By Thomas Montgomery

In LDS theology there is an often confusing line between
(1) What is God’s Will? and
(2) What do we know of God’s Will?

The distinction is explored when we look at the Old Testament and grapple with God condoning slavery, genocide, and polygamy. We grapple with the New Testament with divorce, women’s roles, race (Jew vs. Gentile), etc….

LDS theology holds that God’s will and doctrine never changes, yet when it does change we insert deflections so that we don’t fully have to answer the question. Such deflections include:

• The Children of Isreal (or the members) just weren’t ready for more.
• It was done in God’s time.
• This is a mystery of God.
• God teaches line upon line, precept upon precept.
• These are all fine and good, but all acknowledge the same reality: God had not revealed the fullness of his gospel/doctrine.

It also points to what should be a significant factor for the LDS Church and its members: doctrinal humility. On this point, my review of church history finds the church consistently failing.

LDS theology is a strictly heterosexual theology. Technically, it is an eternal polygamist theology even though the Proclamation boldly claims that marriage is only to be between a man and a woman. Yet, the doctrine of polygamy still persists in both doctrine and policy (just ask any divorced LDS woman.)

I just listened to several podcasts in the LDS tradition where the question was put to parents of LGBTQ children, “Do you feel like you are enabling your gay child to sin by encouraging a same-sex marriage?” (paraphrased)

The question, of course, presumes that the Lord’s Law of Chastity precludes and condemns same-sex marriage (and all LGBTQ relationships.) This is true. Recently in General Conference, an apostle equated an LGBTQ person with an older, heterosexual person who is single.

This is a grossly naive analogy that actually reveals the immorality of the doctrine. An older, single heterosexual person may date, marry, divorce or be widowed, love and most importantly, feel like their sexuality is in alignment with God’s will. And honestly, there is a minority of asexual/heterosexual members who will prefer being single.

An LGBTQ child (often 13 or younger) will understand that their standing in God and their family’s eyes will hinge on their ability to be committed to celibacy the rest of their life. Gone is every dream of love, crushes, dates, companionship, marriage and their own family. This doctrine is imposed on a child who inherits all the harm and self-hatred and fear.

Yet, if we were actually interested in the morality of chastity, we would be focused on commitments to fidelity, valuing sex in committed relationships, marriage and inclusion.

There is no morality in enforced celibacy on others who are different. When celibacy (or any doctrine) conveniently only applies to others, and not to you, you can know with a surety that it is not of God. The source of that doctrine probably lies completely within the prejudices of its authors.

Parents of gay children know that they prioritize the health and happiness of their child over the church’s current doctrine. They can sense the wrongness in requiring a child to be celibate their whole life.

It would be wise of the church to take a position of doctrinal humility so as to break the pattern of harm and fear that is currently being perpetuated. This doctrine will eventually change <<insert reason>>…

• The Children of Israel or the members just weren’t ready for more.
• It was done in God’s time.
• This is a mystery of God.
• God teaches line upon line, precept upon precept.