Recently we have had a big hullaballoo caused by a group of LDS women who are seeking ordination in our church. From my perspective, they have been given the answer, so I'm not sure why they think they haven't. The leader of the group was recently excommunicated. But the group continues to try to recruit from within the membership of the church. They have developed 6 "discussions" or lessons, patterned after the way missionaries in our church teach. They have also encouraged feminist LDS women who support them to create online profiles that speak about their desire to be ordained to the Priesthood. I am troubled by this group because of their methods, and because they are causing divisiveness within the church. But lately I'm equally troubled by those who try to make those of us who disagree and are vocal, feel guilty.
I have one particular Facebook friend who, in almost every single post she shares, says over and over in a hundred different ways that we should love each other and celebrate our differences. We should be kind and tolerant. We should try to understand each other. Sounds good, doesn't it? But the unspoken message is what bothers me. The unspoken message is, "Don't say anything against what people do. If you do, you are being unkind." Her unspoken message hints that if you disagree with someone, you aren't being loving, or Christlike, or tolerant. Perhaps she would like it if no one ever spoke up about any issue. I mean, heaven forbid we should make someone feel bad!
What bothers me the most is that this kind of thinking hints that the people fighting for ordination in our church can be just as bold and outspoken as they want, that their voice is more important than mine. They insinuate that if I disagree with them, I am being mean. But I believe you can disagree and still love a person. I was thinking today that even parents, who love their children more than anyone on the planet, would not be good parents if they didn't speak up when their children do something that they think is wrong.
Another thing that bothers me is that by telling me that I shouldn't judge others because it isn't loving, they are in effect making a judgment of me! How do they know how much I love the other person? Just because I disagree, and try to speak out in defense of my church doesn't mean I don't love the person. I try not to use hateful words, I try to speak honestly. In reality, part of me does this out of love for the women who could easily be deceived by them! I want to try to warn others to not buy in to their acts of apostasy!
So let me just say that I will not be shutting my mouth any time soon. I believe in speaking up for what I believe to be right. You are allowed to disagree. It would be vain of me to think that everyone will believe the way I do. But I cannot stand by and not speak up for what I see is truth. Sorry to those who might think this is an unloving act, but I won't be shutting my mouth any time soon.
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I was wondering if you'd tackle this subject soon. It's been splashed across enough media to try to debunk the Mormons. The women and men of OW use all the same tactics as any leftwinger to try to force their opinions on others. I'm glad to see the Mormon church stand firm in its position and start booting out those who use such tactics to try to dictate doctrine.
Hi D,
Euripides is so right, that kind of response/reaction (that you mentioned) is typical of leftists. Although some pseudo-right wingers are using it as well.
Today, I was called a racist just because I disagree with the pro-"Palestinian" camp's dirty tactics (i.e. spreading lies and smearing people); therefore I am not surprised at all with what happened in FB.
About your Church's debate: the same way I do not agree with ordaining women as priests (in Catholicism) and as Rabbis (in Judaism), I can't agree with women being ordained for priesthood in the LDS Church either. It is a matter of common sense.
I wonder what else I will be called for issuing this opinion lol.
Cheer up, double-standards is the new rule and the hypocrites are after all of us.
Cheers
It's time for separating the wheat and the tares.
Christ spoke out against those who did wrong, when he. leansed the temple. You can love the sinner without condoning the sin. He caled people to repentance when he saw them doing wrong. All of this is different from the politically motivated PC speak that says nothing is bad, and say or do what you want.
Actually Euripides, I have had several online conversations about this. I happened to speak out on the blog of a famous LDS blogger. She branded me as a heretic for daring to disagree with her and hint that she might be suffering from "intellectual slavery". She deleted my comments, then wrote a post telling everyone how horrible my comments (and another blogger's) were. Many of her readers proceeded to come to my blog to call me names and tell me I was horrible for being so unkind. lol Actually, I thought my remarks were quite tactful. Her followers comments were more hateful than anything I said. But because she deleted my original comments, they will never know. However, I have noticed that she has kept silent on the issue ever since Kate Kelly was excommunicated.
Hi Delirious:
Those attitudes and comments are just a typical day in my life. You must be doing something right to warrant such a response, especially from one who pays lip service to "loving each other" and "understanding each other."
The tactic of removing comments and rewriting history is endemic to leftwing dogma. Of course the LDS blogger you mentioned falls into this category and must include the "great burden of her oppression" as a validation to her point of view.
When your and her comments are honestly compared, side by side, it's usually obvious who is the tolerant one and who is intolerant.
Hang in there. You know you're on the right path when others gnash their teeth in the face of truth.
Don't stop commenting. Differences of opinion are what make this country great. Heck, just the fact that you have the right to disagree is great. As to those who call you hateful when you disagree with them - I'm sure you've noticed all the names and judgments they call others who disagree, but have no comment about themselves when they disagree with you. As for OW - there seems to be this consensus that LDS women don't have the priesthood. Well, it's true we're not ordained, but think of it this way. If my husband buys a tool, do I have to buy my very own and put my name on it? Or is the one he bought just as good for me to use? Another example - the car is registered in my name, and the truck is registered in his. Just the way it worked out. But he usually drives the car and I usually drive the truck. Unless for some reason he needs the truck, then we switch. Both vehicles are there for us to use equally.
Great analogy Sandy! I totally agree. I was nervous about moving back to Utah, for fear that I would end up in a Ward with some of the OW women, but so far there don't seem to be any. At least there aren't any vocal ones. ;) But I know if they make a comment, I'm going to have to respond.
In 1978 when the Priesthood became available to all worthy male members, blacks included, there was no constant petitioning, no marches, no demonstrations, no descending on Temple Square, no fanfare whatsoever. The policy was simply changed by revelation to the prophet. If the Lord decides to change the current policy with regard to ordination of males only it will be done in the same manner. Ms. Kelly asked the first presidency if they would petition the Lord to see if it was time and she received an answer to that. The fact is that she didn't abide by that answer.
I totally agree Sandy. I actually think that a few years from now, people won't even remember Kate Kelly's name. I hope that she will learn and return to the church.
I have had callings where I have felt the Priesthood power helping me. I don't have the Priesthood, but I have had opportunities to have authority given me to perform my callings, and with that authority, I have felt the power help me. I may not hold the Priesthood, but I have felt it's power in my life. :)
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