Gay Youth Suicide and "The Miracle of Forgiveness"

If the LDS church cared about the high suicide risk of gay youth, I would think that they would address this issue in General Conference. Explain the risk of suicide, and what type of attitude and treatment add to this risk. Remind people that the mistreatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-gender or Questioning (LGBTQ) is unacceptable. Explain what mistreatment IS. Explain that ignoring or belittling LGBTQ youth adds to the risk of suicide. Explain how we can prevent it.

Instead we are taught in the "Miracle of Forgiveness" that masturbation can lead to homosexuality ("the abominable and detestable crime against nature"). This flies in the face of the scientific evidence regarding homosexuality, and the book continues by suggesting that homosexuality can in turn lead to "seeking sexual satisfactions with animals." What a disgusting thing to suggest. What a terrible thing to teach LGBTQ youth. It is guaranteed to make them feel awful about themselves.

What other 'gems' can we find in the book "Miracle of Forgiveness"?

http://lds.org/braille/The%20Miracle%20of%20Forgiveness.txt (just search the text for "homosexuality" and you will find all these 'gems' I mention)

"All such deviations from normal, proper heterosexual relationships are not merely unnatural but wrong in the sight of God. Like adultery, incest, and bestiality they carried the death penalty under the Mosaic law. (Lev. 20:13, 15-16.) The law is less severe now, and so regrettably is the community's attitude to these grave sins--another evidence of the deterioration of society."

Oh really?? "REGRETTABLY"?? The community's attitude isn't so insanely intolerant that they don't STONE TO DEATH gay people anymore? ISN'T THAT SO REGRETTABLE?? WOW. Then people wonder why LGBTQ youth in the church have higher risk of suicide. THIS MAKES ME SICK.

The book goes on to call homosexuality 'evil', 'ugly', 'deviant', 'degenerate', and 'perverted'. How are we to make a moral judgment of this behavior? God said so. I agree that we should listen to an all powerful omnipotent being. Could you please prove his existence before we spread this intolerant message as absolute truth? After you prove his existence, can you please prove to me that YOUR version of him is correct? And finally, can you please prove to me that you are ACTUALLY in communication with him? Interestingly, the "Miracle of Forgiveness" has something to say on this topic as well:

"If God did not exist, such an unnatural and improper practice [homosexuality] might be viewed differently, but one could never justify it while accepting the holy scriptures."

Well, I am glad he admits it.

"...the seriousness of the sin of homosexuality is equal to or greater than that of fornication or adultery;"

So the sin of an 'unrepentant' homosexual is as bad as the "sin next to murder". Or greater. Just FYI.

Think of the consequences of this teaching. The murderer is almost universally hated. They should be locked up. Murderers should not be allowed to live in society. So when you compare that behavior with sexuality, and suggest that homosexuality is equal to or greater than heterosexual 'sin', we create a very difficult climate for homosexuals to live in. They will be afraid to be honest with everyone regarding their feelings. They will be avoided. No one likes a murderer right? How about an 'almost murderer'? How would YOU feel if you believed that you committed a crime against God that made you an 'almost murderer'?

Heres another great line from this wonderful book of tolerance:

Homosexuals are a "..problem in modern society..." and they need to be "...assisted back to normal living..."

So... question: Hows that working for ya? Oh wait, you mean the church USED to encourage homosexuals to marry in a heterosexual marriage, and then stopped this practice because it usually ended in divorce? An inspired leader made a mistake that tore families apart? REALLY? But how are we going to assist gay people "back to normal living"? Maybe, just MAYBE, they do not need to change. Maybe they were born that way, and forcing your own morals on their lives is causing emotional problems. Just a thought.

"...the glorious thing to remember is that it is curable."

This hollow and empty promise has been the cause of such wretched self torment that I can not even begin to imagine how much pain it has caused. Stuart Matis, a gay man who killed himself at the age of 32, killed himself in front of an LDS chapel. The last line of a Newsweek article that reported his suicide, said “The people who had prepared his body for burial were struck by the site of his knees, calloused from praying for an answer that never came.”

(http://www.affirmation.org/suicide_info/to_be_gay_and_mormon.shtml)

I recently spoke with Peter Danzig, an LDS family services counselor who was struck by the many gay clients who tried desperately to live their lives in accordance with LDS teachings. Eventually Peter spoke out publicly about these issues, and his temple recommend was immediately taken away. He was also told that if he ever talked about how he was punished for speaking out about these issues, he would be excommunicated. In order to remain a member he could not speak his conscience, and so he resigned from the church. There are many who have left the church when confronted with a family member who is gay. For many members of the church, this issue is a huge eye opener.

In the same section about homosexuality, we read:

"Our ills are usually of our own begetting."

So remember all you homosexuals out there! It's YOUR fault you are gay! It continues:

"The cure is as permanent as the individual makes it..."

So remember, when you try your best, and you are STILL gay, blame YOURSELF for failing.

"As with any other sin, forgiveness and recovery are dependent upon the offender's repentance, which
begins with recognition of the sin and acceptance of personal responsibility for it."

So, recognize that you are personally responsible for the way you were born? Great advice! Here's some more:

"Next in seriousness to nonrecognition of the sin is the attempt to justify oneself in this perversion. Many have been misinformed that they are powerless in the matter, not responsible for the tendency, and that 'God made them that way.' This is as untrue as any other of the diabolical lies Satan has concocted. It is blasphemy. Man is made in the image of God. Does the pervert think God to be 'that way'?"

He then goes on to name calling. He says anyone who believes that gay people were 'born that way' are "weaklings". Really? I am weak for understanding that the evidence doesn't agree with you?

"...while the number of divorces causes us to fear and admit it partly to be true, the principle of marriage
is right. Some have changed their desires and yearnings and have convinced themselves that they are
different and have no desire toward the opposite sex. This is quite understandable if the person has
permitted himself to move in the other direction and has lavished his interests, desires, affections, and
passions upon one of his own sex for long enough. It becomes ingrown. But let this individual repent of his
perversion, force himself to return to normal pursuits and interests and actions and friendships with the
opposite sex, and this normal pattern can become natural again."

HOLY CRAP. I am not even sure I want to comment on this one. Just disgusting. A recipe for broken homes and depression.

"The repenting one must avoid every person, place, thing or situation which could bring reminders of the
sordid past."

Did you have a group of gay friends that were a great support? Loved you, understood you and made you happy? Get rid of 'em.

"Bishops and stake and mission presidents must be alert and watchful and treat with kindness but firmness
all such offenders whose offenses come to their knowledge. In the careful and searching interviews the
leaders give, these weaknesses are likely to be revealed."

The term "witch hunt" comes to mind.

People were outraged at the remarks given at the last General Conference by Boyd K Packer. But I think this is a perfect reminder that even if they change the talk in the Ensign to make it a bit softer, even if they avoid speaking against gay rights at the pulpit, even if they were to apologize publicly, and even if they were to address gay suicide at General Conference, they still have "The Miracle of Forgiveness" being passed out to the general membership of the church, and it is still on their website. This is what the members are reading. It was written by a prophet of god. It is being ingrained in the minds of every faithful member during their private reading of this book and this attitude toward homosexuality is not going away without a fight.

To sum it all up? The Mormon church causes so much unnecessary pain, depression and suffering to the LGBTQ youth, that in the words of Spencer W. Kimball's "The Miracle of Forgiveness", I declare that it is an 'evil', 'ugly', 'deviant', detestable', 'degenerate', and 'perverted' organization.

Steven Hassan describes mind control

This video was very eye opening for me. He is speaking about Scientology but the things he says apply to Mormonism very well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt1C3w9ea0M#t=70

“To go against the dominant thinking of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform.”
- Theodore H. White

Star Wars meets exmormonism.

This made me laugh so hard! And it is such a perfect example of Mormon apologetics as well! Click on the link below to see what I mean. Ignore the goofy picture, it really doesn't have to do with anything.

http://www.totryanewsword.com/2010/07/how-star-wars-destroyed-my-faith-in-god.html

Set your mind free.

I just watched this! So inspiring!

Avoid the truth if it makes Mormons look silly!

Miracle?

Hello!

I haven't made a blog post in a while! Today I remembered this amazing radio show I listened to, and I think more people need to hear it! It is 20 minutes of amazingness, describing the statistical likelihood of coincidences etc. This was an eye opener for me, and I realized I had been placing too much meaning on certain events that seemed unlikely. I found it quite entertaining as well!

God, where is your suggestion box?

I have an idea for God: go back in time and stop humanity from progressing, thereby preserving the desire for faith without the need for evidence. Poor guy is losing people fast with this whole science and internet thing! Double whammy!

Lets all agree that truth is more important than a good feeling.

I spoke with my home teacher the other day, and he actually admitted to me that a happy life was more important to him than truth.

Is it just me or does an admission of this kind raise a huge red flag in your mind?

I spoke with someone yesterday. I asked them why they believed. They told me they believed because they would be dead if it wasn't for the church (paraphrased of course). I asked if I could show her alternative possibilities as to why she is alive would she consider that possibility? Her IMMEDIATE reply was "NO!"

Again, is it just me or does an admission of this kind raise a huge red flag in your mind?

I spoke with my wife many moons ago (we are separated now because of my new understanding of reality: the church is not true). She admitted to me that "even if the church wasn't true, it is STILL a great way to live and I choose to live that way."

I really don't think I should have to point out why these positions regarding their beliefs will not allow for greater truths to be easily accepted when they conflict with your religious beliefs. But lets try anyways.


For Mormons to consider:
If you take the position that truth is less important than happiness, you are likely to throw out truth to retain happiness. In the process however, you will not experience how happy you will feel with ACTUAL truth. How can you possibly judge whether you will be happy knowing the truth or not? I suggest opening your mind and being honest with yourself to find first what truth is, then how happiness is achieved through that truth.

The Mormon Creed

Has anyone else seen this Mormon Creed before? From what I understand this became a popular slogan for Mormons when they were being persecuted for practicing polygamy. I first came across this slogan while on my mission. A member of the church had a huge church history library of church newspapers etc and on one of the old Mormon newspapers I spotted the "Mind Your Own Business" creed on the logo for the newspaper. I thought it was very odd at the time. The above picture used to hang in the Mormon Temple in Logan, Utah. Think about the hypocrisy of this! When the world looked scornfully at the church for doing something others considered morally reprehensible when it came to marriage, the church had no qualms declaring "Mind your own business! Saints will observe this!" But now, when it comes to gay rights and marriage, the table is turned, and they have no problem persecuting others and saints are NOT observing this creed. I also find it ironic that a church so keen on missionary work, could possibly approve of a creed that seems to suggest it is a virtue to stay out of other peoples business. How much more "in your business" can a church get than knocking on your door trying to convert you? I suppose they could always try to restrict your freedom to marry.

It's time for the church to take its own advice: Mind Your Own Business.

Smithbusters T-shirts!

http://www.smithbusters.com/SmithBusters/Apparel.html

Heck yes brothers and sisters, heck yes.

Forget tithing, lets save some lives!

101 reasons to doubt Mormonism.

http://packham.n4m.org/101.htm

I read through this list, and I wanted to share the ones that were interesting to me.


#6. The Book of Mormon says that wheat and barley were mainstay crops in ancient America. This is false. Only in Europe were those crops known and cultivated. And the actual staple crops grown in ancient America are never mentioned in the Book of Mormon: beans, sweet potatoes, squash, manioc, peppers, breadnut, fruits.

#8. Mormon scripture (D&C 84:86, 91) says that true missionaries from God will not rely on their own money or supplies ("purse or scrip") for support, and this will be a test to distinguish them from false missionaries. Modern Mormon missionaries now rely on themselves for support; i.e., they do "carry purse [and] scrip."

#16 Mormons waver on the ultimate authority for doctrine between the Bible, Mormon scriptures, statements of former Mormon prophets, statements of living Mormon prophets, and individual "revelation" - apparently depending on what they think gives them authority to believe what they want to believe. All of those sources are often mutually contradictory.

#34 The Book of Mormon portrays Lehi as a devout Jew, but he is completely ignorant of which tribe he belongs to (1 Nephi 5:14-16). This would be extremely unlikely.

#45 The D&C says (116, also 78:15 and 107:53-57) that the Garden of Eden was in Missouri, but the Book of Moses (PoGP, supposedly written by the prophet Moses, 3:10-16) says it was near the River Euphrates, which to Moses and his hearers meant the river in present-day Iraq.

#51 The "Word of Wisdom" (D&C 89:8) recommends using tobacco as a poultice for bruises, and for sick cattle. This has no medical basis in fact.

#54 A basic teaching of the Book of Mormon is that the American Indians are descendants of Israelites who arrived in America about 600 BC. Anthropologists have shown that there is no Hebrew ancestry in native Americans, who are rather descendants of immigrants from eastern Asia who came to America at least 15,000 years ago, long before Book of Mormon times.

#65 Many Mormons assert that the reason polygamy was practiced in early Utah was because there were not enough men to provide husbands for worthy women. This is historically false - Utah census records for the 19th century show that Utah had a considerable excess of men.

#66 The Book of Mormon (Ether 1:33 ff) portrays the Tower of Babel and the confusion of languages that occurred there as historical fact. No linguistic scholar accepts the Babel story as a historical event or as the origin of the world's different languages.

#72 Joseph Smith claimed to have seen in vision both the prophet Elijah and the prophet Elias (D&C 27:6-9). He apparently was unaware that in the Bible those two names refer to only one prophet (one is the Hebrew version of the name, the other Greek).

#74 "Zion's Camp" (the 1834 Mormon military expedition sent from Ohio to Missouri to protect Mormon settlers there) failed utterly, even though it was organized pursuant to revelations to Joseph Smith. One of the important factors causing its failure was that over one third of the army contracted cholera. Joseph Smith was at a loss as to how to deal with the disease, and God did not tell him how to prevent its spread (it could have been prevented if God had told Joseph Smith to boil all the drinking water).

#78 Joseph Smith produced an "inspired translation" of the Bible. It was not a translation in any sense, but rather his own corrections and additions to the King James translation, made without consulting any ancient texts or manuscripts. His changes are not supported by any non-Mormon biblical text scholarship, and in fact preserve many of the errors which biblical scholarship has since discovered in the King James version.

#90 Mormonism's view of gender is that there are only two (male and female). This is no longer considered scientifically accurate, since geneticists now recognize that some people are born with sexual traits of both genders, and surgery is needed to adjust the physical body of such a person to conform to one gender or the other. (See the website of the Intersex Society of North America.) If Mormon, such persons are denied entrance to Mormon temples, and thus are denied the possibility of attaining the highest degree of Mormon heaven.

#91 In Mormon theology "Lucifer" is the revealed name of Satan. Although many Christians also believe that, the idea is due to a mistaken translation of the passage in Isaiah (14:12; also Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 24:12), a mistake which occurred only when Isaiah was translated into Latin in the fourth century AD, long after the alleged date that Nephi was writing.

#108 The explanation in the Book of Mormon for writing the important records in Egyptian (Mormon 9:32-33) is that it would have required too much space on the precious gold plates to write in Hebrew. This does not make sense, since Hebrew is a very concise language, using consonants almost exclusively, compared to Egyptian, which required a large number of complex characters and would have been unsuitable for engraving in limited space.

The power of discernment.

My patriarchal blessing says I am blessed with the power of discernment... and I have discerned that the church is not true.

Read # 9. Nuff said.

Via: Online MBA

Life without fear?

Check out this link. It discusses the recent advances in neuroscience that could lead to 'artificial courage'. Think about the consequences of such a break through. As a Mormon, I was taught that this life is a test, and we are here for that purpose. What if we were able to turn on or off our petty human weaknesses at will? Inject our brain with courage. Increase our compassion and empathy. Turn off our sexual desires at whim. Decrease our anger by popping a pill. The meaning of sin would take on a whole new meaning. Religions would have to condemn the practice and look foolish, or embrace it and thereby make much of their doctrines obsolete. The idea of this life being a "test" to prove our worthiness to God would almost become meaningless.

For Mormons to consider:
In the world of the future, where we have total control over our biological weaknesses and our "natural man", will you be willing to admit that your religious ideas might possibly be wrong? And if you are willing to doubt your beliefs in this future scenario, would you be willing to consider you might be wrong as time marches on, and our technology brings us closer and closer to this realization? As your life continues, I hope you ponder upon the consequences of each new breakthrough in the field of genetics and biology and its relation to your faith.


So next time you get scared about speaking in front of a crowd, or you jump in fear of a barking dog, think about injecting your brain with some courage! And remember: this is only the beginning.

Dry statements of evidence have little power against emotion and anecdote.

Our minds have the ability to be manipulated. Many of the ways in which we have these biases have been documented.

For Mormons to consider:
In order to be honest with yourself, you might want to think about why God does not guard against documented psychologically manipulative methods. Why do leaders not teach against them in church? Instead they use them extensively and without shame. In my opinion this practice casts doubt on the entire foundation of the gospel. Why do you think the leaders use these psychologically manipulative techniques? If you have truth, wouldn't you want to guard against such dishonest tactics, to give more validity to your truth claims?

We can not honestly say we have found truth when "God" allows these manipulative techniques to be used in obtaining "converts". We might still feel justified in believing, but we can never be justified in being CERTAIN of our beliefs. If only evidence could have the same ability to bring emotion and meaning into our lives as the many religious claims do!

Here is an interesting article about why sensible people deny truth.

The future

"...a God based on willful acceptance of unsubstantiated ideas is indistinguishable from a god which exists only in fantasy."

Most religious folks would insist that a divine being is using all his awesome power to remain undetected. Factor in a bit of psychological deception, and presto, we understand why so many people believe in false religious ideas. The question becomes, why do they assume that they are NOT under any psychological deception with regards to their religious views?


For Mormons to consider:
Theres no evidence that God exists, and there IS evidence that religious adherents are employing documented psychological biases! If you are open to this possiblity, watch AntiCitizenX's videos on "Psychology of Belief" on his youtube channel. Very eye opening.


Many people have retained their beliefs by looking for evidence to support it. Creationists believe the world is under 10,000 years old and have found what they believe is evidence to support this idea. What they have really found though, is not evidence at all, but have found ways to IGNORE evidence by focusing on certain aspects of the evidence (or even focusing on complete falsehoods) in order to retain their belief. When in pursuit of knowledge, the scientific method was a way in which we could be rid of our ignorance and bias, and get at what is ACTUALLY true. The more details (his teachings, his plan, his form etc) someone claims to know about God, the more unlikely and irrational this unprovable divine being becomes, simply because there is no basis for which to make these detailed claims aside from spiritual experiences, which are known to give opposing truth claims and therefore unreliable.

For every Mormon that gains strength and happiness through their beliefs, there are hundreds of equally happy Catholics or Muslims. For every Latter-day Saint that feels the presence of God, there are hundreds of others with equally valid and powerful spiritual experiences that confirm opposing truths. I wonder if you doubt that this is true.


For mormons to consider:
I'm sure you don't believe that Mormons have a monopoly on spiritually constructed truth claims. Do you simply believe that any truth claim in opposition to your own was the result of an invisible evil being? Have you thoroughly considered that it could just be a natural psychological phenomenon?


Take evolution as an illustration of how humanity used to believe that "God did it" to explain the variety of life on earth simply because they did not know the natural process by which life evolved. The notion that God must exist because we have certain evidences or feelings, negates the perfectly plausible explanation that we are here by simply natural means, as yet unexplainable by the scientific method. We already have evolution as an example of how we need to be humble when approaching truth claims attributed to God. There is no need for divine power to be involved with evolution. We have not proven or dis proven God's existence based on evidence, but we cannot simply rely on faulty methods to give us an answer that generally make us feel good and quenches our desire for answers. It is honorable to admit "I don't know".

People have debated this topic for centuries. The difference is that now, in the age of reason and science, one side is beginning to lose.


For Mormons to consider:
You may think that the church is growing rapidly, but ask yourlself where? Is it growing in the developed and educated world? The mental gymnastics that come naturally to those who trust their feelings above science, are carefully being stripped away by the advance of the information age.


Mormon missionaries can now knock on someones door, and after 30 seconds the potential convert can search online and find information that the church only recently allowed black members to hold certain priveleges. These and other red flags allow the rational person of today who is not deeply indoctrinated with documented psychological manipulation techniques and biases (that the church blatantly employs), to say to themselves in all honesty, "this simply doesn't add up."


It matters what we believe. If everyone in the world believes there is a divine plan in place, then how could we possibly thwart God's plan? We could not. Therefore, if we destroy our environment, then in the end we can all be rest assured that this was God's plan all along. Or we might believe that the earth will be renewed as the LDS church teaches, and this places less significance on the environment.


For Mormons to consider:
Sometimes people will say "the church is still a good way to live even if it isn't true". I ask you which is most important to a member of the church: the environment, or missionary work? Then ask yourself if your beliefs have an impact on everyone's future if the church is not true.


We can ignore certain aspects of scientific discovery, rationalizing away our pursuit of longer life spans for example, because it is not God's plan for us humans to live forever. What a shame that would be! These important questions all have significant repercussions when we believe that God is in control of our destiny, or that we humans alone are in control. Without a divine plan, it can be our plan. We can have hope that we can reduce suffering, end war, be rid of disease and increase happiness here in this life, all without feeling like we are going against God's plan. I am grateful that I do not live in anticipation of the next life, which helps me to emphasize the importance of this life.


For Mormons to consider:
As a believer in many things, I will change my beliefs anytime I am given sufficient evidence to support new ideas. I hope you can resolve to do the same, and remove the special protected status of your testimony that acts as a wall in the mind that usually sits between ones religious views and reality. I am being blunt because I believe in the importance of truth, and the impact it has on everyones future.


“I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in its Churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world.”
-Bertrand Russell

Bias BINGO!!!

Freakin amazing!

Google vs Prayer

My brother just conducted an experiment, LOL:

I just conducted an experiment to see how Google and Prayer compare. After praying I only got my own thoughts, so after a LONG pause I concluded the answer is in the scriptures and I resorted to Moses on this one. Here is my question:

"What should we do for women that survive war?"

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Prayer Method: (Search time: 8 mins)

Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, ...which came from the battle. And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?...Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him (ie the virgins), keep alive for yourselves. (Num 31:14-18)
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Google Method: (Search time: 0.5 mins)

#1 Search Result:

As each woman engages in a multi-phase process of recovery and rehabilitation, she opens a window of opportunity presented by the end of conflict to help improve the rights, freedoms and status of women in her country. As women who go through our program assume leadership positions in their villages, actively participate in the reconstruction of their communities, build civil society, start businesses, train other women and serve as role models, they become active citizens who can help to establish lasting peace and stability.
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What do you think? Which method wins here?

This guy knows where its at!

Not everything applies to the LDS faith in this video, but most of it does! This video shares a lot with my views!

Two thumbs up!