopefully it will consist of 19+ years of happiness and asking "what we're we thinking when we made that video?"

I just can't believe two people I know posted that video on Facebook. People must be going "what kind of a church would make anyone get divorced to join it?"

I bet within 2 years this couple is back married to each other again.

2bizE wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2017 9:13 pm I bet within 2 years this couple is back married to each other again.

That's what I'm thinking.

I know this is surprising from me, but the church has been breaking up polygamous families in countries where it's legal for years and I'm not okay with that. Women are little better than animals in those countries and they take those "superfluous" wives and throw them and their children out in the cold so the man, his first wife and their children can join the church.

Kinda sucks to be superfluous.

Sigh.

I'm sure my witch of a MIL has sent this to my gay family member as more evidence of how they ruined everything by finally being authentic to themselves. I really hate that anyone thinks this is inspiring, uplifting, etc.

2bizE wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2017 9:13 pm I bet within 2 years this couple is back married to each other again.

I hope so!!